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Buckley says it has prepared zoning and master-plan controls amid possible Rainier State School downsizing
Summary
City staff told council the governor27s budget includes a proposal affecting Rainier State School; staff said Buckley changed the site27s comprehensive-plan designation to public and adopted master facilities plan code so the city will review any future modifications.
Buckley staff updated the City Council on Jan. 7 about preparations in case the state reduces or closes operations at Rainier State School, a large state facility near the city.
Staff said the governor27s budget reportedly includes a proposal that could lead to closure or downsizing of Rainier State School; because the proposal is part of the governor27s budget, staff said the timeline and outcome remain uncertain and any closure would likely occur over several years. Staff reported they recently met with Rainier representatives and that the facility did not have advance notice before the governor27s budget was released.
To prepare for a potential change in use, the city earlier revised the comprehensive-plan designation for the site to a public designation and adopted a master facilities plan code. Staff said those actions give the city a role in reviewing and limiting future modifications to the property, and that while some facility upgrades already under way will continue, there are no additional planned state-funded upgrades at this time. Council members noted Rainier is a major local employer and that any long-term changes would affect the local workforce and economy.
Staff said the city27s actions are precautionary steps to shape any future proposals for the property; no city action to rezone or repurpose the site was taken at the study session beyond the previously adopted code changes.
