Pt. Wells project wins pivotal approval

Published 9:17 am Thursday, August 19, 2010

EVERETT

The biggest chunk of Snohomish County shoreline that could be redeveloped moved one decision closer to becoming a neighborhood of high-end homes and businesses.

The proposal to transform the 61-acre petroleum and asphalt facility at Point Wells, near Woodway, passed a first hurdle on Aug. 12 when the Snohomish County Council unanimously voted to change the zoning from industrial use to allow houses and commercial space.

“This is a legacy project we want everybody to be proud of,” said Steven Ohlenkamp, a consultant working with the property owner, Paramount of Washington LLC.

Paramount intends to work with the surrounding communities on shaping the development, he said. If the development gets final approval, Paramount would have to clean up heavy contaminants left from a century of industrial use.

Civic leaders in Woodway and Richmond Beach are worried about the project’s scale —up to 3,500 condominiums — and the impact on traffic.

The County Council would have to approve any final design.

Woodway Mayor Carla Nichols said she was disappointed the council did not give her town or the city of Shoreline more say in the outcome.

“Our main concerns are how big it’s going to be and how tall it’s going to be,” Nichols said.

Council Chairman Mike Cooper said he shared that concern and the council would not approve any project that didn’t deal adequately with traffic and public transit.

Point Wells sits entirely within Snohomish County, next to the King County line. The only way to reach it is a two-lane road through Shoreline.

Noah Haglund writes for the Herald of Everett.