Building harming neighborhood
We have lived at 3434 74th Ave. S.E. since 1972. We are shocked and sorrowed at the transition of our neighborhood into a gradual “development” by huge construction companies.
Our neighborhood is very green with oxygen-producing trees, lawns and a greenbelt above Mercerdale Park. But the three same builder’s constructions at the corner of 72nd and 32nd showed us what can happen to the natural beauty and livability of our neighborhood caused by changes to minimum lot sizes and over-construction.
A recent application shows building three structures on two lots, in close proximity to each other and not meeting minimal lot size. We are against allowing such unsightly and disproportionate building especially since it should not be approved according to the present lot-size restrictions.
Removing trees in our neighborhood is also an issue. Trees “drink” a lot of water and stabilize the steep slope of the greenbelt, a huge concern of ours as our lot is on the edge of the greenbelt. Trees are essential in producing clean air for all of us.
This is a lose-lose proposal for all Mercer Island citizens, and a win-win for the builder.
The development company has built six homes in our neighborhood in the last year. The builder’s only interest in Mercer Island is to make money. We citizens need to prevent this destruction of our neighborhood.
Barbara and Jim Shuman
Football booster club to hold first mattress sale
On Sunday, Nov. 8, the Mercer Island Football Booster Club is holding its first ever mattress sale. When we first were approached with the concept, we were skeptical (really — a MATTRESS sale?), but turns out that many organizations locally and nationally have hosted the fundraiser and achieved tremendous success. So, we were convinced we should give it a try, and hope that the community joins us in purchasing not just a better night’s sleep, but also the opportunity to support one of our major youth programs on the Island.
The Mercer Island Football Booster Club supports over 260 children in grades 3-12 who play youth and high school football. Proceeds from the sale will go to support these athletes, including equipment and training to increase the safety and skill of all players and scholarships so that all athletes are able to participate. The sale will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be located at the West Mercer Boys & Girls Club location (2825 West Mercer Way).
Margaret McCormick
