Plans to increase housing, expand industrial land and protect farmland in Thurston County moved forward on Tuesday, Dec. 17, with the approval of updates to the 2024 Comprehensive Plan.
Expanding the Grand Mound West urban growth area and updating agricultural zoning rules are the two major projects in the plan, alongside adjustments to land use maps and zoning boundaries based on public review.
The Grand Mound West changes will allow more industrial development at Black Lake Quarry and increase housing options at the Wilmovsky site.
Also, agricultural zoning updates resolve a 2020 appeal by Futurewise, an environmental advocacy group, and provide landowners with voluntary conservation options.
“This year’s package reflects years of work on behalf of Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED), the Planning Commission and the broader community,” CPED Director Ashley Arai said, thanking groups who engaged in the process.
1. Previous review
The Grand Mound West proposals were previously included in the Grand Mound Subarea Plan, reviewed in 2022 and 2023. These projects were shared with the public through open houses (both in-person and online), a project web page, mailed informational postcards and public hearings.
In late 2022 and early 2023, the Planning Commission recommended "No Change" to the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) regarding the Grand Mound West proposals. However, in late 2023, the Urban Growth Management subcommittee recommended approval of the Grand Mound West UGA expansion projects to the BoCC.
2. Environmental review
The proposals underwent an environmental review process, and a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Mitigated Determination of Nonsignificance was issued on Oct. 10.
3. Board review
The BoCC held a public hearing on Oct. 29, where residents and stakeholders provided feedback. On Dec. 17, the BoCC approved the Grand Mound West UGA Expansion, Land Use, and Rezone Amendments as part of the 2024 Comprehensive Plan package.
Rezoning of 29 acres in the Wilmovsky area of Grand Mound to allow residential development at densities of four to 16 units per acre is one of the central features of the amendments.
The proposal aims to address workforce housing shortages identified in a state-required land capacity analysis.
"We need all types of housing ... and we are in a housing crisis," said Commissioner Carolina Mejia, who supports the rezoning.
She emphasized that public feedback showed a clear need for more affordable housing options.
However, Commissioner Emily Clouse expressed concerns over environmental risks and pointed to a "gray area" in the RCW governing aquifer recharge areas.
Arai assured the board that the new Habitat Conservation Plan includes measures to mitigate impacts on endangered species, including the Mazama pocket gopher, but acknowledged full environmental reviews would occur only if development is proposed.
"If there was a development proposal that gets submitted, more than likely it would also trigger a separate environmental review," she explained.
Despite concerns and public comments, Commissioner Tye Menser noted that state law mandates population growth in urban growth areas like Grand Mound.
“You move to a place thinking it was farming area, and now it’s becoming more commercial,” said Menser, acknowledging community resistance.
The plan also includes a proposal to rezone 66 acres at Black Lake Quarry from rural residential to light industrial.
The change aligns with recommendations from the county’s 2023 industrial study, which identified a need for more industrial space to support economic growth.
"What we have is now just ponds that no one can ever access. Allowing this to be industrial instead of just brownfield sites forever that can’t be used ... does not make sense to me," said Commissioner Wayne Fournier in defending the rezoning.
Concerns about traffic congestion and infrastructure were discussed extensively.
Arai noted that a traffic impact analysis was conducted as part of the environmental review process, and additional infrastructure improvements will be required as part of any future development.
Fournier emphasized that developers would bear the responsibility for ensuring adequate infrastructure.
The rezoning passed despite concerns about how quickly infrastructure upgrades can be implemented to support industrial activity at the site.
The amendments also resolve a 2020 legal appeal by Futurewise over the designation of agricultural lands with long-term commercial significance.
The updated plan allows landowners to voluntarily enroll their properties in agricultural conservation programs.
"The board’s decision today would create a cornerstone for continued community conversations about farmland conservation," Arai said.
Fournier called the program "forward thinking," noting that it addresses earlier concerns from residents about being forced into restrictive zoning.
However, some questioned whether the program provides sufficient protection for agricultural lands.
The updates revise changes to multiple chapters of the comprehensive plan, offering landowners tools to preserve farmland without mandatory restrictions.
The board voted 4-1 to approve the amendments, with Clouse dissenting on one component but supporting the overall package.
“Through this democratic process, we’ve approved the first component ... so I’ll vote yes on the ordinance,” said Clouse during the second vote, which passed unanimously.
The BoCC commended the years of work that went into the plan, with Fournier describing the process as “a culmination of significant public and staff efforts.”
Mejia also thanked community members for their input.
“It is always appreciated when there is engagement," she said.
Menser added that the proposals were thoroughly vetted to ensure they aligned with the county’s vision for growth and sustainability.
“I do want to point out there’s a whole team behind me, so although I appreciate all the thanks,” said Arai, who expressed gratitude for the collective effort, crediting staff and community members for their contributions.
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Southsoundguy
Who says communism isn’t alive and well?
Monday, December 23, 2024 Report this
JnNwmn
This article and the Commissioner quotes barely mention the extensive public comments that are against these actions that just hand a developer benefits at the expense of the public. The County's own study shows that there is no shortage of land available right now for housing or commercial use without these actions. The public is now on the hook for roads, streets, sewer and water expansions for the newly zoned areas. It is the same old story of a speculator changing the zoning to make money.
Saturday, December 28, 2024 Report this