SCORE Site Selection

In February 2009, a 15.6-acre vacant site was selected in the city of Des Moines. The site, located at 20817 17th Avenue South, was not practical for other development based upon its proximity to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and associated aircraft noise.

The factors guiding site identification included:

• Adequate acreage, with at least 13 acres;
• Centrally located for all of the owner cities;
• Existing publicly owned property is preferred
• Existing utilities and infrastructure available

Did SCORE consider the potential Annex to the King County Jail in Downtown Seattle as an option?

The Downtown Seattle jail option is not suitable for South King County cities. In these days of declining resources and officers on the street, having to transport arrestees to Downtown Seattle for processing takes officers out of the communities they serve. When the Maleng Regional Justice Center was built in Kent, South King County cities were promised that they would be able to use that facility. Unfortunately, within two years of opening, the facility was shut for booking, except Monday – Friday from 9:00 – 5:00 p.m.

SCORE is committed to building a well designed facility that will be a good neighbor.