Letter to the editor Should we rush or be thoughtful about parking changes?

The Washington state legislature enacted a law requiring cities with populations between 30,000 and 50,000, including Edmonds, to adopt new parking regulations. These regulations dictate one parking space per residential unit and remove required spaces for homes under 1,200 square feet. Residents are concerned about the potential impact on safety due to Edmonds' narrow streets and limited sidewalks. The law provides cities up to three years to assess whether safety can be guaranteed, allowing for variances if necessary. Local advocates emphasize the importance of a thorough traffic assessment before adopting these new minimums.

They believe that rushing to implement the law without adequate analysis could endanger pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Community members can express their opinions to the Planning Board before their meeting on May 14. Ensuring resident safety should remain a priority during the legislative process.