For those citizens who haven’t heard about the recent

developments regarding Falls Crossing, the developers (Puget Western) and

the Snoqualmie Planning Commission (seven members) are meeting for

the discussion of topics such as the viewshed issue, wildlife, water

availability, etc. There are still topics and questions coming up like the

gateway, which means what will the entrances to the city look like; traffic; water

quality; affordable housing; schools; and further discussion of wildlife and

water rights.

These topics are all important and the residents of Snoqualmie, the

Valley, nationwide and worldwide are depending on the planning

commissioners to make a wise decision so we are not left “holding the bag.”

For example, in the Saturday, Jan. 8 edition of the Seattle PI, a citizen wrote

a letter about a proposed development in his neighborhood. Apparently,

the traffic concurrency analysis for proposed “Redmond Ridge” was

incorrect and Novelty Hill Road will have to be widened to five lanes at

possible taxpayer expense.

Also, according to the state of Washington Office of Archeology

and Historic Preservation, they are in discussion with the National Park

Service about elevating the status of Snoqualmie Falls to a National

Historic Landmark. They said, “Designation as a National Historic

Landmark is the highest honor a property can receive in the United States and

is thereby recognized as having exceptional value to our nation.” If there

is intense development near the Falls and the gateways and viewshed are

altered, we may lose the possibility of that status.

In a letter to the City of Snoqualmie dated Jan. 14, the

State of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife recommended that the

proposed Falls Crossing development should not be built in the

proposed location. They called it “a

beautiful and awe inspiring piece of

property,” and they said, “Again, I would like

to reiterate that our agency does not support this development in this

location, and we recommend the land be set aside for the protection and

survival of our fish and wildlife species.”

Also, (what about) the sacredness of the Falls and surrounding land

for the native tribes and others? Trees and wildlife will be destroyed.

Each planning commissioner should think about a child or

grandchild. In the future will they be proud of their decision, or will they be

saying, “Oh, if only I had voted no, no development near the Falls.”

The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Jan. 26.

Catherine Bunn

Snoqualmie