Editor,

To our Island County Commissioners: I am very concerned about the property value of my home in Admirals Cove in the very likely event that the Navy’s EIS is approved and flights at OLF Coupeville are increased. Most of my net worth is in the equity of my house and I’m counting on that to sustain me for the rest of my life as I have recently retired.

If flights are increased, the Navy must by policy do an AICUZ study to define Noise Zones and Accident Potential Zones around OLF Coupeville.

Based on their own guidelines at https://www.marines.mil/Portals/59/Publications/MCO%2011010.16.pdf it is inconceivable that Admirals Cove would escape being classified as APZ-I — a designation in which household residences are not considered “compatible use” — see the Navy’s tables in Chapter 3 of their document.

Indeed, many existing uses from the town of Coupeville in the north to Admirals Cove in the south (anywhere under the OLF flight paths) would become “incompatible” uses, either due to the Navy’s definition of Noise Zone or Accident Potential Zone.

In other areas of the country, property values have plummeted in areas of “incompatible use.”

The Navy’s study and recommendations are given to the county and the county has the task of implementing the recommendations – in effect protecting their public from declared risk of noise or accident.

Sale of incompatible use property, home improvement and mortgage financing, and development of unimproved parcels become problematic.

This is a huge issue, especially for homeowners with their life savings invested in their property.

The assessed value of properties in Admirals Cove alone exceeds $150 million

When the increase in flights is approved, how do you as commissioners and the departments you oversee intend to deal with much of Central Whidbey becoming incompatible land use without economically devastating individuals, businesses and public agencies whose property and usage are reclassified?

Steve Morrow

Coupeville