Opinion split on Arlington auto yard plan

By Brian Kelly

Herald Writer

ARLINGTON — Almost four months of delay have not quelled the clamor over a proposed auto storage yard south of the airport in Arlington.

At a public hearing Tuesday night before the city’s planning commission, citizens lambasted the controversial plan. But almost as many praised it, as Cal Cornehl did.

"I’m tired of looking at cows and smelling cow manure," Cornehl said.

John Hanks took the opposite view.

"Our valley does not need to be developed end to end," he said. "There is no good sense in this plan. This plan reeks of unwise land use."

Don Fitzpatrick Jr. and Airpark Industries have proposed building a 40-acre auto storage yard near 51st Avenue NE. The storage yard would be used as a temporary home for vehicles that insurance companies deem totaled, which would later be auctioned to auto dismantlers, rebuilders and used vehicle dealers. The facility would be run by Copart, a national auto recycler that has more than 80 facilities in 36 states.

Although the development is allowed under the property’s existing industrial zoning, it has angered some residents, who claim the storage yard will pollute salmon streams and an aquifer that provides drinking water to Marysville and Arlington residents. Others in the area support the development and have said it’s a good fit for land that’s no longer viable for farming.

Before the public hearing, city planning staff said the proposal met siting requirements, was an appropriate use for the site and was compatible with surrounding properties. They said the project should be approved.

John Burkholder, a land use consultant for Fitzpatrick, emphasized the project was not a junkyard. He called it a parking lot.

"It is not a wrecking yard. I want to emphasize that again," he said.

Testimony was split in half between those who supported the development and those who didn’t.

Tuesday night’s hearing, which was still under way as The Herald went to press, centered on the development permit for the project.

After public testimony and planning commission deliberations are complete, the commission will offer an advisory opinion on the auto yard to the city council.

You can call Herald Writer Brian Kelly at 425-339-3422 or send e-mail to kelly@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

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.

Pharmacist Nisha Mathew prepares a Pfizer COVID booster shot for a patient at Bartell Drugs on Broadway on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett lawmakers back universal health care bill, introduced in Olympia

Proponents say providing health care for all is a “fundamental human right.” Opponents worry about the cost of implementing it.

x
Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence

The 18-year-old victim remains in critical condition as of Friday morning.

Outside of the updated section of Lake Stevens High School on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Lake Stevens, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lake Stevens, Arlington school measures on Feb. 11 ballot

A bond in Lake Stevens and a levy in Arlington would be used to build new schools.

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.

Lake Stevens Sewer District wastewater treatment plant. (Lake Stevens Sewer District)
Lake Stevens sewer district trial delayed until April

The dispute began in 2021 and centers around when the city can take over the district.

A salmon carcass lays across willow branches in Edgecomb Creek on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tribes: State fish passage projects knock down barriers for local efforts

Court-ordered projects have sparked collaboration for salmon habitat restoration

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.