The city purchased the piece of property commonly known as “the AMC lot.” Unpopular plans to develop it with three high-rises housing 750 condos, among other things, have failed. This is our opportunity to develop this property wisely, with vision and a look to the future that will be popular with all of Federal Way’s 88,000 citizens.

Along with many others, I would love to see this property become a park in the center of our proposed downtown core. Think Central Park in New York City, but on a smaller scale: trees, grass, fountain, steps for seating and a platform for events. Open space to gather, with a view of Mt. Rainier in the background. How wonderful it would be to have a space such as this adjacent to the proposed civic/performing arts center.

Places such as Portland, Victoria, B.C., Seattle’s Freeway Park and Myrtle Edwards Park, many cities throughout Mexico, Costa Rica and the Carribean, Boulder and Colorado Springs, Minneapolis, Davis, Calif., and most college towns have always had an appeal for me. Why? Because they have public spaces in their downtown cores.

Now, I know you are thinking tax revenue and this does not bring in tax revenue as in “business.” But, have you given thought to how potential businesses would view a space such as this? Think about it with an open mind. If I were managing an office building with space for several businesses, a park downtown would be a selling point for me. If I were scouting out sites to locate a new division or branch of my business, a downtown park in the vicinity would certainly interest me.

High-rises that house masses of people, or apartment houses next to the civic center, would not be an interesting factor to draw me to downtown Federal Way.

Please give much thought to your decision regarding this property. Keep it for Federal Way’s future; keep it for us.

Sheryl Nevers, Federal Way