Tacoma community fighting to stop halfway house
TACOMA, Wash. -- A controversial halfway house slated to open soon has the residents of one Tacoma neighborhood fired up.
The proposed halfway house, located in the 1600 block of South Grant Avenue, would be a place where criminals and sex offenders could get fresh start.
What has neighbors so worked up is that the house happens to be less than 100 yards from a Boys and Girls Club and an elementary school.
"It makes me sick, actually makes me sick to my stomach," said neighbor Rosa Johnson.
In just a matter of weeks, the home is scheduled to become the Second Chances halfway house. Richard Garrett is leading the project, and he said he has all the permits in order and could be open in three weeks. He said he plans on housing five to 10 people in the facility, and some of them could be level 2 or level 3 sex offenders.
That idea isn't sitting well with members of the community, who came together on Thursday to voice their concerns.
"You can see the Boys and Girls Club from the house and the school," said neighbor Michelle Bonds. "This is not the proper place."
Tempers flared after the meeting when Garrett showed up at the proposed halfway house. The police were called, but nobody was hurt.
Neighbors say they'll take their concerns to the City Council next week.
The proposed halfway house, located in the 1600 block of South Grant Avenue, would be a place where criminals and sex offenders could get fresh start.
What has neighbors so worked up is that the house happens to be less than 100 yards from a Boys and Girls Club and an elementary school.
"It makes me sick, actually makes me sick to my stomach," said neighbor Rosa Johnson.
In just a matter of weeks, the home is scheduled to become the Second Chances halfway house. Richard Garrett is leading the project, and he said he has all the permits in order and could be open in three weeks. He said he plans on housing five to 10 people in the facility, and some of them could be level 2 or level 3 sex offenders.
That idea isn't sitting well with members of the community, who came together on Thursday to voice their concerns.
"You can see the Boys and Girls Club from the house and the school," said neighbor Michelle Bonds. "This is not the proper place."
Tempers flared after the meeting when Garrett showed up at the proposed halfway house. The police were called, but nobody was hurt.
Neighbors say they'll take their concerns to the City Council next week.
