freedomlake.org proposes to build a 50 room facility to house up to 300 recently released inmates in rural Clark county.

We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens and wish to make known, to the above-named governing board, our OPPOSITION TO the zoning request mentioned in this petition.

We base our opposition on the following concerns:

1.     The applicant’s lack of success and experience to date, which was described in their “mission statement” - their own words - as a “false start” in 2021 in Louisville at their Portland location with a small number of participants in their ministry program.  WE ASK, HOW COULD THEY FULFILL THEIR “EPIPHANY” OF HOUSING 300 RECENTLY RELEASED INMATES ON A 200 ACRE, 50 ROOM REMOTE RURAL AREA WITH ONLY THREE MEN RUNNING THEIR PROGRAM? 

a.      “We have had several men come to the Discipleship House upon release who did not stay long and it was largely for the same reasons, including a hunger for worldly ways, worldly possessions, and worldly wisdom (...) Sadly some only lasted a few days (...) Unfortunately, the ways of the world pull these men away – especially when they are first released – and many let “those” worldly ways get them off track” (Tony + Kim Cash Ministries, pp 6).

 

2.     The safety and security of our neighborhoods, including our children, elderly and local businesses is a major concern.  IS THIS BOARD WILLING AND PREPARED TO INCREASE POLICING AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AS WELL AS EMERGENCY RESPONSE TIME IN OUR RURAL NEIGHBORHOODS?

a.     Once again, adequate staffing seems beyond the scope of the ability of three men. Will the Cash’s be hiring a third party or independent security agency to make up for the historically untimely emergency response seen in Marysville/Otisco?

b.     Are Tony and Kim Cash, along with this board, willing and prepared to accept responsibility for the safety of the people of Marysville and the surrounding areas?

c.      “We are teaching these men that their purpose in life isn’t a job, a career, getting back with their family, or staying sober. Their purpose is ... to be a disciple who disciples others” (Tony + Kim Cash Ministries, pp 6).

d.     “Freedom Lake is not a rooming or boarding house, substance abuse center, halfway house, shelter, or community care facility, but rather a family of believers in Christ ... There is no treatment, counseling, therapy, or any type of health care service provided at Freedom Lake” (Freedom Lake Notice of Public Hearing). 

 

3.     What level of crimes have these inmates committed before coming to this ministry?  What prisons are they coming from?  WILL THIS BOARD ASSURE US THAT OUR NEIGHBORHOOD RESIDENTS ARE NOT AT RISK FROM BECOMING VICTIMS, SHOULD THE INMATES LEAVE THE PREMISES OF THE MINISTRY WITHOUT PERMISSION?

a.      Will sex offenders be registering at the address on Gilbert Rd? If so, Freedom Lake is required by law to notify surrounding residents that a sex offender is living in their vicinity. 

b.     Will Tony and Kim Cash be residing on the premises along with 300 potentially violent offenders? If not, does this board accept that this danger will be imposed on the surrounding families?

4.     Will the approval of this zoning request for Freedom Lake have a negative effect on our property values in the area, especially those residents along Gilbert Road?  The majority of homes on Gilbert Road are new and less than 2 years old.  Will residents, if they so desire, be able to sell their properties in the future at fair market value, knowing that full disclosure is required when selling real estate?  WILL THIS BOARD ASSURE RESIDENTS IN THIS AREA THAT PROPERTY VALUES WILL NOT BE AFFECTED IN A NEGATIVE WAY? 

a.      We worry that one sex offender residing near our homes would dramatically decrease our property values, let alone up to 300 of them. According to local insurance agents, this would affect our property values exponentially. 

b.     Additionally, it is highly likely that homeowner’s insurance rates will rise and increase the risk of coverage being cancelled should the crime rate increase.

 

5.     Will our property taxes increase if this zoning change is approved?  WILL THIS BOARD IMPOSE TAX INCREASES ON AREA PROPERTY OWNERS IN ORDER TO COVER THE COSTS RELATED TO IMPROVEMENTS NECESSARY TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO FREEDOM LAKE?

a.     Does Freedom Lake have a contract with any corrections agencies (federal, state, county city)? Are there monies paid from those agencies to Freedom Lake? We argue that those funds would be tax dollars and we are assuredly opposed to any tax dollars going to their non-profit. DOES THIS BOARD HAVE THE ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS? 

 

6.     Will the proposed 50 room, 300 inmate facility affect the cost and reliability of our utilities and infrastructure?  Will the area water pressure be less than at the present time? Will our electric grid be under more stress, especially during inclement weather?  Internet and cell service reliability is currently mediocre most days.  WILL THIS BOARD AGREE TO PROVIDE AND PAY FOR ANY ADDED UTILTY SERVICE UPGRADES RESIDENTS WILL NEED TO MAINTAIN CURRENT LEVELS OF SERVICE, WITHOUT IMPOSING SAID COSTS ONTO AREA PROPERTY OWNERS? 

a.     The soil in the area is poor for residential septic. How does the board and the health department expect to handle solid waste from a facility this size? 

 

7.     Negative effects on the area environment, due to added traffic, be it passenger vehicles or construction equipment, is of great concern to our neighborhoods.  There are natural springs as well as Classified Forests along Gilbert Road that we wish to protect.  WILL THIS BOARD ENSURE THERE WILL BE NO NEGATIVE IMPACT ON OUR ENVIRONMENT? 

 

8.     The zoning request is being made on property that is on a dead end, land locked county road.   We suggest that another location in an area where policing and emergency services have a much quicker response time is more suitable for Freedom Lake.  We suggest a location where the infrastructure is already in place to support such a facility.  We suggest that another location where the inmates will have better access to jobs, transportation, mental and medical care would be better suited; rather than on a dead end, rural county road.  

WE ASK THIS GOVERNING BOARD TO CONSIDER OUR CONCERNS WITH THE HIGHEST REGARD. 

We, the undersigned, wish to remind the board of the Clark County Unified Development Ordinance, specifically, the Intent section. 

“THE INTENT OF THIS UDO IS TO PROMOTE THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, MORALS AND GENERAL WELFARE OF THE JURISDICTION.”

WE FEEL THAT THIS IS AN ENCROACHMENT OF INCOMPATIBLE USES AND DOES NOT PROTECT THE CHARACTER AND STABILITY OF THE AREA ZONING USE.

WE ASK THIS GOVERNING BOARD NOT TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED ZONING CHANGE IN OUR RURAL NEIGHBORHOOD.