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Fair hearing is a right
I have recently become aware of the intention to build a crematorium in Carlsborg. I feel this is an inappropriate site for this business due to the fumes and possible health issues involved. Clean fresh air is something that we all value, but some of us have made this area our home expressly for this reason.

This particular building site at 110 Business Park Loop not only affects the residents in the immediate area but also everybody that frequents the Carlsborg Post Office and enjoys the Discovery Trail as well as the small businesses in the area. I am greatly concerned about the smoke and fumes from this facility.

The public should be notified in a fashion that allows people to be aware that there is a public hearing taking place in regards to issues that impact them. Otherwise, it cannot accurately be depicted as a public hearing. I feel that citizens of this area have a right to a fair public hearing in relationship to this building proposal.
Patricia Jenkins
Sequim

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Build crematory in editor’s backyard
Shame on you, Mary Powell, for stating in your editorial “Not in Carlsborg’s Backyard” that “Mercury, it turns out, is a nonissue.” Mercury is a huge issue when it comes to crematoriums. “There is no safe level of mercury.” This is a quote from a reliable scientific source. And crematoriums do emit mercury.

Also, Ms. Powell, you stated “to be fair, the county did post a land-use proposal sign ?.  But as often happens, people don’t pay attention ?.” Are you telling us then that we should all go tromping around all the potential building sites at least once or twice a week looking for signage?

The bottom line, Ms. Powell, is that there are many, many people who live quite close to this proposed crematorium site. There are a school, a day care, several eating establishments and a post office nearby. Yes, a crematorium is needed, but where Mr. Linde wants his is not the appropriate place. Perhaps Mr. Linde should build in your backyard!
Anita Gayheart
Sequim

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Crematory too close for comfort
Jason Linde has applied for a conditional use permit for a crematorium in the Carlsborg Industrial Park, a low-lying area zoned “light industry.” The closest businesses are Sequim Valley Pump (located in the same building), Anjo Soils and the Carlsborg Post Office. In the close vicinity, although not necessarily within the arbitrarily-zoned boundaries of the industrial park, businesses include The Old Mill Cafe and hotel being built, a child care center, Gabby’s Java Hut and Olympic Springs Water. Farther away, but still within close proximity, are homes, a church, an elementary school and our beloved Olympic Discovery Trail. 

Carlsborg is not an appropriate location for a crematorium or major incinerator. According to Dennis McPhee, the director of licensing for the Washington State Funeral Cemetery Board, there are currently 78 crematoriums operating in Washington. The only free-standing one is located at UW’s School of Medicine — Body Donation Center, which is a logical location. All other crematoriums are appropriately located inside or adjacent to funeral homes and cemeteries. A crematorium in Carlsborg, which is not included in the zoning and not a logical location, would be the second free-standing one. 

Sequim has its own Sequim View Cemetery. This would be a more appropriate location for a crematorium. It sits atop a hill, among grass and trees. Without the sign, one would not know the cemetery existed. A crematorium located there would probably not be visible, either.

Another reason that the Carlsborg location is inappropriate is based on history. Every time I think of a crematorium in Carlsborg, I am reminded of the horrors of the Holocaust. If the crematorium is permitted, everyone in the area will know of its presence, no matter how much landscaping is planted or whether or not signage is present. No one who lived through World War II, especially Holocaust survivors, should be forced to deal with thoughts of that trauma every time they go to work, go out to eat, get their mail or walk outside their front door.

A crematorium in Carlsborg is an example of inappropriate usage of land and disrespectful to all business owners, employees, residents and tourists. It should be stopped. 
Marnee Foldoe
Sequim

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Discovery Trail yes, in neighborhood, no
In the April 30, 2008, issue of the Sequim Gazette, the article “City Hall, trail connector headline town hall meeting,” misquoted the context of what I said at the town hall meeting Monday night past.

First I was quoted as living on Fir Street. That is incorrect, we live on Spruce Street.

I did say “it infuriates me,” not because the trail was proposed to go across Fir Street but rather, in last week’s paper Mr. Schubert was quoted as saying he had “promised” the Fir Street residents that he would never approve the Discovery Trail to be placed on Fir, yet recommended Spruce Street. Mr. Schubert did clarify his statement stating this was what the former city council had said in 2001.

Most people know Spruce Street is the short cut across town, as it is now a through street and helps alleviate the traffic traveling on Washington Street trying to get across town. This was a good plan by the city.

Even the increased vehicle traffic is OK, but to tear up existing landscape and sidewalks to lay an ugly 8- to 10-foot swath of asphalt is what infuriates me!

There is no reason this trail cannot go south on Brown to Washington Place (where there are no homes on the south side of this street) connecting to Zwicker Trail and right into the driveway of Carrie Blake Park.

Why would a city even “think” of tearing up existing sidewalks when they cannot afford to put sidewalks in on Prairie, Maple, Hammond and so forth?

I wish to make it clear, I am not opposed to the Discovery Trail, I am only opposed to destroying the aesthetics of our neighborhood.
Sally Crawford
Sequim

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Thanks for the good information
Heartfelt thanks for your excellent article on celiac disease. Educating the public on celiac disease and gluten intolerance is truly a public service. We are so blessed to have celiac expert Sue Eliot living in our community and providing such valuable information.

My heart goes out to the anonymous Sequim man who feels “stigmatized” by having celiac disease. It’s not something you “catch!” And it doesn’t have to ruin your life or your outlook on life. My husband was diagnosed with celiac disease almost 29 years ago when it was almost unheard of and resources were almost nonexistent. Together we have become educated and managed his gluten-free diet successfully. Yes, it can be inconvenient and annoying, but it’s not something you have to hide from your friends and family. We have found they are more than willing to learn how to accommodate his dietary restrictions (just as they would for diabetics, etc.) 

I strongly urge anyone who suspects they may have celiac disease or gluten intolerance to contact Sue Eliot and to attend the next Gluten Intolerance Group meeting on May 24 in Port Townsend. The information, education and sharing experiences with other celiacs will absolutely change your life for the better.
Deborah Groesbeck
Sequim

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Your opinions on issues of community interest and your reaction to stories and editorials contained in your Sequim Gazette are important to us and to your fellow readers. Thus our rules relating to letters submitted for publication are relatively simple.

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