Hi all!
I recently wrote a letter that I plan to send to the Renton city council and mayor. Before I send it though, I was hoping to attach a list of names of local resident supporters to the bottom in a section labeled "Also supported by:" If you'd like to add your name, please let me know in a comment. If you are comfortable adding the name of your neighborhood, that would be great as well. I will add the names in the format of "John Doe - Benson Hill". (It's fine if you don't live in Renton. This is a larger regional issue, and so I'd happily take names from anyone in the local community who cares about our water.)
NOTE: Thanks to everyone that has added their name so far! When adding multiple names, if you could be so kind as to list them in the format of:
Steve Smith - Fairwood
Jane Smith - Fairwood
That would be wonderful so it's a little easier for me to copy/paste into my letter. Thanks again!
The letter is as follows:
Dear Mayor and Members of the Renton City Council,
I am writing to express my strong support for the city to acquire the Lakeside Industries Asphalt Plant site. This strategic move would capitalize on a crucial opportunity to safeguard our community's water supply and protect the environmental integrity of our city.
As you may or may not be aware, the chosen site for the proposed asphalt plant is located on top of the Cedar Valley Aquifer, which provides drinking water for the entire city. Consultants for Lakeside Industries have stated that they plan to inject their treated industrial runoff straight into the ground. This runoff could contain any number of things, including tar, gas, oil, and other industrial contaminants.
Just as a reminder, the city of Seattle has purchased 91,000 acres of the Chester Morse Lake watershed to protect their water supply, and the city of Irvine California is set to spend $360 million dollars to close down a single asphalt plant to improve their air quality. By contrast, the Lakeside Industries Asphalt plant site is currently only valued at about $12 million. But unfortunately that price will go up substantially if the plant is constructed and actively polluting our water and air.
Acquiring this river-front site would additionally offer an opportunity for the city to explore alternative uses that could benefit the community economically and socially. Whether through green space development, renewable energy projects, or other environmentally friendly initiatives, the city council has a chance to demonstrate leadership in promoting sustainable development practices.
I urge the Renton City Council to move forward with diligence and determination in pursuing the acquisition of the Lakeside Industries Asphalt Plant site, using eminent domain if necessary. By doing so, you will not only protect our water supply, but also uphold the values of environmental stewardship and community well-being that define our city.
Thank you for considering my perspective on this critical matter. I look forward to seeing Renton continue to thrive as a model of responsible urban development.
Sincerely,
Andrew Corman
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