Public Comment On WSH Campus Construction Plan Ends Wednesday

LAKEWOOD, WA —Wednesday is the final day for the public to offer its thoughts to the city of Lakewood about the plan for reconstruction of the Western State Hospital (WSH) and its surrounding campus in that city.

The public comment period began in early June and will end at 5 p.m. on Wednesday. The master plan is available online, where the public also has an opportunity to comment. Or, comments can be emailed to Courtney Brunell, planning manager for the City of Lakewood, at cbrunell@cityoflakewood.us.

The proposal by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) includes the construction of a 350-bed forensic hospital and other updates to the campus, located at 9601 Steilacoom Blvd SW.

According to the City of Lakewood, the updated plan reflects changes at the hospital directed by the governor and legislature and other development plans that would update buildings, parking and open space at the WSH campus.

The DSHS' amended Master Facilities Plan and Appendices document describe the changes to the state's behavioral health model and to the campus of WSH, addressing the economic impact of the master plan and its effect on issues like traffic and the environment.

Community members can view previously submitted public comments online.