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Jason Seth
From:Bernie O'Donnell <bernieodonnell143@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, November 25, 2020 1:03 PM
To:Council
Subject:Red Lion Shelter Concerns to local business
Dear Councilmembers,
As a new local business owner in Renton, located at 1601 East Valley Rd, I can attest that the Red
Lion shelter is having a dramatic impact in the area and I worry about the staff and clients our
business supports. While I sympathize with the homeless population, drug addicts, and mental
health victims, there has been a noticeable increase in prost itution and suspicious activities in and
around “the flash cubes” office buildings in recent months, where our office business is located,
Rock Project Management Services, L.L.C.
We have been escorting staff to their vehicles at night for safety precautions. Homeless people
took over and started a fire in the employee smoking shelter adjacent to our 1st floor offices
earlier this week. Fire fighters arrived to put out the fire. A mentally ill homeless person also
entered our office building seeking emergency help for what later became evident as solicitation
for money from our employees. More police activity is seen regularly in our business area. It’s all
unfortunate and sad but I worry about my staff too and the future of my business so thank you for
addressing this issue and considering impacts and unintended consequences that affects more
than those that reside in the Red Lion shelter facility.
I believe our business is not unlike other local businesses that are struggling to survive the
pandemic. Our ability as a business community to support social injustice and homeless-related
matters diminishes when our businesses fail. Please know businesses that choose Renton consider
all aspects that allow for productive, safe work environments for our employees.
My message to you is not a “not in our back yard” message. I just hope you consider the
substantial business impacts the Red Lion shelter is having on struggling local businesses such as
my company.
Sincerely,
Bernie O’Donnell
President
Rock Project Management Services, L.L.C.
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