In response to the Sunday article, “Rapid urban growth alters country life in North Creek area”: Since I was quoted in the article, I want to add a few more things to the discussion.
The MBA’s argument for adding more land to the urban growth areas is the same argument they have used for 20-plus years; it is cheaper and easier, and much more profitable, for a developer to clearcut, scrape and build expensive large homes on small lots than to be creative and forward-thinking in redevelopment of our already existing urban areas where services and infrastructure already exists.
Studies reveal that our Puget Sound environment and economy are hurt by urban sprawl. The larger our urban footprint and impervious surfaces from rooftops and roads will continue to be the largest factor in pollution of our water and fish and wildlife habitat.
Sprawling out onto our rural lands further increases reliance on cars for transportation. It is clear that South Snohomish County in particular is subsidizing housing for King County jobs and Snohomish County taxpayers will foot the bill with increased taxes.
The unrest of property owners who live in rural areas on the edges of urban growth areas will continue to exist because someone is always going to be on the edge. Instead of allowing more sprawl that will only create more traffic, noise, and pollution, our county leadership needs to focus on redevelopment opportunities.
The Growth Management Act was adopted over 25 years ago to stop an endless pattern of urban sprawl that threatens our rural areas, farms, forests and water and air quality. If predictions are true, and Snohomish County will grow to another 200,000 people in the next 20 years, we need to focus on building better communities in our existing cities and urban areas.
Kristin Kelly
Smart Growth Executive Director
Pilchuck Audubon Society
Snohomish
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