Kittitas County approves Parke Creek Planned Unit Development and long plat; neighbors raise noise and traffic concerns

The board opened a closed-record hearing on the Parke Creek Planned Unit Development (PDO24000002) and Long Plat (LP-24-00004). Chair Cory Wright disclosed his daughter was part of the applicant’s team and stated he believed he could remain impartial; Commissioners Wachsmith and Osiadacz did not object to him remaining seated.

Planning Manager Jamey Ayling reviewed the proposal and said the Hearing Examiner had conducted an open-record hearing and recommended approval with findings, conclusions and conditions. Neighbors spoke in opposition: a neighbor recorded as Phil Cardt{ell (name as recorded in the minutes) said he did not want a racetrack in the area because of expected noise, dust and increased traffic; Fred Slyfield, a long-time valley resident, also opposed a competitive racetrack and raised concerns about traffic, air pollution and security risks at a proposed storage facility.

Laura Hinkle, representing the applicant, responded that the proposal had been scaled back, that there would be no night races, and that lighting would be downward-facing and not run continuously. Chair Wright acknowledged the concerns but said the applicant had taken steps to mitigate impacts and emphasized the county’s interest in economic growth.

Vice-Chairman Wachsmith moved to grant approval for the Parke Creek Planned Unit Development and Long Plat; Commissioner Laura Osiadacz seconded. The motion carried 3-0 and the board approved Ordinance No. 2026-001 (Planned Unit Development).

The record reflects neighbor concerns about noise, dust, traffic and property values; the ordinance passed with the conditions recommended by staff and the Hearing Examiner. The board’s action authorizes the project to proceed subject to those conditions and any required permits.