By Mary L. Grady

Island citizens Marguerite Sutherland, Judith Roan and Anne Carden have filed an appeal against the determination of non-significance for the parking lot and traffic lane expansion planned at Island Park Elementary School and Island Crest Way. The primary issue is that the project would take up 14,000 square-feet — just under one-third of an acre — or 40 percent of an existing grass play field adjacent to the north side of the school.

The project is to be a joint effort of the city and the Mercer Island School District.

The city found that the project did not reach the threshold of potential adverse environmental impacts that would require a more in-depth environmental impact process.

The project involves the construction and paving of more space off Island Crest Way at the front of Island Park Elementary School to route cars dropping off children. The plan would add 32 parking spaces and turn-around areas for buses and cars and improvements for pedestrians. The paved surface in front of the school will be increased by about one-third, project designers said.

The school district and the city have discussed traffic and pedestrian safety issues at the school for many years, principal Kathy Morrison said.

The appeal states that the city did not take into account the impact on recreation of the loss of the field nor provided any mitigation for that loss. The appeal also said that the addition of parking spaces will result in unhealthy emissions for children. The appeal also states that the comment period and non-determination decision were rushed and should have had a design commission review.

City Planner Gabe Snedeker said it is the city’s opinion that there are no probable significant environmental impacts.

“It is the staff opinion that the appeal lacks substance and that the Planning Commission will deny the appeal,” he said.

The appeal will be heard either May 18 or June 1.

The appeal process has the potential to delay construction on the project, Snedeker said.

If successful, the appeal fee paid by the citizens, is refunded.