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Local youth-sports groups tell Lacey planners zoning rules risk displacing programs
Summary
Representatives for a regional youth football league and a gymnastics program told the Lacey Planning Commission they must relocate unless the city helps them secure zoning relief for a building that otherwise meets their operational needs.
Two local youth-sports operators told the Lacey Planning Commission on May 14 that they are facing displacement because a potential new space does not meet the city’s zoning rules.
Tim Plares, who identified himself as representing TCYFL, said the league and an affiliated gymnastics program run by Julia (surname not specified) both currently occupy leased warehouse space that their landlord will not renew. “We have about 5,000 participants, throughout the year, throughout Thurston and and some of the surrounding areas,” Plares said, adding that Julia’s program has “about 400 participants.”
The two said they have identified a building behind Hummingbird Scientific on Commerce Street that would fit their operational needs with no tenant improvements, but the site is zoned “light industrial” rather than the zone they said they need, which they described as allowing the public-facing recreational use they provide. Plares said the gymnastics program requires a ceiling height of roughly 24 feet for safe practice.
Why it matters: The representatives said their organizations serve thousands of youth across the region and feed into local high-school programs. If the groups cannot find a new location within Lacey, they said, many participants and a small-business operator could be forced to move outside the city.
Details from the public comment: Plares said the building owner would like them as tenants and that the site’s current configuration — including existing parking and limited heavy trucking — would make it an ideal fit without costly tenant improvements. He said the zoning designation prevents their proposed use and that the groups plan to bring the matter to the City Council if necessary. “We’re also gonna address the city council in the future and and start going through that process,” Plares said.
Commission and staff response: Commissioners and staff advised the speakers on next steps. A staff member suggested they start the formal process by bringing the issue to council and noted that council meetings accept public comments and short presentations. Plares said he had already discussed the situation with a city contact named Malcolm and planned to obtain a supporting letter from the building owner.
Discussion vs. outcome: The exchange during public comment was advisory; the Planning Commission took no formal action on the zoning issue at the meeting. Commissioners recommended that the speakers pursue a request for a conditional-use permit or similar discretionary approval through the city process and advised them on filing comments at the upcoming City Council meeting. Plares said the groups will pursue those steps.
What’s next: Plares and the gymnastics operator plan to engage the City Council and to supply additional materials, including a letter from the property owner. Commission staff directed the public that written comments can be sent to the planning staff contact listed on the city website and noted the next council regular meeting includes public comment time.
Ending: The speakers asked commissioners and staff for procedural guidance rather than immediate policy change. The Commission’s advice was procedural: pursue council engagement and follow the city’s conditional-use/rezoning process if necessary.
