By Kristine Javier

Several members of Lacey City Council shared their surprise when they learned that the Regional Housing Council (RHC) has forwarded a motion to Thurston County Commissioners to acquire 150 to 200 supportive housing units permanent.

At the Lacey City Council business meeting on Thursday, September 23, Mayor Andy Ryder said he had received a letter from county commissioners regarding the proposed purchase of 150 to 200 permanent supportive housing. Ryder explained that while the action is more “concept-based,” he expected RHC to present some of the details of the project before the plan was sent to county commissioners for approval.

Board member Lenny Greenstein, who was also a member of RHC, shared his surprise. “I had a conversation today with Commissioner Mejia, and to me it doesn’t seem like they are ready to act … so I was a little surprised to see the letter,” Greenstein said. .

Council member Michael Steadman said: “On the transparency part, we have to be transparent in order to be able to communicate with our citizens. There is just a lack of it. This is the most worrying part for me.

The CHR proposal provided an overview of the sources of funding for the acquisition of 150-200 housing units with permanent support services. City Manager Scott Spence said the council identified about $ 8 million to $ 20 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), $ 1 million from Washington State HB 1406, $ 4.5 million from the County Home Fund and an additional $ 14 million from Washington State. HB 1277.

However, Spence admitted that there was still a lot of work to be done. “There are a few details that were needed … It was a big frame so it’s a big picture that they identify with each ARPA fund … so in the permanent supportive housing scheme what the building of 150 would look like. to 200 permanent supervised housing units. ” Despite the lack of information, Spence said: “I think he’s a good frame, it’s a good start.”

RHC plans to use the fund to purchase hotel properties or multi-family homes instead of building new housing units. At this time, the council has not yet identified the target population for the project, its location, and the construction contractor.

“I suggest we get a full plan update going forward so that we can have a more informed conversation,” the mayor said. Later, Ryder clarified, “I made no promise that we could do this without talking about the full board. “