Federal Way residents press council about Wild Waves site development and warehouse approvals

Multiple residents addressed the council on July 2 to raise concerns about warehouse development at the Wild Waves property and related land-use changes. Commenters said a December 2023 council vote removed a 25% warehouse limitation and extended the development agreement, which they say opened the door to large-scale warehouse construction that will increase traffic, eliminate open space and harm sensitive watershed areas.

Suzanne Vargo urged the council to consider cumulative watershed impacts and said prior development has already removed headwaters of a branch that feeds spawning areas. Mike Bollock Ziggler recounted watching council votes in 2023 and said staff warned elected officials that removing restrictions would mean the city could not outright block industrial conversion; he criticized the council for approving the change by a 5–1 margin and called for more protection for affected neighborhoods.

Why it matters: Speakers argued the city exchanged land-use leverage for short-term economic promises and warned about long-term environmental and neighborhood impacts, particularly to the Hydabos (referred to in testimony) watershed and spawning areas. Several callers requested more public notice and argued the city should have preserved nonindustrial uses of the property.

Council and staff response: During public comment, staff and council acknowledged the concerns and committed to follow up. No formal land‑use decisions were made at this meeting; commenters said they will return to continue pressing the issue.

What to watch next: Residents asked the city to provide clearer records of prior votes, development-agreement terms, and environmental analyses related to the Wild Waves property and asked for timely notice on any future land-use actions. The council did not schedule a hearing or vote on the Wild Waves site during this meeting.