Below is the email sent by the PPPC that summarizes the main points presented in the September 20th meeting:
Dear neighbors,
Thank-you to the approximately 65 folks that attended our Community Meeting yesterday, most of you were new faces so I am glad that the word is spreading about our concerns for the Frognal development. We had some political representation there as well which was encouraging. Please see the highlights below, including how you can help at the bottom!!
To summarize our concerns:
- Storm water & surface water impacts due to the loss of 18 acres of native ecosystem, introduction of 8.7 acres of impervious surfaces, cut & fill of dirt totaling 525,000 yards relocated, use of retention wells & rain gardens in “poor infiltration” and steeply sloped area, including: erosion, slides, sediment and pollutants, directly affecting neighboring properties and native growth protection areas, as well as the wetland, creek and Puget Sound.
- Addition of 1150 vehicle trips daily to local roads. Including roads that already do not meet engineering design standards. In an area that heavily utilizes backroads, not intended for such level of service, to avoid heavy traffic at arterial roads. Roads adjacent to schools that see a significant number of children walking to school or to bus pick up, without sufficient sidewalks.
- Significant traffic impact to 60th, leading directly to safety concerns regarding the 3 portables already within 20’ of roadway, per special permitting. This road is narrow and without sidewalks on its south side. There is currently no traffic barrier, sight barrier or sound barrier to protect the portables and students within. Should the road be widened as is needed by at least 7 ft for the addition of sidewalks, the potables will be within 15’ of the road and the new heavy traffic, including all of the construction traffic resulting from the buildout of Frognal over the next 3+ years.
- Roads within the development that do not meet county Engineering Design standards, per special deviation, for slope, curve, width or sight distance. Access to all 112 homes within the property is only via the 2 access points rather than the 5 right of way access points this property was intended to have. An emergency response nightmare.
- Long term costs associated with maintenance and damage to retaining walls, retention ponds, wells and rain gardens, 4 acres of landscaped open space, community trails, and private road, should the proposes HOA dissolve or be unable to meet the costs.
- AND Crowding in Public Schools already over capacity and using portables, results of windfall on remaining trees on property and on adjacent properties, decrease in surrounding property values, creek washout at culverts and road below the property, loss and impact to native growth, habitat and the beauty of nature in our area.What we are doing:
- Preparing for the Appeal and Hearing: Appeal due October 5th, hearing will be rescheduled per appeal, TBD
- Contacting and talking with anyone in a governing role that can help us!
- Looking into park options and purchase of property by SnoCo Parks & RecreationHOW CAN THE COMMUNITY BE INVOLVED:
- Donate Funds to our tax Deductible Picnic Point Preservation, we are halfway to raising the $25K needed for getting through the hearing process with our attorney and professionals giving testimony. Professional and legal representation are essential to being considered by the hearing examiner.
- Donations can be made on GoFundme: https://www.gofundme.com/xb8h3bc?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=email&utm_content=campaign_link_t&utm_campaign=welcome or by sending a check (preferred) to: 6009 137th PL SW, Edmonds 98026
- Write letters to any and all governing authorities, pick any of the topics above or any other specific concern you have and share them! Physical letters are strongly encouraged, letters/drawings from children are bonus, feel free to mention Picnic Point Preservation Committee and share our email contact: [email protected] Snohomish County Council: Contact Council, 3000 Rockefeller Ave., M/S 609, Everett, WA 98201 or [email protected]o City of Mukilteo: Executive and/or Planning & Community Development: 11930 Cyrus Way, Mukilteo WA 980275 or [email protected]o Mukilteo School District:
o Board of Directors:
o Judy Schwab, 3825 Shore Avenue Everett, WA 98203, [email protected]
o John Gahagan, 3810 Serene Way Lynnwood, WA 98087, [email protected]
o Michael Simmons, 12619 Sandpiper Lane Mukilteo, WA 98275, [email protected]
o Ron Johnson, 4619 79th Pl SW Mukilteo, WA 98275, [email protected]
o Geoffrey Thorp, 1115 128th St SW #J-104 Everett, WA 98204, [email protected]
o Superintendent: Marci Larsen: [email protected]
o Transportation: Cindy Stegerwald, [email protected]
o Communications & Public Relations: [email protected]
o Snohomish Planning and Development Services: Attn: Mr. Ryan Countryman, 3000 Rockefeller St. M/S 604, Everett, WA 98201 or [email protected]
o Snohomish Parks & Recreation: Director Tom Teigen, 6705 Puget Park Dr. Snohomish, WA 98296
o Send letters to editor for publishing in the Mukilteo Beacon or Everett Herald
- Attend the hearing once it is scheduled! Please stay tuned on email and via facebook
- Tell your neighbors, get them involved
- Join the committee with any time and talent you may have, it’s going to take the whole community to preserve the property and make a park!
Lastly for those who weren’t able to join us or who would like to continue to support our efforts, please join us next Sunday, September 28th we will be hosting an Ice Cream Social Fundraiser. Please come, bring kids, eat ice cream and make a donation, large or small. Meet neighbors, ask questions and do a forest walkabout. We will be hanging out in a backyard adjacent to the property on 60th and 136th PL SW (behind Picnic Point Elementary) from 4:30-6:30, drop by any time!C
Sincerely,
Emily Mydynski & the Picnic Point Preservation Committee