The Buckley City Council unanimously approved a final decision on the Van Sickle Landing subdivision, clearing the way for the construction of the 200-home development along Ryan Road.

The decision came during a special council meeting June 30.

Specifically, the council made provisions for public health, safety and general welfare. Additionally, the preliminary subdivision proposal is consistent with the city’s zoning code and comprehensive plan.

The current agreement allows for open spaces, drainage ways, streets, roads or alleys, transit stops, potable water supplies, sanitary wastes, parks and recreation playgrounds and schools, as well as sidewalks, crosswalks, pathways and other features that assure safe walking conditions.

In other action June 30, the council approved the sublease of 138.57 acres of agricultural property to Lonesome D Ranch owner Dave Baker for a two-year period at the rate of $12,960 per year. Baker also must pay an excise tax of $2,118 and a Puget Sound Energy power charge of $3,540. The city controls the land, recently signing a 50-year lease with the owner, the state’s Department of Social and Health Services.

City Administrator Dave Schmidt said that the sublease is part of a five-year review will determine what type of land use will be the most prudent and glean the most revenue for the city. Among the ideas being mulled over are the development of ball fields, polo grounds, storage areas and an animal control facility.

To comment on this story view it online at www.courierherald.com. Reach John Leggett at jleggett@courierherald.com or 360-802-8207.