I am writing to strongly oppose the huge apartment complex suggested for the former school district bus garage property on S. 320th Street.

This was written up recently in the Federal Way Mirror, but I have not seen any notice of a public meeting, nor have I seen a sign posted on the property that announces such a meeting.

An apartment complex this large would not only be the wrong project for the most congested street in Federal Way, but it would also have a very negative impact for several neighborhoods on the back side. These are single family homes and are part of some of Federal Way’s original neighborhoods. We do not want some 6-story buildings to ruin the atmosphere, character, or safety of our area.

We voted to become a city partially to avoid the building of so many large apartment complexes, so I don’t understand why the council thinks it would be fine to allow them now. If there really is a need, then the more appropriate place to build would be on Pacific Highway, not right next to our neighborhood. Maybe the old Top Food property is available?

I can understand the school district and city wanting to do something with the space vacated by the bus garage, but it would be more suitable to allow buildings of a much smaller scale that would fit in with the surrounding existing buildings.

Perhaps it could be a nice location for a cluster of cottage-like housing for a retirement community. Think how convenient that would be with Safeway close by, as well as the newly remodeled library. Or maybe it could be an excellent location for a local campus of Highline Community College or even the University of Washington. It would be easy for people to find, and it would not be nearly as invasive to surrounding neighborhoods.

I look forward to a scheduled public meeting where our questions can be asked and our concerns and suggestions expressed.

Lee Moen, Federal Way

Editor’s note: According to a city spokesman, “the proposal for the High Point project is being reviewed under a typical land use approval process, as the City Comprehensive Plan identifies this area as appropriate for this type of development — a mixed-use development in the City Center Frame district. … The land use notice was published in The Mirror, provided by mail to adjacent properties, and posted on-site.” The public comment period ended Sept. 16. However, the public may submit comments to senior planner Matt Herrera at matt.herrera@cityoffederalway.com or call (253) 835-2863.