During public comment, two residents who live at the same address in Oak Harbor urged the council to reconsider the presence of a nonprofit that operates services from 1241 Southwest Barlow Street, saying the activity is harming nearby businesses and property values.

Corine Lerch, who identified herself as a broker with Windermere Real Estate and a business owner, said she listed 1421 SW Barlow Street in July and that potential buyers and tenant operators declined to follow through after citing “open drug use, loitering, panhandling, intimidation, public urination and defecation, and increased crime” near 1241 SW Barlow. Lerch said the property owner reduced their asking price by $100,000 and that a longtime tenant left citing health and safety concerns. Lerch said the nonprofit at 1241 SW Barlow provides meals, laundry and referrals but not transitional or permanent housing and questioned whether the location complies with the state statute cited in a city statement (RCW 35.21.0.683 as stated in the public comment).

Tom Lurch (same street address) continued those concerns, saying emergency and policing calls in the area have increased and that the congregation of unhoused people near the commercial center — which includes a Walmart, Safeway and other businesses — places an “undue burden” on property owners and taxpayers. He urged the council to revisit the decision to allow the service in the city’s largest commercial district.

Mayor closed public comment after the two speakers. The speakers asked council to readdress the nonprofit’s location; the council did not take action on the matter during the meeting.