KNDO/KNDU Tri-Cities, Yakima, WA | Pasco Planned Parenthood Ideas Not Sitting Well With All

Pasco Planned Parenthood Ideas Not Sitting Well With All

PASCO, Wash--  Planned Parenthood is hoping to get the green light and set up a new clinc on West Court Street in Pasco.  But what has so many concerned is it's right next door to Mark Twain Elementary School. 

"To place that kind of facility so close to an elementary school, it's just not a good idea," says Deeana Hoyt.

Deeana Hoyt is a mother of three and owner of a daycare.  She works with kids between the ages of one and ten.      

"It doesn't belong right here in the heart of a community with a bunch of little children," she says.  "It needs to be placed somewhere else."

But Planned Parenthood is defending the point of interest, saying the West Court Street location is easily accessible.

"Is it on a bus line, is it easy for our clients to access that location?" asks Karl Eastlund, chief operating officer for the clinic.  "It's close to 395 and it provides access to clients in the community."

The Kennewick clinic is the only Planned Parenthood in the Tri-Cities, something they say makes a new spot more vital. 

But first, the city wants to hear from you.  Letters were sent to neighbors, and their reaction is decidely mixed.

"I think there are other places to put a building like that," says one mother.

"I think they're too young, but I think right now they have open minds.   We're in 2009," adds another.