HomeMy WebLinkAbout110124 Public Comment For Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Meeting on 11_4_2024ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
To Whom it May Concern,
Regarding the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance which is before the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners. I speak as a personal resident of Brinnon and do not represent the views
of any organizations I work for or associate with.
Thank you for taking the time to consider the following.
I am strongly opposed to the proposed Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance as it is currently written. I understand the importance of mitigating flood risks, but the negative impacts of
this ordinance on vulnerable populations within our community is outside of what is manageable by many members of our community.
My concerns are as follows:
Accessibility of Services to Vulnerable Populations: The increased regulations and costs associated with complying with this ordinance will hinder the accessibility of essential services
to vulnerable groups. These include the elderly, families in poverty, and others. These populations will face greater difficulties in affording necessary modifications to their homes
and accessing affordable housing in areas which fall under this new ordinance. Services which will be damaged long term include our community center, food bank, post office, fire station
and any future services which may come into Brinnon.
Impact on the School System: The ordinance's requirements will limit the school's ability to adapt and expand its facilities to meet the evolving needs of our community. This will have
long-term consequences for the quality of education and access to educational opportunities for our children.
Affordable Housing: Stricter regulations and increase in construction costs will exacerbate the existing challenges in providing affordable housing options in Jefferson County. This
will disproportionately affect low-income families and individuals, further limiting their housing choices.
Please reconsider this ordinance and consider alternatives which prioritize the needs of the Brinnon and other rural communities while still addressing flood risk management.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jacob Rember
Brinnon School Special Education Teacher
Resident of Brinnon Washington