Shoreline City Council Meeting May 21, 2012

Notes from Shoreline City Council Meeting May 21, 2012

By Devon Vose Rickabaugh

Tree Code

The City Council heard from the planning commission on their recommendations for revision of the tree code which has been under study for 2 years. Adoption of the revised codes is scheduled to occur at the June 11 council meeting. Senior Planner Paul Cohen said the commission recommended owners of larger properties be allowed to remove up to six trees without paying for permits, whereas smaller lots would be permitted to cut less trees. Also any tree over 30 inches in diameter would need a tree permit before removal and therefore could not be included in the six exempt trees allowed for removal by property owners.

Several members of the audience spoke on behalf of the proposed revisions. But residents with view property and high taxes said they wanted to be able to remove trees to retain their view. Several people desiring to put in solar panels wanted reassurances that retaining the tree canopy wouldn’t block the sun from their investment. Councilmember Solomon commented that a solar panel exemption would make sense to him. Senior Planner Cohen pointed out that it is hard to control your neighbor’s trees, but that the code is flexible enough to accommodate solar panels.

Traffic at The Blakeley on 192nd

Exacerbated by Aurora construction several irate residents of the Blakeley apartments for senior citizens off 192nd and Aurora complained about traffic obstructions into and out of the apartments onto 192nd where no one can turn east. When approaching the entrance from the west a “flower pot” has been placed the middle of 192nd they are forced to make a U-turn around it to get back to the entrance. One man said  “I have never seen such public works so public insensitive and to do it to seniors who often have handicapped stickers. It’s shameful .You need to act on that and correct it.” Deputy Mayor Eggen suggested city staff meet with the Blakely citizens.  Councilmember Solomon said after the meeting he and councilmember Roberts would go to the Blakely to see the situation for themselves.