Title
Approval of a Resolution Opposing an Amendment to the Thurston County Comprehensive Plan Pertaining to Rocky Prairie Zoning
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
No referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the resolution opposing an amendment to the Thurston County Comprehensive Plan pertaining to Rocky Prairie zoning.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the resolution opposing an amendment to the Thurston County Comprehensive Plan pertaining to Rocky Prairie zoning
Staff Contact:
Mark Barber, City Attorney, 360.753.8223
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
Rocky Prairie is a 745-acre parcel of land located 13 miles south of Olympia, 1/3 mile from Millersylvania State Park and next to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife's 800-acre West Rocky Prairie wildlife area.
The parcel is owned by the Port of Tacoma who is working with a company, Northpoint, to develop an industrial cargo center that will send and receive shipments via truck and train. The proposed warehouse would be 6,000,000 square feet and be one of the largest in the northwest.
It is expected the industrial hub will have significant traffic impacts, will cause light, noise and air pollution and have a negative effect on the sensitive wetlands and neighboring West Rocky Prairie Wildlife Area and Millersylvania State Park. Impervious development and pollution would threaten the endangered Oregon-spotted Frog and other threatened or endangered species as well as compromise the aquifer.
The Port of Tacoma is seeking a rezone of the entire parcel to an industrial use. The resolution for consideration opposes an amendment to the Thurston County Comprehensive Plan pertaining to Rocky Prairie zoning.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There are concerns regarding semi-truck, car and train traffic; impacts of a 24x7 operation; light, noise & air pollution; effects on the aquifer; area wells & wetlands; and impacts on wildlife.
Options:
1. Approve the resolution
2. Do not approve the resolution
3. Amend the resolution
Financial Impact:
N/A
Attachments:
Resolution