02/24/2006: "Response to Friends of the San Juans Newsletter"

To the Editor:

Fighting Desirable Development ?

In response to the FRIENDS Winter 2006 mailer, specifically page 8 "news updates" regarding ‘ Protecting the False Bay Preserve', it should be noted that the development of an eight home subdivision as presented gives an impression not truly accurate.

This development, which is located across the road from False Bay on 39 acres, has answered for eight months what can only be described as harassment by some of the adjoining neighbors, and as their representative, the FRIENDS. Firstly, this 39 acre parcel is zoned R-5 and close to a third of the parcel has been left in existing meadows as a common area, the only addition being a ½ acre lake added at considerable expense to enhance the property, as well as provide a natural clay based aquifer.

The additional acres of forest have had minimal clearing leaving home sites to be set on 2-6 acres in a park like setting. This is hardly the setting of a typical "subdivision". Not only has this developer kept in mind the integrity of this parcel, but hired a Landscape Architect who graduated from Cornell University. In fact, on Tuesday October 4th the developer invited all the neighbors and the FRIENDS to a presentation by the Landscape Architect at the San Juan Library. One neighbor and one FRIENDS representative attended.

Since that time each and every complaint raised by the FRIENDS & Neighbors has been addressed. These include complaints to State Environmental Agencies, Department of Ecology, University of Washington, Building & Planning Department and the Fire Marshals office. The most recent appeal against the grading and clearing permit, for many of the concerns sited in this article, was found to be without merit by the Hearing Examiner, HE 35-05, (05APL015).

Development is always going to be a sensitive issue, but wouldn't the FRIENDS and residents of the San Juans appreciate a planned community that respects all aspects of our beautiful island, including the wildlife and habitat that make it so special?

Laura Westmiller
Westview Development of San Juan Island, LLC