Council approves first reading to rezone two Reeser Creek parcels for museum and event center uses

The Ellensburg City Council on May 5 approved the first reading of an ordinance to rezone two parcels east of Reeser Creek Road (parcels 963051 and 716133) from Residential Suburban (RS) to Commercial Neighborhood (CN), adopting the hearing examiner’s corrected recommended findings of fact, conclusions of law and decision.

City staff told the council the parcels lie within the city’s urban growth area and that site‑specific rezones consistent with the comprehensive‑plan future land use and located inside the UGA are exempt from SEPA review. Staff noted a clerical error in the mailed affidavit for public notice that was corrected and provided to the council. The area includes critical resources, including wetlands, a 100‑year floodplain and Whiskey Creek with an associated 85‑foot buffer; staff said future development would be subject to standard permitting and critical‑area regulations.

The applicant said the northern parcel is planned for a museum and event center. James S. Ritter, representing Stockyard Development Group LLC, told the council the proposal represents “thoughtful development” that preserves natural resources and that the applicant has worked with state fish and wildlife and other agencies. The hearing examiner had held an open record hearing and issued a corrected decision recommending approval without conditions; staff recommended the council adopt that recommendation and proceed with the first reading of ordinance 4960.

A council member moved and seconded approval; the motion passed and the council conducted the ordinance’s first reading, advancing the rezone request to the next legislative steps. No conditions were attached to the recommendation.