HomeMy WebLinkAboutPUBLIC COMMENT - HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (3-29-17 received 3-30-17)March 29, 2017
SUBJECT: UGB Expansion and the Clear Lake Overlay Zone
Dear Mayor Vinis and City Council Members,
I'm writing to share the Human Rights Commission's unanimous endorsement of the Clear
Lake Overlay Zone as a tool to address environmental justice (EJ) concerns in our
community. The Commission took this action at our November 2016 meeting, and I hope
you will consider our position as you discuss the proposed urban growth boundary
expansion.
We understand that the urban growth boundary expansion has the potential to add new
job opportunities, a site for a new school, and a large city park for Bethel residents.
However, future development must be done in a manner that recognizes the current
impacts that industrial development has on the neighboring community. The Commission
feels the overlay zone is a positive step in that direction.
The Human Rights Commission was an active participant in the early research phase of this
effort, having members on the Environmental justice focus group. That body raised issues
and provided feedback on research conducted to identify best practices from other
jurisdictions for addressing EJ issues. Later, a Commission member was part of the working
group that collaborated with other commissions and members of the public to draft the
Clear Lake Overlay zone. We appreciate that role, and recognize that it advances the City's
stated priorities of making decisions with eye on the "triple bottom line."
We appreciate your attention to this matter and your understanding that environmental
justice concerns bear on human rights, such as the human rights to life, health, and
personal security. We believe that adopting the Clear Lake Overlay Zone would be a
positive action, supportive of human rights, and good for the future of our community.
Sincerely,
Ken Neubeck, Chair
Human Rights Commission