More on HB3071

This is going to make your blood boil. When you're done reading, please call or write your state representatives to help us STOP HB3071 (see contact info here).

As we discussed last week, HB3071 would allow corporations to take over condominium complexes (not just Laurelon) after acquiring 80% (not 100%) of condo units. The Hospital (and Representatives Goodman, Rodne, Williams) had the audacity to present HB3071 to our legislature as follows:

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) ...This bill originated because Children's Hospital in Seattle needs to expand and it is best for the community that the hospital utilize the neighboring Laurelon Terrace condominium complex instead of building up or moving out. The majority of Laurelon residents want to sell but they cannot do so because a few residents have admitted they are holding out for more money.

Persons Testifying: Representative Goodman, prime sponsor; and Mike Ryherd, Joe McCarthy, and Jan Kirkwood, Laurelon Terrace.

According to her professional bio, Jan Kirkwood is a lawyer who:

"... represents manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, ... physicians in professional liability matters and issues facing today's practitioner."

Now, consider the real "community" response. The Northeast District Council represents 14 community clubs and an additional 6 community/business groups near the Hospital. The Northeast District's position on this bill (bold added):

RE: Vote NO on HB 3071

Dear Speaker Chopp and Representatives Pedersen, Kenney and McIntire:

At its January 7th meeting, the Northeast District Council, representing 20 community and business organizations in the 43rd and 46th legislative districts, voted to oppose House Bill 3071. The bill purports to merely harmonize statutes that address the termination of condominiums. In reality, the bill would ultimately result in the loss of a substantial segment of irreplaceable affordable housing in our area. We urge you to vote no on this bill and do all you can to kill it.

The prime sponsor of the bill states that it is intended to make it easier for Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center to acquire the 136-unit Laurelon Terrace condominium complex, located adjacent to its property, for its expansion plans. But, at what cost? It would mean the loss of 21 percent of the moderate income housing in our area as documented in the preliminary draft environmental impact statement. This housing cannot be replaced. Where will all the seniors and others go? Many purchased the condominiums with the expectation that they could live there for their remaining years. They were assured this because the condominium law would not allow termination of the condominium agreement without their consent. There is no similarly situated affordable housing in the area, and many purchased their homes to be near their kids.

Children’s is in the process of acquiring Laurelon Terrace condominium units—20 units so far. HB 3071 would give Children’s the power to terminate the condominium with only 80 percent of ownership, instead of the 100 percent that is now required under the law which regulates condominiums prior to 1990. Please do not provide the tool to allow Children’s to acquire and demolish this much needed affordable housing.

The Northeast District Council urges you to do all you can to defeat HB 3071. Thank you for considering our views.

Please help us stop HB3071!