Several members of the public told the County Council on Tuesday the proposed purchase of the Capitol Hill polyclinic building for a county‑run Crisis Care Clinic raised transparency, fiscal and siting concerns and asked the council to delay any purchase decision.

Speakers in chambers and online included neighbors and a former real‑estate attorney who reviewed the county’s purchase‑and‑sale materials. Alan Axelrod told the council that GT Capital was set to receive an $11.5 million acquisition fee—about 30% of the building’s listed purchase price—and said that large assignment fees, the lack of an appraisal made public and unanswered questions about who negotiated the deal raised “red flags.” "When I saw that the GT Capital was receiving an acquisition fee of 11 and a half million dollars, which equals 30% of the purchase price of this building, my first reaction is, that's not normal," Axelrod said.

Neighbors raised safety and suitability concerns for a Crisis Care Clinic at the polyclinic because the building opens into a busy nightlife and entertainment district. Tracy Haimstra, a First Hill resident, said the area has “dozens of clubs, bars and entertainment as well as high crimes” and argued that best practices favor quiet sites near public transit but away from late‑night alcohol and drug activity.

Council members agreed to defer final consideration of the related budget and facility items to the Oct. 7 full council meeting to allow additional review. Budget Chair Dombowski said the items 14–16 would be deferred to Oct. 7; several speakers had also asked the council not to proceed on the purchase while questions about appraisal, zoning, financing and repair costs remain. Aaron Reinhart and others asked for greater transparency and production of documentation such as appraisals and broker involvement prior to closing. The council said it would provide the additional time and noted DCHS and the executive will supply follow‑up information.