The waterfront Group of 33 recently decided that the Old Safeway open space (OSOS) shouldn’t be purchased for development as a park. Although the idea of public purchase of that Edmonds property should be considered, the decision is not one to be made by the Group. Its responsibility was to decide how to make the most money from the OSOS. That has been done and the choice is tall, taller or tallest.
Edmonds residents (40,000) deserve a second choice. The City Council should appoint a 7-member committee to explore public purchase funded by money from an approved bond measure. Among other factors, the committee could examine property appraisals, the uses of eminent domain and the amount of Edmonds bonding capacity.
Instead of accepting Edmonds current land-use policy that views land only as a tool to make money, residents should be given an opportunity to consider land as a pleasing, lasting community investment.
Natalie Shippen
Edmonds
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