If you’ve been through the Red-Wood Road-Northeast 90th Street intersection lately, you’ve seen the steel going up for the new Evergreen Medical Clinic in Bella Bottega.

In my opinion, this is the worst possible location for a building of more than two stories in all of downtown. Why? Because this location is the apex of downtown — it’s highest point. Furthermore, this intersection is not only a major downtown gateway, it once provided the downtown’s best view of Washington’s most recognizable natural icon — Mt. Rainier.

I live right across the street from the new clinic. Upon reading that last sentence, you are likely having an “aha moment.”

You’re thinking I’m upset because I lost my view of Rainier. You are probably saying, “He thinks his view is more important than a new clinic for Redmond. What a self-centered jerk!” Wrong! I still have my view, at least I will when the trees lose their leaves.

My concern is for the citizens of Redmond and those who travel to and through it via this downtown gateway. That Rainier view — which is spectacular when we have the sort of weather we’ve had the last few days — is about to disappear. No longer will it be available to the general public; it will soon be “owned” by Evergreen and reserved for its staff and clients. Their gain. Redmond’s loss. So sad.

The City of Redmond has two voluminous documents to control what can be built, and where, in the downtown area — the Comprehensive Plan and the Community Development Guide. A quick flip-through of these documents leaves one with the impression that a lot of thought has gone into them, including the public’s input. One would think that, as thorough as they appear to be, they would protect us from any urban planning disasters. If followed, they probably would, but, as is evidenced by the location of this new clinic, it just ain’t so. What happened?

How could an organization like Evergreen, dedicated to the welfare of mankind, and our city government and concerned about controlling Redmond’s growth, have allowed us to get into this situation?

If anyone knows, please let the rest of us in on it. I asked the same question of the Mayor and City Council a week ago and they must still be looking for the answer. At least, I haven’t yet heard back from them.

So, “Welcome new neighbor?” Sorry, not with this building, at least at this location. It’s much too intrusive.

Ray Anspach, Redmond