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Page 2 of 2 <br /> astounding is the fact that I trust my neighbors to be fully-functioning decision-makers. <br /> One of the things that excited me, back in 1993, when I saw this property compared to two others for <br /> sale on my street, was the fact that there was a one-bedroom apartment over the garage. It offered me <br /> the ability to pay for many of the improvements I have made to my home. Per the draft standards, <br /> however, I would not be able to rebuild that structure should it be destroyed. The creation of the <br /> commission could have a substantial impact on my income. As I am not the only homeowner with <br /> income property within the zone, the impact would not be to me alone. <br /> I object to the concept that the lawns should be open with foundation plantings only. In this era where <br /> we are only just beginning to feel the effects of global warming, to encourage open lawns is criminal. I <br /> have strived to reduce my lawn to only small sections and incorporate water-saving plantings all in an <br /> effort to diminish the carbon footprint I leave behind. We live in the 21st century and it is our <br /> responsibility as citizens to live it responsibly. We owe it to our children to leave a functioning planet <br /> more than we owe it to the historic commission to leave a lawn. <br /> Cost considerations. Damage usually requires repair and not total replacement. However, damage to <br /> some feature of my home that the commission has deemed 'wrong' would mean replacement with what <br /> is likely a costlier option. We are residents in a modest neighborhood. Many of us have very limited <br /> incomes. We make our decisions on factors that need not become the business of a commission. With <br /> so many people on restricted incomes it is more likely that the repair will go undone and our lovely <br /> neighborhood will become an eyesore. <br /> Personal choice. I am a big proponent of personal choice as well as personal responsibility for the <br /> choice. People do not require'guidance' or'encouragement'to do the right thing. Especially by people <br /> who do not have any understanding of what is right for that homeowner. <br /> Timing. I find the timing questionable. This process has the appearance of being rushed through. <br /> Perhaps it has been discussed,but where and by whom? The majority of the residents did not know <br /> anything about this proposal until very recently. I was told that it was discussed in the neighborhood <br /> meetings and published in the newsletter? Newsletter? I received one this month. The one prior to that <br /> was years ago. I remember it only because there was a survey in it asking how funds should be spent <br /> and someone proposed spending it, not on sidewalk repair, but for a float for a parade. Memorable <br /> idiocy that did not inspire me to get involved with that particular group. Back to the topic of timing. I <br /> find it questionable also, because in this economic downturn when people are fighting to put food on the <br /> table,a proposal that would raise our property taxes is being rushed through. That is not responsible <br /> leadership by the city. <br /> From its inception, the Riverside Historical Overlay Zone has been poorly handled. I am extremely <br /> fearful of the quality of the work the commission would do should the worst happen and this overlay be <br /> approved. I have spoken with many of my neighbors and have yet to find a single one who is in favor of <br /> making this change. The only purpose it will serve is the ego of the commission itself to the detriment <br /> of property owner rights and our ability to make our own decisions. <br /> Respectfully, <br /> Tina Guzinski <br /> 3008 Victor Place <br /> Everett WA 98201 <br /> 425-259-5216 <br /> 10/20/2008 <br />