LYNNWOOD – The question of who will pay for about $120 million in street improvements and other infrastructure when the 300-acre City Center is built in the next 20 years has yet to be answered.
It’s a key question as the City Council changes land-use rules so mixed-use buildings – some as tall as 30 stories – can be built at City Center. The answer will require up to two years of study by the city.
That is a long time for developers and property owners to be uncertain about the outcome or what it will mean for investments, said David Kleitsch, the city’s economic development director.
A public hearing about City Center infrastructure costs is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday in Lynnwood City Council chambers.
| City Center hearing The public hearing on the City Center interim fee program and proposed capital facilities plan for 2006-11 will be at 7 p.m. Monday in Lynnwood City Council chambers, 19100 44th Ave. W. See related documents on the city Web site, www.ci.lynnwood.wa.us. Click on Council Agenda Packets. For information, contact city engineer Jeff Elekes at jelekes@ ci.lynnwood.wa.us or 425-670-6289. For the capital facilities plan, copies may be reviewed at City Hall during business hours or at the Lynnwood Public Library. For information, call the mayors office at 425-670-6613. Written comments must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, by e-mail to pdugan@ci.lynnwood.wa.us or by mail to City of Lynnwood, Mayor Mike McKinnon, 19100 44th Ave. W., Lynnwood, WA 98036. |
Also, the council will consider its proposed capital facilities plan for 2006-11. A $26 million community center, $29 million justice facility and $13 million renovation of the recreation center are some of the capital projects city officials want to build by 2011.
Time is big money for developers, so an interim mitigation program is planned.
“We are trying to do that in such a way that development is paying their fair share and we can go forward with projects that are ready to happen,” Kleitsch said.
The interim program the city Council is considering would outline how developers and the city would share the costs in the near future. The program would allow developers to start building while the city finishes the long-term study.
Under the interim plan, the city’s goal is for developers and the city to share costs equally, said Jeff Elekes, a city engineer.
The core of City Center is a wedge-shaped neighborhood west of I-5, south of 194th Street SW and east of 48th Avenue W.
As for the capital facilities wish list, the projects include:
Justice facility: The city would construct a new justice hall starting as early as 2007. It would be funded using voter-approved bonds. Price: $29 million.
Community center: The city would build a center for all ages that could include a senior center, teen center, preschool and youth facilities, and a community events plaza. Starting as early as 2006, the center would be funded with voter-approved bonds. Price: $26 million.
Recreation center: A project to renovate and expand the 29-year-old rec center at 18900 44th Ave. W. includes expanding the aquatic facility, fitness rooms and weight room. Starting as early as 2006, the renovation would be funded with voter-approved bonds. Estimated price: $13 million.
Parks: The city is pursuing several park projects, including adding new playground equipment, trails and spray pools. The cost would vary from $200,000 to $1 million for each park.
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