Letter of the month: Urban density efficiently uses resources

June 2009 Letter of the month

• Published July 04, 2009

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Never has a controversy raged so long as with the proposed high-density development on the isthmus. Those against the development say it�s about protecting the great view for generations to come.

Ironic, as the view in question includes an artificial lake filling with pollution and a ragtag collection of boathouses that looks like a tin shantytown.

On good days you can see the Olympic Mountains.

Sadly, downtown density is not just a developer�s move to make money. It�s what we need to do to protect rural and pristine areas from development � an example of what we all need to do to save the planet. Urban density efficiently uses resources, minimizing those notorious carbon footprints.

When opponents talk protection of certain natural resources, they�re dooming others.

If you�re truly intent on preserving the heritage of our area for future generations, reducing global warming could help.

Don�t Wall off the Waterfolks say the Washington Heritage Center would lose its view. Sadly, the center recently lost its funding.

When you break eggs, make lemonade. Remodel the existing nine-story building on the isthmus into a new Heritage Center.

Build a free observation dome on top, featuring a killer view of the Olympics and the Washington Capitol Campus in all its glory. Then build the other proposed planet-saving buildings around it.

Generations of people could ascend to the top of the new Heritage Center and get a panoramic view like never before.

And the planet will stay cooler. So there will actually be a heritage.

JERRY FARMER, Olympia