(Editor's Note: This letter was addressed to the Alki News Beacon, a publication of the Alki Community Association, with a copy sent to the West Seattle Herald.)

There were some statements made in the September/October issue of the "Alki News Beacon" that I find insulting as well as incorrect.

It was stated that the taxpayers were paying to support the private views of the condo owners adjacent to the restricted paring zone. The fact is, waterside parking has little or no affect on the condo views. Why? Because the living quarters are built on top of the parking garages which makes them high enough so the views of the condos are not affected. As a matter of fact, I have to be a couple of feet from my window before I can even see cars across the street. In addition there is bumper-to-bumper parking of all types of vehicles on our side of the street. As one can see, we also have a great deal of trouble finding parking for guests and service people.

The parking spaces were referred to as " a very precious commodity." I suggest that the only completely unobstructed view of beautiful Elliot Bay, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains is the "very precious commodity." Views that visitors from all over the world come to enjoy. This short area where parking is restricted (1100 to 1700 blocks) is also adjacent to one of the most densely occupied area (with a high percentage of older people) in West Seattle. With parking on both sides of the street and both traffic lanes filled bumper with vehicles, as it frequently is in the summer months there is no way emergency vehicles (fire and medic units) can respond in a timely manner with cars parked on both sides.

The comparatively small group of business's concentrated across from the beach who blame the condominium owners for hurting their business's by defending the "no park" zone should keep this in mind. Many of these same people have been their loyal customers for many years. They are also still patronizing hem during the long winter months when the tourists are long gone. Even if there is bumper to bumper parking on both sides of the street from Spokane to the light house how many people are going to walk the long distance for a meal or a cocktail?

Allen Stephens

Alki