HomeMy WebLinkAbout062615 Louchard, O'Neill - Pre-scoping - V, VIII
From:O"Neill Louchard
To:2016Update@cityofpt.us
Subject:Written Comments for the Port Townsend Comp Plan 2016
Date:Friday, June 26, 2015 8:58:42 PM
Housing
I would like to see a year-round homeless shelter while small homes are being built on a large parcel with a central
commons/community house.
I would also like to see some efforts made to recover any foreclosed houses that are remaining and that might serve
as housing for the disabled homeless or as affordable options for low-income families.
The OlyCap plan is 10 years old and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere productive or adequately updated.
Other communities have saved money by providing housing as it lessens other costs, not to mention misery. The
Housing First! method seems to be working well in that regard.
Police and the vulnerable. And, police and everyone else, too.
I would rather see Social Workers available to the police department. It seems to me that there are situations that
could be handled by being helpful, rather than escalating and causing harm to a vulnerable person who is mentally
ill or challenged, disabled, or simply really down on their luck. The police seem ill-equipped and ill-trained to deal
with social problems. I remember when Social Workers helped people with resources, taught folks life skills and
helped people handle emotional emergencies. Some of the scenes that have taken place on our streets when police
get rough make it look as if the populace is the enemy. That is not the way to attract tourists or business or new
younger residents.
The police make themselves more vulnerable and unpopular with everyone when they hassle residents. They need to
be good neighbors not an occupying
force with a military attitude. They will be happier, too. My father was a police officer and I was married to one.
There was a day when they were looked up to and respected and seen as a friend, even in the town of 100,000 I
lived in in the 1943-1961.
Young Families
There need to be some consideration for the needs of young families. The cost of a city business permit seems pretty
high for some to get started in a new business. Day care options at the Community Center perhaps? Local tax
incentives for starting new green businesses?
Thank you.
O’Neill Louchard
P.T. resident
PC-10