By Dennis Box

The Courier-Herald

A condominium project proposed for West Lake Tapps near Allan Yorke Park has drawn concern and criticism from local residents.

Reich Land Incorporated from Spanaway has filed an application to build a 53-unit development called Park Place Condominium at 7001 West Tapps Highway.

The project also proposes a private marina for condominium residents.

The city noted in a March 14 memo receiving &#8220comment letters from citizens and agencies.”

Some of the concerns noted were: height of the structure, the number of units, parking, traffic, the marina, quality of life in neighborhood and potential effects on the existing shoreline.

At the March 14 City Council meeting Don Sangesand spoke during the citizen comment period, voicing concerns about the city informing the public and allowing public comment on the project.

Sangesand provided the council with a five-page document outlining his concerns.

&#8220This project should be a concern for citizens of Bonney Lake,” Sangesand said.

Planning Department Director Bob Leedy said the city has accepted the applications but, &#8220no approvals have been given.”

Leedy noted the development must go through a two-step permit process. The first is a design review and the second a &#8220type-five shoreline permit” for the marina.

The director said a public meeting would be required for the shoreline permit and Leedy also said the staff would &#8220be happy to schedule informal public meetings” on the project.

Mayor Neil Johnson said anyone with concerns can call Leedy, Administrative Services Coordinator Don Morrison or him.

&#8220It's still in the permit phase,” Johnson said. &#8220It's critical to get the neighborhood's perspective and make sure the developer understand the concerns.”

The project would replace 17 apartments that are on the property.

The mayor said it would be &#8220nice to upgrade the corner, but it is important to understand what that constitutes.”

Morrison said there are residents who support the new project.

&#8220Some feel it is not the best use of the land,” Morrison said. &#8220From what I have seen the project looks pretty nice.”