Input wanted on Point Wells plan

Published 10:03 pm Monday, July 5, 2010

The public gets a chance to sound off Wednesday on two potential large-scale developments on opposite ends of the county: Point Wells near Woodway and a proposed mini-city near Lake Roesiger.

Public input should help the Snohomish County Council make zoning decisions about these and issues in the coming weeks as part of an annual review process.

“We might not get to actual action before late July or early August,” Councilman Dave Somers said.

A proposed project at Point Wells would turn a waterfront petroleum and asphalt facility into as many as 3,500 luxury condominiums. Owner Paramount of Washington wants to change the 61-acre industrial site into an “urban center” with a mix of homes and businesses.

The city of Shoreline abuts the property and officials there don’t want that level of housing density. The only road to the property runs through Shoreline, in King County.

Shoreline officials have suggested annexing the parcel, but Snohomish County leaders don’t want that to happen.

Another decision could determine whether developer Dave Barnett gets to build up to 6,000 houses near Lake Roesiger in the eastern part of the county.

The mini-city would follow the county regulations for fully contained communities, providing on-site jobs and shopping.

Opponents argue that this kind of development wastes money by extending urban services, such as roads and utilities, into rural areas. Proponents consider them an efficient way to accommodate a growing population.

A temporary ban on mini-cities has been in effect since last year.

Noah Haglund: 425-339-3465, nhaglund@heraldnet.com.

Give your input

The Snohomish County Council is scheduled to hear public comments on growth issues at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Robert J. Drewel building, first floor, 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett.

For details, go to www.snoco.org and search for “docket xiii.”