Reader viewopinion Edmonds development code must protect steep slopes in Westgate neighborhood

Arlene Williams, a resident of Edmonds’ Westgate neighborhood, warns that proposed developments on steep slopes could pose significant risks to safety. She has documented evidence of instability, including bent trees that signify slipping ground, contradicting a geotechnical report that claimed the area was stable. This report, dated February 23, 2017, assured officials that the hillside behind the Village Apartments was safe, raising questions about its accuracy. Williams calls for the Edmonds Council to establish clearer development guidelines that would prioritize safety over developer interests. She argues that vegetation removal and hillside undercutting should be prohibited to maintain slope stability.

Additionally, she insists on the importance of considering groundwater issues and the need for adequate stormwater infrastructure before approving any new projects. Williams emphasizes that density in the Westgate area must be tightly regulated to protect both current residents and future inhabitants. Her advocacy underscores the community's demand for responsible development practices in light of environmental concerns.