KENNEWICK, Wash. – Tensions remain high in the Tri-Cities over a planned housing facility for sexually violent predators in Kennewick. Local leaders are escalating their fight at the state level, while nearby Pasco is taking steps to ensure they’re not caught off guard.
On Tuesday night, the Kennewick City Council passed a joint resolution with the Kennewick School District. The resolution opposes the placement of a less restrictive alternative (LRA) housing facility near neighborhoods and schools.
“There is no requirement for advanced notification, nor consultation with the city or the school district,” said Cary Roe, Deputy City Manager of Kennewick.
The facility has sparked protests and community outrage. Kennewick police reported that tensions turned physical when the house was egged over the weekend. The resolution calls on state leaders in Olympia, including the governor and state agencies, to halt the current proposed site and create a clearer process. City leaders expressed frustration over the lack of transparency.
“We haven’t located a statute or court ruling that explicitly permits Kennewick to prohibit the less restrictive alternative from opening,” said a city representative.
Meanwhile, in Pasco, councilmembers voted unanimously on a six-month moratorium to stop applications for similar facilities. This pause will allow the city to draft permanent regulations.
“Staff is asking for the council to consider a six-month moratorium while we develop an ordinance that can be in place permanently,” said Harold Stewart, City Manager of Pasco.
Pasco officials emphasized that the pause isn’t about banning the facilities but about creating rules and allowing public input before anything is proposed.
“This buys us time to allow for public input, a process for us to explore options and alternatives that we can legally pursue,” said Stewart.
Currently, Kennewick is pushing state leaders for more control and transparency. Pasco is using this opportunity to build a framework before any proposal reaches them. Both cities plan to involve more community input sessions and maintain pressure on Olympia.
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