Improve Town Center ‘before it is too late’

The Town Center is on its way to being an ugly enclave with sky-obscuring six- and seven-story buildings and no attractive commons. Before it is too late, form a Local Improvement District to finance a central park or commons with open space, gardens and trees and a play area to serve the children living in the apartments.

None of the new apartment buildings I visited have set aside areas for children to play in. Do they expect children to play only with electronic toys? Children living above the second floor play outdoors much less than those at street level or the second floor. (Children in the City Conference, 1970, Paris). Parents will not let five year olds walk alone six-eight blocks to parks and playgrounds.

Does the growth management act require that Mercer Island surrender its suburban character and become a wealthy slum? A few years ago I sent the planning commission photographs of the new and replacement homes being built on First Hill. None of the recipients live here and they were apparently unconcerned ( until a councilmember recently had an oversize house erected next to him. )

The setback then was five feet each side and 25 feet front and rear. eaves could project several feet into the setback and structures could rise above the 30 foot roof height.

The development department seemed more interested in the property tax revenue than the needs of the family when a friend wanted to build an 1800 sq. ft. home on their lot. They were urged to build to the maximum permissible size. The bank wanted the same and charged points for a smaller home.

An architect has written a book called “The Not So Big House” arguing that much space in large homes is wasted, costly to heat, harder to clean and maintain. No builders on Mercer island seems to have read it, nor have any prospective home owners.

I urge the city planners and councilmembers to arrest the kind of development I see all over the island. A smaller home can be a jewel of a house, planned according to needs rather than solely for investment value, preserving some open space to enhance the neighborhood. I hope it is not too late.

Alfred Skinner, M.D.

Resident since 1953