Mukilteo’s plans to claim more than 3,000 acres of unincorporated land depend on a series of hearings beginning today.
Lynnwood officials have asked the state Boundary Review Board to block Mukilteo from moving its boundary as far south as 148th Street SW and Norma Beach Road.
Also, the Snohomish County Council has asked the review board to prevent Mukilteo from annexing potentially lucrative land along the edge of Paine Field.
“This is very important,” Mukilteo Mayor Joe Marine said. “We will know where we stand in regards to the airport property we’re looking at, and we’ll know our boundaries for the southern annexation. It will give us a clear direction on how we move forward, or whether we move forward.”
The Boundary Review Board is scheduled to hear testimony from the cities and the county today and Tuesday. Board members are planning to rule on the two challenges Thursday. The board’s decisions are scheduled to be adopted Feb. 19.
People who live in the two proposed annexation areas are scheduled to vote May 20 on whether they want to be part of Mukilteo.
To the east of the city, Mukilteo officials want to claim 292 acres of mostly undeveloped county-owned airport property along Mukilteo Speedway and Beverly Park Road. City and county officials both want claim to the revenues from existing and future businesses that could be built there.
South of the city, Lynnwood officials have planned for years on annexing the neighborhoods around 148th Street SW and Norma Beach because they want control overdevelopment around Lunds Gulch. The city has worked to preserve wetlands there.
Snohomish County Fire District 1 also opposes Mukilteo’s plans. The district would stand to lose revenue from property taxes generated by high-end homes north of Lynnwood’s city limits.
Snohomish County Councilman Dave Gossett said he’s confident the Boundary Review Board will rule in the county’s favor.
“Our position is pretty clear from the presentation we’re making,” he said.
Reporter Scott Pesznecker: 425-339-3436 or spesznecker@heraldnet.com.
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