Quality of life destroyed

We’d like to share the results we’ve experienced since annexation by the City of Lake Stevens. We attended meetings; were informed, involved and “heard” (so to speak) regarding concerns for our sensitive location – and nothing went as promised or planned. The wetland buffer? Literally destroyed, to every existing property line. Trees to be left standing? Quickly removed for profit. Animals we once enjoyed? Gone – complete destruction left no native activity.

Over four years since the initial “betterment,” we are just now seeing birds return. Our “protected” stream, once clear and pristine is now choked by mud and surface runoff (also altered by the city, regardless of the irreversible detriment posed to the existing salmon run within). And property taxes continually increase as costly homes – on less land – set the new standard for existing residents.

The city continually sang a song of unity between environment and residents. Instead, we have dense housing and scarred land, with aggressive city plans to develop what (little) remains between 36th Street NE and Highway 92 into a strip mall. So much for “residential and industrial/business not mixing” and our environment being properly preserved.

Bottom line? We lost everything: Peace, privacy, our environment – the total quality of life as we knew it. All for the sake of big dollars and no sense. What should be handled delicately to preserve takes a backseat to big city agenda(s). Lake Stevens is bursting wide open and turning our land into revenue, ultimately at our expense.

So, considering annexation – should you trust in those who would annex you? Don’t be fooled. Visit 36th Street NE and see what’s ahead. Then strongly consider your current environment and if you’re willing to part with it. Please make your choice wisely, as it may be the last in preserving quality of life as you know it. We feel we’ve become casualties of big city greed.

Lake Stevens