City faces housing crisis as development plans shift

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the implications of modifying a development agreement related to a property previously assessed under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). The conversation highlighted the need for clarity on the existing Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and its relevance to the proposed changes.

The meeting revealed that a court case had recently affirmed the right to develop 672 residential units on the property, establishing a legal precedent for the development agreement. However, officials noted that the landscape has shifted since the court ruling, particularly due to the initiation of a comprehensive plan update aimed at meeting state-mandated housing targets. This update requires the city to demonstrate capacity for housing across various income bands, which has led to a reevaluation of growth strategies.

Two primary strategies were presented to the city council: one advocating for city-wide zoning adjustments and another focusing on high-density development in specific areas, particularly midtown and downtown. The WSU forest residential property has been identified as a key site for this high-density development, which would allow the city to meet housing targets without extensive upzoning elsewhere.

Officials emphasized the urgency of aligning the comprehensive plan with state requirements, noting that failure to do so could jeopardize approximately $23 million in grants and loans for essential infrastructure projects. The discussion also touched on the need for a new or updated EIS if the proposed changes to the development agreement significantly alter the project's scope or impact.

As the city navigates these complex issues, the next steps will involve determining the necessary SEPA processes, including whether an addendum or supplemental EIS is required based on the updated development plans. The council's decisions in the coming months will be crucial in shaping the future of housing development in the area.