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Home My WebLink AboutWORKSHOP re Therapeutic Center proposal JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST TO: Board of County Commissioners FROM: Josh D.Peters,County Administrator Representatives from Bayside Housing& Services and Discovery Behavioral Healthcare DATE: March 16,2026 SUBJECT: WORKSHOP re: Proposal of Use of County-Owned Lots for a Therapeutic Center STATEMENT OF ISSUE: The Board of County Commissioners is in receipt of a joint request from Bayside Housing& Services (Bayside)and Discovery Behavioral Healthcare(DBH) for use of county-owned property for a Therapeutic Center. The February 25, 2026 written request is attached,and includes the stated rationale and description of community need. The specific real property referenced in the request is a six-lot block within the Port Townsend Business Park Planned Unit Development: parcels 989800036, 037, 038, 039, 040, and 041, located near DBH administrative offices. According to Bayside staff, a Letter of Interest(LOI)to the Medina Foundation was due on March 13. The proponents will know within the month if the LOI is approved. If it is,the proponents will move to the application stage of the process. Applications will be due by the end of April. For the proponents, it would be ideal to have a formal county response before the end of March, early April at the latest. To that end,this March 16 workshop is intended to frame the issue and provide an opportunity for the Board to ask questions of the proponents.There may be representatives from county offices present to provide additional perspectives on the proposal and that specific block of real property. Depending upon Board direction, a follow-up workshop would be scheduled for further exploration and potential action. ANALYSIS: Property transfer v. lease The request letter focuses on property transfer. However, according to Bayside staff, a long-term lease would likely be satisfactory. The concern would be if a lender,yet to be identified, would approve a lien position on property that is leased. Generally, experience has been that lenders are satisfied with leased property if the term of the lease exceeds the length of the mortgage. Potential preclusion offuture options The county acquired the Port Townsend Business Park property in question, approximately 2.17 acres, via a real property trade approved on December 12, 1994,through Board Resolution No. 131-94. Although the Resolution and Board meeting minutes are silent as to the purpose of the acquisition, it is common knowledge that the site has been considered for a future Law&Justice Center(that would include a modern court facility)and/or additional or replacement county offices. The Law&Justice Center project is listed on 1 long-term capital facility plans, yet has not matured to the stage of having timelines,cost estimates, and funding sources identified. Providing for a different use of this county property—whether by transfer or long-term lease—would or could preclude use of that property for a Law&Justice Center or other county offices. The county owns other property within city limits, but it is unclear whether any of those properties would accommodate a future Law&Justice Center, which,because Port Townsend is the county seat for Jefferson County,would need to be located within city limits. Zoning& land use City of Port Townsend zoning designation and land use regulations that apply to the property in question, through Chapter 17.31 Rainier Street/Upper Sims Way Subarea of the city code, are a factor. Related factors include Codes, Covenants& Restrictions(CC&Rs)for the Business Park... Example: Section 2. Property Rights.No more than 20%of the total gross building floor area of the business park will be occupied by either office or retail uses. However,this limitation will not apply to floor area occupied by accessory office to industrial or commercial uses which occupy no more than 20%of the floor area of any building,or by retail sale of goods manufactured on the premises. ...as well as an August 4, 1994 Interlocal Agreement between the Port Townsend Business Park, L.P. and the City of Port Townsend. Preliminary determinations are that a Conditional Use Permit process through the City of Port Townsend would be required to allow the property to be used for a Law&Justice Center. Were the county to transfer or lease the property to Bayside and/or DBH for a Therapeutic Center, it would be the responsibility of the proponents to secure land use approval for that use from the city. FISCAL IMPACT: To be determined. If property acquisition were required for a future county facility, such as a Law&Justice Center within the municipal limits of Port Townsend(a.k.a.,the county seat),there would be substantial financial ramifications. RECOMMENDATION: Review the request with proponents. Consider input from other stakeholders, including concerns expressed by county electeds and staff about potential preclusion of future plans and opportunities. Direct the County Administrator to schedule potential action for a future Board agenda. REVIEWED BY: 1 r1 IIF�!l 3/12/2026 Josh D. Peters, County Administrator Date Feb. 25. 2026 Proposal for Use of County-Owned Lots for a Therapeutic Center 4aIL Dear Commissioners, MI I am writing on behalf of Bayside Housing and Service, in partnership with our Discovery Behavioral Healthcare,to formally propose the use of the six-lot site BAYS I D E located in Port Townsend for the development of a new Therapeutic Center. This project would serve as a critical addition to Jefferson County's continuum of care, HOUSING 8r SERVICES providing intensive treatment services,short-term stabilization housing,and long-term supportive housing on a single integrated campus. PO Box 927 Port Hadlock,WA 98339 Jefferson County currently has no dedicated therapeutic treatment center that ww►w•b yAIsiehQusing org provides mental-health-focused clinical care, Substance-Use Disorder(SUD)and (360)385-4637 affordable housing options for individuals who need stabilization or long-term support.Community members experiencing mental health crises,SUD,chronic behavioral health conditions, or acute treatment needs are frequently forced to seek Board of Director services far outside the county. This creates barriers to continued care,disrupts President:Terry Umbreit family connections,and often results in cycles of homelessness,hospitalization,or Vice President:Rich Conrad t incarceration. Secretary:Carolyn Eagan This disproportionally affects low-income residents,seniors,vulnerable community Trustees: members,and individuals with disabilities—groups who already face significant Mich Brennan inequities in accessing care. By placing treatment and housing together,this project Janice Cornfield directly supports social equity,allowing vulnerable residents to receive the care they Bill Reid need while remaining connected to their community. Carol Riley Joanne Ritmutter This project meaningfully aligns with Jefferson County's Comprehensive Plan, Michelle Sandov which emphasizes: Lisa Marte Warren •Expanding mental and behavioral health services Chris Eagan • Increasing affordable and supportive housing options Vince Verneuil • Promoting community wellness,stability,and safety •Advancing health equity for underserved populations Our Mission: To strengthen our Additionally,the Jefferson County Community Wellness Survey showed strong cornmunity through community support for increased mental health resources,crisis-stabilization housing advocacy,and capacity,and affordable housing. Residents consistently identified behavioral health as one of the county's highest unmet needs,and this Therapeutic Center would human services supporting directly meet that need. social and economic independence. The proposed Therapeutic Center would include: •An intensive care and treatment facility offering inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services and treatment for substance use disorder •Short-term transitional and stabilization housing for individuals following a crisis or treatment episode • Long-term supportive housing with wraparound care for residents needing extended assistance This integrated model would reduce strain on emergency services,hospitals,and social-service providers while increasing long-term stability and wellness for community members. It would also create local employment opportunities and strengthen the county's overall health-care infrastructure. We respectfully request consideration of the six-lot site(parcel#989800036, 0037, 0038,0039,0040,0041)in Port Townsend as the future home of this essential therapeutic campus.The location's size,accessibility,and proximity to community services make it an ideal setting for a program of this nature.Our organizations are prepared to collaborate closely with county staff, neighboring residents,and service providers to ensure the design and development process reflects community priorities and county planning goals. We believe this project represents a transformative step toward a healthier,more equitable Jefferson County. We welcome the opportunity to present further details, including preliminary concept plans,partnerships,and funding paths. Thank you for your consideration and for your ongoing commitment to the well-being of our community. Sincerely, Ga eister,Exec tive Direc r Ji ovel i,Chief Ex- u ive Officer 1. • ide H using Services b iscove : •havioral Heathcare