Dear Editor: The proposal to remove permanent commercial office space for a seasonal bus terminal is a perfect distillation of the lack of interest in the well-being of year-round residents and businesses.
It is also an extraordinarily high impact proposal that seems at odds with the purpose of conditional use. Far from being providing ‘‘flexibility’’ for developments appropriate to the existing character of the area it will require the demolition of an existing community asset, and represents a very substantial change to:
–the character of the neighborhood in which it is proposed
–levels of noise and pollutants where children’s brains and lungs are developing
–levels of particulates and noxious gases in close proximity to food being grown for consumption by local high school students
–flows of vehicular and pedestrian traffic that are already very difficult to navigate during the tourist season.
I will be asking that the Planning Commission recognize that the proposal is too disruptive and potentially dangerous for assessment as a ‘‘conditional use.’’ I believe that if this change is deemed necessary that it should be considered in the context of a more comprehensive long-term plan for that neighborhood.
The appearance of this proposal as a ‘‘conditional use’’ adds to my concerns about permanent changes made for the benefit of a seasonal industry. I will be attending the meeting tonight and encouraging others to do so.
Leah Mason, Sitka
