20080701145635.pdfJohn A. Heinz
518 Bell Street, #201
Edmonds, WA 98020-3164
30 June 2008
Gina Coccia, Project Planner
City of Edmonds, Development Services Planning Division
and
Jeanie McConnell, Engineering Program Manager
City of Edmonds, Development Services Engineering Division
121 5`' Avenue North
Edmonds, WA 98020
Subject: 207 and 2115`' Avenue North Multifamily Project (ADB -2007-0079)
Ref: (1) My letter dated 9 December 2007 to Gina Coccia
(2) My letter dated 4 January 2008 to Gina Coccia
I have addressed this letter to both of you because I don't know which is responsible for review and
approval of the construction documents. I would like to know the status of the project and when
construction documents will be available for review, and how I can have an opportunity to review
and comment on the construction documents before the building permit is granted. Please respond to
my e --mail address, included in the signature block below.
The reference letters each followed my attendance at meetings of the Architectural Design Board
wherein the architect presented and discussed schematic design documents that had been submitted
for review and approval by the ADB in order to be authorized to proceed with development of the
construction documents for the project. Of the many concerns I have about various design elements
presented (or implied), I opted to address only three highest -level concerns in each: Ref (1) the roof
design, the heat pumps, and pumping storm water; and Ref (2) the heat pumps, the roof design, and
the exterior vertical envelope. I also have read many of the letters from citizens, made available at
the ADB meetings, and have to say that, in my view, the architect has not been forthright in meeting
the needs of the ADB. Significant schematic review elements are not adequately represented in the
documents made available prior to my second. letter. I don't know of happenings since.
I live in a condo on Bell Street wherein the subject project site is a dominant feature in our territorial
view_ Thus, I have become increasingly interested in the project for a variety of reasons. To put it all
into just one sentence, we don't want that view corrupted by building features that may have limited
sustainability without extraordinary attention and maintenance investment by the several owners of
the condo units. However, without an opportunity to review the construction documents, I realize it
is premature to assume the worst case scenario. Nonetheless, from what I have seen so far, there are
a number of "high-risk" elements that will present serious long-term problems for the future owners
of the nine condominiums in this project. So far, I have not gained confidence that these potential
problems will be obviated by thoughtful and thorough resolution by the architect as the construction
documents are completed.
In that regard, I attend City Council meetings when there are subjects of interest to me.
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the 17 and 24 June meetings. However, I have read the minutes
of the 17 June meeting, Audience Comments, Concerns with Development Services .Department, and
1 of 2
then watched the video on Channel 21 of the 24 June meeting wherein Duane Bowman responded to
the comments. I note that the architect for this project led the way on 17 June. He is a fine one to be
judging the performance of others. His performance on this project leaves a lot to be desired. If I
were the ADB, I would still be on his case for all that was not adequately presented at the two
meetings I attended. I thought Duane's response was thoughtfully and thoroughly presented.
I have a long history in your roles. When I returned from the Korean War, I was privileged to work
in the private sector for ten years with (then) Seattle's hands -down leading engineering consulting
firm, following which I worked for thirty years in the public sector with Seattle's leading institution.
Facilities design, design review, design standards development, construction, commissioning,
maintenance, operation, management, and administration are a wonderful and rewarding life -time
experience. But it has its moments. All in the public sector are potential targets for criticism and I
had my fair share of representing (defending) my staff and myself on all of the same challenges. That
goes with the territory. Inadequate funding and resultant inadequate staffing levels are the norm in
the public sector. We acquitted ourselves well most of the time. Once in a while we tripped. I had
wonderful mentors along the way. They taught me to have high standards and impeccable ethics. Do
your staff work well, and treat your critics fairly and graciously- If you do, you need not worry.
John A. He'
425.673.9715
jheirlz@u.washington.edu
c7Ndocuments and settingsljolinlmy documentsldata files activeledmonds108.06.30.207 & 211 5th ave north.doc
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
John A. Heinz, P.E.
Facilities Engineer, 1966-1970
Plant Maintenance Officer, 1970-1978
Director, Aysical Plant Department, 1978-1988
Director, Engineering Services, 1988-1996
Retired 1996
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" umo- (1QQ 364 2" email: jheinz@u.washington.edu
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