Three members of the Pierce County Council are hosting a public forum to provide local residents with another opportunity to learn about the proposed general services building currently under consideration. The meeting – arranged by Councilmembers Connie Ladenburg, Derek Young and Rick Talbert – will take place on Thursday, Jan. 22, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Pierce County Annex conference room.
“This project has been discussed openly since 2013, but it’s clear that people are seeking further clarification and we want to ensure everyone has a chance to be heard,” said Ladenburg, who represents the 4th Council District. “It’s also an opportunity for those who may not know the full story to get informed and ask questions. We want to be open with the most up-to-date, accurate information as possible.”
County Executive Pat McCarthy, county department heads and representatives of the Wright Runstad development team will help explain the project and the process.
“This is a very important decision that affects the whole county, so it’s essential that everyone who’s interested understand the background and objectives,” said Young, the newly-elected representative of the 7th Council District. “There have been a lot of conversations at public meetings, but I want to make sure we go the extra mile.”
The Pierce County Planning and Land Services Department hosted community meetings on Jan. 5 and Jan. 8 to solicit comments on the environmental and traffic impacts. The three Councilmembers want to supplement that process with another community meeting before scheduled votes in late January and early February.
“We looked at different options to find the best fit for the needs of Pierce County’s 800,000-plus residents,” said Talbert, who serves the people of the 5th Council District. “Recent neighborhood meetings have been very productive in collecting helpful comments about the impact on the Lincoln and McKinley areas. This additional meeting gives the broader community an opportunity to ask questions and share comments with county leaders.”
To learn more about the new county building project, please visit the project’s website.
