HomeMy WebLinkAboutRequest to Remodel Dalby Bldg - BLD Letters / Memos - 5/16/2002 Fax Cover Sheet
Send to: Pam Bennett-Cumming From: Bill 8 Teri Abrams
Sr. Planner, Mason Co. Bldg. Dept. Date: 5-16-02
Phone: (360) 427-9670, ext. 295 Phone: (949) 248-5522 or 933-0656
Fax number: (360) 427-8425 Fax number: (949) 248-5515
Please respond ASAP Total pages, including cover sheet: 12 pages
Hi Pam, Regarding: E. 698 1 State Hwy 106, Union, WA 98592
This took longer than we anticipated but we worked hard to give you a
clear picture of our proposal on paper with all the information we
anticipate you need.
After reading over the regulations, we realized that there are many
improvements of the habitat on the cove both on the shoreline and in the
forested land near the stream that might be possible as a family effort to
balance the improvements to the structures.
We are very motivated to do whatever is needed, including such projects
as the construction of hiking trails, a viewing platform, &/or working with
you to improve the culvert and pools on Dalby Creek. By working
together it is our hope that a great deal of good for the greater
community can be the result.
Please look over the plot map and plans and carefully consider the new
points in our letters. As you know the time is very short before the June 1
salt water restrictions begin but we are still hopeful that this can be
approved quickly in view of the larger picture.
We would like to speak with you by phone later today and plan to
attend the commission meeting on Monday evening.
Best regards, Bill & Teri Abrams
y
Bill Abrams
15 Blue Horizon
Laguna Niguel,CA 92677 Re:Request to remodel structures located at 6891 E.
Hwy. 106,Mason County,Union,WA
Pam Bennet Cummings, Sr.Planner
Mason County Community Development Department
Shelton,WA
Dear Pam,
Thank you again for your supportive advice regarding our application to remodel our home on Hood Canal.
Since you last met with us,Teri and I have been researching several possibilities which might help to
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mitigate our request and possibly avoid having to file for a variance.
As you know the Dalby family has lived on this land since the 1920s when it was the site of a lumber camp.
Settling on what became called Dalby Creek my grandparents were good stewards of both the saltwater
cove and the stream which flowed into it.
The creek I remember from my childhood was very different from what one sees now. Long ago my
grandfather had carefully place fallen logs and boulders strategically so that it slowed and pooled the cool
pure water. That spring water was piped to each of the lumber camp houses(7 in all)as well as to the"big
house"which my grandparents called their place. All the gardens of flowers which surrounded the house
were irrigated with water from the stream The lumber era came and went and along with went the loggers.
So my grandparents were left with 7 cabins on the beach. Later on these cabins came in handy for family
reunions,and these became regular summer events.
The Dalby waterwheel still gracefully churns and charms passersby. It was one of the first hydroelectric
generators in Puget Sound and it produced DC electric power to the house and camp until electricity was
available from the PUD. It is a noted Washington State Historical Site and an object of immense family
pride,as you may have guessed.
My grandmother was bom in Chicago in 1892,and moved to Seattle with her mother when she was a small
child. In Seattle she learned to play the piano and was also noted for her vocal ability. Her name was Ethyl
and she married my grandfather Edwin Dalby about 1912 when they moved to their home on Hood Canal.
Arriving by launch,as there were no roads then,they purchased the cove which was close to Union where
my great-grandfather had raised my grandfather and both of these men arrived in the Washington territory
before statehood. My grandparents built the two story house you by the stream over 80 years ago and
chose to live close to Union as it then was a busy lumber port for tug boats hauling log booms to mill sites
near Port Orchard and even Port Townsend In those days,as it is now,the lumber industry was the major
employer for Mason County,and of course Shelton was the biggest city there.
My grandparents lived together on Hood Canal for over 30 years until my grandfather passed on in 1949.
My grandmother remained at her beloved home for another 30 plus years and supported herself by renting
out the rustic beach houses by the day,week,or month.
Grandma was a smart conservationist and a talented painter,and she would not allow cutting of trees or
plants. Her gardens were rich and colorful and it was amazing to see the abundance of animal life which
thrived there and around the stream. We had lots of chickens in the yard and our own flock of ducks which
nested every spring and summer in the grassy estuary in the cove.
I was born in Shelton in 1943 and my roots are deep in the soil on Hood Canal. My ears still hear the
thumping of my bare footed cousins as we raced over the footbridge to have dinner and enjoy a night of
music at grandma Dalby's home. We were all to sing(Grandma's orders)and she played the piano each
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night while my Uncle Fritz plunked tunes on his banjo. Those halcyon summer days still sparkle in my
mind's eye and the smell of steaming fish,clams,oysters,and crabs cooking on the beach fire tantalizes my
senses.
My grandfather,Edwin Dalby,was a newspaper columnist for the Seattle PI and reported frequently on
native Indian affairs. He spoke both Skokomish and Chinook languages and translated many Indian stories
and fables into English and these have recently been He was good friends with the Skokomish people and
the family has many historical photos of him with them.
My grandparents moved to Hood Canal and raised three sons and a daughter(my Mom). Mom's old cedar
canoe still hangs in our open garage and reminds me of when she would troll the shallows of Hood Canal
for cutthroat trout. Mom was good at fishing and often skipped school with her brother and pal,Ed Dalby.
He called her"Rusty"because she had so many freckles and she bravely protected him from bullies at
school.
Pam,I could go on and on about this place which I call home. I chose it for my inheritance from my
parents trust and I hope to retire there as they did. Now I have the beach house property,instead of cash,
like my sisters,I simply do not have the money to build an entirely new home elsewhere. I am approaching
60 years of age and am disturbed over prospect that ever changing rules and regulations will prevent me
from completing the house my father built and retiring in the comfort of familiar surroundings. Doing so
would be honoring my parents and my family's tradition to improve and maintain the old place. Now both
my aunt Marilyn Dalby and my sister Valerie Johnson express concern that they will not be able to use
their lands.
Its ironic that a family of people who knew, loved,and sheltered their cove and woodlands could lose out in
the end to a growing list of impersonal government regulations,as if we had never existed. It is just as if
the Dalby's never built a water wheel or seeded Japanese oysters off their point.Long ago we Americans
did the same thing to the indigenous people of this land,ie.we wrote the rules and forced them off their
lands and one has to wonder if the outcomes of our decisions showed wisdom at all. Likewise,have we
Americans really learned from past mistakes or are we just repeating the cycle with new players. Pam I
realize that you didn't write the rules,but I believe you and your department do retain control over the
ways they are implemented So I hope you will be lenient with your decision.
I know my grandma still walks in spirit through her woods on earthen paths beneath her majestic stands of
fir and cedar. Her footpaths still lead the visitor through banks of ferns and beautiful rain forest plants.
Canopies of moss still hang from tree branches and cover fallen limbs on the ground all the while creating
habitat for countless small animals and insects.Trilium plants,abound in this shady grove along with
native solal,gooseberry,and Oregon grape.These plants can only survive under the shadows of these great
and unmolested trees. I still remember her water color paintings of cedar boats built by the Skokomish
People and one sad and prophetic poem which said that"No longer will we ply the waters in our boats of
cedar and we will potlach no more".
So,you see,we didn't just move to the Hood Canal and buy a piece of property on which to build. We are
returning home to a precious place whose memories rush through my mind like a south wind in the tall firs.
Please don't let the county take away our property and our human rights and dignity. Please let us make
the simple improvements which are outlined in the enclosed pages and allow us to offset this by
Mitigating acts on our properties on both sides of SR 106.
If the term"grandfather clause"means anything to Mason County,let it be shown here,where four
generations of Dalbys have lived and loved their land. Let Mason County show the state that its heart
cares for its people and traditions. Please approve our simple requests to build on and continue to live
on our family lands.
Today I spoke with the Skokomish Fisheries Department agent,Tom Strong,and we discussed the prospect
of our rehabilitating the stream which has been washed out due to massive of uphill development and clear
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cutting of timber on the hills feeding the watershed for Dalby Creek. The tribal fisheries people express
interest in the idea that we could,with direction from the county and the Skokomish Tribal Fisheries,work
to reclaim the stream and restore it for improved future salmon spawns in its lower reaches.
Uphill south of SR 106 we might be able to devise ways prevent future damage and erosion from runoff
during unusually wet seasons. One idea I liked was offered by Dennis MacInnes,from the North Forty
Co.:that we develop swales and flood reservoirs to divert and catch excess runoff during times heavy rain.
As degreed biologists with lab and field experience,both my wife and I willingly support preservation and
enhancement of the natural beauty of our cove. We even have plans to have our own lab support studies of
terrestrial and marine organisms and pathogens which effect marine life,particularly bivalve mollusks like
oysters clams and nematodes. Please allow us to work with you and your department to restore the stream
and the spit of land outside the cove which is now being washed away by our runaway stream
I want to summarize with one last point:The Dalby family with it extensions has shown that it cares for the
lands and waters on Hood Canal. We allowed the trees and plants to grow and shade the stream and we are
the best ones to restore it once pristine beauty by replanting what has been lost from erosion. Who better to
do this than the people who live there? Please note that over the years we have removed six(6)of the old
logger's cabins on the beach and have only rebuilt on one site thereby keeping the beach open.
By allowing us to continue to live and rebuild on our family properties you will be serving the people of
Mason County by fulfilling the spirit of the regulations. We have been good stewards of the land and water
and we hope you will give us the opportunity to continue to live,protect„preserve,and nurture the
environment we call home.
Thank you for your consideration of our request to remodel our property on Hood Canal.
Very sincerely,
Bill Abrams
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May 16, 2002
Pam Bennett-Cumming
Sr.Planner,Mason County
Dear Pam,
Bill has spent a great deal of time and effort to give you a complete picture of the history and purpose of our
request for a building permit to improve both the present structure and the surrounding habitat on both our's
and his aunt's properties. As you can see,this matter is of the utmost importance to us and our children. This
letter is my effort to concisely list the key points I hope you will carefully consider:
1. This property has been in the Dalby/Abrams family for 4 generations and has had a much more intense use
in the past. Our desire is for much less impact and fewer people than ever before.At least 5 cabins have been
torn down,2 of which were in the buffer zone for the stream and 2 which were as close or closer to the salt
water than the single house which now exists in that area
2. Because of major clearing of trees by unrelated property owners on the higher slopes upstream during the
last 10 years,serious damage has occurred with the stream being"washed out"during the winter storms since
that clearing took place. The force of the water was so strong that an entire room on a house which had stood
on the bank over 65 years was ripped away completely a few winters ago.
3. We have a strong desire to prevent any further damage to the stream and to work with you and naturalists to
repair the stream which currently has deep gorges and erosion of the banks unlike existed before the cutting of
trees above our properties. In the past,pools had been created by fallen trees and rocks so that many protected
pools for marine life were gentle areas for generations. If our request is granted,our family members who own
forested property quite a ways upstream could mitigate quite a long stretch of the stream to protect it from the
less forested higher hills. Even though this stream is not physically within our property lines,it is"in the
family"and Bill's aunt would be agreeable to our efforts to enhance it in exchange for being able to proceed
with our needed structural improvement. We ourselves own forested land part of which is within the buffer and
would also work with a naturalist to improve it,even building a trail,viewing station,or other amenities to
enhance the area for the benefit of all.
4. Both Bill and I have college degrees in the field of biology. Bill grew up alongside an estuary near Long
Beach and is a life-long student of zoology including marine life,mollusks,and fish. We both have enjoyed
horticulture as a hobby our entire married life and are capable of working with naturalists to plant native
species and promote their growth. We've already landscaped three homes using primarily plants native to our
area My specialty is microbiology and I'm concerned about the purity of the water and health of the shellfish
on our tideflats. Because of various educational activities,I am acutely aware of the profound effect of small
amounts of toxic runoff on the lowest levels of the food chain for fish and shellfish. I helped our daughter with
her research showing the effects of runoff on brine shrimp in our nearby ocean and she won an award from the
county for the high quality of her work. We aren't just claiming to care; we have already shown this during
the past 30 years through our actions.
5. For at least 5 years,our family members have spent our summer vacations cleaning up the debri left from
past generations, from the demolition of the shoreline cabins and from all sorts of leftover rubbish from the
years loggers used the grounds. We've literally hauled 5 truckloads of cement foundations,bedsprings,pipes,
water heaters,car engines,containers of heating oil,and tar paper off the properties. This was hard work but it
made a huge difference in the appearance and health of the land.
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6. Because of the location of a septic drain field,a stand of existing trees,the house and driveway,there is no
location for the garage which would serve the purpose it was intended to provide. The existing
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structure is functional in protecting a vehicle and supplies from elements,but is extremely ugly and detracts
from the aesthetics of the area. There is nothing preventing runoff of oil or other chemicals as it now exists.
Being able to improve this structure would be advantageous to the larger community and also be more
protective of the environment.
7. On all the family properties,you will find no asphalt,concrete,or other solid material being used for
driveways or walkways. With the exception of an old planter,the only concrete is for foundations and
footings. This is what we also intend for the firture so that runoff is prevented. In addition,we do not use
insecticides or weed killers and never will.
8. What we seek,a garage connected to the house,is no different than most other residents on the cove already
enjoy. We have preserved more trees and native growth of grasses and shrubs than most other residents along
the canal. We have been good stewards,even more so these past 5 years.
9. The requested improvements would be unobtrusive,not even visible from the water,and the additional
plantings we would provide would actually make the house less visible. Our desire is to have it blend in to the
natural setting as much as possible by adding cedar to the outside of the house and using materials and colors
which blend in.
10. The presence of the grasses,shellfish,the wide variety of birds including heron and ducks,salmon,
raccoons,and deer are evidence of our good care of both the land and water near our property. There has been
an increase in all life in these last 5 years when we cleaned debris off the property while letting the natural
growth provide shelter.
11. Because of our age and nearing retirement,we do not have the financial resources to construct a completely
new house on another part of the property. Neither can we afford to retire where we live presently as it is too
expensive. Simply improving the existing structures and habitat of the property is as much as we are able to
accomplish without hardship and risk to our financial health. And the improvements are needed for it to be
possible to retire there. To be denied the use of this house would be a hardship. Our plan has been to retire in
the home and live quietly there enjoying the natural beauty. We are sincere about working with you and a
naturalist to make improvements. As retirees,it would be a joy to enhance the woods by building a trail for
schoolchildren and others to use.
12. In reading over the regulations,we feel that our small request is in compliance with the intent of the law
and that our efforts will further the goals to safeguard and nurture the natural habitat.
13. We respectfully request that you approve our request and work with us to set up goals and a timeline for
the enhancements desired for the habitat of the area. Please let us know what you see as the most immediate
needs. We are most concerned about preventing any more erosion of the stream as that also damages the
tideflats and streambeds.
14. Lastly,this request would have been made several years ago except for the illnesses and passing of all four
of our parents and the passing of two uncles including one,our beloved "Uncle Ed"who lived his entire life on
the property. Caring for and abort these family members have absorbed our time and finances.since 1996.
We had no idea that these new regulations would endanger our long-term plans and this has all come on as a
huge surprise. Please take this into consideration as well.
Thank you for kindly visiting the property,for answering our questions so patiently,and for the information.
We hope to develop a mutually beneficial relationship for the betterment of the community and habitats.
Sincerely
Teri Abrams
F
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FMM MUST Be COMPLETED IN INK
f'LIASE MRSS NAM PERMIT NO.: t3lD
MASON COUNTY
BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION
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APPLICANT INFORMATION CONTRACTOR INFORMATION
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Address - *91 j Io LL1 Expiration / r
EPTICIWATER SYSTEM INFORMATION-Connect to New Septic Existing Scptic,_lConnectto Sewer
System Name or Sewer System Well _Water System Name of
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PARCEL INFORMATI ONA 2 digit Test Parcel No, Fire District, �y 7r3
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PERMl1NENT pESIGENCE❑ SEASONAL RFSIDENC 1r1 Q Q„ Y-rr�'{-•c�-a 4-h.¢}-c_ e q
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MOBILE HOME INFORMATION-Make Model Model Year
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,a ts� Type of Heat Purchase Price$ Replacament Unit?(Yes/No)
Installer Name ,,,,,Certification No.
NOTICE; THIS PERMrr BECOMES NULL 6 VOID IF WORK OR CONSTRUCTION AUTHORIZED 15 NOT COMMENCED WITHIN 100 DAYS OR IF
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS SUSPENDED OR ABANDONED FOR A PERIOo OF 1eo DAYS AT ANY TIME AFTER Tfit WORK I$COMMC-NCECL
PROOF OF CONTINUATION OF WORD I$8Y MEANS of A PROGRESS INSPECTION- The owner er agent on olrMef's IfMatr,represen th ts at the
infoftna,on Provided is accursto and grants sitiploygps of 16141MI County access to tree above deserJprp pfoperry and structores for review and
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OWNER AFFIDAVIT-1 earttry that 1 am arempt from the requirsments of the CONTRACTOR'S AFFIDAVIt-I eansry Mat I am curronfry regtsterm as a
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approval. rssl ohtai*v approval.
X Date x.. Date
FOR OFFICIAL USE BEYOND THIS POINT
Accepted by Date Submittal Amount Due Receipt No.. Q
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Planning Department
Environmental Health Department
Public Works Department
Fire Marshal
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