The Snohomish County public hearings on the comprehensive plan update are an education. Developers and real estate agents are out en masse. Some fancy senior centers with increased density. Some crave low-cost housing to qualify clients. Some want a density that pays the escalating cost of land. Some were older landowners, counting on the urban growth area designation for their old age. UGA inclusion means money.
A few spoke to ideals. One emphasized infilling of existing cities with attention paid to vital services. All, including seniors, can walk, bike or use transit. Some wanted preservation of sensitive environments – watersheds and Sound bluffs. Some mobile home owners spoke of becoming displaced persons with nowhere to go.
A great growth management act requires vision. Some win, some lose. I hope for livable communities with ample infrastructures and preservation. The public hearings require ears to hear what the voices really say – one at a time. Shaping the GMA is challenging but the democratic process is amazing!
Joan Smith
Edmonds
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