Letters to the editor - July 31

• Published July 31, 2008

• Comments (0)

Professor Johnson's historical recap is an interesting read, but even the what-might-have-been master plan had a limited north-south axis. Setting that, and 100 years of planimetric alternatives aside, everyone can agree that the coveted views from downtown are the Olympics. Increasing building heights on the isthmus won't inhibit those views.

In reality, satisfying the heart is sometimes dissatisfying to the head. That's especially true when it involves a critical rezone decision and historical retelling by folks who know better.

Chris Aldrich, landscape architect, Tumwater

Sixth Avenue project will be good for Lacey

The Sixth Avenue building project in Lacey is a very good idea to me.

It's very ecofriendly to have housing close to a variety of stores so you can just walk from your home to do your shopping, whether it's food or clothing.

I think it will help cut down on some traffic, and help people get a little more active. It's even a good idea for people that don't live in the area if they can just use the parking and walk around from store to store and get all their shopping needs done without having to do a lot of traveling and waiting in traffic.

I cant wait to continue to see the progress, and the changes that are still to come.

Jeremy Pirrello, Tenino

Buy the isthmus in order to preserve it

The state Shorelines Management Act was adopted by the public in a referendum "to prevent the inherent harm in an uncoordinated and piecemeal development of the state's shorelines."

The act has three broad policies which have guided its subsequent applications. They are:

• Encourage water-dependent uses.

• Protect shoreline natural resources.

• Promote public access.

"The public's opportunity to enjoy the aesthetic qualities of natural shorelines of the state shall be preserved to the greatest extent feasible consistent with the overall best interest of the state and the people generally."

The height limit of 35 feet for buildings within 200 feet of waterfront is intended to implement these guidelines. Municipalities may petition to set aside the zoning, if it can be shown that the public's interest is better served by the change. In the case of Pearlwater at Larida Passage, the public's best interest will not be served by the change.

We should seriously explore ways to buy the isthmus for park and open space, to ultimately include the acquisition and demolition of the Capitol Center Building. Park development might include a municipal pool, carousel or maritime history display. Funding could come from a park district with state, local, regional and even private sources.

If this rezone is allowed, massive tall buildings will forever preclude such development. This area needs the very protection for which the Shorelines Management Act was put into place. I ask the Olympia City Council to allow the existing zoning to protect the public's interest on the isthmus.

Leslie R. Montecucco, Olympia