Oppose Rezoning for a high-density residential development on Viking Avenue (Proposal P-11-15-18-05)

From: The Concerned Citizens of the Viking Junction Community

We strongly oppose proposal P-11-15-18-05 rezoning for a high-density residential development. This rezoning proposal will negatively impact our close-knit neighborhoods, and damage an environmentally sensitive area.

Arguments to maintain current zoning of medium density:
• Mixed housing
The land in the proposal is currently zoned for medium density, which supports single family homes and town homes. Recently, a large high density apartment complex directly across the street from the proposal is in its final stages of completion (Arendal Apartments on Viking Avenue). The current Poulsbo zoning map shows many high density zones within the city but a lack of medium density zoning. Maintaining a medium density zone supports a mixed housing zoning strategy, which attracts a variety of individuals and families to make Poulsbo their home. That diversity is the character of Poulsbo we want to invest in, which the City of Poulsbo wisely calls out in its Comprehensive Plan.

• Noise pollution
The substantial deforestation necessary for high vs medium density development will remove a natural and important abatement for noise pollution from Highways 3 and 305. Noise pollution, as described by the Clean Air Act Title IV, has a psychological and physiological effect on humans, as well as an effect on wildlife and property (including values). Maintaining natural abatements allows Poulsbo to continue to grow in a sustainable manner, maintaining the quality of life for growing families.

• Backyard habitat
The forest green belt that would be removed as part of this proposal is home to bald eagles, great horned owls, red tail hawks, foxes, pileated woodpeckers, deer, etc. When cities push for too much high density development, they lose these critical urban interface spaces that are important both for animal and human health.

• Watershed support for Fish Park and Liberty Bay
There is a very steep slope within the proposed development down to Fish Park. A high density development will not allow for sufficient green space necessary to slow the storm water runoff. Maintaining healthy urban forestry in the backyards of low or medium density development would allow for the necessary canopy and understory to mitigate water run-off and subsequent negative water quality impacts for Fish Park, and also our precious Liberty Bay.

We respectfully and urgently request you deny the high density zoning proposal for P-11-15-18-05 and help maintain Poulsbo as community which prioritizes sustainable growth for its citizens.

Sincerely,
The Concerned Citizens of the Viking Junction Community