Bad planning ruins neighborhoods

I want to thank the Snohomish County Planning department for lowering the quality of life for residents who live west of Newberry Square. Newberry Square is that large four-story condo that borders the backyards of many unhappy homeowners in the Oak Knoll neighborhood. I live in a home that is adjacent to Oak Knoll and I’m being forced to sell my house or live in fear of an eight-story apartment complex towering in my backyard.

The county is forcing homeowners, some who have lived in their homes since they were new, 35 years ago, to move to make way for strip malls, grocery stores and condos. I was told there is no limit to the height of these condos and apartments. On top of this, they allow only one parking space per household. Get ready, neighbors, for unknown amount of vehicles to be parked in the front and sides of your home. Come drive around within three miles of this location and you will see several housing complexes that have been approved by the county where the roads that border the housing developments are lined with parked cars and trucks. I’m sure you’ve read about the “air condos” in south Snohomish County. They’re right up the road.

How many people did it take to decide to rezone a perfectly comfortable and content neighborhood as an urban center? Is there anyone in the county looking out for Mr. and Mrs. Cleaver? I would like to know where these planners live so I can live by them, because I know they will never build an urban center near their neighborhood.

I want all homeowners in Snohomish County to be aware of all the county planning notices you receive in the mail and signs you see posted. Make yourself heard at these meetings and stand together. Don’t let a Newberry Square be built near your home, unless you plan to move.

Tim Wise