As I’ve been developing my comments to the county on the proposed Vashon Allied Arts building, I learned VAA has already been granted a variance that significantly impacts our community.

In the SEPA checklist submitted by VAA to the county, VAA says it “requested and successfully acquired a variance from a highway-widening requirement that would have placed the building 30 feet from the corner.” VAA also says one of the goals of the proposed building is to “emphasize the intersection, by bringing the building as close to the SE corner of the intersection as possible.” VAA is constrained by four wetlands and one stream to the east; that is why the organization wants to have a minimal setback from Vashon Highway.

The Heritage Museum’s exhibit titled “Main Street Vashon” describes well the historic importance of Center. The Fuller Store (1885), IOOF Hall (Blue Heron 1924), Rodda Store (Minglemint 1884) and Edward Zarth Island Garage (McFeeds 1927) provide a historic and cultural landscape. It is here that the Vashon Highway first extended from the south in 1883, when this intersection was both geographically and culturally the center of the Island.

VAA’s variance on the setback of this proposed building could destroy not only this historic intersection, but sets a precedent on how our landscape along Vashon Highway could be shaped. It also limits the decisions our community can make on, for instance, the development of designated bike lanes along Vashon Highway. How can this variance be severed from and decided prior to the decision on this project?

The character of this intersection is significant to the entire Island. How can a matter this important be decided without full community discussion?

— Martin Koenig