Linda Talman leaving Town Planning Commission

As everyone flips the calendar to 2021, Linda Talman is turning the page from her lengthy tenure on the La Conner Planning Commission.

A retired teacher known for her thorough grasp of land use policies and as a tireless advocate for public parks, safe walking routes, wetland preservation and recreational opportunities for children, among other causes, Talman last week announced via a social media post her intent to step down from the Town advisory panel.

“It’s time, right?” she asked in a statement posted just days after casting the lone dissent in a Planning Commission decision to forward to the Town Council a recommendation that Hedlin’s Ballfield on Maple Avenue be rezoned to accommodate proposed future residential development there in addition to a park and play area.

The Town has an option to purchase the nearly two-acre property, which it has leased annually for generations as a youth sports venue.

“They say it will be 25 per cent park,” Talman said in her statement, “but are not asking to zone it 25 per cent for public use. One hundred per cent residential is (what is being) asked for.

“It isn’t healthy for the Town to act as if housing is the only goal,” she said. “It isn’t. Not by a longshot.”

Mayor Ramon Hayes, while lauding Talman’s service, differed with her take on the housing issue.

“We’re not just focused on housing,” he said, noting the Town cannot afford to purchase the Hedlin property and retain it entirely for public use.

Talman’s current commission term expires on Thursday. She told the Weekly News she underwent back surgery last week, though did not indicate if that factored into her decision to withdraw from the commission.

“It’s been an honor to serve,” Talman stressed. “I am leaving the Planning Commission after decades of service. I have advocated for multi-modal transportation, public access and for parks for all of us – especially children and the residents who live on small properties with no space.”

An avid walker who enjoys strolling the waterfront, Talman says the popular downtown boardwalk “is awesome,” but laments it is not a place where children can play.

Hayes said Talman’s independent voice on the commission will be missed.

“She’s a very valued member of the Planning Commission,” Hayes said. “She has been a strong advocate and with her background as a teacher it has given her a leg up when it comes to sifting through and analyzing information.”

Talman has put out a public plea for others who share her goals to seek appointment to the commission.

“It’s time to have someone step up and carry on with the mission,” she said.