Letters: Violence, street names and wetlands in Federal Way

Wetlands help

I live across the street from a type 2 wetlands in the Goldmaur neighborhood, and a contractor wants to build houses on two lots. This would disturb the land and the wetlands.

I have lived here for 25 years and have seen all kinds of wildlife — coyotes, birds, eagles, redtail hawks, rabbits, all kinds of small birds and even a large owl, etc.

I need help to save this treasure. We have so few wetlands here in Federal Way and throughout our country. I’m here, willing to hear from any person, group, or organization that can help.

Last year, we saw a proud mama and daddy goose with six babies come out and walk up the middle of the street. There is even a creek running through the wetlands.

I wish I had email — it would help with my crusade. So whatever you or your readers can do to help us save these wonderful wetlands, thank you and may God bless.

Loren Meiser, Federal Way

Naming streets

It has always been a legacy to have street named after people, who have made a changes for the benefit of all people. Federal Way has named streets and schools after people, who are icons for a good cause. I believe that it would benefit the city of Federal Way to name that street after the first African American settler.

Gloria Butts, Federal Way

Park 16 Apartments

The Park 16 Apartments complex is very dangerous. There are gunshots every other night like clockwork. I have taught my son to get on the floor when we hear shots. In 2020, there was a shooting directly below my apartment and the bullet holes are still in the walls when you walk down the stairs of my unit!

They never thought to fix the several bullet holes. It’s a reminder everyday to be cautious, especially at night. Sad. Very sad.

Thomas Washington, Federal Way

What’s responsible for more violence?

While we keep looking for policing for the quick fix to violence in our communities, economists have long found direct mathematical relationships between the amount of economic inequality in society and crime waves. Inequality worsened in the U.S. and across the world during the pandemic, so now there is an incredible amount of not only personal crime, but corruption at every level, and bellicose sword-rattling on every continent.

We must stay the course first enacted by our Legislature last year — tamp down on police overreach and beef up restorative efforts for community members.

Federal Way and S. King County are home to an incredible number of service workers and care providers, those who’ve provided “essential care” throughout the county during the pandemic. We must protect this population while ministering to its economic woes.

Lorie Lucky, Des Moines