Help homeless

To the editor:

As autumn brings cool weather, and we prepare for winter Bainbridge Island has a glaring issue that is consistently ignored. Our homeless population and the lack of services to provide care. I find it deeply concerning that any of us would provide shelter and care to a lost dog or cat, but not to a person.

There are no services for the homeless on BI; police are forced to move them around upon receipt of a complaint. Businesses are at a loss as to how to handle this. One day we can approach a homeless person with a hot meal and offer help, and it is accepted; the next day mental health issues kick in, and we have an aggressive, screaming person who won’t accept help.

The community is silent, as if by ignoring it it will go away. While we can find no laws to protect or serve them it seems we violate the greater law we live by…love thy neighbor as thyself.

Our community, including the faith-based groups, offer no shelter, services or solutions. It is someone else’s issue. Yes, these folks have issues, they may be unwashed, they may swear at us, they sometimes make no sense. They are still human beings, members of our community, in need of assistance. I am told Bainbridge has some of the most educated people on the planet living here…surely a meeting of these great minds can provide a solution. We are our brother’s keeper.

Christine Cochran

Bainbridge

Collect rainfall

To the editor:

I would like to share my experience with water for household, garden and fire. I have been in the same location since 1963 (Port Madison – Ellingsen Road). Density is in competition for water for human use (potable), lawns, garden and protection from fire. If you increase density by zoning, be wary there is only one source for water, and it is rainfall.

Our first well was a dug well of 28 feet for a single residence. The water table was 18 feet from ground level. We owned 20 acres and believed our well was adequate. Within two years, we deepened the well to 52 feet. Two years later, we drilled down to 160 feet.

The city zoned the area one house per 2.5 acres. On the original 20 acres, there are now five wells. Zoning would allow for eight wells. We contributed to the density and water needs when we sold 10 of our 20 acres.

I do not know how low the water table is or the recovery rate, but I planted 18 cedar trees for privacy. I water them from rooftop rainfall capture and storage.

Zoning for new homes should include rainfall collection for both potable water and water for fire protection. Steel rooftops are a must.

Richard F. Krutch

Bainbridge

No fireworks

To the editor:

Fireworks last Saturday, to the person who ordered this display, I think you terrorized half of Bainbridge.

Next year why don’t you try sparklers?

Ned Nelson

Bainbridge