To build or not to build … that is the question currently set before

the Snoqualmie Planning Commission. As citizens of the little town

of Snoqualmie, is it truly in our best interest to attempt to “financially

capitalize” off of Snoqualmie Falls by seeking out potential tourist

dollars that may flow our way? By having the second most-visited natural site in

the state of Washington, we could be risking, what is in my view, our prized

and cherished landmark.

Instead, the developer, Puget Western, wants to construct a 15-25,000

sq. ft. village retail development, according to their most recent proposal.

In what is now a natural wooded setting, there would be stores, parking

lots, lights, and car traffic that would clog up the present State Route

202/Highway 18 Snoqualmie gateway. This intersection, the gateway, with the

combination of tourists plus new employees from outside the area, will

most certainly create a mess of unwanted traffic and pollution.

Is this really what we want to see happen to our town?

It seems to me that some things are better off being left alone. I

personally believe that this piece of property is one of them.

Consider our future … to build or not to build … that is truly the

question of the century.

ELLIOT WEINSTEIN

Snoqualmie