Panel discussion on Point Wells

The Richmond Beach Community Association sponsored a panel discussion on Point Wells on Tuesday, January 26 at the Richmond Beach Congregational Church hall. The panel included experts from the City of Shoreline, the State’s Ecology Division, a local community group (Save Richmond Beach) and the site developers. Residents from at least four of Shoreline’s neighborhoods were present as well as the Honorable Mayor Carla Nichols from the nearby Town of Woodway. Also present were Perkins and Will Architects, recently hired by the Paramount Petroleum Corporation to design the Point Wells future development. Perkins and Will have been chosen for their successes in sustainable building, in particular their recent project, Dockside Green in Canada, which achieved Platinum LEED certification.

During the first part of the meeting, panelists introduced themselves and spoke academically about the Point Wells development. The second part was facilitated by Richmond Beach Community Association Board Member Jack Malek where audience members wrote out questions for the different panelists to answer. The conclusion to the meeting was an informal meet and greet among audience and panelists.

Discussions and neighborhood concerns predominantly centered on traffic. Other concerns regarded tax base for the community and decision making as to how big the project can get.

The meeting was civil and neighbors seemed to prefer a direct and unfiltered access to expert panelists. The panelists also seemed to appreciate the format and the opportunity to communicate directly with the community to share updates and information.
Photo by Rick Ashelman. Story information from Jack Malek and Sheri Ashelman