Editor,

In writing about the proposed Wellness Center for Langley, the reporter left out what was to my mind the developers’ most controversial request, which was for the city to waive $75,000 of utility hookup fees in exchange for having Fairgrounds Road “deeded” to the city, as opposed to the current “easement” the city has. The problem with this proposal is that:

1) The city doesn’t need it.

2) By code, the city is apparently entitled to ask for the easement for free anyway as a condition of short-platting.

A huge giveaway to these developers, who are personal friends of a council person, doesn’t seem fair to other developers or to residents who are facing sharp annual increases to their already high utility bills for the next several years. While the Wellness Center may be a wonderful idea, I hope the council does not go for this financially unsound part of the developers’ requests.

SHARON EMERSON

Langley