Written comments for proposed ordinances 2016-0236 and 2016-0254 by King County

Hello Council Members,

I am writing this blogpost as a written comment for the proposed ordinances 2016-0236 and 2016-0254 (http://tiny.cc/KCC_Notice).

It is disheartening to know that such a proposal is slipped in although, we residents sent a clear message to King County councils (KCC) on May 18th, 2016 meeting at Evergreen Middle School that we didn't want any such ordinances. At that time, council members ensured that there was no such proposal. Yet, it has been proposed, looks like deliberate effort from King County and ignoring the voices of the residents who will bear the consequences if such processing units are allowed within heart of Redmond Ridge community. In my opinion, county is ignoring the fact that Redmond Ridge is home to the largest retirement community in the state and contains over 1300 affordable housing. The environmental impact is going to be devastating and the intent on which RR was created, the county council is doing exactly opposite. There is going to be negative impact on the property market which will affect the local economic conditions. I am surprised that King County is ignoring this simple fact and running away from their responsibilities towards residents.

Since we (Redmond Ridge Community) don't have local representation other than King County Council (KCC), it becomes imperative legally that KCC hears us, stop such actions, as done by other local representative for the areas like Sammamish, and do everything that to protect residents, especially the actions that directly deteriorates environment and peaceful living. 

As a resident, I demand actions to be taken by our publicly voted government body to stop such proposals being tabled and passed - both at present and in the future.

I am happy to vote such governing body that works in favor protecting people from such detrimental regulations.

Following are my points to support why there should be responsible zoning and current ordinances are harmful for living a happy and healthy living for unincorporated areas like Redmond Ridge:

1. Statements by some council members misled the residents of Redmond Ridge into thinking that the King County Council would not try to reverse our hard earned victory about three years ago when the King County council first attempted to vote in similar changes. While council members keep saying that rezoning will have no impact on Redmond Ridge, by watching the video clip for the recording of June 16 TREE meeting (link here: http://goo.gl/gNPB6O), where some of the council members are asking questions especially targeting Redmond Ridge UPDs. This clearly indicates that the ordinances are targeted towards Redmond Ridge. Also, it is evident that King County is attempting to change the uses in our zoning and modify the developer agreement governing our Urban Planned community.
2. Article published on May 12, 2016: a study by University of Washington (links: http://goo.gl/K0Iqbn and http://goo.gl/763kds), which clearly indicates that there is no need for any additional facilities to support the demand. I don't see any reason why King County proposed such ordinances one month later without any supporting evidence/studies that clearly indicates that having such facilities has no environmental and health impacts, and is 100% safe.  Again, after watching the recording of June 16 TREE meeting, it becomes evident that no such proofs were presented before the board publically. If the council is aware of any studies,  I URGE KING COUNTY TO MAKE THEM PUBLIC before proposing and voting such ordinances. Until then, this ordinances have no basis and is a step towards destroying environment of Redmond Ridge community and any areas that are impacted by such ordinances.  For reference, In the articles own wordings: The amount of marijuana allowed to be grown by state-licensed producers in Washington is enough to satisfy both the medical and recreational marijuana markets, a University of Washington study released today.
3. There is a Marijuana impact report published (links here: http://goo.gl/CKqet3 and https://goo.gl/Knvuok), which clearly states that "data provided by the Spokane Valley and Seattle police departments shows strong relationships between crime and marijuana use, with a stark rise in marijuana related incidents following legalization." Unincorporated areas are not protected as cities are as relies on sheriff, which is experiencing extreme budget cuts and limited sheriff staff/patrols. The potential for crime is especially unsettling when considering the residents of these neighborhoods have already testified regarding difficulty they have experienced in getting timely sheriff response to crimes in their neighborhoods. Putting this plant in these neighborhoods will be a step in the wrong direction and will increase crime. Please consider this while you vote on the ordinance

I hope that you will seriously consider the comments from a concerned resident before voting on the ordinances.