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Dear Friends,

I would like to provide an update for town issues from my side of the table.

Regarding the north end issue, an appeal of the 306 Center Street project permit is working its way through the steps in the process. The issues are the Contract Rezone which was not honored and the Administrative Determination that we perceive to have errors. The oral arguments are Dec. 1. These arguments are the second last step.

Code: Code change suggestions are being sent or already have been sent to the planner to be placed on the docket for 2023 discussion and review. This is the only window of opportunity to submit ideas. This is why we wanted to have the Planning Commission be willing to provide times in their meetings so that people can talk with them, but the chat isn’t required. And the council was opposed. The window for submission closes on January 31. I have no idea what has already been submitted to the planner because it is not shared.

It should be.

Trees: A wish list. Trees produce a cooling effect and give habitat to birds. Our home doesn’t need air conditioning because of the trees here. Trees are protected in the Historic Preservation District. The rest of town is not protected and trees are disappearing. I hope that a group can be formed to identify special trees and consider how to encourage their protection.

Non-motorized transit, e.g. bikes and pedestrians. Also EV chargers. Another wishlist. We aren’t doing well with this category and need to figure ways to improve – for health reasons, for habitat and to make us less reliant on fossil fuels.

Citizen action: The next council meeting is Dec. 13. Pack the room! See you there.

Thanks for your interest. I love hearing from you when I see you on the streets! All questions are welcome.

Cheery,

Linda Talman

La Conner