The letter by Phyllis Minchew in The Herald underscores how little matter the environment and public convenience once a project’s permits are in place and company resources are committed. (Jan. 26, “Developer fences off public trail.”) The writer’s admonition for Everett to “rein in” the project is timely. Developers of the Simpson site, an active floodplain for 11 millennia, have long been warned of hazards to life and property there from human intervention in Snohomish River affairs.
From photographs, it appears that the Polygon company might be trying to block with higher north-end landfill all future floodwater currents passing behind (west) of the development, thereby rendering the site insular, with dangerous and technical and psychological impacts on the residents unaccustomed to floodway living. In any case, public promises made by Polygon Northwest to deal with the site’s endangerment by a channel blockage at 52nd Street, and by and entry-road blockage of Bigelow Creek, have yet to be addressed after 18 months (public hearing for the project’s shoreline permits, 2014.)
No persuasive evidence has ever been advanced that housing development on the historic Lowell floodway is safe, beneficial, or even practical. For developers of commerce whose purpose is to make money, such planning at Lowell is a slippery slop socially and an economic quicksand. For municipal planners endowed with the public’s trust and safety, such planning is highly irresponsible.
Alex G. Alexander
Everett
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
