402 Tacoma Avenue S., Suite 200 TACOMA, WA 98402 PHONE (253) 627-4853 FAX (253) 627-2253
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012
Vol. CXXIII, No. 211
OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE CITY OF TACOMA Devoted to the Courts, Real Estate, Finance, Industrial Activities, and Publication of Legal Notices
Published Since 1890
THA to ban smoking in its rental housing units
Posted online Mon., Oct. 29 The E. B. File Photo By Todd Mat- Wilson Apartthews, Editor ment building The Tacoma Housing Authorin Tacoma's ity (THA) announced Monday Hilltop neighborhood is its board of commissioners voted one of many last week to prohibit smoking in all of its rental housing units. Tacoma HousThe move, which aims to provide ing Authority healthier housing for its residents buildings that and a healthier work place for its will ban smokemployees, makes THA one of ing next year. the largest housing providers in Pierce County to adopt a smoke-free housing policy, according to a statement released Monday. The smoking ban will go into effect on March 1, 2013. THA has long prohibited smoking in common areas. This new policy will apply to all indoor spaces, including the inside of rented apartments and homes. It also will apply to designated outdoor areas. As part of the implementation of this policy, THA and the Community Transformation Partnership of the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department will connect residents to smoking cessation services and products. "THA is pleased to join the growing number of public and private property managers that have prohibited smoking," said THA Executive Director Michael Mirra. "A smoking ban is necessary to allow us to fulfill our fundamental responsibilities as a landlord and an employer to provide safe housing and a safe workplace." The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and other partners have worked with THA to support this significant health policy decision. "All Pierce County residents have the right to live in healthy, safe environments that allow them to be productive and engaged citizens," said Anthony L-T Chen, MD, MPH, director of Tacoma-Pierce Coun-
Visit our Web site at www.tacomadailyindex.com
INSIDE:
LEGAL NOTICES BANKRUPTCIES LIENS ORDERS FEDERAL COURT AUDITORS OFFICE NEW BUSINESSES editor@tacomadailyindex.com
RFP deadline, City Hall discussion ahead for Tacoma's South End Neighborhood Center
Posted online Mon., Oct. 29 Article By Todd Matthews, Editor Photo Courtesy City of Tacoma Tacoma residents will soon learn more about the future of a neighborhood community center put up for sale early this year. Tacoma's South End Neighborhood Center, a 9,500-square-foot facility located at 7802 South L St. built more than 30 years ago, is owned by the City of Tacoma and has been operated and maintained by Metro Parks Tacoma. Although it is home to Kid Power Day Care Center, a communications hub for Clear Wire wireless, and an air monitoring station for the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, it has seen better days. According to a condition assessment report completed four years ago, the building faces approximately $1.18 million in deferred maintenance over the next decade. In September, the City published a Request for Proposals (RFP) in an effort to draw interest from prospective buyers. Last year, the building and its 51,876-square-foot site, were appraised at $500,000. The City is seeking a minimum bid of $430,000, as well as an agreement from the buyer to use the property in a way that benefits the surrounding community. An advisory committee consisting of City officials and a member of the general public referred to by the South End Neighborhood Council will have a say in the outcome. The RFP deadline is Tues., Oct. 30. Tacoma City Council will make the final approval on the sale. According to City staff, notice of the pending sale was published in the Tacoma Daily In-
dex, posted on the City's Web site, and mailed to property owners and residents within 1,000 feet of the property. A decision on the sale is expected to be made next month. Tacoma City Council's government performance and finance committee meeting is scheduled to discuss the issue during its meeting on Weds., Oct. 31 at 4 p.m. in the Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market Street, Conference Room 248. A copy of the agenda and meeting materials are available online at cms.cityoftacoma.org/cityclerk/Files/CouncilCommittees/ Agendas/2012/GPFAgenda/GPF_20121031.pdf.
ty Health Department. "THA's decision to adopt a smoke-free housing policy is an important step in to improving public health in Pierce County." "We commend the Tacoma Housing Authority Board of Commissioners and staff on the approval of their no-smoking policy," added Julie Peterson of Comprehensive Health Education Foundation (CHEF). "The decision creates safer living conditions for all residents. Health problems are also among the top barriers to accessing and maintaining employment. The Housing Authority's commitment today reflects their dedication to creating both health and economic opportunities for all residents." The board's decision was the result of a ninemonth review that included consultation with residents, staff, other property management firms and the expertise of the health department, CHEF, the
Tobacco Free Alliance of Pierce County, and the Pacific Northwest Regional Council of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Office (PNRC-NAHRO). Among other research and outreach activities, THA, the health department and these partners hosted numerous meetings and conducted a survey throughout THA properties to elicit the views of residents. Private and public housing organizations are adopting no smoking policies locally and nationwide. Seattle, Walla Walla, Spokane, and Renton are making strides in the smoke-free housing movement. Statewide, 28 of 38 housing authorities have either a 100 percent no smoking policy or a number of their units are covered by such a policy. More information is available online at tacomahousing.org.
The City of Tacoma has put the South End Neighborhood Center up for sale. The deadline to submit a proposal to purchase the property is Oct. 30. A decision on the sale is expected to be made next month.