Thank you for following [the seaplane] story and bringing it finally to the public’s attention. As the author describes in the article, the Renton-based owner of Seaplane Scenics has been conducting sightseeing flights out of the Carillon Point marina on Lake Washington for over a year without a proper permit. The reason why this was tolerated for so long was that the city of Kirkland felt no need to enforce existing regulations – because “it hadn’t received a complaint.” Following this logic, no violations or even crimes would ever be prosecuted unless an aggrieved party stepped forward.

But the city officials’ cavalier attitude in this matter is not the main point. The now proposed establishment of daily flight schedules all year round would benefit a few and adversely affect many. Therefore it should be rejected.

The planned take-off and landing paths (four in all, according to the proposal) for the seaplanes would be in close proximity to the Yarrow Bay Wildlife Preserve, which houses many rare and endangered species, including bald eagles, ospreys and herons, as well as beavers, raccoons and turtles. The preserve and surrounding waters are the breeding grounds and main food supply source of many of these creatures that fish and hunt in this area. It would be unconscionable to further destroy their habitats through aggravated noise-, air- and water pollution.

The proposed operation would also create significant safety hazards for boaters, kayakers, paddle boarders, windsurfers, swimmers and divers who would no longer be able to safely enjoy their activities on Yarrow Bay and beyond. The thought of having planes take off and land in the midst of hundreds of water sport enthusiasts is nothing short of hair-raising.

In sum, approving this project would not be a good idea for Kirkland residents and visitors of our beautiful surroundings.

Fred Emerson, Kirkland