Citizens and homeowners in Washington have teamed up against a number of proposed housing developments that would replace more than 100 acres of open space and wetlands.
"This road, this field, this wetland, these trees and all the surrounding property are about to undergo a dramatic conversion. To the south, developers Brian and Mason Wolfe have applied to develop a 265-house subdivision called Rivendell on 55 acres. To the north of 107th, Fraser Downs and Glenwood Hollow would add 166 houses on 52 acres. To the east, Jackie's Landing would put 170 houses on 30 acres."
"North Pointe residents are up in arms over the prospect of high-density development on 5,000-square-foot lots at Rivendell. They predict it will lower their property values, create a traffic mess and encroach on the natural areas that attracted them in the first place."
"By 2011, if all that development comes to pass, this expanse of flat fields dotted by wetlands will be a grid of suburban streets and tract houses on small lots."
"State wildlife officials regard the wetland near 107th Street as critical wildlife habitat. They say it needs more protection than the 80-foot buffers the developer has proposed. Full protection would require 300-foot-wide buffers. Wetland enhancement work by Clark Public Utilities several years ago increased its value for waterfowl, said county wetlands specialist Brent Davis."
