TNT letters: Crime closes a library; a taproom moves; Inslee targets single-family zoning
Library closure
Re: “Tacoma library branch temporarily stops in-building services” (TNT, 12/11/2021)
In light of the recent closure of the Mottet Branch Library, it seems that it was a mistake by the Tacoma City Council to close the police substation on McKinley Hill. You have left that neighborhood unprotected. There is no grocery on lower McKinley leaving the residents to drive up to East 56th Street to Safeway assuming they have transportation.
Further, the councilwoman representing the Eastside of Tacoma does a great job for Portland Avenue but nothing for McKinley Avenue. (Former City Council member) Ruth McElliott represented all of the Eastside area and helped the Puyallup Tribe as well. There are no more McKinley Boosters to keep the avenue alive. The city removed the trees they planted.
Donna Bonfoey, Gig Harbor
COVID-19 rages on
As a proud resident of Tacoma for all 51 years of my life and a certified nursing assistant at Avamere Pacific Ridge — a local nursing home — I see every day the devastating threats of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am proud to work on the frontlines serving our community and I’ve sacrificed a lot to do so. Twice I’ve contracted COVID on the job, and I now struggle with heart problems and weakness. Taking care of my residents is harder than ever.
Legislative leaders in Olympia can help by immediately extending emergency relief funding scheduled to end December 31. This emergency funding helps pay workers dedicated to difficult jobs and purchase increasingly expensive PPE and food during the supply disruptions of the pandemic.
This crisis is not over. I urge our state leaders to extend the local emergency relief provided by the federal government. Our long-term care community needs this support.
Tina Bonner, Tacoma
Homelessness
Re: “Violence, degradation near Tacoma’s Wright Park prompt cider bar owners to move business” (TNT, 12/09/2021)
I’m saddened to hear that Cider and Cedar, across from my church, decided to move. Homelessness isn’t a Tacoma Avenue problem, but a Tacoma and Pierce County issue, and it takes more than phone calls to 911 to solve.
And I guess that is my question. When people call 911 what are we expecting to happen? For the homeless neighbor to be arrested and put in jail? Or forced to separate from belongings and connections to go to a shelter? Or do we just want them to move away from our block? Does moving away make people “poof” disappear? There are not enough services that fit the needs of those experiencing homelessness — safe parking, sanctioned camping, single occupancy shelters, permanent supportive housing, mental health services, drug rehab centers, housing, housing and housing.
History says eventually that encampment will be swept along, but is moving it out of our block’s sight and out of mind a success? Some may feel content with throwing out people with the trash, but I believe most want better for our neighbors and community. Instead of calling the police, let’s demand the immediate creation of more housing options and the dramatic expansion of free health services.
Nora Hacker, Tacoma
Home in Tacoma
Re: “Inslee endorses bill to end single-family zoning statewide” (TNT, 12/16/2021)
How ironic that days after our City Council voted on changes to Tacoma’s single family zoning rules that Governor Inslee announces his desire to stick the state’s nose into Tacoma’s affairs and overrule this effort. The City Council and city staff spent months and months soliciting local feedback and crafted a well thought out compromise. The big question now is whether our state representatives support the will of Tacoma as expressed by the City Council or whether they support the Governor’s efforts to impose Seattle-centric policies on Tacoma.
William Driscoll, Tacoma