Editor,
I want to criticize the editorial, “First Street proposal was not a good fit,” written by Justin Burnett in the July 12 edition of the South Whidbey Record.
Just a week after the newspaper asked the community what they want from their community newspaper, he wrote a scathing editorial about the Francisco commercial proposal in Langley.
His editorial missed some very important facts, which were easily obtainable. As a community, I think we all want fair reporting and editorial opinions that don’t rush and don’t miss facts.
The City of Langley, the South Whidbey Record, and some in the community, are focusing on the height of Mr. Francisco’s development and potential water view blockages. That is all well and good, but why is no one focusing on the stability of the bluff at First Street?
This spring I found three reports online (1983, 2006, 2011) that the City of Langley has regarding hazard/emergency mitigation. These reports show that the City of Langley has known for decades that they have a street safety problem. In 2013, rain and melting snow caused a major slide from Cascade Street to Wharf Street, blocking the marina, businesses and residences.
Luckily, no one was hurt.
The 1983, 2006 and 2011 reports are clear that First and Wharf streets are at risk due to bluff stability. The city knows they have this issue, yet I can’t find evidence of any current grant applications or anything else that would help the city afford to have stabilization work done. At one point, the city did have a grant to widen Wharf Street, which would also stabilize the bluff.
C’mon folks, we have a far more serious problem than just views of the water. If First Street is damaged beyond repair because of a slide or an earthquake, downtown Langley will be affected in a major, negative way.
Mr. Francisco’s project offers engineered bluff stabilization for his property and for First Street to the tune of at least 210 feet along First Street, at no cost to the City.
Langley’s 2011 Comprehensive Emergency Plan can be viewed at www.langleywa.com/documents/langleycempadopted_09_06_2011.pdf
There is far more than just water views at stake in downtown Langley.
LEANNE FINLAY
Freeland
