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Commission hearing includes concern that DOT demolition permit could leave historic site without adequate mitigation
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Summary
During public comment at the March 12 meeting a commission member warned that a demolition permit has been submitted for a DOT‑owned historic property and urged timely engagement with DOT and possible use of commission funds to supplement mitigation; the claim was not addressed by DOT representatives at the meeting.
During public comment at the March 12 Tumwater Historic Preservation Commission meeting, a commission member raised concerns that a demolition permit had been submitted for a historic property and said the city and commission should act promptly to seek mitigation and oversight.
The speaker said the project could be on the order of "approximately $10–15 million" and that DOT’s available mitigation funding might cover only one‑fifth to one‑third of that amount. "Mitigation of historic aspects is their responsibility by law," the speaker said, and urged the commission to pursue constructive engagement and consider making a budget motion to supplement DOT funding if needed.
Staff did not receive a DOT or DAHP response during the meeting and indicated that discussion of ongoing litigation was constrained. The speaker asked that the commission schedule timely consideration — ideally at the commission’s April meeting — so that any comment or oversight window would not be missed. The issue was raised during public comment and no formal action was taken by the commission at this meeting.
