Citizens for Responsible Growth

THANK YOU...To everyone who came to our meeting (April 17, 2008) on the
Urban Growth Area (UGA) expansions proposed by the cities of Snohomish and
Lake Stevens! As you heard, neither expansion is a "done deal." BUT... It will
take the input and effort of the local citizens to make sure our voices are heard
and our elected officials take action that is cost effective and benefits the
entire community.

There are many hurdles that either proposal must pass before the UGA
expansions can be approved (see below.) At this point, neither proposal can
pass the first "stop sign" - because capacity exists within the existing UGAs.
Before expansions are legally allowed both cities would have to request bigger
population allocations. Both cities also have to show that they have made a
significant effort to increase their capacity using adopted "reasonable measures"
before expanding the UGA. Reasonable measures might include such things as
rezoning for higher density, changing height limits, allowing mother- in-law
apartments.

Another obstacle for this kind of massive UGA expansion is paying for the cost of
infrastructure. The state law requires that funding to provide the needed roads,
sewers, and surface water drainage be in place. There are some particular
challenges here because of current problems on the roads and the strict limits of
how much sewage can be allowed into the Snohomish River.

It is important to remember that growth has NEVER been demonstrated to pay
for itself. If either or both of these expansions are approved, the tax payer will
be footing the majority of the bill through local, state and federal taxes. They
also pay for growth through sewer rate hikes, fees for surface water
management and by having to spend more time in their car, or study in crowded
classrooms. It is our view that since the expansion is not necessary, that the
citizens should not be burdened with either the increased tax burden or
the decreased quality of life.

How you can help
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