Revisiting the Growth Management Comprehensive Plan highlights a number of discrepancies that occurred within the original plan. As the Guest Commentary by Guy Palumbo points out, the intense development in the remaining unincorporated sectors without proper infrastructure has created a traffic chaos in residential sectors. (Saturday, “Transportation planning crucial to meet county growth.”) Furthermore, the planning failed to protect many areas critical to the health of Puget Sound, waterways and highland bluffs, deep ravines in the southwest corridor.
Alternative 1, suggested by Kristin Kelly, would help this severe oversight by putting more intensity within Everett and Lynnwood. This allows for access to public transportation — if people will use it. Unfortunately, even this plan is not a cure for the lack of foresight in protecting the highly sensitive regions near Edmonds, Meadowdale Park, Picnic Point and along the western Puget Sound fringe of the unincorporated southwest corridor. That can only happen with intentional conservation and preservation!
Another oversight as pointed out in a recent meeting of the Conservation Futures Board is a lack of open space adjacent to these new, densely packed developments. Individuals and families must drive to areas for recreation. Quality of life means citizens require corridors of green where they can play, walk, run, bike and refresh themselves. Children need to experience the value of being outside! Houses alone are not an answer to creating a healthy community. The County Planning Department, the Snohomish County Council and all those in positions of leadership know that this is a crucial time to design cities and living space that make sense while still guarding the priceless natural resources that remain within the Urban Growth Areas.
Joan Smith
Edmonds
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