Council hears options for Penny Creek Nature Area dedication; staff will study costs and access

Director Todd told the Mill Creek City Council on Nov. 4 that the off‑site mitigation area known as the Penny Creek site — a former Pacific Topsoils peat mine restored by a developer — has completed the required five‑year monitoring period and is eligible for dedication to the city. “To clarify this presentation tonight, no decision,” Director Todd said. “Decision probably be, like, Q2 of next year.”

The presentation traced the site’s history, explained the developer’s 2019 development agreement (section 11.2) and described the restoration work completed on roughly 58–61 acres. Staff noted the agreement offered the site for dedication at no cost once monitoring was complete but said the developer can keep public access if the city declines the dedication. “Public access is provided during the five year period,” Director Todd said; “if we decide to decline to take the…