Title
Capital Mall Triangle Subarea Plan
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Discuss the Capital Mall Triangle Subarea Plan and Planned Action Environmental Impact Statement.
Report
Issue:
Whether to discuss the Capital Mall Triangle Subarea Plan and Planned Action Environmental Impact Statement.
Staff Contact:
David Ginther, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.753.8335
Presenter(s):
David Ginther, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development.
Background and Analysis:
The Capital Mall Triangle is one of three urban centers envisioned in Olympia’s Comprehensive Plan. The City anticipates this area will remain a regional destination for shopping and services - while also realizing significantly more housing development than exists there today. The vision is that over the next 20 years this area will grow into a more people-oriented urban neighborhood. A place where residents can commute to work, shop, recreate, and meet basic needs without a car.
This planning project involves the creation of a subarea plan and a Planned Action Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Completion is scheduled for June of 2023 with any follow-up amendments to development regulations occurring late in 2023 or early 2024.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Staff has met with more than a dozen groups, organizations, and individuals to provide presentations and briefings on the project. These include neighborhood associations (SW, NW, and Burbank-Elliot), Council of Neighbor Associations (CNA), Planning Commission, MLSA group, Thurston chamber, Community Vision Group, mall ownership group, major property owners, businesses, a stakeholder workgroup, and the Capital HS Climate Club. Initial feedback included a broad range of subjects such as personal safety, transportation improvements, multi-modal options and connections, community/youth centers, the library, transit services, climate impacts, protection of adjacent neighborhoods, affordable housing, and residential infill.
The first of several city-wide community workshops was held on October 20, 2022. Approximately 3,500 meeting notices were mailed out, 170 emails, E-news was sent to around 2,100 recipients, a legal notice was placed in the newspaper, on-site notices were also utilized (including one inside the library at the mall), and an email was sent to Council, management, and department directors. During the meeting the consultant team conducted polling and interactive comment opportunities. Written Q&A was open during the entire meeting. The comments and results of the polling are currently being compiled by the consultants.
As part of the EIS process, a scoping comment period was open from October 24 to November 14. The comments received during this period will be used to help guide the writing of the EIS. As of November 1, staff received 38 emailed comments and 31 comments via Engage Olympia. Staff will review and analyze the comments after the comment period ends on November 14.
Options:
1. Discuss the Capital Mall Triangle Subarea Plan and Planned Action Environmental Impact Statement.
2. Do not discuss the Capital Mall Triangle Subarea Plan and Planned Action Environmental Impact Statement.
3. Discuss the Capital Mall Triangle Subarea Plan and Planned Action Environmental Impact Statement at another time.
Financial Impact:
The project is funded by a $250,000 Transit-Oriented Development Implementation grant from WA Department of Commerce.
Attachments:
None