Letters to the Editor
Displaced anger
Does anyone know where Kent went?
Editor, The Times:
Thank you to Elizabeth Rogers for “Save us from California’s fate” [Times, SE Opinion, Nov. 11]. I, too, am appalled at the uncontrolled development and paving over of the Renton and Kent area in Southeast King County.
We lived many years in Renton Highlands and found, like Ms. Rogers, that all we loved about the area has gone, so we moved to Kent, which is quickly following in Renton’s footsteps with development; houses so close together a fire ladder will never fit, strip malls, nail parlors, video stores.
Can’t these mayors look beyond the dollar signs and do what is right for their community? Do we really need more stuff?
Can’t we elect Ms. Rogers mayor of Renton, Kent, Auburn or any city in Southeast King County?
- Nancy Lacey, KentThe rattle sneaks
Forgive me if I sound angry. My nerves are shot from my shaking, rattling and now noisy home. My home, which was recently bordering Kent’s peaceful and last designated wetlands, is now an unbearable place to be.
Several large earthmovers, after razing the entire forest, now begin rumbling very early every morning, seven days a week (and will be, for the next two years!), just feet from my front door.
Why were these last wetlands razed? Mine is a mobile home and I can’t help but wonder if the city of Kent considers mobile homeowners to be citizens without rights?
Well, we do have rights, especially the right to live peacefully in our own homes without the earth shaking severely all day every day.
Will someone please tell me who in Kent is in charge of this disaster, and who can ensure that we (at Circle K Mobile Home Park) regain our rights and sense of security that came with owning our own homes but have been bulldozed by developers?
- Mary Bisaillon, KentSpare us the concern
Burien City Council acknowledged the Lora Lake Apartments are an unsafe place for families to live. However, in an unconscionable 4-to-2 decision, it voted to save the apartments [”Burien OKs pact to save apartments,” Local News, Nov. 7].
Why on Earth would anyone fight so hard to save dwellings that are bordered on one side by Highway 518 and the other side by Seattle-Tacoma Airport’s third runway?
The county and Housing Authority can pony up $1 million for Burien transit but they can’t buy apartments in a location without noise and air pollution, not to mention potential danger from an errant aircraft.
The good ol’ boys and girls club of local politics is alive and well. It’s too bad 162 low-income families may not be so lucky.
- Judi Burke, Burien