My name is Ava. I am 11 years old, and I live in the Seaview Street area. I love to bike so much, and so does my best friend Savoya, along with about 15 other kids in my neighborhood. We all love to play in the neighborhood, whether it is playing on a scooter or an evening walk with family, friends and loved ones.

When I was at the meeting, I was shocked to learn that there might be a propane tank going into our neighborhood. At first, I didn’t know what that was. I didn’t think it would matter. Then I learned that there would be big trucks coming on the street often, and I was scared – not only for me but for my friends and family, the volunteers at the animal shelter who walk their dogs down our street, and the bikers who stop by just to take a break and admire the view. If a big truck comes by and someone is biking or walking, the trucks are a safety hazard. If the trucks are coming in and out, I can’t feel safe.

I am also scared because the tank is huge, and if it blows up the houses at the end of the street, my friends will have no way to get escape if they require medical help. The tank would be right on the side of the airport, and if the explosion blew up the runway, how would they help my friends if they were hurt?

Ava Dahl

Orcas Island