Letters

Reagan

Day of funeral time for respect

On the day President Reagan was laid to rest, Shoreline’s Linda Day believes it is her duty to tell us how much she despised the man who helped lead the world through the end of the Cold War. Since she refers to being part of the “flower” generation, we must infer that Ms. Day experienced everything the psychedelic ’60s had to offer (wink, wink, nudge, nudge).

In that context, one can understand why she spews such misguided hatred toward a president who had the courage to make morality an American value once again. (Of course, President Clinton undid all of that, but that’s a letter for another day.) So I’ll give Ms. Day a bit of a break for her temper tantrum.

But know this, Ms. Day: if you are as hip to history as you’d like us to believe, you’d know that even President Lyndon Johnson, whose popularity was a mere blip on the radar screen compared to Reagan’s, was afforded the same media attention upon his passing. It’s simple really. It’s that thing called respect. Some of us know what it’s all about.

MIKE SPROUSE

Edmonds

Comprehensive plan

See city’s future

with imagination

Imagine it’s ten years from now and we are flying in a helicopter above Edmonds.  We follow Hwy 99 then Hwy 104 (Edmonds Way).  The buildings along this stretch are tall, some nearly 60 foot high.  Traffic along 104 is much greater than before but traffic moves smoothly rushing towards Puget Sound.

This major thoroughfare splits with one leg leading to 5th Ave downtown and the other towards Edmonds Crossing, the recently built multi-modal center.  All the ferry, train, and bus traffic swing left across from Pine Street while families who desire to enjoy Edmonds are led down on Edmonds Way towards Sunset Ave.

As we approach we see a major redevelopment in progress where the ferry lines used to split Edmonds in half.  We don’t know what is being built but we do know the development, when it is complete, will weld downtown Edmonds to our waterfront.

Along the waterfront a walking and an adjoining bicycle path connect the parks.  A new skate park is popular with teenagers.  Younger children fill the beaches and playgrounds.  Adults walk or ride a continuous pathway from Marina Beach to the north end of Sunset Ave. 

Sunset Ave has changed.  It is much safer and offers homeowners a little more privacy.  A landscape barrier prevents anyone from straying off the asphalt sidewalk towards the railroad tracks.  Separated from the sidewalk is a bike lane which is separated from parked cars by concrete bumpers.  The old bike lane is gone.

Across from Bell Street an observation deck stands that arches over the railroad tracks and drops walkers onto Brackett’s Landing.  Walkers no longer need to watch for trains.

The downtown is still an eclectic collection of buildings that offer a unique shopping experience.  The newer buildings are a little taller, but no one seems to notice because each is set back 5 foot from their property lines.  On summer days the sun warms the steady stream of shoppers.

Access to downtown is via 5th Ave, 3rd Ave, Edmonds Way, Main Street, and Dayton Street.  These are the portals to downtown.  Quaint shops pull more shoppers through the portals and into the downtown area.  Once the shoppers are out of their cars they walk downtown and window shop.  Businesses still occupy the first 30 feet of the first floor in new buildings in the downtown core and the portal areas.  Maritime theme signs announce to drivers they are entering Downtown Edmonds.

Tax revenues from development and businesses have relieved the pressure on property owners.  Luxury condominiums have made downtown a friendlier community with quality shopping only a few steps away.  Edmonds parks and neighborhoods are as serene and well maintained as ever. 

I gauge the alternatives within the proposed Comprehensive Plan with this vision in my head.

DON KRIEMAN

Edmonds

Wal-Mart

One Wal-Mart

in area is plenty

If another Wal-Mart went in at the old buffalo farm location I would be very disappointed. I feel one Wal-Mart on 164th is plenty.

Although the new Mill Creek Town Center (which I am very excited about) is targeting different customers and offering more specialty type products and services, the economic impact a Wal-Mart will have on the multitude of small business owners and their employees in the south Everett area will be dramatic. Many will be gone. Let bargain hunters who want a low-low price and low service and a quarter mile walk (or so) from their car to the front door of the big box go elsewhere.

Keep Mill Creek unique and a place that is not subject to more light and noise pollution, traffic congestion and big box bargain hunters. If Sam Walton (founder of Wal-Mart) was alive and living in Mill Creek and see the Wal-Mart of today I think even he’d agree.

GARY TURNER

Mill Creek

Lack of guidelines

is unfortunate

I would be extremely unhappy if a Wal-Mart or Home Depot went in the location on 132nd St. SE. It is unfortunate that the county does not have design guidelines for something built in that area. One only hopes if something is built the developer will work with the Mill Creek City Council.

Even though this site is in unincorporated Snohomish County, I fear 132nd St. SE is turning into another 196th in Lynnwood and I’d hate to see that happen.

Having Wal-Mart at 164th St SW in Martha Lake is close enough without building another one. The traffic in and out of there have greatly impacted that intersection for all who live in the area, especially during evening commute times whether one is traveling east and west on 164th or getting on and off Interstate 5.

CARI WALTERS

Mill Creek