City Council Approves Controversial Industrial Development Plan

During a recent city council meeting, members discussed the proposed rezoning of a property located at 10701 Butternut Street from office to moderate density residential. The council voted to remove the item from the table for further consideration. City staff presented a concept plan that includes a write-in, write-out access onto University Avenue, which has received verbal support from the county highway department. However, official approval from the county is still pending.

The council expressed concerns regarding the potential traffic impacts on the surrounding neighborhood, particularly on Butternut Street, which is a residential area. Several council members emphasized the importance of ensuring that any site plan approved would not allow access from Butternut Street, with assurances from city staff that they would recommend denial of any site plan that did not meet this requirement.

The timeline for the site plan review is set for the planning commission meeting on August 15, although the applicant may choose to delay this until September 19 to await county feedback. The council acknowledged the complexities involved in the rezoning process, noting that while they trust city staff, the lack of guarantees from the county adds uncertainty.

In a separate agenda item, the council considered an amendment to the planned unit development for the Wedgwood Apartments, which seeks to convert a pool house into a 59th residential unit. The proposal was met with mixed reactions, with some council members questioning the removal of community amenities in favor of additional housing. Ultimately, the council approved the amendment, citing compliance with current zoning standards and the need for additional housing in the area.

Lastly, the council reviewed a site plan for a new industrial building in Port Evergreen, which includes a two-story warehouse office space. The plan received approval after the developer addressed previous concerns raised by the planning commission regarding building aesthetics and site layout. The council expressed satisfaction with the adjustments made to the design, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a professional appearance in the industrial zone.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to balancing development needs with community concerns, particularly regarding traffic and neighborhood integrity.