Editor,

In regard to Rick Abraham’s letter addressing jet issues in conflict with Ryan’s House taking over the Country Motel, it is important to note that not only is this facility well inside the undesignated accident protection zone 1 (APZ-1), but it also is within the 2005 Air Installations Compatible Use Zones (or AICUZ) Noise Zone 2 or even worse perhaps a Zone 3.

The AICUZ further recommends no housing development in even a Noise Zone 1, a zone with much lower sound levels than Zone 2. That recommendation, however, has been impossible for the county to apply because of prior and current development needs, Ryan’s House being a prime example.

So, instead of denying development, Island County addresses the problem with special warnings. For example, Island County Public Health, for a short plat subdivision (permit SHP #343/02) in Admirals Cove required the following statement appear on the final mylar:

“This short subdivision lies within AICUZ Noise Zone 2 meaning that noise levels of up to 115 decibels may be reached and the severity is such that individuals may experience adverse health effects.”

And Ryan’s House is just the tip of the Noise Zone/APZ-1 iceberg. Located in both these two high-risk zones are nearly all of Admirals Cove and western Parker Road residences, a campground, Whidbey Animals Improvement Foundation’s animal shelter, a youth athletic park, and fuel storage facilities, all of which the AICUZ indicates should not be allowed , among many other impermissible land uses.

The county needs to recognize it can no longer pretend this is still the 1960s. Times have changed, and the land use needs and health of Coupeville are being strangled by the outlying field.

It is time for the county to honor its obligation to its citizens and development needs and join Citizens of Ebey’s Reserve in helping the Navy come to grips with finally ending its outlying field problem.

ROBERT WILBUR

Coupeville