Title
Update on Kaiser-Harrison Opportunity Area Plan
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Briefing only. No action requested.
City Manager Recommendation:
Briefing only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive an update on the Opportunity Area planning process.
Staff Contact:
Leonard Bauer, Deputy Director, Community Planning and Development, 360.753.8206
Joyce Phillips, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.570.3722
Presenter(s):
Joyce Phillips, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development
Background and Analysis:
The City Council directed that a focus area planning process be conducted for the Kaiser-Harrison area after it was identified in the 2013 Investment Strategies report from our consultant, ECONorthwest. A 2015 comprehensive plan amendment and rezone request from one of the property owners in the area was also directed to be considered as part of this planning process. The City Council has included the Kaiser-Harrison Opportunity Area Plan as part of the docket of 2016 comprehensive plan amendments.
In late 2015 and early 2016, the Community Planning and Development Department worked with staff from ECONorthwest to update the market study and conduct interviews of property owners, neighbors, and interested parties. In February and March, staff conducted public meetings with property owners and occupants within and in proximity of the study area. There were public workshops and meetings at City Hall and at Marshall Middle School near the study area. Staff met with individuals who were unable to attend scheduled meetings in order to share information and gather feedback. On March 31, there was a Public Workshop to present three potential land use scenarios for the area. General comments, as well as comments about what people liked and did not like about each option, were recorded. Staff is working to develop a preferred alternative based on all comments received to date, the market analysis, interviews, and the comprehensive plan.
Kern Rexius, owner of the Bark and Garden nursery and adjacent properties on the north side of Harrison Avenue, asked that his property be included in the planning area. Mr. Rexius’s property currently supports the nursery and associated activities and structures as well as some smaller service uses to the west. He is currently pursuing plans to convert one of the buildings to a wood fired pizza parlor. This area was added to the planning area and is being considered as part of the larger opportunity area.
Once the preferred alternative is prepared, staff will begin reviewing potential environmental impacts. The environmental review will consider the difference in anticipated impacts between the type of development allowed currently and what is being proposed. It will be a high-level, non-project review, which will be supplemented by additional environmental review on specific development proposals as they are submitted. Another Public Workshop and a briefing to the Olympia Planning Commission will be scheduled in May.
The preferred alternative is being developed and may be available for the committee’s meeting on April 21. If it is, staff will provide an overview of the preferred alternative for the committee’s consideration.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is community interest in this project, particularly from area property owners and residents. Comments have addressed the desire for more transit, greater pedestrian and bicycling facilities in the area, the type and mix of uses in the study area, and urban design issues.
Options:
Status update only - no action required at this time.
Financial Impact:
This planning process fits within the existing budget and staff resources of the Community Planning and Development Department. Following completion of an updated plan, some implementation items may require additional funding.
Attachments:
Process Flowchart
Preliminary Alternatives
Study Area Map
Project Webpage