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Residents split over 'The Link' rezoning; calls for fiscal impact study and forest protections
Summary
During public comment residents debated a pending rezoning known as 'The Link.' Opponents urged a fiscal‑impact analysis and forest preservation; supporters, including a downtown business owner, said higher‑density housing is preferable to high‑priced townhouses.
Multiple residents used the public‑comment period on Oct. 14 to press council about the proposed rezoning of a parcel known as 'The Link.'
Carl Larson, a downtown resident, urged the council to request a full fiscal‑impact analysis before changing zoning from R‑3 to B‑1C, saying the parcel sits at a gateway to downtown and could add costs for traffic, parking, sewer, water and schools. "If we don't do a fiscal impact analysis for this development … when would we ever do a fiscal impact analysis?" Larson asked.
Other commenters focused on environmental concerns, including preservation of roughly 40 acres of forest and potential downstream impacts on water supply. At the same time, a downtown business owner who identified herself as Sarah said she supports the higher‑density proposal, arguing the alternative — townhouses that would sell for high prices — would not deliver the kind of housing downtown needs.
Speakers noted that more than 1,300 residents had signed a petition opposing the B‑1C rezoning and called for thoughtful planning; others said higher density near downtown is appropriate. Council did not take action on the Link rezoning during this meeting; the comments were recorded for future consideration.
