Letter to the Editor: Keith McGlashan rebuttal

To the Editor:

Wendy DiPeso claims to know my history, but she has got it very wrong. (See DiPeso letter)

Wendy says that I asked for a rezone to add height to an apartment building that I was planning, along with my partners, to build on our land. We did not change to add more height. We requested a rezone because the zoning at the time required units to be at least 2000 sq. ft. Not normal for apartments, and not affordable for renters. The rezone that we requested was consistent with the growth management act placing housing near transit. I supported those goals then, and I always will. Transit oriented development makes sense for our environment and for traffic congestion; it provides affordable housing near transit, reducing the need for cars.

Our development failed because although approved by the planning commission, the majority of council (some of the same people who are now supporting my opponent) held the rezone up for over two years. By the time it passed we lost our financing due to the recession: the project was never built. I needed work to pay off the massive debts that were left. I chose real estate because I love to match people and places and I love to promote Shoreline to new families.

I never voted on a rezone that effected property that I had an interest in. I have always recused myself, though the city attorney told me that I didn’t have to. It goes without saying, but I will say it. I never lobbied any council or planning commission member for special treatment on any zoning issue.

During the recent rezones I did not have any property listings within those areas and I do not market my business within the rezone areas.

I have never filed for bankruptcy!

Keith McGlashan
Shoreline