HomeMy WebLinkAbout230.Souza, H.-DBS 5-11_LASMP Comment
Michelle McConnell
From:Henry Souza [henry@designsbysouza.com]
Sent:Tuesday, May 11, 2010 3:51 PM
To:Stewart, Jeff R. (ECY)
Subject:LASMP Comment
Attachments:DBS DOE Letter.pdf
Categories:LASMP Public Comment
Jefferee please except this email of my LASMP comments.
Thank you,
Henry
Designs by Souza, Inc.
Henry M. Souza, AIBD
164 Swanson Avenue
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Office: 360.379.8338
Fax: 360.379.9136
Cell: 360.643.3690
1
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Designs for Sustainable Living
Mr. Jefferee Stewart, Shoreline Specialist, DOE,
Regional Planner Via email attachment
Department of Ecology
300 Desmond Drive
Lacey, WA 98503
Email:jeff.stewart@ecy.wa.gov
RE: COMMENTS ON JEFFERSON COUNTY’S LOCALLY APPROVED
SHORELINE MASTER PROGRAM
Mr. Stewart,
I am an independent business person who is trying to carve out a career here in
Jefferson County. I have not been involved with the shoreline issues as many other
people. I am a Certified Professional Building Designer certified through NCBDC
and Certified Green Professional through the National Association Home Builders. I
am quite familiar with LID, green building, storm water mitigation and work almost
everyday with the building department in Jefferson County. I am not an attorney or
scientist so I would like to relate to you from a different level—the lay person.
I would like you address these points that I am having trouble understanding:
1) Why is it that the BAS Best Available Science changes at the County/City
line? The City of Port Townsend has 50’ buffers and next door on the county side it
moves to 150’ buffers.
Please help me understand this dichotomy so that I can rationalize how the BAS for
Jefferson County which recommends 150’ buffers and then right next door, the BAS
changes to 50’ buffers. This could only be if the Law of Physics actually changes.
2) Many people have spent a lot of hours on testifying, gathering comments,
and holding public meetings—which were not advertized very well—to come up with
a logical answer to protect our shorelines. The Planning Commission recommended
50’ buffers. Then their findings went to the Department of Community Development
and the staff at DCD also recommended 50’ buffers. The LASMP does not reflect
the people because the Board of County Commissioners changed our
recommendations to 150’ buffers.
164 Swanson Ave Voice 360.379.8338
Port Townsend, WA 98368 Cell: 360.643.3690
www.designsbysouza.com henry@designsbysouza.com
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Designs for Sustainable Living
3) Did DOE perform an economic impact statement? Is DOE aware that
many land owners may have to bear higher insurance rates due to having a non-
conforming structure? Does DOE know that mortgage interest rates may also
double? And we have lately heard that Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae may not
purchase loans on non-conforming properties.
The LASMP the way it is written at this time will only bring an extra burden on all
residents in Jefferson County because of the ever increasing property taxes due to
the devaluation of shoreline property. The LASMP does not reflect the citizen’s
respect and concern of the shoreline but most importantly no consideration to the
economic development which according to the GMA must consider.
Your reply will be most appreciated,
Henry M. Souza, CPDB, CGP
164 Swanson Ave Voice 360.379.8338
Port Townsend, WA 98368 Cell: 360.643.3690
www.designsbysouza.com henry@designsbysouza.com