Coming to your neighborhood – cell phone towers

Editor:

I have been a long term resident of Edmond's and have seen many changes within our area. Some are good and some are shortsighted.  With the recent renewal of an existing permit, everyone that resides in a residential zone will be subject to the installation that is going to happen in my neighborhood very soon.

This cell phone antenna installation has been opposed by all of my neighbors for all sorts of reasons for the last year and it departs from existing building codes so much that it is hard to believe a permit would even be issued in the first place.

I would encourage all to become involved and contact our planning department so these installations don't show up in your neighborhood as well.

Mark Cooper

No more plastic bags

Editor:

Yesterday, while shopping at the Edmond's QFC, I was told that they can no longer use plastic bags. They told me this was an edict of the Edmonds city council. 

It is hard to believe that five people, with such limited power, can make a decision that affects a population of 40,770 and every business in Edmonds, and never put it to a vote.  

Your charter states, "The City Council is the legislative body that establishes City policy." 

Did any of you stop to access the financial impact on the city's businesses or the inconvenience to all the shoppers, especially in markets?  

In my judgment, your decisions should be based more on the economic and practical aspects and less on some "Save the planet" edict that accomplishes so little that is beyond measurement. 

I assure you, if you ask around, the majority of business owners and shoppers would agree with me, and their responses are quite measurable. 

Just as a side note, while leaving the market I saw an Edmonds City council member driving a large SUV while puffing on a cigarette.  I guess that has far less impact on the environment than a plastic bag. 

If you don't rescind this edict, not one of you will get my vote in the next election.

William Schenck

Vehicle funds needed to get grant funds

Editor:

I support an increase in vehicle license fees in order to provide for transportation improvements in Edmonds.  And, before I say why, let me add that any increase will involve all four vehicles at our house.  It will be a substantial increase in our annual cost of using vehicles in Edmonds.

I support adding $40 to each license tab because those funds will be matched by grant and partnership funds. Simply put, if Edmonds doesn’t do it’s part State and Federal-funding sources won’t do theirs. 

Transportation specialists estimate that the City of Edmonds could be passing up $16 million in matching funds based on the projects in our Comprehensive Plan.

If $40 sounds like a lot, consider how hard it will be for the city to plan, design and construct roads, sidewalks and signals without partners. 

Consider again that those same funds will be spent in neighboring cities with a funding plan instead of here.

Neil Tibbott

Co-Chair

Edmonds Citizens Advisory Transportation Committee