Citizens and Neighbors for a Sustainable Redmond is pursuing a judicial appeal of the City of Redmond’s decision to approve clear cutting the 28-acre urban forest in the Overlake neighborhood. This is a sudden change from what has been communicated before. The amendment to ONP stated: "It will maintain its campus-like feel, with significant trees and tree stands, and buildings that are primarily mid-rise (up to 5 to 6 stories) in height."
Instead, we're now facing the loss of more than 1,000 trees, including 65 "landmark" trees, estimated to be 150 to 250 years old, (30-50 in. diameter), and 985 "significant" trees.
Other local organizations which oppose the forest destruction include:
- Eastside Audubon Society,
- Sustainable Kirkland
- Friends at Overlake Village,
- Villa Marina Condominium Association
See also
- City of Redmond's Tree Removal Handout
- Related Patch blogs
- Redmond Reporter article
What you can do
- Come to Soul Food Books on 3/28/12 at 7pm - that is tomorrow!
- Tell Group Health (the owner of the property) about your concerns.
- Send a check to help defray legal costs to:
Citizens & Neighbors for a Sustainable Redmond
PO Box 2194, Redmond, WA 98073
(donations are not tax deductible)
As the City of Redmond writes on its official website (http://www.redmond.gov/Government/AboutRedmond): "The city prides itself for its [...] protection of the natural environment." This is not just vain pride, it is also an economic argument. Our forests are not just some people's hobbyhorse, they are an important reason why Redmond is a great location for an industry that relies on attracting highly qualified people from far beyond our State. I presume that, like most people, you enjoy having a nice view from your window. (If you don't, please understand that many do; a good view is a huge factor in property values. Of course, there's more to trees than the view, but let's keep it simple.) Unless you have a huge garden, much of that view is probably not something you own. What would you say if that view were blocked by a high wall your neighbors built on their property? (This is not just a rhetorical question; I really want to understand where you're coming from. I haven't met many people who absolutely don't care what their neighbors do with their property. If you're truly one of them, then I can respect your opinion.)