A hearing examiner ruled in 2002 that the area south of I-90 is a sensitive area and should be a 16-hour operation only. A four-story hotel would certainly not be a 16-hour operation.

The North Bend proposed rezoned area includes homes and apartments of approximately 2,000 men, women and children. Living in this immediate area are 215 families in Forster Woods, 199 neighboring rental units, plus 42 new families for the approved home development above Forster Woods.

There is only a two- lane road separating this proposed hotel from the adjoining neighborhoods. More than 2,000 men, women and children are at risk in the case of a police problem, fire emergency or natural disaster. In a fire, the first engine response time is five minutes. But since this is a rural area, the response time for the second engine is 20 minutes.

This proposal would make North Bend very unique and not in a positive way. It would be the only commercial site between Issaquah and the Snoqualmie Pass on the south adjacent side of I-90.

If North Bend is to be a tourist destination, then the North Bend City Council needs to keep the beauty intact, as seen as you come east on I-90, and meet the beauty of Mount Si and the surrounding area at the 31 turnoff — not with a four-story freeway hotel that would just be an overnight stay for points beyond. Instead, the council should work on getting a hotel near the downtown area so tourists can easily patronize downtown, the new restaurants and shops, the shopping mall and the Safeway area. While in this more centrally located area, tourists will have the opportunity to discover our interesting historical museum, weekend train rides, art presence and wonderful hiking trails. This makes so much more sense. None of these tourist attractions, restaurants or businesses are near the proposed rezoned site — only homes with families.

Audrey Zeder

North Bend