College Place commission recommends Martin Airfield planning study for inclusion in comprehensive plan

The College Place Tourism and Events Commission voted to recommend that the Martin Airfield planning study be forwarded to the city council as an appendix to the city’s forthcoming comprehensive plan.

City staff member Mr. Visotillo summarized the study and its recommendations to the commission, saying the work proposes a hybrid airport light‑industrial zoning for key employment lands around Martin Airfield and that property south of Doanes Creek was identified for residential use because the landowner intends residential development. He said the study included general cost assessments for extending water and wastewater utilities, which currently end at the Homestead development and would require substantial extensions to serve the area.

The study would be attached to the upcoming comprehensive plan for council consideration. Mr. Visotillo noted that earlier adopted comprehensive plans did not include language about Martin Airfield and described the area as a "ghost area." The commission voted to recommend the study move forward to council for adoption as an appendix.

Discussion focused on zoning recommendations, the utility extension needs and costs, and aligning the study with landowners’ stated intentions. The commission’s recommendation does not itself change zoning; it directs staff to forward the study and its technical appendices to the council for formal action.

Next steps identified in the meeting record: the recommendation will go to the city council as an appendix to the comprehensive plan, where council members will consider adopting the study language and any zoning or map changes.

No dollar figure for the utility extension was provided in the presentation; the study described cost assessments but did not specify final estimates in the commission discussion.