More Transparency Demanded for Redmond’s Housing Facility

REDMOND, Wash. —
More than 50 demonstrators gathered in front of Redmond’s City Hall Tuesday evening, demanding more transparency into the construction of a 100-unit housing facility aimed at providing homes for homeless individuals.
Safe Eastside Group Advocates for Transparency
The group, called Safe Eastside, claims that the land transfer plan to Plymouth Housing for the site at 16725 Cleveland Street has not been transparent. They have requested additional information from the city but have been met with resistance.
- Safe Eastside demands the rescission of the land transfer.
- They also call for the resignation of top leaders involved in the project.
City Officials Respond to Concerns
The city has clarified that the housing facility is not an overnight shelter or safe injection site. Instead, it aims to provide homes for individuals with incomes ranging from 0-30% of Redmond’s median income.
City officials assert that the project aligns with Redmond’s Housing Action Plan, which aims to increase the availability of housing. The proposed facility will consist of 100 units of permanent supportive housing for extremely low-income adults who are transitioning out of homelessness.
Statewide Homelessness Crisis
Suburban cities around Seattle, including Redmond, are under pressure from state leaders, such as Governor Jay Inslee, to expedite the construction of housing facilities like this one.
- Governor Inslee emphasizes the need for all communities to contribute to addressing the statewide homelessness crisis.
- He believes that addressing concerns and providing appropriate supervision and support services will lead to community satisfaction in the long run.
Security Concerns and Future Plans
Plymouth Housing will be required to submit an operations agreement before the facility opens. This agreement must include a code of conduct and a safety and security plan, which will need approval from the Redmond police.
Despite this, a former employee of Plymouth Housing has raised concerns about security issues at their facilities.
- The employee claims that security measures were inadequate and that their requests for improved security were not adequately addressed.
Plymouth CEO Karen Lee acknowledges the safety concerns surrounding their housing facilities but also criticizes negative perceptions of downtown Seattle.
Despite ongoing protests, the 100-unit building is expected to open in 2025.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 1: No Poverty – The article discusses the construction of a housing facility aimed at getting homeless people off the streets, addressing the issue of poverty.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article highlights the need for more transparency in the construction of the housing facility and the alignment of the project with Redmond’s Housing Action Plan to increase the supply and type of housing available.
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The article mentions the demand for transparency and the call for top leaders to resign, indicating a need for accountability and good governance.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular, the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property.
- SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
- SDG 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 1.4: Percentage of population with access to affordable housing.
- Indicator for SDG 11.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums or informal settlements.
- Indicator for SDG 16.6: Existence of legal frameworks to ensure transparency, accountability, and participation in decision-making processes.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
---|---|---|
SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property. | Indicator: Percentage of population with access to affordable housing. |
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. | Indicator: Proportion of urban population living in slums or informal settlements. |
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels. | Indicator: Existence of legal frameworks to ensure transparency, accountability, and participation in decision-making processes. |
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Source: komonews.com
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