To my jaw-dropping surprise, I saw the huge posted “Combined Notice of Application” sign down near the south end of Vashon on Bachelor Road.

It informs the public that yet another person, possibly with a good (and undoubtedly expensive) land use lawyer, intends to “alter” and “except” themselves from the zoning restrictions in this critical wetland area.

It is one of the last natural waterfront parcels on the south end, and it abuts a land steward parcel, where the owners want to preserve our island’s natural habitat.

The sign includes this information: “An Alteration of a Class S and Class N Aquatic Area Buffer, reduction of the building setback line, and a variance from the required 20-foot front yard setback for construction of a new, single family house and associated driveway and septic system.”

I would not be so outraged if they intended to build a modest, normal-size 1,500-

square foot home, but they are seriously planing to pave over 11,216 square feet of critical eco-habitat with an even more ridiculous allowed building height of 40 feet. The house would be about 2,700 square feet on one floor without the deck or driveway.

This is absolutely outrageous and a huge threat to our sensitive island habitat and must be stopped. There is a pair of bald eagles that nest there every year as well.

The public comment period ends on at 4 p.m. June 24. Please send your comments to: Department of Permitting and Environmental Review, 35030 SE Douglas St., Suite 210, Snoqualmie, WA 98065-9266.

— Katia Klopfer