Letter to the editor Residents its time to fight back on excessive growth

The Edmonds Planning Board is set to discuss staff recommendations that would exceed state density requirements, prompting significant resident opposition. Proposed changes include increasing building heights from 25 to 30-35 feet and allowing 45% lot coverage, which critics claim would eliminate green spaces and trees. Members of the Architectural Design Board, including Kim Bayer-Augusto, argue that these changes prioritize developers' interests over community needs. They express concern that the city staff and majority of Planning Board appointees are more focused on state mandates than on preserving the quality of life in Edmonds. Residents are encouraged to attend the Planning Board meeting on Wednesday at 6 p.

m. to voice their objections. The call to action emphasizes the importance of adopting only the minimum density requirements to protect the character of the city. Critics warn that failure to do so could lead to a future dominated by developers rather than community input. Maintaining Edmonds as "the gem of the Puget Sound" is a central theme in this ongoing debate.