Plan offers land for open space, trails, and future YMCA site
Published 9:56 pm Monday, June 22, 2009
Bonney Lake Mayor Neil Johnson announced Friday the city, Washington State University and Weyerhaeuser Company plan to develop the 150-acre Washington State University Demonstration Forest property to meet a variety of community goals.
If approved by the City Council, the city would receive land for open space, trails and a future YMCA with a pool.
Johnson supports the proposed plan.
“We envision an opportunity that provides Bonney Lake citizens with public benefits through local revenue, jobs, recreation and open space,” he said. Johnson said – if approved – the project would provide 47 acres of land deeded to the city for new commercial/medical and retail services, a residential community and a new connector road between South Prairie Road and state Route 410 to improve traffic flows.
The acreage dedicated to the city would include 35 acres of treed/open space area, five acres for buffer/trails, two acres for a park and five for a future YMCA with a pool.
Johnson explained the proposed plan will be subject to review by the city and other permitting agencies, and input from the public, before action will be taken in the fall. It includes completion of a draft and final environmental impact statement, staff review, Planning Commission review, council review and public hearings.
Bonney Lake Police Chief Mike Mitchell supports the plan.
“This is a great opportunity to use an area in the city (which) – although nice to look at – has long been a problem area for parties, arson and vandalism,” Mitchell said. “Turning this into an area that everyone can enjoy, along with the proposed YMCA that provides a place for kids to meet and have activities in their spare time is something this city has needed for a long time.”
Mel Taylor, executive director of Real Estate Operations and External Affairs for WSU said they want to ensure this property can provide beneficial uses for many.
“The financial proceeds from the sale of the property will help fund higher education and the planned development also benefits the local community,” Taylor said.
Pete Lymberis, senior development manager for Quadrant Corporation, said the company is excited to work with the city, university and Weyerhaeuser on a project that offers many benefits to the community.
“This project represents a great opportunity to make the best use of this property with advantages for so many stakeholders,” he said.
Quadrant, on behalf of WSU and Weyerhaeuser, submitted an application to begin the process for seeking approval of a Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Rezone for the former Demonstration Forest.
The university owned the property since 1941 when it was deeded to WSU by Weyerhaeuser for a Demonstration Forest. The deed included a clause that would return the property to Weyerhaeuser if WSU decided to use the land for other purposes.
WSU and Weyerhaeuser agreed to pursue the necessary land-use entitlements needed to gain project approval.
When approved, certain identified lands will be dedicated to the city and the remainder of property will be offered for sale.
Quadrant Corp. is serving as agent for the redevelopment plan.
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