The Redmond City Council caved to pressure from property developers when it voted on Dec. 6 to delay implementing Low-Impact Development (LID) standards designed to protect the health of our community.

As a Redmond resident, I’m deeply disappointed by the council’s decision to side with construction companies rather than the wellbeing of residents and our environment.

Polluted stormwater runoff is the No. 1 source of toxic pollution in Puget Sound and our local waterways. LID reduces pollution from stormwater runoff by either preserving or mimicking natural systems.

These greener, smarter solutions required for development under the LID code changes are not difficult to implement. In fact, they are widely available, cost-effective and have a range of benefits — from cleaner air to increased walkability.

Now more than ever we need our local governments to do right by our communities. This is a crucial opportunity for Redmond to show leadership.

I urge the council to do the right thing and implement the LID changes at their January meeting — and I encourage my fellow residents to hold them accountable.

Elizabeth Canning

Redmond