January 15, 2010
For immediate release
The Homestead at Alder Cove – a new concept in caring for foster children.
We are providing answers to some important questions that have come up in a flurry of emails and community discussion regarding the proposed “Homestead at Alder Cove” foster children project
We are extremely grateful for your concern and interest.
There is much information available and we invite you to visit our website at www.homesteadcove.org.
This is a vision to provide a campus for foster children by providing a facility that is an alternative for foster children at risk of being left behind in our society. It is not for children who have severe emotional issues, violent behavior, sexual misconduct or other deviant problems.
Here is a brief status and update of this exciting project:
- This is a private, non-profit project and organization. It is not funded by Pierce county or other governmental agency.
- The owners/ developers have applied for a forest practices permit to clear approximately one acre, with the intent to harvest some of the alder from the interior of the site. This tree harvest and clearing will not affect the critical areas, wetland or stream or the associated buffers.
- There is no current land use action permits issued for the site. In 2010 we anticipate being able to apply for permits. Prior to any construction or development of the project, a very comprehensive, in depth process will be required to analyze the impacts of the proposed foster home project.
- A multitude of impacts and concerns must be addressed and evaluated prior to any construction or development of the site. This process will include several opportunities for comments from the immediate community, residents and citizens as well as the greater county-wide community. A hearing process will be a part of the conditional use permit and application through Pierce County and the Key Peninsula Advisory Commission.
The owners and Board of Directors for the Homestead project are involved in pre-development conferences and planning for the site and the residences, and have contacted many members of the community for input and dialog prior to permit applications. Those included in pre-development conferences are: Key Peninsula Advisory Commission members, Peninsula School District, State Representatives, Pierce County Council representatives, Department of Social and Health Services, Pierce County Juvenile Court.
The master plan for the project is still being developed. The following amenities are PROPOSED for consideration, subject to revisions and approvals as the project evolves:
- 45 acres with 50% retained in open space or critical area buffers
- 8 residences broken into 3 smaller pods for a maximum of 24 children per home.
- Recreational & inspirational facilities
- Dining areas
- Administration building
- Swimming pool facility
- Theatre
- Gymnasium
- Equestrian facility
- Vegetable / flower gardens
- Ball fields and trails
Our goal for the project is to partner with the community in as many ways as possible. Some of the on-site facilities may be shared by children in the community. There will be local employment opportunities. Families will be able to participate with co-operative learning and volunteering.
Sue Braaten, owner and visionary states: “My dream for these innocent victims is that they will have a safe, happy, and comfortable place to call home until they are adopted, graduate from high school, or return to their family. I want them to be able to always have a familiar home, and I want them to be surrounded by mentors and families who will encourage and support them.”
Thank you to all who have expressed interest and concern for the project.
Homestead at Alder Cove – Board of Directors
Our Mission:
The mission of The Homestead at Alder Cove is to provide a stable home where every child feels safe, secure, valued, and able to nurture their sense of personal worth.
