To the Honorable Mayor Biles and City Council Members: I wish to express my opinion regarding, and opposition to the proposed amendment to the Comprehensive Plan as recommended by the Planning Commission, for the nine blocks of proposed up-zoning to 55-77 ft multi-use structures. It was not feasible for me to attend the Tuesday, 5/21/00 public hearing. I very much appreciate that you allow comments for a few more days. Thank you! Following are a some of my observations for your consideration: - I am a county resident, but consider the City of Olympia "my town". And of course, it is the Capitol of our State, as well as the location of the County Courthouse. I feel that my input in our city should be considered. - My professional career has been for over 35 years in Landscape Architecture. I believe that this qualifies me to judge the visual and naturalness aspects of the proposal to raise the subject area's building heights. - Visually, the buildings that may result from the proposal will appear as a wall across what once was an inlet of Bud Inlet. For all basic purposes, half of the buildings will be on what is a in reality a causeway. This will look very odd, un-natural in the overall landscape and out of place. The artists perceptions that were published in the Olympian are projected to ignore this aspect. Please remember that the great cities of this world have been build on the foundation and recognition of a natural environment. I strongly recommend that additional artist perceptions are developed to address the views toward the subject areas from the water and Capitol Lake surroundings. The "No Built" alternative as well as other alternatives should be depicted also. The results should be analyzed and evaluated. - The L shaped zoning will form a wall of buildings that separate the "old" town from the waterfront. Again, very artificial in appearance. Artificial architectural treatments will not help the views from a distance. - As a boater, I am very concerned about the impression of Olympia as seen from the water. It should not be a mini Seattle. Bud Inlet should not be dominated by a wall of buildings at its terminus. There should be a natural transition from the water to the built environment. It should be friendly. Percival landing has helped this concept greatly. Question : Does anybody like the replacement buildings and atmosphere of the old Yardbirds site? Or Plum Street ? - I would like to recommend that the Council considers a far more reaching vision; Rezone the "cause way" along Fourth and Fifth to phase out buildings. Purchase the properties and redevelop the land into parks and public areas that are suitable for large gatherings of people, such as the various festivals and carnivals. That would be more in line with the original plans by Wilder and White's Capitol Plan. I have a sense that the State will help with the realization of such a plan. Imagine, a truly public area on this artificial peninsula between Capitol Lake and Bud Inlet. - I very much support the testimony by Rebecca Christie, Olympia Heritage Commission Chairman, Sue Lean, and others that look beyond the present. - Last, but not least: It's better to err on the safe side. I.e. Do not build Big buildings where they may not belong! I will appreciate when this e-mail becomes part of the hearing records. Thank you for considering my comments. J.A.Littooy 6732 Alpine Drive SW Olympia