Lake Stevens issues permits for controversial condo project

LAKE STEVENS — The city says work can continue on a decade-old development plan that has raised concerns among neighbors.

An agreement allowing for 288 homes to be built near Highway 92 and Callow Road was set to expire Tuesday. It took effect in 2007, and had been extended five years, from 2012 to 2017.

Under the terms of the agreement, construction needed to be under way with a permit issued by April 25. If not, the agreement would end, putting a stop to the project in its current form. New plans and studies would have been needed, subject to today’s regulations rather than those from 10 years ago.

The city issued permits Tuesday, the day the agreement was to expire, for wall construction, a stormwater vault and a model home. The developer applied for the permits less than a week earlier. It received an expedited review, Community Development Director Russ Wright said. It normally takes about two weeks. Some permits already have been granted and other documents, including revised construction plans, are being reviewed.

The plan is to build detached condominiums on about 40 acres of a 70-acre property. Neighbors have urged the city to halt the project. They’re worried about already crowded roads and schools, along with effects on wetlands and wildlife. They question the wisdom of relying on 10-year-old environmental regulations. Under state law, development agreements remain subject to the rules in effect at the time they were signed.

Wright on Tuesday issued a decision on whether conditions of the agreement have been met. It was requested by attorneys representing the property owner, KR-N9 LLC and Gray1 Washington.

The code interpretation says the agreement has not expired, work can continue under permits issued to date, and approvals may be granted for additional permits.

The city is requiring the project to pay today’s mitigation fees for schools, parks and streets, according to the decision. Fees can total tens of thousands of dollars, and are roughly double what they were 10 years ago, Wright said. The city also is requiring updated geotechnical and critical areas reports to see if there have been changes to the landscape that need to be addressed.

Lake Stevens and the development owners have entered into dispute resolution. The city hopes to modify plans to address concerns about density, traffic, schools and the environment, Wright said. He declined to give specifics.

“Our mayor and staff and city council have heard the concerns, and that’s why we’re in this resolution process,” he said.

The project could be completed within the next three years.

The recent decision can be appealed until 4 p.m. May 10 by anyone who has submitted written comments on the issue. They should deliver a concise and specific statement and request for relief to Lake Stevens City Hall, 1812 Main St. They must show that they are affected by the decision.

Kari Bray: 425-339-3439; kbray@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Trader Joe’s customers walk in and out of the store on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
New Trader Joe’s opens this week at Everett Mall

It’s a short move from a longtime location, essentially across the street, where parking was often an adventure.

Ian Bramel-Allen enters a guilty plea to second-degree murder during a plea and sentencing hearing on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Snohomish County Superior Court in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
‘Deep remorse’: Man gets 17 years for friend’s fatal stabbing in Edmonds

Ian Bramel-Allen, 44, pleaded guilty Wednesday to second-degree murder for killing Bret Northcutt last year at a WinCo.

Firefighters respond to a small RV and a motorhome fire on Tuesday afternoon in Marysville. (Provided by Snohomish County Fire Distrct 22)
1 injured after RV fire, explosion near Marysville

The cause of the fire in the 11600 block of 81st Avenue NE had not been determined, fire officials said.

Ashton Dedmon appears in court during his sentencing hearing on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at Snohomish County Superior Court in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett Navy sailor sentenced to 90 days for fatal hit and run

Ashton Dedmon crashed into Joshua Kollman and drove away. Dedmon, a petty officer on the USS Kidd, reported he had a panic attack.

A kindergarten student works on a computer at Emerson Elementary School on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
‘¡Una erupción!’: Dual language programs expanding to 10 local schools

A new bill aims to support 10 new programs each year statewide. In Snohomish County, most follow a 90-10 model of Spanish and English.

Logo for news use featuring the Tulalip Indian Reservation in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Woman drives off cliff, dies on Tulalip Reservation

The woman fell 70 to 80 feet after driving off Priest Point Drive NW on Sunday afternoon.

Everett
Boy, 4, survives fall from Everett fourth-story apartment window

The child was being treated at Seattle Children’s. The city has a limited supply of window stops for low-income residents.

People head out to the water at low tide during an unseasonably warm day on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Lighthouse Park in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett shatters record high temperature by 11 degrees

On Saturday, it hit 73 degrees, breaking the previous record of 62 set in 2007.

Snohomish County Fire District #4 and Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue respond to a motor vehicle collision for a car and pole. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, near Triangle Bait & Tackle in Snohomish. (Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office)
Police: Troopers tried to stop driver before deadly crash in Snohomish

The man, 31, was driving at “a high rate of speed” when he crashed into a traffic light pole and died, investigators said.

Alan Dean, who is accused of the 1993 strangulation murder of 15-year-old Bothell girl Melissa Lee, appears in court during opening statements of his trial on Monday, March 18, 2024, at Snohomish County Superior Court in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
31 years later, trial opens in Bothell teen’s brutal killing

In April 1993, Melissa Lee’s body was found below Edgewater Creek Bridge. It would take 27 years to arrest Alan Dean in her death.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Snohomish in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Man dies after crashing into pole in Snohomish

Just before 1 a.m., the driver crashed into a traffic light pole at the intersection of 2nd Street and Maple Avenue.

Bodies of two men recovered after falling into Eagle Falls near Index

Two men fell into the falls and did not resurface Saturday, authorities said. After a recovery effort, two bodies were found.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.