TangleWild resident requests early outreach as city discusses possible annexation

Terry Ballard, who said he has lived in the TangleWild neighborhood for more than 20 years, addressed the council during public comment about potential annexation of TangleWild into the city of Lacey.

"I don't wanna be like, Capital City Golf Course where you guys just come on and don't introduce yourself and basically annex us," Ballard said, urging early outreach and information to residents.

Ballard raised safety concerns for the neighborhood, including lack of a continuous walkway to Lydia Hawk Elementary School, missing fire lanes at newer complexes, and stormwater infrastructure he described as "three dry wells" in TangleWild Park. He said many residents use private wells and septic systems and expressed resistance to sewer hookups, noting the wells provide inexpensive water. He also asked the city to work with county officials on any road or infrastructure obligations that might accompany annexation.

Mayor Andy Ryder responded that talks between the city and Thurston County were in the very early stages and that any annexation process would be long and involve negotiations about infrastructure upgrades and funding.

Ending: Ballard offered to meet with city staff and suggested holding a neighborhood meeting at Lydia Hawk Elementary; the mayor directed that the city would continue early-stage discussions with the county and acknowledged the concerns Ballard raised.