To the editor:

It is unfortunate that the new Visconsi development at High School road has meant the removal of all those trees.

However, I can’t fault an owner for doing with their property what the zoning allows. It seems that after we move here we want the drawbridge to be raised and no new development to be allowed. A builder cut down all the trees to build the house you bought and now you protest someone doing the same to the lot next door.

As a Winslow resident my major concern for business development on Bainbridge Island is downtown Winslow. It is pedestrian-oriented, with gardens, hanging baskets, wide sidewalks, unique stores, museums, sitting areas and gathering spots.

The car-oriented Safeway/Rite Aid shopping area can be found anywhere USA. This shopping area is busy and the parking lots are filled with cars.

Visconsi is just providing more of the car-oriented shopping that appears to be so much in demand on the island. If you mostly shop at the Safeway/Rite Aid area stores you are the ones responsible for the Visconsi development. I personally try to shop in downtown Winslow but admit to being a bit of a hypocrite as I also shop at Safeway and Rite Aid.

A more constructive solution to keeping our island green is to give to the Bainbridge Island Land Trust. They have purchased and preserved forever several green parcels and could preserve even more if they had more money.

GARY PETTERSEN

Bainbridge Island