Showing posts with label letters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label letters. Show all posts

Letter to the Editor: Sound Generations weighs in on Senior Center

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Sound Generations is the parent company of the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center as well as five other senior centers.

To the Editor:

The model that is being embraced by communities (geographic or ethnic) that don’t have an existing senior center that owns the property and building they are in is to integrate senior programming into a community center operated by parks and recreation or develop a multi-cultural community center that provides space for a number of immigrant/refugee groups.

Since the Shoreline-LFP Senior Center doesn’t own property, the option of being able to offer their programming in an intergenerational community center is very appealing from a financial sustainability stand point.

It is also an option that is appealing for Boomers and future generations of seniors, which are less interested in segregating by age. It is the reason that Edmonds Senior Center which actually owns its building (city owns the land) is rebranding themselves to Edmonds Water Front Center.

The seniors will have most of the space until 4:30pm and then the space becomes available to younger generations.

Stand-alone senior centers were a good model when land and construction costs were affordable, but now this option is in the rear view mirror. The Shoreline-LFP Senior Center does not own property. It rents space from the School District. The senior center has a home as long as the school district decides it is in the best interest of the school district to rent to the senior center. I would go with the bird in the hand, which is supporting Prop 1, which will give the bird a long term home.

Joanne Donohue
Sound Generations
Chief Operating Officer



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Letter to the Editor: How can I afford to turn this opportunity down?

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

To the Editor:

It is my hope to offer an authentic snapshot of my experience living in Shoreline and my hopes for how we may grow as a community in the future. When our family moved from Seattle to Shoreline in 2011 we weren’t sure what we would find. As a two-Dad family we were fortunate to receive an outpouring of welcome from civic-minded and socially aware neighbors as well as from an engaged and vibrant, public school community. My favorite surprise benefit of living in Shoreline has been the gentle slope along the Interurban Trail for my bike commute to work.

Now and then I think of the future when our son will no longer be attending Shoreline Schools and when my partner and I begin to enjoy retirement. I imagine how I will most certainly want to live in this place we have come to call home, exercising and connecting with the members of this community. I believe that the proposed pool with indoor walking and jogging track and the loop paths at nearby parks will allow me to remain healthy and vital as well as socially engaged when my school volunteering and bike commuting are behind me. The question I pose to myself right now, at this critical time of decision making and investment is this: How can I afford to turn this opportunity down? The answer is, I cannot.

I am voting Yes on Proposition 1.

Scott Shiebler
Highland Terrace neighborhood of Shoreline


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Letter to the Editor: Sharing something that went so right

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

To the Editor:

In a world where we are quick to judge and to point out something wrong, I wanted to share something that went so right.

The Richmond Beach Community Association had its annual Halloween Carnival on Saturday. The students that came to help set up on Friday were amazing. Each one was hard working, respectful and took direction seamlessly.

Just when we thought it couldn't get any better, another wave of students showed up early on Saturday and stayed very late: setting up, decorating, running games, assisting families, helping, tearing down, cleaning up, moving heavy things, the list goes on and on.

There were many comments from adults about how great the student volunteers were this year. It is not the actions a child does when you are there, it is what they do and how they conduct themselves when you are not there that counts.

It was a pleasure working alongside these wonderful young people. They should be proud of themselves.

Teresa Pape
Executive Director of the Richmond Beach Community Association



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Letter to the Editor: Changes, traffic congestion

To the Editor:

I am all for moving forward for our expanding city, but I do have a major concern that I have not seen addressed regarding the plans to build our new pool, etc. etc. What is the plan for ‘parking’!? A new apartment building or two being built next door, again etc....banks, post office....traffic congestion already out of control. Go ahead with your plans, but get realistic as to how much stuff you can cram into a relatively small space. It breaks my heart to see the devastation along I-5 for the light rail installation (where’s the adequate parking?) a major portion of 5th Ave NE is already shut down as a through street to north of the canal traffic. I have lived in the same Shoreline home for 65 years, elderly but truly flexible. I guess you can hear my frustration for the continued building in my beloved city. , nuf said. 

Fran Chambers
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: Prop 1 isn't quite ready

To the Editor:

I want Shoreline to shoot for the moon- and we've got the means to do it.

When I was in seventh grade, Cascade K-8 needed to move out of Meridian Park. The community argued, like the family we are, about where it should go to accommodate its size. Its new home in Aldercrest is incredible. An aging, well-loved building was transformed to meet our needs, and I urge you to cruise over there and take a look. Happy students, happy teachers, happy taxpayers... what a happy city.

Our Shoreline pool is starting to suffer under our love for it, too. Of course, when the City aired that it was time to get something done, I imagined what we could do with the building- another batch of untapped potential, and another opportunity for Shoreline.

I was surprised by the proposal for the ShARCC. It's bold, and it's beautiful... but uncharacteristic of a Shoreline effort. Our City's proposal has vague wording regarding our seniors, confusion surrounding its amenities, and lots of stress concerning its price. I can't imagine that's in bad faith, but I don't think this egg is ready to come off the burner quite yet.

We've got plenty of time, and plenty of smart cookies in our jar. The last thing I want to see is division- I don't want our community to have a shrine to progress for some, and a shrine to resentment for others. The Shoreline pool story is far from over, and I think, when it's ready, it will stand as another wonderful chapter in our community's history.

Prop 1 isn't quite ready to be our new chapter. If I were old enough to vote... I would vote "no"- because I know, that in time, we'll be able to conjure up something nearly perfect.

Andrew Edwards
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: Blame the City for listening to citizens

Monday, October 28, 2019

To the Editor:

More than likely I will never dip my toes in the new pool (if it is built). However, I am an active user of the exercise room and for years took yoga thru Shoreline Parks and Rec until our beloved teacher retired. I have also recently added pickleball to my list of activities at the city's Spartan Gym. The status of the building that the Spartan Gym resides is one of the critical factors in presenting Proposition 1 to the voters (along with an aging community pool).

With our population increasing, what happens if in five or ten years the School District (which owns the building) decides they need more classroom space and gives notice to the city they will have to vacate? Where will the city find the space to  relocate the present activities? How much more will it cost to purchase land and to build a facility in the future?

The price tag for Prop 1 is high but the benefits will touch everyone... young, old and in-between. Last winter at a well-attended open house about the CAC, the draft plan was presented. The plan was resoundingly criticized by the swimming community that attended. Representatives from the Senior Center stated they also wanted to be part of the new facility (as the Senior Center is in the same predicament as the Spartan Gym). The city listened, went back to the drawing board and drew up a new plan. The price tag grew. This summer, word got out that the proposed Prop 1 would not include any money for parks. A public outcry ensued, and money was included for four parks. The price tag grew. If the plan seems excessive, blame it on the city for listening to your fellow residents. Vote for our future. Vote Yes on Prop 1!

Barbara Guthrie
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: Response to Ken and Pearl Noreen's letter

To the Editor:

I value Ken and Pearl Noreen's long-term involvement in our community, it has been stellar!  However, they state that a No vote would mean that the city could come back in a few years with a more financially realistic proposal. (See previous letter). There is no indication from the city of any such plan. Time delay will result in much higher costs or reduced features.  It will never cost less than now.

This proposal was vetted by significant input from our fellow residents. Necessary features such as indoor walking path, space for seniors, commercial kitchen and lap swimming were added.  We accommodated the School district's and our swimmer community's needs for competitive meets with additional lanes and viewing area. While not all the “wish list” items were met, this results in a lasting, positive, one for Shoreline. This is not the city’s wish list, it’s our wish list.

Our community was been intimately involved in creating this plan. Over a period of two years there have been multiple stakeholder meetings, idea boards, Council and Park Board meetings at which residents have attended and spoken. I was fortunate to be a participant in the early development of this plan – I started off  skeptical but bought-in with the added features for the Aquatic Center and inclusion of upgrades to some of our most needy parks. I might add, I have only lived here for fifty-three years – I now get to watch my third generation grow and call Shoreline home!

This is the time to create a legacy! Please vote Yes on Prop 1.

Donald Bell
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: The Risk of Saying “No.”

Sunday, October 27, 2019

To the Editor:

Want to know what happens when voters say “yes” to a needed improvement? Look no further than the obituary for Jim Ellis in last Monday’s Seattle Times. Mr. Ellis is credited with leading the effort to clean up Lake Washington in the late 1960s and with conceiving Forward Thrust, a voter-approved measure to purchase park land and expand recreation opportunities throughout King County. Fifty years ago, our pool was built with Forward Thrust Funds.

Want to know what happens when voters say “no” to a needed improvement? Look no further than the rejection of Ellis-promoted bond measures that would have funded regional mass transit. Twice. Result? In 1970 federal funds earmarked for us were spent in Atlanta.

Opponents said if you don’t build it, they won’t come. Really? How short-sighted. By the time voters approved Sound Transit, we were 30 years behind and growing at a steady pace. Think about this when crawling down I-5.

Public investment (taxpayer money at work) and social infrastructure (schools, parks, libraries, pools, rec centers) create and sustain livable communities such as Shoreline. Don’t let the opportunity to build the gathering place we need and will enjoy for the coming 50 years slip through our fingers. Embrace it! Say “YES” on Prop 1.

Keith McClelland
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: Loss of the Senior Center under Prop1

To the Editor,

Reading the campaign materials for Prop1, I was bothered that the community center portion of the facility will give “priority use” to “senior programs.” I did additional research and found that indeed, the planned facility does not give dedicated space to a stand-alone senior center as Shoreline presently has at the old Shoreline High School. The “commercial kitchen” will be available for rental by the community, and that will negatively affect senior programs such as the daily lunch and nutrition program, the monthly birthday lunches, etc. Also, the fact that such rental will bring in revenue will make community rental use very seductive to the city and management of the facility, possibly further reducing use by the “senior programs.”

Moreover, the whole community center, minus the kitchen area, will be about 4800 square feet, with “senior programs prioritized.” Presently the stand-alone Senior Center has many many programs, activities and classes in 12,000 square feet of space. This is a very significant and program damaging change. In doing some additional research, I also found that final space allocation will be decided AFTER the vote. (The wording used is not even “prioritized” but “allocated senior programming” which I find alarming.) At that point, there will be very little negotiating leverage. 

I was inclined to support Prop 1 until learning all this. I will be voting no, and urge others to do so as well. Shoreline has a larger population of seniors than other cities in the state, and this proposed building will short change them just as numbers will increase as the baby boomers retire and age. Vote No on Prop 1. A better plan for such an expensive facility is needed.

Chris Gaston
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: Capture the vision and support Prop 1

Saturday, October 26, 2019

To the Editor:

As discussion proceeds about Shoreline’s Proposition 1, it is unfortunate that some who are opposed appear to miss this: Shoreline emerged as a city without a city center. Creative efforts by city leadership have worked to rectify that issue, and the decision to both build and locate the proposed Aquatic, Recreation and Community Center between 175th and 185th is part of this vision.

It is also unfortunate that the envisioned facility is described as the product of a city “wish list” or described pejoratively as simply a “pool and recreation center.” Neither is accurate. While clearly replacing facilities that are beyond their functional age, it will truly be a community center providing broad services in addition to the recreational functions. The senior center certainly reflects this as do meeting rooms.

Not mentioned in the discussions is the opportunity it will provide for gallery space to show works of our local artists. The revenue generated from Shoreline’s 1% for the arts program will also generate significant public art in the adjoining park space, further adding beauty and cultural richness to our evolving Town Center.

I urge voters to capture the vision and support Proposition 1.

Bruce Amundson
Shoreline


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Letter to the Editor: Prop 1 - what every voter should know

Friday, October 25, 2019

To the Editor:

I have served on our Parks, Recreation, Cultural Services, and Tree board for the past five years, and also recently volunteered to serve on the Parks Funding Advisory Committee.

We evaluated options for a pool and community center, along with needed improvements at our parks.

These needs were identified by our citizens through surveys, public outreach, and Open House presentations.

Our challenge was to find the best balance between the needs of our community, and the associated costs borne by all of us, guided by the following:
  • Our Pool is far beyond its lifespan and recent critical repairs may only last three more years before failure.
  • Although the City owns and operates the Pool, it is built on property owned and controlled by our School District. Any new construction at the same location would be performed with uncertainty about the future availability of the property.
  • Spartan Recreation Center is also housed in buildings and on property owned and controlled by the District.
  • Many parks across our city need improvements to serve our growing community.
The City hosted several Open House Presentations requesting public input, and some of the highlights were:
  • The Senior Center is also located in a building and on land owned by others, and seniors noted it is uncertain how long they may be able to occupy their current space.
  • The Swimming Community requested the competition pool be enlarged to eight swim lanes in order to support the Shoreline School swim teams.
  • Other groups that were not as vocal, but every bit as important, included the children who rely on a pool for recreation and swim lessons, the kids who enjoy taking dance classes, and our teens who enjoy playing basketball at the Spartan Gym, to name only a few.
We know the existing pool will soon fail, and it is uncertain how long our other facilities will remain available.

The question we need to ask ourselves is, should we provide a pool and community recreation center for our city, or should we no longer provide those facilities at all.

These resources are an important part of any vibrant city and serve a wide and diverse cross-section of our population.  I hope you will join me in supporting this important proposal for our community.

Bill Franklin
Shoreline
Parks, Recreation, Cultural Services, and Tree Board



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Letter to the Editor: Educators in Shoreline know how important a pool is to our students

To the Editor:

In the early 1970’s, Seattle turned down light rail not seeing the need and fearing growth. In the 80’s, we developed Westlake Center instead of creating a central park in our treeless downtown. More recently, we rejected a Lake Union to Westlake Park fearing that it was just a ruse to increase development. All of these possibilities required brave thinking with a focus on future benefits and the incremental change they would bring to the community. That thinking existed at the time, it just wasn’t heeded.

Shoreline is in a similar state with Proposition 1. The proposed Shoreline Aquatic, Recreation and Community Center will be a centerpiece of the Shoreline community. With a Senior Center, party rooms, athletic facilities, and a pool suitable for our high school athletes and recreational swimmers, the Center will serve thousands of Shoreline residents for years to come.

This month, The Shoreline Education Association’s Executive Board voted to support Proposition 1. Educators in Shoreline know how important a public pool is to our students. Thousands of Shoreline students learn to swim at our current pool. Many of our special-needs students receive therapy and exercise at the pool, and as one of the few no-cut high-school sports, our Shorecrest and Shorewood swim and dive teams use the pool for practice and competitions.

If we lack the will to pass Prop.1 now, the current pool will fail, requiring extensive repairs or a complete rebuild, interrupting the above-mentioned activities for years. School programs like Swim and Dive cannot survive a multi-year hiatus.

Be brave and visionary as you cast your ballots over the next few weeks. Vote ‘Yes’ on Proposition 1 to ensure that our students and indeed our entire community receive the benefits of the Shoreline Aquatic, Recreation and Community Center for years to come.

Matt Reiman,
SEA, President


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Letter to the Editor: Vote No on Prop 1, for now

Thursday, October 24, 2019

To the Editor:

In the past 50 years of our residency in Shoreline Ken and I have always supported issues put before us to enhance the quality of life in Shoreline. We feel we cannot support Prop 1.

Many Shoreline voters are under the mistaken impression that they either have to vote Yes right now on Proposition 1, or they will not have any improvements to our current Parks and Pools in the future. You can vote No now, and still vote Yes later on a more financially realistic proposal.

Most Shoreline voters I talk with are not opposed, in concept, to many of the improvements described in Prop 1. What the voters oppose is the massive scale of the City’s desired Pool and Recreation Center (75,000 sq ft), at a price tag of over $88,000,000, and including Park Improvements for an additional $19,000,000. A price tag that each resident will have to pay for out of their pockets for the next 20 years. This entire facility is projected to operate with a deficit well over $1,000,000 per year.

The current proposal on the table is a wish list that includes all of the bells and whistles the City ideally would love to have. But we should not be presented with a wish list in a “take it or leave it” model.

On the November 5 ballot, Vote No on Prop 1, for now. This will give our entire community more time to examine how the City of Shoreline and other organizations, such as the Dale Turner Y and Shoreline School district, can work collaboratively to propose a new, streamlined Parks/Pool levy that ensures all of our community’s projects complement and support one another to meet the needs of Shoreline citizens in the most cost-effective way possible.

Vote No now on the $100,000,000 Prop 1. We can always vote Yes later on a more streamlined proposal that reduces your tax burden and still provides our community quality programs and facilities which collaborate with all Shoreline organizations that serve us.

Pearl and Ken Noreen
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: Don't believe misleading signs

To the Editor: 

I am a strong supporter of Proposition 1. The anti-Prop 1 signs that have popped up that say “Schools not Pools” are deceitful and misleading.

Passing Proposition 1 does not affect the funding for our highly regarded Shoreline schools. School funding is completely separate.

If anything, supporting Proposition 1 will indirectly have a positive affect on Shoreline schools in at least two ways:

1. Enhancements to our public parks, included in Proposition 1, will encourage healthy play for all students.

2. The pool complex will allow and encourage more Shorecrest and Shorewood students to turn out for the no-cut sport of swimming and diving. High school graduation statistics indicate that students who participate in extracurricular activities such as music, drama and sports have a higher graduation rate.

Please support our community and our schools by voting YES to Proposition 1.

Janet Maines Peterson
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: Prop 1 is fatally flawed

To the Editor:

Prop 1 is fatally flawed. If you vote yes, you are giving our officials free rein to raise your taxes by many thousands of dollars over 20 years in order to build the pet project of the high school swim team.

Our perfectly adequate pool is 48 years old, but half the city's housing stock is older still. When your house needs a roof and a furnace, you install a new roof and furnace. You don't condemn the whole structure. Many people have asserted in this blog that there's no point renovating the pool, but nobody is giving concrete answers about why we cannot. Be skeptical. Demand answers.

The new competition pool would have the same length as the existing competition pool, but add two lanes. Nothing in the design references a sauna or hot tub, both of which would benefit older fitness seekers. Compare to Lynnwood, where in addition to the multiple pools and lazy river, they included a sauna, not one but two hot tubs, and two waterslides. If we're going to make an enormous investment, we should include amenities that benefit everyone, not just interest groups.

Claims that a new facility would be significantly more efficient than the current pool fall flat when one asks for evidence. Heating any pool is energetically expensive. With the approximately 70% increase in water surface area per the draft plan, you can count on it that the city's gas bill will only go up.

City officials openly debated whether to tack on $15M of park improvements in order to make this measure more palatable to voters. Make no mistake: this measure IS about the pool, despite people's claims that it is not.

They need to make a better case to earn your vote. Vote No and send it back for rework.

Dan Adams
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: Not worth funding in its current form

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

To the Editor:

The cost of Prop 1 per taxpayer will be equivalent of a membership up to $400+ in a luxury facility. Let those who want that kind of facility to join already existing facilities. Government projects rarely come in on time or on budget and this one won’t either. Plus, the $103.6 million price does not allow for cost overruns and for the cost of maintenance.

The current Senior Center has over 12,000 square feet of space. It is dedicated space for all the amazing support provided for both LFP and Shoreline Senior citizens. In the new community center, the seniors will only have 6000 square feet that includes a commercial kitchen. Also, it will not be dedicated, but prioritized. What does that mean? In the latest flyer the city sent out about our new community center it says:” Having this prioritized space in the same building [as the other facilities] has the potential to provide space to expand senior programs…. Figure out the math. How can the Senior Center expand anything with half the space that they now have?

If you read the actual data from the Shoreline web site, the voters responded to the council’s survey that parks were the majority favorite, not a pool or rec center, by over 70%. This is probably why the Parks and Rec Center and Pool are together in Prop 1 – to make sure they can get the votes. It’s important that all voters do your homework. Do not be fooled by the newsletter or subsequent election mailings slanted toward approval. I went to the website and several meetings. I don’t believe this project is worth funding in its current form. There are more affordable options.

Ginny Scantlebury
Shoreline


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Statement released by Friends of Keith Scully for Shoreline City Council Pos 2

Keith Scully
Statement released by Friends of Keith Scully for Shoreline City Council Position 2:

Dear voters of Shoreline,

As you probably know, I am currently running for reelection to the Shoreline City Council, position number 2. You may have recently seen a mailer from my campaign sharing with you why I am running.

Even though we had a team of people and several versions, our final mailer inadvertently left off the sponsorship information that tells voters who is paying for political advertising. The mailer was paid for by my campaign. It should have said “Paid for by Friends of Keith Scully PO Box 23026 Seattle, WA, 98102.”

Openness and transparency in our political process is vitally important to me. All of our donor information is available at the Washington PDC’s website, including the cost of the mailing and the individuals and organizations who donated to help pay for it. I hope that if you have additional questions, or just want to let me know any of your thoughts about how we can make Shoreline a better place, you will contact me at 206-446-5491 or via email at keithscully2001@yahoo.com.

Thank you for your understanding, and I again apologize for the error.

Keith Scully



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Letter to the Editor: A public process resulted in Shoreline Prop 1

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

To the Editor:

This letter is written in response to Jeannette Paulson's letter. I would like to provide the facts around the public process that resulted in Shoreline Prop 1. The process was completely transparent and all residents were encouraged to participate. I was a member of the Parks Funding Advisory Committee so I have some insight into the public process.

In August 2018, over 800 people provided input on the Community and Aquatics center through idea boards posted at Celebrate Shoreline, the Spartan Gym and Swinging Summer's Eve. The most popular ideas included play structures and slides in an aquatic center, indoor walking track, natural daylight, swim lessons, lap swimming and ground spray.

In September 2018, frequent users of the pool and Spartan Gym were invited to dialogue with staff, Park Board Members, and consultants to provide feedback on the concept design. Over 40 citizens participated in this discussion.

At the same time, the Parks Funding Advisory Committee was formed to explore funding options and review park projects for prioritization. The opportunity to serve on the committee was open to everyone. The actual appointments were made by the City Manager, not for the purpose of excluding anyone but because the work required a manageable number of people.

The Park Funding Advisory Committee was made up of a diverse group of people, young and old, from different backgrounds and financial status. The committee included a fair number of retirees on fixed incomes and their voices were heard. We understood there were financial constraints to consider. The choice of which parks and features to recommend wasn't easy but that was our charge and that's what we did.

At each meeting, the agenda was posted on the website and after the meetings minutes were posted as well. There was nothing secretive or exclusionary at all. Mostly it was long winter nights with people rushing from work to City Hall to participate in helping their community envision a Community and Aquatics center and maintain and enhance our well-loved parks.

I take umbrage at the claim that the City conspired in any way to exclude citizens from the discussion and decision to move forward with this measure. It is simply not true.

Finally, Prop 1 is an example of what we need our city to do. Our community will never have a public pool, community center and well-maintained parks without a local government that has the vision to make it happen. I support Prop 1 because I believe our community will benefit in innumerable ways from this project.

Joan Herrick
Shoreline




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Letter to the Editor: LFP Candidate Forum

To the Editor:

Last Tuesday evening citizens listened to candidates for LFP Council present views on issues and answer citizen questions. All candidates responded to the number of dwelling units they felt was appropriate for the development of Town Center. Responses ranged from 150 to 1,100 units.

Candidates talked about how communications (with citizens) could be improved. This was a bit disingenuous, as this council has cancelled 50% of scheduled public meetings, and minimized the citizens submitted 330 letters of concern. Citizens have had one three-minute comment period to express Town Center concerns. As in the past the Council has talked about the need for better communication but have failed to address this issue.

Given the huge outcry from citizens over the TC plan during the public viewing and hearing, this pushback from citizens resulted in a 7 – 0 vote approving a 6 month moratorium. The Planning Commission has been directed to make TC development recommendations to the Council. Their first recommendation to Council was that a 300-stall garage would change the character of Town Center and that alternative locations should be considered.

Under the direction of the Council the General Fund has been reduced by $963,000 using several consultants for the develop plans and code resulting with an unacceptable plan. (Monies that could have paid for Safe-Streets sidewalks, park improvements, more salmon culverts, and traffic calming, etc.)

What was clear to me in this forum is there is one candidate who is more than qualified to deal with this mess, who shares the popular views of citizens, who has actually listened to hundreds of citizens concerns these past months and who offers solutions not only for balanced growth but also putting forth communications and budget solutions.  Lorri Bodi has my vote.

Jack Tonkin
Lake Forest Park




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Letter to the Editor: Disturbing election-altering “spin” from City of Lake Forest Park regarding key city projects

To the Editor:

I received a highly disturbing Letter from the City of LFP to its email subscribers on Thursday, 10/17/19 last week. The Letter can be found here. The Letter includes analysis regarding “return on investment” (ROI) achieved to date from funds spent by the City on its “Big Five” projects. The “Big Five” refers to five distinct initiatives the City has identified as strategically important. These include the Town Center Plan, and four other initiatives related to creeks, streets, parks, etc.

My concerns include the following:
  1. The Letter is HIGHLY MISLEADING!!
  2. The email was sent to citizens the day after November ballots were sent out!!
  3. The Letter is DRAFT (does not appear to be final).
  4. Who approved it?
In the letter, the City’s Finance Director and Administrator analyze “Big Five” expenditures. They state the City has “earned” a ROI of $4 million dollars on $1.6 million spent so far (2.5 times the investment). In reality, 59% of total expenditures have been spent on the Town Center project, with zero return on that project!!

Further, calculating a ROI requires consideration of total project cost compared to final project value. There is no value, not one shovel of dirt has been dug to date! Further, a grant is a funding source, NOT profit to the City. Finally, grants for other “Big 5” initiatives have nothing to do with funds paid to Town Center Consultants!

The City should retract the Letter, explain who released it, and apologize for misleading the voters!!

Gregory Van
Lake Forest Park



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