Title
Interim Improvements on City-owned Isthmus Parcels
Recommended Action
Forward to Council comments and recommendations for interim improvements on the City-owned Isthmus parcels.
Report
Issue:
Whether to forward a letter to Council with PRAC’s comments and recommendations for interim improvements on the City-owned Isthmus parcels.
Staff Contact:
Laura Keehan, Planning & Design Manager, Parks, Arts and Recreation, 360.570.5855
Presenter(s):
Laura Keehan, Planning & Design Manager
Background and Analysis:
In 2016, the City demolished the building structures of the former County Health and Thurston County Housing buildings on the Isthmus, but the foundations still remain. The proposed project will remove the foundations and restore the area in a way that allows for public access and enjoyment.
City Council has set five parameters for the project:
1) The project will focus on the foundation areas of the two former buildings on the Isthmus.
2) The project will be an interim use until a master plan is developed.
3) The project will try to allow for reuse of as many of the improvements as possible.
4) The public will have an opportunity to provide input.
5) The project budget is $500,000.
Staff is currently developing four concept drawings that meet the above parameters. These will be available to share at the April 19th public meeting and at PRAC’s April 20th meeting.
It is anticipated that City Council will review the final concept drawings at their May 16, 2017 meeting.
In 2018, the City will launch a broader public engagement process about the long-term vision for the city-owned property on the Isthmus.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The City-owned Isthmus parcels are highly visible and important to the community.
A public meeting to gather input on the project will be held on April 19, 2017. Staff will share feedback heard at the public meeting with PRAC at the April 20th meeting.
Following the public meeting on April 19th, the concept drawings will be posted to the project’s webpage, olympiawa.gov/InterimIsthmus. The public can submit written email comments to olympiaparks@ci.olympia.wa.us until May 1, 2017 to provide feedback to staff and City Council on the interim improvements.
Options:
1. Forward comments and recommendations on the interim improvements to City Council.
2. Do not forward comments or recommendations to City Council on the interim improvements. City Council will only receive public feedback generated from the public meeting and written comments received by May 1, 2017.
Financial Impact:
City Council has directed a maximum project cost of $500,000. Community Park Impact Fees and SEPA Fees will be used to fund this project.
Attachments:
City-owned Isthmus Property Photo