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Residents urge stronger homeless response and traffic calming; county group offers business scholarships
Summary
Public commenters raised concerns about homelessness, vandalism and local businesses; one resident requested speed cushions on Seventh Street. Separately, the Mason County Economic Development Council offered limited scholarships for small-business training programs.
During public comment at the April 15 Shelton City Council meeting, several residents urged the council to address homelessness-related impacts to downtown businesses and neighborhood safety, while others raised traffic-calming needs and community resources.
Dean Jewett, a member of the public, described a downtown incident in which an individual allegedly knocked over a 55-gallon drum of cooking oil, requiring multiple emergency responses and cleanup. Jewett criticized enforcement, leadership and accountability, and said business owners are “starting a no more campaign” in response to repeated thefts and vandalism. He raised concerns about Community Lifeline, saying the nonprofit is failing and may close, and asked whether council discussions with an individual associated with the organization create conflicts of interest. “Thousands of dollars. 2 fire trucks, 2 police cruisers, 6 firemen, a street sweeper, a backhoe, and a back truck,” Jewett said describing response costs.
Ross Gallagher, who gave his Shelton address during comments, urged the council to add speed cushions or other traffic-calming measures on Seventh Street to slow drivers without impeding emergency-vehicle response. Gallagher said alternatives used in nearby Port Townsend—“cushion type” speed bumps—could be options that reduce speed while not penalizing fire trucks.
Tiana Dunbar of the Mason County Economic Development Council announced scholarship funding for Shelton entrepreneurs for two training programs: BEST (business enterprise startup training) and Quick Start e-commerce training, funded by the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council. Dunbar said BEST is a set of five on-demand courses covering business plans, licensing, branding, intellectual property and basic accounting; Quick Start targets women-owned businesses with an existing online presence and includes marketplace access after certification. Interested applicants were directed to masonedc.org and a phone contact (360-426-2276) and email (tiana@choosemason.com). "Interested, Shelton Entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for scholarships first as funds are limited," Dunbar said.
Council members thanked speakers and staff for the information. No formal council action was taken as a direct result of the public comments during the meeting.
