Dear neighbors, I am chairman of the Historical Review Committee for Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve, writing to encourage your review of the new design review process and standards being proposed.

You can review them on-line at www.islandcounty.net/planning/2009Docket.htm and also at the town of Coupeville Web site. This proposal affects all of us and it is in our interest to take a look and comment.

The purpose of these ordinances is to protect the scenic beauty of the reserve, its rural character, cultural landscape, and to preserve the historic structures that contribute to the character of the town and the reserve.

These standards govern new construction, remodels, tree removal, house colors, demolition of structures … pretty much anything you do to the outside of your house. The goal is to respect the individual rights of property owners while protecting the reserve for the enjoyment of all.

The town and the county have worked jointly and diligently to create this new process and now is the time for public comment. I have seen these standards go through many changes already, based on input from people like you who have commented so far. If you do not have the time to read it all, just go to the sections that interest you the most.

Make your comments by mail or email to either the Town Planning Director Larry Kwarsick, or to Island County Planning Director Bob Peterson. Your comments do have an affect so please get involved, take a look, and comment.

James Moore

Coupeville