Neighbors press council to deny Keithsburg annexation over traffic and drainage concerns

City staff described a proposal to annex and rezone roughly 48.192 acres in the Keithsburg area for a planned development mixed-use project that would include 167 residential units, commercial tracts and three requested variances (including a single-entrance variance). Staff said the county recommended left-turn and deceleration lanes and suggested consideration of future transportation improvements.

Multiple residents opposed the annexation at public comment. "This development is not in the character with surrounding uses," said Dwayne Castillo (speaker 14), who told the council he lives about 300 yards from the site and urged members to personally observe peak traffic hours. Sharon Valente (speaker 15) warned that the area's two-lane roads and current drainage patterns cannot absorb the added trips and asked the council for a traffic impact study and a fiscal analysis rather than projected revenue estimates.

The applicant's representative said the revised plan adds single-family detached homes and cottages and reduced the townhome component; he argued topography limits commercial development and that the project would provide starter homes and preserve open space. Staff said required studies — traffic, hydrology and permitting — must be completed before land-disturbance permits are issued; county water/sewer staff signaled available capacity for connections.