Former councilor and residents urge approval, warn against losing Ruston’s independence

At the Planning Commission meeting, former Ruston City Council member Bradley Huson urged approval of the proposed development, arguing the City depends on such projects for long-term viability and financial stability. Drawing on his decades of local involvement, he said past developments—though imperfect—helped sustain the city and warned that rejecting the current proposal could risk Ruston being absorbed by neighboring Tacoma.

Kelly Brown, a long-term resident, echoed Huson's point that the town's survival should be prioritized over preserving views and noted that changes to views have been ongoing. Both speakers urged the Commission to weigh broader governance and fiscal implications when evaluating any code changes or height compromises.