Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Benaroya Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council continues work with Benaroya on development and latecomer agreements amid public questions
Summary
Community Development Director Robert Webster said staff are finalizing a Development Agreement and Latecomers Agreement with Benaroya; public commenters asked whether Benaroya would receive taxpayer-funded reimbursements and sought clarification on how the Latecomers Agreement affects future development.
Community Development Director Robert Webster told the council staff continue working with Benaroya to finalize a Development Agreement and a Latecomers Agreement, calling both documents critical to advancing planned infrastructure improvements. Webster clarified that only developers pursuing short or long plats within city limits are required to participate in latecomer agreements, while individual property owners are exempt unless they undertake development.
During public comment, L. Hoffman of the Lewis County News asked whether Benaroya would receive tax funds paid by taxpayers for the development of roads, water and sewer infrastructure. P. Sohal requested additional detail regarding the Development and Latecomers agreements; City Attorney Jim Buzzard advised Mr. Sohal to submit his comments in writing to the city. Former Mayor L. Dowell provided background on the 2013–2014 Benaroya Latecomer Agreement and said the city obtained grant funding to extend water and sewer beyond prior limits rather than reimbursing Benaroya for that work.
