2008/11/19 Council Agenda Packet

Page 1 of 2 Jan Meston From: Tina Guzinski [tina.guzinski@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, October 20, 2008 6:22 AM To: Jan Meston Subject: Riverside Historic Overlay Comments October 19, 2008 Jan Meston City of Everett Planning and Community Development 2930 Wetmore Avenue, Ste 8A Everett WA 98201 Re: Comment on the Notice of Historical Commission Hearing (Riverside Historic Overlay Zone) Dear Ms. Meston: I am stating my strong objection to the approval of a Riverside Historic Overlay Zone. I have owned my home since 1993. I fell in love with it and this neighborhood on sight. Over time, I have managed to make my improvements, creating my ever-changing vision to make a home that is comfortable, inviting and all while respecting its historic character. I believe that I have achieved much of that. I also realize that I still have a long way to go. Over the last 15 years I have watched other homeowners do the same. The people here take great pride in their homes, the history and the neighborhood. The Historic Overlay Zone is redundant and will only serve to deny us our rightsn as homeowners in making choices and decisions regarding our homes. My home received the 2008 Monte Cristo award from the City of Everett's Office of Neighborhoods. I find it very ironic that the things that make my home attractive would be in violation of the proposed standards for the Overlay. My neighbors, who received the Monte Cristo in previous years, would also be in violation of these standards. One thing that has repeatedly struck me about this proposed overlay is the arrogance of the people behind it. I attended the informational meeting over at the Everett Station a few weeks ago. I cannot help but expect that that arrogance would continue on in the life of the commission. Here are my reasons for objecting: Three people decided to stand in front of each of the 450 homes with a clipboard and decide what was right and what was wrong with the house. They would have been better served to knock on 450 doors and ask the residents what they thought of the idea. I have been doing this since that first meeting and I am not finding support for the overlay. These people-- not knowing, nor caring, of my plans, ideas, personal circumstances, financial considerations, my home-- decided what was right and what was wrong. That is supreme arrogance. I would encourage those few people to move to a home in a neighborhood association, where residents choose to be ruled by others,if that is their preference. We were told repeatedly that the commission would'guide'us and'encourage'us in our decisions and selections. As a fully-functioning adult, I neither need nor desire guidance or encouragement to make the'right decision'. I realize that there are people who can not fathom that,but it is fact. And even more 10/20/2008