On my weekly trips to the commercial centers off Trosper Road, I often feel sad passing the pockets of remaining forest along the way.
Their inevitable loss to development is clear, with commercial "for sale" signs everywhere. The first large section has already been cleared near the roundabout at Tyee Drive and Israel Road (thanks to Costco).
I support development and I especially understand the need for more housing, but I believe we are building in the wrong places. Instead of destroying second- and third-generation forests, we should focus on redeveloping the large-blighted sites in the urban areas with existing infrastructure.
There are many vacant industrial and commercial sites around Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater that could be reused, setting us up for a cleaner, greener future with better connectivity and walkability.
Thera are numerous state and federal incentives for residential development, especially for blighted urban infill properties. With funding from these programs, redevelopment can be as cost-effective as greenfield development.
The cities of Tumwater and Olympia both have Environmental Protection Agency grants for environmental investigations, and the state departments of Ecology and Commerce offer funds for contamination remediation (if needed). A scary façade does not mean a property is contaminated. Public-private partnership opportunities are also abundant.
Why aren't we taking advantage of these opportunities to redevelop our core areas instead of building sprawl and removing the last forests and greenspace we have?
I’m less familiar with the blight within Lacey, but prime properties for redevelopment within Tumwater and Olympia include:
One caveat worth noting is that redevelopment takes a willing and realistic landowner. I’m unaware of whether that applies for some of these properties.
No one wants to live in a barren, treeless wasteland. The forests and natural beauty are why many of us live here and why others want to live here.
If developers understood the funding sources available for urban redevelopment, I'm confident more of it would happen. Let's hope for more public outreach on these issues before all our greenspace is gone.
Joel Hecker is a local hydrogeologist with expertise in site cleanup and brownfield redevelopment.
The opinions expressed above are those of the writer and not necessarily those of The JOLT's staff or board of directors. Got something to say about a topic of interest to Thurston County residents? Send it to us and we’ll most likely publish it. See the Contribute your news button at the top of every page.
3 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
S2345S23456
All terrific places for redevelopment. One must keep in mind the identity of Olympia. Downtown spots and those nearby that are redeveloped into living quarters, including affordable housing, community activity and arts centers, a "roofed" out-door performance space, as well as *open green spaces* such as *parks* with *trees* *art* and *community gardens* will cause the beauty and quality of living in the area to soar, and bring business to the downtown shops, restaurants, cafes, galleries, venues, and services. Of course, a limit on the skyline would be fitting for a modest community, and lesson a sense of shadow to an already overcast dark environment. Artistically designed solar and wind power catching devises to be installed. Living spaces with water views of course would be highly sought after, though building designs should account for rising sea levels. An invaluable endeavor to embrace and enhance the identity of Olympia. A lucky horseshoe with an artesian fountain to be installed as well.
Wednesday, January 8 Report this
S2345S23456
And of course, as many monuments of respect to the original indigenous people of this land!
Wednesday, January 8 Report this
S2345S23456
Of course, redeveloping the downtown could be dangerous on traffic congestion. The more brought in, the more brought in. Parking and a traffic flow plans would need to be carefully engineered to prevent driving, pedestrian, and emissions headaches. Garages for apt residences could be limited onsite, with some added to the outer perimeters of downtown, and a couple small 24-hour downtown shuttles could mobilize those who don't walk or ride a bike. Restaurants, cafes, and shops could stay open later. The many unique interesting buildings downtown there could be revamped in a way that would conserve the town's flavor and authenticity. For those and any new builds, suitable designs and colors would blend and flow with mother nature's landscape, punctuated with more novel designs and colors to reflect the "creative district." Some of the grungy warehouse buildings could be left for the youth to do their art stuff. A Washington Native Plant Botanical Garden and a Thurston County Museum would be splendid. Not too much concrete please, as Percival Landing is a boring uncozy grey slab. Get rid of all those logs going out on the water - they can do that elsewhere - besides, rising sea levels will take them out anyway. Clean up Budd Inlet and invite some Orcas to survive.
Wednesday, January 8 Report this