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City Council Faces Backlash Over Controversial Development Proposal

September 23, 2024 | Walla Walla, Walla Walla County, Washington


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City Council Faces Backlash Over Controversial Development Proposal
In a recent public meeting held in Walla Walla, community members voiced their concerns regarding a proposed housing development, focusing on issues of density, traffic, and infrastructure. The meeting, which was scheduled to conclude at 9:30 PM, featured a series of public comments before the developer was given a chance to respond.

Pat Harding, a local resident, expressed his apprehension about the density of the proposed development, stating that the number of houses planned is too compact for the area. He also challenged the notion that declining school enrollment is linked to housing availability, attributing it instead to educational quality.

Beverly Olmig, another resident, highlighted ongoing issues with local road conditions, particularly on Kendall Road, which she claimed has seen little improvement over the past two decades. She emphasized the need for better infrastructure to support the anticipated increase in traffic from the new development.

Bob Williams raised questions about which entity—county, city, or developer—would be responsible for road improvements, particularly at the intersection of Kendall and Reeser, which he noted is not included in the developer's traffic plans despite expected heavy usage.

K. Dale Hoffman echoed concerns about the lack of proposed green spaces and road improvements along Kendall, questioning the traffic management strategy that relies on this road without planned enhancements.

The meeting also included a comment from Corey Harder, a former resident who now lives in Spokane. He suggested that the city consider expanding housing in the Northeast to revitalize the Eastgate area, which he described as neglected.

As the public hearing drew to a close, the council announced that no further comments would be accepted after the meeting, but residents were encouraged to submit written feedback by the following Friday. The developer was then allotted five minutes to address the concerns raised, marking the end of a session that highlighted significant community apprehensions about the proposed development's impact on local infrastructure and quality of life.

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