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Commission hears public comment on street trees; staff reports uptick in housing permits and ongoing large projects
Summary
A resident criticized the condition of street trees; city staff introduced a new senior planner and reported seven new single-family housing applications in The Villages of Garrison Creek and ongoing discussions on a 180-unit project near Fort Walla Walla.
During public comment at the Jan. 21 College Place Planning Commission meeting, a resident identified as Tim Geis urged the city for better tree care, saying the “state of the trees … has got me mad.” The comment came during the meeting’s public-comment period and did not prompt a commission action.
City staff introduced Michael Merritt as the new senior planner. Merritt, whom staff described as having two years of local experience plus prior planning experience in Ohio, will assist the planning department as the commission begins a multi-year comprehensive-plan update.
In administrative updates, city staff reported development activity is increasing: since Jan. 1 the city received seven new residential housing applications within The Villages of Garrison Creek final phase 12; staff also said a proposed development near the water tanks, the Villages at Fort Walla Walla, remains under discussion following a restructuring of project partnerships. Rickard said the Fort Walla Walla project is not dead and that coordination with developers is ongoing. Staff also said they have been in discussions with several businesses, including hotel and retail interests; mention of a Walmart gas station was made but staff said there was no formal application to discuss.
Staff told commissioners they would provide newcomers with links to the comprehensive plan, zoning code and development regulations, and that consultant JEB Engineers will lead the upcoming comprehensive-plan process with monthly planner-led meetings to avoid lengthy single meetings.
The commission did not take formal action on tree maintenance or the projects during this meeting; the comments were recorded during public comment and staff provided project-status updates. The commission’s regular meeting was adjourned after routine closing motions.
