Seattle Press on Line - Judge Stops Construction on Thornton Creek

Judge Stops Construction on Thornton Creek

A lone Canada goose looks lost among the footings poured for Aegis' Shoreline facility. In the background is Peverly Pond.

May 23, 2002 -- Shoreline--The salmon of Thornton Creek have gained another reprieve, thanks to the diligent watchfulness of Patty and Tim Crawford (see "Thornton Creek Threatened" in the April 25 issue). Building has again been halted at the intersection of 150th Street and First Avenue NE.

On May 13, in an oral decision, Superior Court Judge John Erlick said he would issue a preliminary injunction to halt construction of a new retirement community complex on the banks of Peverly Pond, a wide portion of Thornton Creek just west of Interstate 5. No construction will be allowed until the court has time to review the Crawfords' claims that the building is being constructed in violation of state and local laws protecting salmon habitat. The court's decision reverses a permit issued in April by the City of Shoreline allowing construction to resume after being halted by a court ruling last summer. When issuing his decision, Judge Erlick stated that the Crawfords will likely prevail in their claim that the construction of the building violates state and local law, and noted that there are significant questions regarding whether the City followed proper process in issuing the latest building permit.

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