The city of Mercer Island issued its decision on the MICA’s State Environmental Protection Act application on Sept. 11.

The MICA project now has moved one step closer to begin the destruction of many sections of the park to facilitate the development of a large, privately-owned building on city property. Not only will the park be significantly altered, but adjacent neighborhoods and the Town Center itself will experience added traffic congestion and unresolved parking issues.

While many citizens have expressed outrage over this give-away of public parkland, the city remains tone-deaf to their pleas.

We, as the Concerned Citizens for Mercer Island Parks (CCMIP), oppose the cozy relationship between MICA and the City Council. We sound the alarm that to lose irreplaceable parkland adjacent to Town Center without a fight is irresponsible. And in addition, if our current budget problems are not enough, this project puts taxpayers on the hook to bail it out.

We urge you to join us to save Mercerdale Park by writing the City Council, voicing your concerns at council meetings, and visiting our website, www.ProtectMIParks.org for the latest information.

Peter Struck

CCMIP co-chair