Comments regarding Henry Lot 9069 Reasonable Use Application1
Tina Piety
Sent:Tuesday, February 16, 2021 11:30 AM
To:Plng Inquiry
Subject:Comments regarding 'Henry Lot 9069 Reasonable Use' application
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Dear Mr. Davis,
I am writing to comment on the Critical Areas Reasonable Use permit request known as "Henry Lot 9069 Reasonable
Use."
I believe the proposal for the development of “Henry Lot 9069 Reasonable Use” should not be approved. This piece of
land is one of few left in the area that provides housing for native wildlife and protects the integrity of the land as it once
was.
Wetlands are some of our most protected areas, and for good reason. Wetland ecosystems play an integral role in
lessening flood damage, purifying polluted waters and replenishing aquifers. Even when wetlands seem to be minimally
impacted by building, there is often direct habitat loss, an addition of soil and materials which may heavily disrupt
purification and absorption, a change in water levels and flow regimes which may be detrimental to vegetation,
introduction of non‐native species which compete with the native, and the introduction of invasive species.
Rabbits, occasional deer and coyotes, and a plethora of birds live in out‐of‐reach areas such as this and roam the
periphery of the neighborhood, which would only be pushed out further if developed. The “Wetlands and Drainage
Corridors Evaluation & Delineation Report” published by the City of Federal Way states that the wetlands of this area are
“known to perform significant roles in the ecosystem, some of which are of immediate value to society… The functions
provided by wetlands include hydrologic support, shoreline protection, stormwater and floodwater storage, water
quality, groundwater recharge, and provision of wildlife habitat.”
(https://docs.cityoffederalway.com/WebLink/ElectronicFile.aspx?docid=846637&dbid=0&repo=CityofFederalWay)
There are plenty of homes in Federal Way for sale, and many plots of land without wetlands where a new house could
be built. Building on this land is unnecessary and would be a detriment to the integral naturality of the state and city.
There are dozens of houses for sale within just a few miles of this plot and Washington State currently has more than
25,000 houses for sale within its borders, many of which are close to wetlands but either do not impede on their
processes or that have already been damaged to the point that new occupants might not have such a severe negative
impact on the land. Each new plot which is sold out leads to the potentially fatal relocation of wildlife and affects the
depollution and hydrologic supports of untamed land. If the goal of this family is to live near wetlands, there are a
number of ethical ways they may do so that would be productive for the existing housing market of Washington State.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Midori Tanouye
33037 47th Ave. SW
Federal Way, WA 98023
253.740.5667