Residents thank council for blocking proposed LRA placement and urge continued action

A string of Kennewick residents urged the City Council on March 17 to continue opposing a proposed less‑restrictive‑alternative (LRA) placement in the 8th and Edison neighborhood, thanked council members for their efforts, and asked for continued legislative engagement.

Doug Fearing, who identified himself as a neighborhood member, praised the organizing efforts of local residents and told the council they "took a courageous stand, and you said no." Jeanette Romero told the council she was grateful for the city's support in opposing the "less restrictive alternative home for violent predators" and said the neighborhood will push for longer‑term changes to prevent similar placements. Other speakers, including Tony Sabino, Wendy Keane and Katie, described the emotional toll of the effort, noted that the house in question is in escrow, and asked what next steps the city will take to prevent similar placements in other neighborhoods.

Deputy City Manager Beaton told the council a workshop next Tuesday will include a legislative debrief from the city lobbyist in Olympia and said council discussion of amendments related to LRA placements is on the workshop agenda; she also reported that the city manager is working with federal lobbyists on shoreline reconveyance and other federal requests.

Multiple council members thanked residents for their organizing and said the work must continue. No formal council action on LRA policy was taken at the meeting; staff and council indicated follow‑up work at the upcoming workshop and through legislative channels.