By Jenny Lynn Zappala
Enterprise editor
MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — The fate of the Melody Hills study, which is supposed to guide future redevelopment, is unclear.
Residents vehemently objected to any discussion of changing the zoning at a six-acre school property, 6205 222nd St. SW, to office, retail or commercial space.
Supporters, including some council members, insist the study should include all options so that the city’s Planning Commission and City Council can make an informed decision.
City staff also noted the study pertains to the entire Melody Hill area, which is roughly north of 224th Street and west of Interstate 5.
Faced with a citizen’s petition to keep the school site residential, the Mountlake Terrace City Council will reconsider the study at the Aug. 1 City Council meeting.
The council meeting will start at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, 23204 58th Ave. W.
Councilwoman Angela Amundson and Councilman Doug Wittiger want the council to consider stopping the study all together.
City staff noted the City Council might not be able to get out of a $90,000 contract with ABHL of Seattle, who is conducting the study, without paying a stiff penalty. The city staff will present the additional details at the Aug. 1 meeting.
Edmonds Community College has leased the Melody Hills site since 1983. The location houses part of the college’s Family Life Education Department — namely, the Mountlake Terrace Parent Cooperative Preschool and the Childcare Providers Preschool Cooperative.
In a 4-to-2 vote, the council approved the study in March as part of the effort to update the city’s comprehensive plan. Amundson and Wittiger voted “no.”
Neighbors Shirley Malloy, Carl Huff and Mary Whalen presented the petition with signatures from at least 100 of the roughly 140 residents near the school. The residents want single family houses or condominiums, but not offices or retail shops, Malloy said.
The city has backed away from the idea of changing the site’s zoning, which is currently residential, according to City Planner Shane Hope.
Interim City Manager Jerry Osterman said any firm decision is premature because the study has not been completed and is months away from being considered by the city’s Planning Commission. The study results were also supposed to be presented to the residents in October before advancing to the Planning Commission.
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