Letter to the Editor: Smart growth is not always extreme growth

To the Editor:

I recently became aware of Chris Nielsen’s letters criticizing those who he feels have opposed the recent rezone of the 145th Street sub-station area.

I do not know anything about Mr. Nielsen’s background. In reading his letter it seems obvious to me he definitely does not know Janet Way, nor the neighborhoods affected, nor the process we have been involved in, and I doubt he read through the FEIS for the substation area.  Mr. Nielsen does seem critical of those whose views are in opposition to his with no room for compromise

The FEIS did state that Shoreline could meet its growth goals without rezoning. That says a lot in general about the City’s ability to absorb more growth, there was already enough zoning in place to take care of the expected population growth for the area.

Residents sought a smaller footprint to the development, sensitive areas be protected, for slower, phased growth and that larger projects be placed where services were readily available. Large scale projects can work; they need good infrastructure but also land that is more readily available; think of Northgate, there was undeveloped land for building large and where Thornton Creek has been allowed to see the light of day.

I’d like to point out to Mr. Nielsen that Janet Way had a hand in the development of that project. She is not opposed to growth, just unbridled growth.

No, we do not oppose all redevelopment with greater density, we oppose giving developers free rein to do as they wish. The rezone seems to have done this.

Smart growth is not always extreme growth, slow growth with thoughtful concessions is not NIMBY. Those who live in growth’s path have a right to direct that growth because we know our neighbors, our neighborhood, and the challenges therein.

Cathy Aldrich
Shoreline