Economic committee mulls future of city

Published 1:16 pm Thursday, December 11, 2008

Dennis Box, The Courier-Herald

The first meeting of Bonney Lake's new Economic Development Committee took place May 26 at the senior center.

Billed as a community conversation on economic development, about 10 community members attended along with City Councilmen Mark Hamilton, Neil Johnson and Jim Rackley, Planning Director Bob Leedy and Mayor Bob Young.

The meeting came about at the behest of Johnson.

"I was impressed. I think it went very good," he said. "I want to make sure we keep moving ahead. This committee needs to look at the city today and tomorrow and 20 years from now."

According to Hamilton, the group is meant to be a steering committee to help direct the economic development of the city.

The group spent time listing the strengths and challenges Bonney Lake.

State Route 410 was listed as both a strength and challenge. Lake Tapps was seen as a strong point, but maintaining the lake was deemed a major challenge.Expanding parks, dealing with traffic congestion and achieving a stable business community were goals to meet.

Maintaining a proper identity for the city - and not letting it become another South Hill - was a theme voiced by several members of the group.

"Everyone wants to see development and services," Louisa Smith said. "We don't want to be another South Hill."

The meeting was well received, but most stated a desire for action, not just ideas.

"I thought the comments were good, but I want to see it continue beyond brainstorming," said Debbie Mortell, president of the Bonney Lake Chamber of Commerce. "I want a plan on paper so we have a beautiful city."