The Commons Field, AKA: A Future Hotel, 425 Units, and Underground Parking?

The field behind The Commons is under threat of a massive development that includes 400,000 sf of commercial space, a hotel, 400+ residential units, as well as underground parking in an area that is part of a flood plane. Details and action items are below. Let's stop this.

They say: This development won't have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment.

We say: This part of Woodinville barely has the infrastructure to handle Microsoft traffic and weekend tourists. The environment in this area is already in danger from excessive parking and cars leaking onto fertile soil, and endangering the slough. This project is within 300 feet of the Sammamish River. How can 425 residential units, 400,000 sf of commercial space, including a 150 room hotel NOT have an impact on the environment?

The development report claims the development will have little impact on wildlife, mostly because it was cleared in 2005. That "cleared" area contributes the the "field-like" look of the area in a way that development does not.

They say: "Below surface" parking will be an associated improvement.

We say: Below surface parking? This valley is a natural flood plain. You'll need 24/7 pumps to keep it dry during the wet season. Those pumps will need diesel backups for when the power goes out. None of that is environmental or a good use of space.
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Additional Downsides for Woodinville:

1. Covering the ground: The developer report claims 65% of the ground will be covered with impervious surfaces (impeding natural water flow and access of wildlife and other organisms to the ground.

2. FIVE Years of construction: This project construction time is estimated to take 5 years. That's 5 years of additional traffic and gridlock in an area that is already exceeding its intended rural traffic.

3. Exhaust emissions: "During construction, exhaust emissions from heavy equipment associated with construction would be expected. This would last for approximately 5 years, and would be consistent with common practice. At time of project completion, emissions from restaurant operations and automobile traffic would be expected and would be consistent with regulations."
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