by Gerald Reilly

A majority of the Olympia City Council appears ready to vote to approve a re-zone of the downtown Isthmus to permit the construction of high-rise luxury condominiums. This column is focused on the politics of the situation more than on the arguments for and against the re-zone. These arguments have been widely discussed. Those in favor believe that developing very expensive housing in this unique and attractive location will be the catalyst for much desired “market rate” housing in Olympia’s downtown. Those opposed believe that the proposal will “wall off “ our waterfront, . . .