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Sat, 11 May, 2002
Dear Mayor Biles and Members of the Olympia City Council: I am writing to express my strong opposition to increased building heights along the Heritage Park waterfront. In my 7 years in Olympia I have seen miraculous improvements in or downtown, especially renovation and development of housing North of State street, and relocation and expansion of the Farmers Market, for which I am extremely grateful to city leaders and community members. Completion of the Heritage Park and surrounding improvements will mark another milestone in our city, both as the state capitol and as a community who respects the value of its natural beauty, stunning vistas and a balanced approach to development. All of this visionary planning and work will be severely marred by allowing high-rise condominiums along this waterfront area. While there are surely many other locations that are appropriate for high-rise buildings, the Heritage Park area is not one of them. Olympia's Heritage waterfront area is already marked by one high-rise eyesore. We should not add insult to injury. Please do not approve increased building heights for high-rise development along the Heritage waterfront. The only winners are the real estate developers who will profit, and the wealthy who can afford the price tag for a water view. The remainder of Olympia's citizenry would be cheated of the promise of a Heritage Park that delivers what its designers promised, and what our community expects. Alan Hardcastle |