Don't sell Kirsch property

Open letter to the Town Council:

The recent vote of the council to sell the Kirsch property violates our codes and is a theft from future generations here. I have attached a letter that I wrote in 2015 with citations from these documents. Back in that year (2015) you tried to sell it to fund Conner Park – and look – it’s funded. The same is true in 2019. The ring dike will get funded as long as there is the political will to do so.

Nowhere in the ordinances does it say that it is acceptable to diminish the total amount of public access. Quite the opposite is true.

The boardwalk is perfect for exercise and enjoyment (and business) – but it is not a park. Unlike Conner and Pioneer Parks, the Kirsch property is usually sunny all during daylight hours.

The pocket park next to this property will be irreparably diminished. It will become another shaded park and too small for anything. And the currently expansive view looking south on the channel will be blocked (photo sent to Council) leaving us with a tunnel view of a narrow piece of the opposite bank. No views of fireworks, canoe journeys, migrating boat traffic and skies. Big skies.

I understand you want to fund the dike. There are other ways. This was your lowest hanging fruit and it is a mistake. It is penny wise and pound foolish.

Retention of Kirsch property is an investment in our future. It enhances our experience of the “pocket park” next to it – even/especially with no development on the pier. The pocket park without the views is close to worthless.

The north end of the town has no parks. None. Parking lots. Parking spots. Bus parking – yes. The area is business focused but has nothing for residents.

Rescind the vote to sell.

Respectfully,

Linda Talman

La Conner