WEEKLY UPDATE: JULY 24-31

It's been an eventful week in the STR debate, and we have some important updates to share with all of you…

First of all, a BIG THANK YOU to those of you who attended last Wednesday’s (7/24) Public Hearing on the draft STR code being considered by the County Planning Commission. Over 200 people attended, with a solid majority supporting STRs and at least 60 of you wearing our bright yellow T-shirts. Such a great turnout by STRACC supporters certainly got the Planning Commission’s attention.

Prior to the hearing, our excellent attorneys Sam Rodabaugh and Michelle Green had submitted to the County a powerful and compelling 9-page legal letter detailing our principles and legal arguments. Michelle represented STRACC at the hearing, succinctly summarizing our position in 15 minutes, and very effectively putting the County on notice about several “legal infirmities” in their code process and proposals. We certainly got the Planning Commission’s attention that STRACC is not only strong in numbers and united, but also serious, committed and prepared for a legal battle. We encourage you to read our full legal letter to the County. Another attorney also spoke for 5 minutes about the adverse environmental impact that would be caused by these new regulations.

Many STRACC members and supporters also had an opportunity to speak at the Public Hearing. So many in fact that the Commission agreed to a second public hearing on August 28. We encourage you to put that date on your calendar and attend, especially if you didn’t get a chance to attend or speak at the first meeting. 

Since the Public Hearing last week, there’s been a good amount of media coverage including a Wenatchee World article about the hearing. KPQ Radio also played a conversation with CCCD Director Kuhl, at least 4 times today. You can read the summary article on the KPQ website. The procedural due process argument was likely the strongest legal argument that we presented, so it’s not a surprise that it caught the County’s attention! Kuhl’s statement that all STRs are currently illegal, and that the new ordinance would do nothing more than make them legal, is totally unfounded and ridiculous. We’re currently drafting a response.

Overall, it’s been a very exciting week for STRACC and STR supporters. We are encouraged by the fact that we are finally getting the County’s attention and putting them on notice. The County can no longer ignore us and would look foolish proceeding without addressing our numerous concerns with their unlawful process and unjustified regulations.

As much progress as we made this past week, we are still near the beginning of what could be a prolonged and costly legal battle. Please JOIN STRACC AND DONATE to our legal defense fund. We can't do this alone.

Thanks,
STRACC Executive Board