Urban transition plan hearing gets greenlit for Nov. 30 in Olympia

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Olympia and Thurston County's Planning Commissions approved holding a public hearing on the Olympia Joint Plan on Wednesday, November 30, 2022.

The Planning Commission held another work study session on October 26 to discuss the updated joint plan presented by Thurston County association planner Leah Davis.

The Olympia Joint Plan is the basis for future planning decisions, which helps guide development in the urban area as it transitions from rural to urban. It was adopted in 1995 and has not been updated since 2004.

In their previous work study session, county commissioners requested the Planning staff to identify the changes and the updated items.

The Olympia Joint Plan, according to Davis, has added language regarding urban forests and protecting marine and aquatic waters.

"The language mentioned air pollution, with this plan specifying carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases. Light pollution is also mentioned in this draft," Davis said, referring to the over 200 updated pages Olympia Joint Plan document.

In the land use chapter, Davis noted that it included two rules in the language about trees and food production.

She added that other changes are about equity and climate change in the plan.

Changes to the 2004 plan discuss aspects such as transportation, arts, parks & recreation, and public services.

Transportation

  • Add multimodal features as specified by applicable engineering design and development standards
  • The street network is a well-connected system of small blocks, allowing short, direct trips for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, motorists, and service vehicles
  • Street connections to existing residential areas and environmentally sensitive areas will be carefully examined before a decision is made to create a connection for motor vehicle traffic
  • Pathways enhance the transportation network by providing direct and formal off-street routes for bicyclists and pedestrians
  • A network of regional and local trails enhances mobility for bicycles and pedestrians
  • Intercity transit's short- and long-range plans are supported
  • Pedestrian crossing improvements remove barriers for walkers on major streets, especially wide streets with high vehicle volumes
  • Streetscapes buffer walkers from motor vehicle traffic, enhance the experience of walking, and increasing the attractiveness of an area

Arts, Parks and Recreation

  • Unique facilities, public art, events, and recreational programming encourage social interaction, foster community building, and enhance the visual character and livability of Olympia
  • Permanent and temporary public art is located in parks, sidewalks, roundabouts, public buildings, alleys, and other public spaces
  • Arts in Olympia are supported

Public services 

  • There is enough emergency housing, transitional housing, permanent housing with supportive services, and independent affordable housing
  • Neighborhoods are involved in effective and efficient code enforcement
  • Complaints and resolutions are tracked and reported consistently
  • The County rarely resorts to issuing citations as a way to bring code offenders into compliance
  • The community has a high level of fire protection, emergency medical services, and disaster management services, equal to or exceeding the industry standard
  • Community members are empowered as partners in solving community problems
  • Police services are provided in a manner consistent with community values and are cost-effective

Davis said the county included an economy chapter in the Olympia Joint Plan. Some of its goals include a stable economy that pays living wages, maximum infrastructure benefits, and collaboration with partners to maximize economic opportunity.

Regarding affordable housing, Davis said they would add an updated history of the economy relating to housing.

"We expect to see those changes in the public hearing draft about the joint plan,” said Davis.

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  • AugieH

    • There is enough emergency housing, transitional housing, permanent housing with supportive services, and independent affordable housing

    •Neighborhoods are involved in effective and efficient code enforcement

    •Complaints and resolutions are tracked and reported consistently

    I suspect these three line items under Public Services, if addressed by the planning commissions and elaborated upon in the Olympia Joint Plan, would provide county and city meddlers the opportunity to further regulate and restrict landlords in the management of their properties. As I recall - perhaps mistakenly - from earlier this year, Olympia was taking under study the licensing of rentals as a business entities and the subsequent inspection of such properties for code and health violations. I presume landlord/owners would be charged fees for the business licenses and inspections.

    Friday, November 4, 2022 Report this