Editor,

Thank you for the recent news coverage on the impending housing crunch in Oak Harbor due to the expansion of the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, but the issue needs much further coverage.

In addition to the housing shortage, what impact will the sudden 20 percent increase in population due to the Navy expansion have on schools, on community infrastructure such as police and public safety, physical and mental health services, and traffic and ferry service, for example?

But certainly, most importantly, is the question of what impact the increase in the number of aircraft and their noise will have on our way of life, not just on north and central Whidbey, but throughout the island and the region?

Will Whidbey Island simply become a military hub that will dramatically change our culture and relatively rural way of life?

Currently there are 80-plus EA-18G Growlers at the NAS Whidbey, and a pending Environmental Impact Statement is seeking approval for 36 more. Given that many residents on Whidbey Island and throughout the region already now experience considerable discomfort and adverse health impacts from the noise of the current Growler fleet, especially their training exercises at the Outlying Field in Coupeville, what will the significant number of additional jets mean to our health, tourism and our overall enjoyment of the generally tranquil life that we so deeply treasure on Whidbey?

In addition to the Growlers, most of which will be stationed at the NAS Whidbey, P-8 Poseidons will be stationed on Whidbey and, perhaps, Coast Guard helicopters within the next couple of years.

Also related in the NAS Whidbey buildup, there is growing concern about the proposed war games and training maneuvers that will affect the Olympic Peninsula and regional marine life.

It is important that our wider community understand and address this issue. The county government needs to become more involved, but it is also important that the citizens themselves make the effort to better understand the scope of the military expansion and, if necessary, to organize to address its impact before it is too late.

The Whidbey Island Fellowship of Reconciliation and St. Agustine’s Episcopal Church in Freeland scheduled a public meeting to learn more about the proposed military expansion and to offer opportunities for questions and discussion.

The meeting is 7 p.m. Friday, March 4, at St. Augustine’s church in Freeland, 5217 Honeymoon Road.

After a brief introductory session we will have an opportunity to talk in small groups. A warm welcome to all who come respectfully with a willingness to listen and share ideas.

For more information, call me at 360-341-1457.

Tom Ewell

Clinton