Dear Editor,

Our small complex of six buildings of four units each (Kirkland Parkplace Condominiums behind the Post Office) was purchased because we loved the location, the quiet, the ease to access the downtown area of art galleries, eateries, waterfront, freeways, etc.

In the 19 years we have been residents here the town has taken on a much different feel, and with the proposed additions and rezoning it will be ever changed. The interest to do business, have an intimate dinner or just plain take a nice leisurely walk down Lake Washington Boulevard will just not be happening.

We will find another small town that offers those things to its residents/visitors. Edmonds is a good example of keeping things in perspective and yet drawing interest from all over the area. Bellevue, where I am employed, has gone over the top and is now just a conglomeration of widely diversified corporations and high rises that reach to the sky. Traffic is unbearable and is only going to get worse.

Why would we want to mimic such nonsense?

If the idea is to bring money to our town then you are barking up the wrong tree — it will have the reverse effect.

Our plea is to stop this action and to keep Kirkland the wonderful small town with great visitor appeal it is and has been.

If progress must happen and there is no stopping it, the city should consider leaving the views and skyline at a low level as is being done on Sixth Street with the new Google buildings. No one will feel closed in and unable to enjoy their surrounding due to this new construction.

We need to copy that feel to remain a close knit community.

~Barbara and Perry Dolan, Kirkland