HomeMy WebLinkAbout75- Heinz CommentsREGARDING: APPLICANT: POMONA WOODS LLC
From Kathy M. Heinz
PARCEL NUMBERS; 921183008 AND 921183002
LIST OF ONGOING CONCERNS AND QUESTIONS
First and foremost, I would like to express our concerns regarding an adequate supply of
potable water for this site. With surrounding neighbors experiencing water outages during the
long Summer drought months and the ongoing risk of Saltwater intrusion, this project should not
be allowed to proceed without a formal commitment to secure water through the Quimper
Water System.
II. ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
This property has 2 Wetlands,2 streams and a great deal of 80-100 year old trees. The fact that
these areas were not identified during the SEPA process and were readily located when we
called out The Department of Ecology, leads me to believe the SEPA Determination of
Non-Significance was done without a thorough review of the entire property. It is also of great
concern that both SEPA Determinations were made after long drought conditions and they did
not look at the subject property during the rainy season. This is especially true due to the large
clearcut that was recently completed to the North and West sides of this proposed development.
I contend that this determination should be reassessed in the rainy months with the newly
completed clearcut taken into account. These new circumstances should be taken into
consideration and a determination made on the change in conditions.Without this complete
assessment, the determination of adequate infrastructure cannot be made. Has there been a
study done by a hydrogeologist to determine the effects of runoff from the clearcut and
proposed impermeable surfaces? I believe that, wherever possible, the use of semipermeable
materials should be considered and implemented to prevent runoff onto our property and the
waterfront homes on Oak Bay Road..
III. THE CONDITIONAL USE IS HARMONIOUS IN DESIGN, CHARACTER AND
APPEARANCE OF EXISTING DEVELOPMENT
The proposed 24 room hotel,resort, commercial kitchen, 30 space parking lot, guest cottage and
delivery area are not harmonious with the existing development in the area. The only other
enterprises that have been approved in rural residential zones have been small cottage
industries. This development is far too large in size and scope to not have a detrimental effect
on the quality of life on nearby and bordering properties.On the Pomona Woods Facebook
page, Ann’s property is described as a hotel and conference center. I feel that the description of
her proposal to the County as a Small-Scale Retreat Center is misleading. It leads me to
wonder, how does a proposed hotel and conference center maintain existing property owner’s
rights to their quiet, rural lifestyle? Furthermore, the intended character of the construction on
Exhibit 75
Exhibit 75 Page 1028
said property is a vast divergence from existing retirees homes on Oak Bay Road and could set
a precedent for large commercial development in existing rural neighborhoods.
IV THE CONDITIONAL USE WILL NOT INTRODUCE NOISE, SMOKE, DUST, FUMES,
VIBRATIONS, ODORS OR OTHER CONDITIONS THAT AFFECT PROPERTIES IN THE
VICINITY
There is an expectation that owners of residential property have a right to the peaceful
enjoyment of said property. I feel that the impact of this development on our property and quality
of life have not been properly addressed, One to two years of commercial construction, the
arrival and departure of up to 35 guests daily, delivery trucks, hikers, campfires, operating noise
and gatherings will increase the noise levels on our property 100 to 1000 fold.We would have
ongoing traffic fumes, dust and odors from construction and vehicles arriving and departing.,
and greatly increased noise pollution. How are my rights to a peaceful environment being
upheld?
With the construction of a large glass structure with outdoor lighting for paths and common
areas and headlights from vehicles, our property will be inundated with light pollution. The North
side of our property does not offer adequate natural screening at the proposed building site to
block this light and the sight line of the parking and building areas.
V LOSS OF SECURITY AND PRIVACY
The current state of our property is a totally quiet, and private environment. The only access to
our house is through a gated driveway. This security and privacy will be greatly affected by the
proposed development. With only signs to keep trespassers off of our property, there will
undoubtedly be hikers wandering onto our land from the whole north Side. Given the fact that
the majority of the Pomona Woods property is steep and unhikeable, there will be a natural
inclination to stray onto our acreage. The prospect of encountering strangers on our property is
very concerning, especially with my Grandchildren playing in the woods.
VI THE PUBLIC INTEREST SUFFERS NO DETRIMENTAL AFFECTS
The vast majority of residents in this area are retirees who sought out a quiet area to purchase
their homes and live a rural lifestyle. The expectations of existing residents is a continuation of
the lifestyle that they bought and paid for. I believe that it is a reasonable expectation that this
lifestyle would not be jeopardized by large scale development in a rural, forested environment
and that the dreams of one would not overshadow that of all existing homeowners.
VII .LIG
Exhibit 75 Page 1029