Structure needs to strike balance between community wants, farmer needs

Published 1:31 am Wednesday, August 31, 2016

I admit I hadn’t given much thought to the issue of a building on the Village Green until the op-ed piece in The Beachcomber by Nina Murano (“Village Green is not to be built on, needs to be preserved for all island activities,” Aug. 24).

As I sat with friends at the Saturday market last week listening to music and watching children dance and play, a new awareness began to come to me with Nina’s help. I then started a conversation with those around me who were also enjoying the music and children.

“What do you think about this building on the Green idea?” I asked.

About five of us were sitting there and all opposed the idea. What I realized was that the music, the kids and this conversation wouldn’t happen in the structures being proposed.

On the other hand, if the local farmers need a winter facility to sell produce, I believe that we, as a community, should find a way to provide such a venue. We should hear and respond to the needs of our farmers, who are providing us with wonderful food for the common good. Obviously the outdoor space is not adequate in winter.

I now ask, who will decide and how will the decision be made? Who actually owns the Village Green? As Murano points out, this is our Vashon Commons, which traditionally villages hold sacred for the common good and usage. Can we find a solution that honors both the farmers’ needs and the community desire for open space?

— Kate Hunter