As long time property owners of several parcels on Pine Lake, we are relieved that the City is now moving to enhance protections of the shorelines via the new Shoreline Master Plan.

It would also be good if the city enforced the existing shoreline regulations. We invested our time and money on Pine Lake largely because of its relatively “natural” condition and green beauty.

We believe strongly that our real estate values would be improved with clear, reasonable and enforceable shoreline protections.

As an example, when a parcel is redeveloped, providing for 70 percent undisturbed native vegetation in the buffer areas, it is a step in the right direction.

Making it enforceable, however, means making it clear in the code exactly what that means and who would be affected and when, then enforcing it.

As people who fully support a strong SMP for Pine Lake, we have to admit that the process and proposed code sometimes seem about as clear as an algae bloom. It would be helpful for the city to provide a summary breakdown showing the current regulations in one column and the proposed change next to it in the second column.

That way folks can easily see what’s changing from the existing regulations and by how much.

We’d like to see the lake’s natural character, and our property values, preserved and enhanced for our grandchildren and not paved over. Thank you, City of Sammamish, for your hard work and perseverance on the SMP.

Brian and Gina Regan

Sammamish