01273,k\
April 23, 1979
Planning Commission,
City of Edmonds,
Civic Center,
Edmonds, WA 98020
SUBJECT: "Shell Valley" PRD-1-79
Gentlemen:
Relative to the present application for Planning Commission approval of the
referenced project, four main areas of consideration should be,addressed:
(1) The original Environmental Impact Statement prepared by the Planning
Department incidental to opening Shell Valley to private development.
(2) The status of the existing residential development in Shell Valley.
(3) The.extene and impact of previously approved (but not yet built) PRD
development,in Shell Valley.
(4) Specifics of the present "Shell Valley" PRD-1-79 application.
Continued development of Shell Valley is not consistent with the findings or
recommendations of the initial Impact Statement, primarily with regard to
open space planning and restricted development within the valley to preserve
ecological assets. This Statement addressed itself to the entire valley, not
just individual plats and the findings are equally if not more pertinent to
Shell Valley today than ever before. Excerpts of this document, with partic-
ularly applicable reccommendations underlined are enclosed for your reference.
The valley's only existing development is "Shell Park", a 14.5 acre,.64 unit
Planned Residential Development. Division l includes 15 dwelling units on the
upper south rim with no access to the valley floor. Division 2 includes approx-
imately 6 dwelling units on the single access road and approximately 43 units
on the valley floor proper. This area is primarily a family residential area.
The valley currently experiences private and public property damage due to
uncontrolled storm water drainage, substantial traffic on steep,narrow, sight
impaired streets, minimal city street maintenance services, minimal and/or
interruptible garbage, mail,(and possibly emergency vehicle)) services in
severe weather, continuing loss of ecological environment, etc.
In the past year the city has approved at least 4 plats virtually doubling
the present dwelling density in the valley proper. None of these PRD's has
yet been substantially constructed; no dwelling units have yet been completed.
Considered seperately, each PRD may appear of acceptable impact on the valley
but the cumulative effect will be devastating and will impose substantial
problems that Shell Valley cannot absorb without signifigant adverse effect
on existing properties, utilities, streets and quality of life.
More specifically, as example, the automobile/traffic/single access situation
must be resolved.
Insufficient offstreet parking results in guest parking in the primary
thoroughfare, already wide enough only for two cars to pass.
RECEIVED
APR 2 4'79
CITY OF EDMONDS
PLANNING DEPT.
By