Group puts profits above all else

The mantra “affordable housing” of the Master Builders Association, as headlined in the Saturday guest commentary by Shannon Affholter, should rather read “improve our profits.” That is more likely the case when he is taking the position of compromising the environmental safety of the remaining sensitive areas within the urban growth areas.

What does remain in the southwest corridor near the Sound probably should never have been be placed on the table for development — at least not in the intensity allowed within the growth area. Much of it encompasses steep ravines or the highland bluffs near the Sound or the creeks that run directly to it. Much of it is salmon habitat. It is extremely sensitive. Every environmentally minded citizen should hear sirens blaring!

The MBA would have us believe that clear-cutting in these areas and similar spots around the Snohomish County and replacing trees with canopy coverage within 30 years would satisfy the needs of Mother Nature. They are fighting tree retention and now would like to extend that to mitigations for critical areas which include steep slopes and waterways. My hope is that the citizens and leadership of this county see through this type of negotiation for what it is — greed in its most devastating form. Our county, its citizenry and future citizens deserve a healthy, quality environment in which to thrive. This means looking for what we can retain, preserve and protect even within urban growth areas!

However, the work of preservation such as protecting Picnic Point forest and the fragile land above Meadowdale Park requires a commitment of not just words or time but money. Developers and the MBA have deep pockets and are experienced in maneuvering for their aims. On the other hand, when the environmental public bands together, they have successfully saved Japanese Gulch and Hooven Bog. Such caring is needed now, citizens must continue to write their outrage to the County Council at the MBA’s efforts to undermine environmental codes and contribute generously to preservation of sensitive lands within the urban growth area.

Joan Smith

Picnic Point Preservation Committee

Edmonds

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Friday, March 29

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Initiative promoter Tim Eyman takes a selfie photo before the start of a session of Thurston County Superior Court, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, in Olympia, Wash. Eyman, who ran initiative campaigns across Washington for decades, will no longer be allowed to have any financial control over political committees, under a ruling from Superior Court Judge James Dixon Wednesday that blasted Eyman for using donor's contributions to line his own pocket. Eyman was also told to pay more than $2.5 million in penalties. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Editorial: Initiative fee increase protects process, taxpayers

Bumped up to $156 from $5, the increase may discourage attempts to game the initiative process.

Schwab: Who was Langerhans? And when’s the ferry to his islets?

The Herald’s resident retired surgeon slices into the anatomy of the etymology of our anatomy.

Comment: Cervial cancer treatable; if you’re screened for it

A screening for cervical cancer can detect cancerous or precancerous cells and direct treatment.

Comment: Framers gave us Goldilocks Constitution; let’s use it

It was meant to be resilient, not perfect, but it has to be used as designed toward workable solutions.

Comment: GOP in Congress isn’t fighting crime; it’s arming it

Budget cuts to the FBI and ATF and other riders have made it easier for criminals to get firearms.

Washington state senators and representatives along with Governor Inslee and FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez break ground at the Swift Orange Line on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Community Transit making most of Link’s arrival

The Lynnwood light rail station will allow the transit agency to improve routes and frequency of buses.

An image of Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin is reflected in a storefront window during the State of the City Address on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at thee Everett Mall in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Editorial: State of city address makes case for Everett’s future

Mayor Franklin outlines challenges and responses as the city approaches significant decisions.

FILE - The massive mudslide that killed 43 people in the community of Oso, Wash., is viewed from the air on March 24, 2014. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
Editorial: Mapping landslide risks honors those lost in Oso

Efforts continue in the state to map areas prone to landslides and prevent losses of life and property.

Protecting forests and prevent another landslide like Oso

Thank you for the powerful and heartbreaking article about the Oso landslide… Continue reading

Boeing’s downfall started when engineers demoted

Boeing used to be run by engineers who made money to build… Continue reading

Learn swimming safety to protect kids at beach, pool

Don’t forget to dive into water safety before hitting the pool or… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.