Fife Planning Commission debates industrial zoning amid community concerns

The Fife Planning Commission meeting on March 3, 2025, sparked heated discussions over proposed zoning changes that could reshape the city's industrial landscape. Key voices in the community urged the commission to maintain industrial zoning in the Bentham Loop area, emphasizing the importance of preserving existing businesses and aligning with the city's comprehensive growth plan.

Cheryl Ebsworth, representing Graham Trucking, passionately argued against rezoning approximately three acres from industrial to residential. She highlighted that such a change would contradict the city's planning goals and jeopardize a significant business investment already in the permit review process. "If this property is zoned residential, it will immediately become nonconforming use, which gives an undue burden to a new business investment in your community," Ebsworth stated, warning of potential noise and air quality issues from residential development near a major freeway.

Tyler Litzenberger, a local business owner, echoed these concerns, advocating for a mixed-use project that would include both industrial and residential elements. He emphasized the need for infrastructure improvements and the potential for affordable housing, while also reassuring residents that their properties would remain protected under nonconforming use.

Community member April Fredericks raised concerns about the impact of zoning changes on property taxes and the lack of sidewalks in the area, calling for more attention to public safety. Patricia Smith, a long-time business owner in Fife, also voiced her apprehensions regarding the proposed changes.

The discussions reflect a community grappling with the balance between growth and preserving its industrial roots, as the Planning Commission weighs the implications of these zoning decisions on Fife's future. The outcome of this meeting could significantly influence the city's development trajectory, with stakeholders keenly awaiting the commission's recommendations.