Editor,

In his Nov. 22 letter, “Fairgrounds is not right for housing,” Steven Myres discusses the Port of South Whidbey’s proposed plans for housing at the fairgrounds.

He mentions two recent grants for exploring housing options. He talks about “potential misuse of funds” and how it’s essential that the port adheres to its “legal and contractual obligations.” He suggests that housing funds should be redirected to the South Whidbey Homeless Coalition. He ends with a dire prediction: workforce housing at the fairgrounds will “essentially end the existence” of both the Fair Association and 4-H (and I assume the fair)!

This is quite a prediction, given that much of Mr. Myres’ letter is incorrect.

Fact: Mr. Myres is mixing up the two grants with funding that is described in RCW (Revised Code of Washington) 15.76: This is state funding for agriculture fairs, and it has nothing to do with the grants Mr. Myres mentions.

Fact: I could find no place in the seven sections of RCW 15.76 which prohibits or even mentions housing.

Fact: The Whidbey Homeless Coalition operates two facilities for homeless people, one in Langley and one in Coupeville. Neither of these include the kind of workforce housing being consider by the port. And WHC has no interest in building or managing this type of housing.

Further, federal, state and county funds for specific projects can’t simply be given to another group just because Mr. Myres or others think it’s a good idea.

Fact: As far as I know, the port hasn’t done anything illegal, nor has it failed to meet “contractual obligations.” If they had, I believe the county and our commissioners would have said something.

A more realistic evaluation of housing at the fairgrounds is this: We Americans are very creative at finding solutions, so there is no reason why businesses, well-designed affordable housing and our Whidbey Island Fair can’t all share space and find a home at the fairgrounds.

David Freed

Clinton