Dear Real Change:

Reporter Cydney Gillis provided an update to the status of the vacant INS Building in the June 27 edition of Real Change. She described the two redevelopment proposals submitted recently to the City. The City is helping to facilitate transfer of ownership of the INS Building from the Federal Government to a private or nonprofit entity. We would like to correct misstatements made by Real Change’s reporter on key issues as follows:

1. Federal Government responsibilities under the federal McKinney Homeless Act were met. Availability of the building for homeless related uses was advertised and ultimately there were no takers. As a result the Federal Government turned to the City---the City was interested in facilitating community based ownership and has proceeded with a process to identify a new owner.

2. Both proposals submitted in response to the City’s Request for Proposals (RFP) continue under review. The Mayor’s Office is continuing to evaluate and have conversations with SCIDpda, the applicant for workforce housing and an interpretive center and Urban Visions, the proponent of a sustainability center and interpretive center. Contrary to assertions in Real Change’s article, the Mayor sees great strengths in both proposals and is looking for ways to have the process result in a positive outcome for the Community, the City, and the Federal Government.

Rick Hooper

City of Seattle, Office of Housing

Real Change responds:

There’s nothing to “correct” in the June 27 article as corrections only apply to misstatements of fact. Cydney Gillis’ article does not state that the City failed to meet McKinney Homeless Act requirements nor does it state that the City isn’t reviewing further proposals for the INS Building. We appreciate your letter, however.