Developer who clear-cut hill offers settlement

EDMONDS – A development company that clear-cut a steep slope that overlooks Marina Beach Park in violation of the city’s plans for the site is offering a settlement to avoid losing its building permit.

The city of Edmonds has set a June 17 public hearing before the hearing examiner to consider the settlement. That meeting replaces a previously scheduled May 20 hearing.

The Edmonds City Council will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. June 1 during the council’s regular meeting to take public comment on the settlement offer and to decide whether to accept it. If the council rejects the settlement, the matter will go before the city’s hearing examiner June 17, who could decide to pull the permit.

Mayor Gary Haakenson said it’s important to give citizens a chance to comment on the proposed settlement.

“I decided to send the settlement offer to the City Council in a public hearing so citizens can have a say before the council decides,” he said.

Point Edwards LLC and Triad of Seattle are building a $65 million condominium project called Point Edwards on the former Unocal site. In March, the developer illegally clear-cut the entire hillside overlooking Marina Beach Park. The city immediately issued a stop-work order, began charging $100 a day in fines and forwarded the issue to the hearing examiner.

The proposed settlement, outlined in a May 18 letter to the mayor, requires the developer to comply with all reforestation recommendations made by arborist David Reich, which includes planting more than 100 conifer trees on the site. It also requires the developer to provide weekly written reports confirming that the work is being done and quarterly reports for three years to ensure that the plantings survive and are maintained.

Under the proposed settlement, the developer also agrees to voluntarily pay 10 times the city’s set daily fines at $1,000 a day starting March 19, the date the city gave its violation notice, and ending when the city issues a notice of completion on the reforestation plan. The developer also agrees to donate $100,000 in cash to the city’s beach ranger and flower programs.

The developer also offers to meet weekly with the city to give project status updates, and to pay $1,000 for each meeting missed. If five meetings are missed, that amount can be raised to $2,000 per meeting, the offer states.

“Point Edwards intends this proposal to be a reaffirmation of its good faith and desire to contribute positively to the Edmonds community,” wrote Point Edwards’ attorney Richard Gifford.

“We very much hope that the contemplated settlement and our actions … will be significant first steps in restoring public confidence and trust in rebuilding a productive working relationship with you and the city.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Joann store closure plan includes Everett, Arlington, Lynnwood locations

The retail giant filed a motion in court to close approximately 500 stores in the U.S.

Lynnwood
Lynnwood police: 1 suspect in custody, 1 at large after attempted carjacking

Beverly Elementary School went into a precautionary lockdown Thursday afternoon. Numerous officers continue to search for the second suspect.

Candidates announce campaigns for Everett city council seat

Ryan Crowther, founder of the Everett Music Initiative, will challenge incumbent Paula Rhyne for the District 2 seat.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Lynnwood City Council Vice President Julieta Crosby speaks during a Lynnwood City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lynnwood picks top eight candidates to replace former council VP

The City Council will make its final decision Feb. 20 after interview process.

The peaks of Mount Pilchuck, left, and Liberty Mountain, right, are covered in snow on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Western Washington’s current winter drought may not last through the season

Even with last week’s snow flurries, there’s no denying this… Continue reading

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.