I am writing in response to the letter from Heather Kaminski, purporting to speak for the Board of Friends of Saint Edward State Park Speaking as only one member of the Friends of Saint Edward State Park board, I do not believe a majority of the board sees “value in State Parks approving an initial short-term occupancy agreement so a more thoughtful long-term process can proceed.” At the December meeting of the board information on this proposal was discussed, but no vote was taken on the issue.

No member of the public has yet seen the “temporary right of entry” agreement State Parks staff claims is needed to keep this proposal alive. If such an agreement allows “occupancy” that conflicts with the city of Kenmore’s zoning for the property, and if it creates a financial liability for State Parks if and when the tenant vacates the building, it would be illegal on its face. The advocate of this proposal also claims it will require 400 parking spaces. That’s 3.67 acres minimum of new asphalt, or a parking garage. Supposedly, State Parks would be responsible for funding this. In short, many of us see a lot more downside than upside with this proposal. We also see history repeating itself as State Parks is attempting to move this proposal through a very truncated approval process with minimal chance for public involvement and no attempt to evaluate its impacts on the park, as required by the adopted Classification and Management Plan for Saint Edward State Park.

Tom Fitzpatrick, Kenmore