Editor’s note: This is the inaugural article of occasional Guest Contributor columns from Sammamish residents. See this post for details about contributing to Sammamish Comment.

 How to attain sustainable housing affordability, create vast community wealth and improve driver experiences.

Paul Stickney

By Paul Stickney

Guest Contributor

Article One of Three

Disclosure: I have, since 1997, had an interest in a five-acre parcel on the Plateau with Richard Birgh, who has owned the land since 1968. In 2008, this property became part of the Town Center.

In Sammamish we, as a community, are facing many important issues, including:

• Trees coming down; Loss of tree canopy; Worries over wildlife habitat.
• Tough commutes, traffic congestion and worsening driver experiences.
• Storm water management; Erosion and sediment issues; Kokanee runs.
• Preserving community character and aesthetically displeasing development.
• Housing affordability and options to stay in Sammamish as ones needs change.
• Capital needed to remedy extensive, inherited transportation deficiencies.
• Voter tax fatigue – especially with recent impacts of McCleary and ST3.
• Costs of community desires – Open Space; Parks; Trails; Arts; Human Services.

Several of the above issues are symptoms of two fundamental root ailments.

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