Letter to the Editor: Interurban Trail Tree Preservation and Council Race Update

To the editor:

This letter is a thank you to the Patch for their great coverage of our preservation efforts, but also a big thanks to the community for their passionate participation. 

Thanks to all that showed up and spoke at the August 23rd community meeting and subsequent September 20 Seattle City Light presentation, and the many petitions that were received.  Due to primarily to the remarkable community involvement in this preservation effort, it looks like we may be close to a signed agreement to preserve the trees we have along this beautiful section of the Interurban Park Trail.  

At the last meetings with Seattle City Light it appeared that they were willing to work out an addendum to the master agreement that set aside this property for park and path access and use.  We still have no signed agreement and may need some letters written to get the promises made to us finalized, and put down in writing, but it looks like we are close to a durable resolution to this issue.

For those who are still wondering who to vote for on the Shoreline City Council elections due this November 8th (don't forget to vote!)  Our community group has had some interaction with several on the City Council, and those running for the available seats.  Many have been helpful but those who took the most interest and were the most engaged and helpful were Chris Eggen a sitting council member and very nice guy quite open and accessible and supportive. Jesse Solomon is running for Position No. 6 and was quite supportive of the Parks vegetation preservation.

The most instrumental and valuable asset however was Janet Way running for Position No. 4.  Without her assistance we would not be to this stage.  She was at all the meetings and actively spoke out in support of the views of the Shoreline residents present there.  Further she was well-informed, and was well connected with the rest of the community.  Janet seemed to be involved and engaged with any number of groups and individuals that could help us along the way.

Lance Young

Westminster Triangle, Shoreline