There are several reasons why the debate on the proposed recycling and transfer station could continue indefinitely.

Money tops the list.

Deluxe Recycling and Disposal owners want to make money by selling recyclable commodities and becoming a private transfer station in Skagit County. The city of Sedro-Woolley would like to see a business like Deluxe come to town because of the projected tax base.

At the same time, neighbors of the facility are worried this proposal will end up costing them money in terms of their property values.

And other business owners in Sedro-Woolley have mixed feelings. Some worry inviting a facility of this nature will turn the city into the trash capital of the county, while others would welcome another large business able to share the ever-growing burdens of supporting local services provided by the city, hospital and school district.

The smell

Deluxe owners say the enclosed 30,000-square-foot facility will eliminate most of the smells generated by this type of business.

City officials who have visited the Ferndale facility, Recycling and Disposal Services, agree. And at every available opportunity, these same officials are trying to quash rumors of foul-smelling trash and the rodents attracted to such a facility.

Neighbors fear these rumored odors will waft over the earthen berms and slatted privacy fences into their backyards and homes.

First impressions

Image and perception also play a big part in the garbage debate.

High school students fear students of opposing schools will be able to come up with creative, trash-talking chants.

Neighbors worry living next to a transfer facility will make them a less desirable host for family parties.

Business owners are concerned clients won’t visit Sedro-Woolley because it’s home to a smelly transfer station.

Big picture

While the argument’s pros and cons seem endless, it is clear that both sides will not see the other’s perspective anytime soon.

I try to see the debate from both sides. I can understand why Deluxe would want this particular site — it’s close to a highway and would be central local for eastern Skagit County users.

And even though I visited the facility and wandered around the neighborhood in Ferndale for about four hours two weeks ago, I can’t blame the neighbors in Sedro-Woolley for their concerns. I certainly wouldn’t want this type of facility going up in my neighborhood.

At the same time, I can understand city leaders’ perspective of needing additional revenue for their coffers. Residents are needing more and more services, but are often unable to keep dipping into their shallow pockets for the necessary funds.

Trying to see the big picture in the garbage debate has been tough. The biggest concern of most residents is the transfer station’s choice of locations.

After talking with those living and working around the Ferndale facility, I believe while Deluxe’s owners are looking to make money in the garbage business, they are still committed to being good neighbors.

The question is, how many residents are willing to let them try it in their backyards? And, how many parents at Sedro-Woolley High School are willing to stand by and see their children attend a school across the street from this type of facility.

It would seem the city should have reviewed the zoning in this particular location as the residential neighborhood grew up around it. Is there another type of zoning that would be more compatible with the community?

It seems that a majority of Sedro-Woolley residents are against the facility. Whether or not their fears are realistic, there has to be a recognition on the part of the city that this type of business does not seem compatible with current residents.

It doesn’t matter what the site used to be, what matters is what it’s going to be used for tomorrow.