By a 6-0 margin, the Mill Creek City Council on Tuesday, Oct. 26 approved proposed zoning for an area east of 35th Avenue SE that the city is considering annexing.
The area in question is bordered on the north by 132nd Street SE, on the west by 35th Avenue SE, and on the east by Seattle Hill Road. Part of the southern boundary is 138th Street SE. The area is mostly undeveloped, with a few residential subdivisions.
The land was zoned mostly low-density residential, which allows for four residential units per acre, and for general retail, mostly along 132nd Street SE. Some parcels along that street are proposed for possible “big-box” retail development, and Wal-Mart and The Home Depot are two rumored outlets.
Prospective sales tax revenues from the two proposed stores is the main reason the city is considering annexing the area east of 35th Avenue SE.
The zoning is consistent with Snohomish County zoning in the area, according to city planning manager Tom Rogers.
During a public hearing that preceded the vote, Matthew Grossaint, a resident of the proposed annexation area, presented the city with a petition signed by most residents of his neighborhood opposing being annexed into Mill Creek. The area in question is 47th Street SE and 132nd Place SE, bordered on the north by 132nd Street SE and on the east and south by Seattle Hill Road.
Grossaint claimed residents oppose annexation because they felt they weren’t properly notified of the proposal and felt like their opinions weren’t considered.
The City Council can alter the boundaries of the proposed annexation once a pro-annexation petition with 60 percent of the area’s assessed value is submitted. Council members Mark Bond and John Hudgins assured Grossaint and others in attendance that their wishes would be taken into account.
Grossaint was the only person to speak during the public hearing.
Mayor Terry Ryan did not attend Tuesday’s meeting.
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