Home schooling family just steps away from proposed Kennewick sex offender housing speaks
By Austin Reed
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KENNEWICK, Wash. (KAPP) — Residents in central Kennewick had their first opportunity Tuesday night to speak directly to city leaders about a proposed home for Level 3 registered sex offenders near the intersection of 8th Avenue and Edison Street. It was standing room only, with more than 100 people in attendance, many holding signs.
The controversial placement has sparked ongoing community concern, with neighbors voicing fears about safety and proximity to families, schools, and places of worship.
City officials said doors for the City Council meeting opened at 6:15 p.m., with public comment limited to 30 minutes total. Each speaker had up to three minutes to address the council. Once the allotted time expired, no additional speakers were heard.
Officials also confirmed the mayor and at least one council member were not in attendance. Council members said follow-up responses will be provided at a later date. Home school across the street raises safety concerns Apple Valley News Now toured a home school located directly across the street from the proposed site at 5304 West 8th Avenue, where sexually violent predators from McNeil Island in western Washington would live full-time. Rachel Sambrano lives across the street from the property and has homeschooled her two children for the past five years. Both are in fifth grade, and one of her children is autistic. “I never would’ve thought we’d be protesting in our driveway,” Sambrano said. “This is crazy.” Sambrano said her children are now fearful of everyday activities, like checking the mail or taking out the trash. “We have crafts, games — they’re really nervous to go outside,” she said. “My son asks me, ‘Are those people there yet?’” Along with dozens of neighbors, Sambrano has joined protests and prayer gatherings, hoping the home will not be used to house the offenders. She also said she is frustrated over the location’s proximity to Edison Elementary School, a nearby church, and her family’s home — just 66 feet from where the facility would be located. “Pot shops can’t be put up here,” she said. “This is worse than that.” While Sambrano said she believes in rehabilitation and forgiveness, she maintains that the proposed site is not appropriate. “It’s the wrong place,” she said. “I believe in rehab, but there is a place — and this isn’t it.”
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