Consider our vulnerable community members | LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Published 9:13 am Monday, November 2, 2015

To the editor:

Safety and privacy are two important goals missing in the proposed move of the police and court next to city hall. Directly across the street from where city council wants to place a police station/court is the Peacock Family Center, an early childhood and family support center. And just south nearby at Winslow Way/Madison intersection is the Madrona School at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church.

There are aspects of the function of both the police and court that are not desirable near a school and/or daycare. A police station/court is where criminals are tried and booked, people come to get weapons permits, sexual offenders get registered and alcohol monitoring ankle bracelets are fitted.

The proposed police/court building would be across from where children holding a rope slowly walk behind their caregiver to cross the street. And we have four senior care facilities on Madison alone: Finch Place, Wyatt House, Island Rehabilitation and Bainbridge Senior Living. We’ve all seen seniors with walkers, canes, and motorized chairs traveling along Madison Avenue. Wouldn’t they also be in harms way of a police car leaving the station in hot pursuit?

Consider too, that those who experience domestic violence or need a restraining order, would have to go to a very public space adjacent to city hall across from the Pavilion and Madison Diner instead of to the court in Rolling Bay?

Thank you for taking a moment to consider those that are most vulnerable and please vote no on Prop. 1.

MADELINE REEVES AND JENY VIDAL

Bainbridge Island