There’s a serious lack of planning

Published 9:00 pm Saturday, November 4, 2006

The county recently sent a letter asking for comments on a proposed development of 44 single-family homes on a 3.5-acre site just north of Les Schwab Tires on Vernon Road in Lake Stevens. That is over 12 homes per acre and is just one of many high-density developments on the west side of the lake.

After recovering from the shock, I submitted comments about the impacted roads and dysfunctional Frontier Village intersection, poor egress and ingress from the site with reduced sight distance, potential serious run-off into the lake during heavy rains, etc. But a more important concern is this: Is there any semblance of county planning to attempt to maintain the character of the lake area and to protect the quality of life for its citizens?

This is truly a win-lose scenario – The county wins by collecting more real estate taxes, the developer wins by increasing his profits by building the maximum number of houses allowed and the existing homeowner loses by getting jammed roads, crowded schools, decreased quality of life, increased crime, sewers at capacity and increased taxes to pay for the above. An added bonus is reduced property values.

It is time for us to say no to this excessive high-density housing. Every community should have a reasonable mix of lower cost, moderate and more expensive homes. For concerns about this specific proposal, write Michael Dobesh, Snohomish County Planning and Development, 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett, WA 98201. For concerns about the planning, or lack of, for the Lake Stevens area, please call the county planning department at 425-388-3285.

DOUGLAS W. THOMPSON

Lake Stevens