I read with interest a recent article, outlining the city council’s decision to raise property taxes and the EMS levy as well (“After marathon meeting, Edmonds council raises property taxes 1%,” The Herald, Oct. 25).
This seems at odds with the proposed acquisition of the Landmark 99 property for $39 million, which is just for the property currently occupied by the Burlington Store and an antique mall. This property is just barely inside the city limits, and not a centralized location. The cost is for acquisition only and does not include any costs associated with the purchase, or future development costs, which would most likely add millions of additional dollars.
Given that the city has difficulty with basic infrastructure maintenance and improvement, most notably street paving and sidewalks etc., how can city officials justify this purchase.
Sited in the proposal of Landmark 99 development, is the possible placement of a Boys & Girls Club building, and improved pedestrian access. This is not a pedestrian friendly corridor, and recent traffic mitigation efforts would most likely require modification to improve and create pedestrian access.
The proposed tax increase doesn’t sound like a lot, but with the average home price in Edmonds currently at $824,000, property taxes are significant already, especially for senior citizens on fixed incomes. The city council needs to get in touch with the reality of basic city needs, and not get into the black hole of property development outside of those needs.
Wally Bergquist
Edmonds
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
