Priscilla and David Boughton 2-221
Christopher Johnson
From:Priscilla Arthaud-Boughton <paboughton@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, February 22, 2018 5:39 PM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Testimony to Public Hearing H-2018-004
To Whom It May Concern:
Prior to my retirement in 2010, I worked for MulvannyG2 Architecture (now MG2), and for nearly 12 years
was directly involved with the Costco teams and account. On more than one occasion, Costco co-founders Jim
Sinegal and the late Jeff Brotman, along with several members of their leadership team hosted all-hands
meetings in our office.
Sinegal and Brotman discussed their goals for Costco, including growth, new markets, new warehouses and
driving principles. One of their principles, which resonates loudly today, was to "enhance a community, not
destroy it".
At the 4 January 2018 community meeting at Challenger School, I had a chance to speak briefly to Stephen
Bull, former co-workers and MG2 architect for this proposed project. I asked Stephen when Costco started
building in residential areas. He told me that is certainly not the norm, albeit there are a few like situations
scattered around the country.
So, our question is why would Costco choose an area less than 1/2 mile from two city parks, and existing
elementary school, a future elementary school, a church, a future church, and within a stone's throw
from Bainbridge, SpurWing Greens, Silverleaf and Irvine Meadows residential communities. Was it
pressure from the state, the county, the city, the developer?
One of Costco's arguments in favor of this site is that it fits within their "location triangle", and that building 1.5
miles further to Highway 16 would not work. Why then was Linder Crossing a good location for Costco until it
became known that they would not be the anchor store? Linder Crossing is 2.5 miles from the site being
discussed. How does that support Costco's location triangle theory?
A concern of residents surrounding the site is that Costco gas stations open at 5:30 a.m. Scientific American
published an article "Is It Safe to Live Near a Gas Station" which elaborates of the many dangers of living near
a gas station. These dangers are especially detrimental to young people. As mentioned earlier, Costco's
proposed site is very near several newer developments which attract young families with children of all ages,
elementary schools and parks.
Some of our main concerns include: semi-trucks driving through our community on a daily basis; 5,000 to
6,000 more cars in our neighborhood constantly (we all know how busy Costco stores are every day of the
week); and dangers to our children and pets from the additional traffic, not to mention parking, parking lot
lights on all the time, and fumes from cars waiting at the gas station or for a parking place.
To explain our frustration with this issue, you should know that we feel Brighton willingl y withheld information
from us. Had we known about the possibility of a Costco warehouse in our community we would have had the
opportunity to carefully weigh the best decision for our family prior to a home purchase in Bainbridge. Further,
Brighton will not turn the HOA over to the ownership group. Brighton has full and complete control, and it is
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their job to protect us, but we feel we are not being properly represented, and have been left with no ability to
fight this issue. Can you explain to us how these action are not a conflict of interest?
We are not opposed to Costco; indeed we all shop at Costco and appreciate the difference it makes in our
lives. We are simply opposed to Costco coming into our communities.
Our communities are closely knit. We have built strong relationships and we take care of each
other. Our homes, and the ability to move freely within our neighborhood(s) is the reason we live
here. Please help us protect that which we hold dear.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Kind Regards,
Priscilla and David Boughton
Bainbridge Homeowners