VAA structure would dwarf the corner | Letter to the Editor

I am a musician that lives on Vashon and I have performed at many of the fine venues that the Island has to offer, including the Blue Heron. I also perform at festivals and concert halls all across our nation. I can understand the desire for a new and plush hall for showcasing the homegrown and imported artists who all deserve a nice stage for their talents and audiences who deserve a comfortable place to enjoy their talents.

June 12, 2012 2:25 pm

I am a musician that lives on Vashon and I have performed at many of the fine venues that the Island has to offer, including the Blue Heron. I also perform at festivals and concert halls all across our nation. I can understand the desire for a new and plush hall for showcasing the homegrown and imported artists who all deserve a nice stage for their talents and audiences who deserve a comfortable place to enjoy their talents.

I am, however, concerned that the planned VAA hall is inappropriate for its location. The hall itself, at 45 to 47 feet tall and more than 260 feet long, would dwarf the corner. The building and parking requirements need variances on all sides to be considered legal. The parking requirement for 170 cars itself seems prohibitive considering that the front parking lot for the Island Lumber, as big as it is, only holds 75 cars.

I can’t help but question the decision to place a structure with this kind of impact at this location.

 

— Mark Graham