Update on Parks and Zoning Issues

I just sent out my July Newsletter but based on recent emails, calls and public comment I have received I thought I would reach out and update everyone on some current projects in East County.

 

Zoning Issues

Paradise Lake Apartments

Several people have emailed and called recently looking for a status update on this project.  The Paradise Lake Road Garden Apartment proposal is still under review in Planning and Development (PDS) which is on the Executive side of government.  The 1st Review Completion Letter was issued and PDS is awaiting response from the applicant.  Separate from the Paradise Lake Road Garden Apartments proposal, the property owner obtained demolition permits for the structures at 9509 Paradise Lake Road and 9321 Paradise Lake Road. Demolition permits were issued on December 1, 2016 to allow demolitions of existing structures within 18 months. As we move forward my office will keep everyone up-to-date on the status of this project.  Planning and Development has created a webpage specifically for this project – here is the link -https://snohomishcountywa.gov/3802/Paradise-Lake-Road-Garden-Apartments.

Apartments in Rural Areas

Hearing from constituents brings up the issue of apartments in rural areas.  I believe apartments, especially ones that are not mixed use (apartments on top floors – businesses on ground level) should be in cities. I have set up a meeting with Executive staff asking for PDS to review the current zoning (among them the Planned Community Business - PCB) and look at code revisions in our rural areas.  I want to make certain the development taking place in East County is compatible with the character and services available in the area.  Executive Somers and I have discussed areas like Maltby/Clearview at great length. The County has designated a planner to study the Maltby/Clearview area in relation to a Master Plan.

 

Safety Equipment for Deputies

I worked with the Sheriff’s office to secure funding for vital safety equipment for our deputies.  I was very pleased this passed council with no objections.  Our deputies are on the front line protecting the citizens of Snohomish County every day, we need to make certain they are as safe as possible.

Parks

I also wanted to give everyone a brief update from the Parks Department on several parks in East County.

 

Lord Hill Park

The County is committed to working with all users over the next three years to complete the 2020 Update to the Master Plan. However, at this time the Parks Department has decided to 1) decommission a few short trail segments that negatively affect critical habit, 2) increase wayfinding/signage and education in the context of current uses, 3) work with all user groups to limit trail conflicts, and 4) work with stakeholder groups to improve access/open gates off Tester Road to improve access to the Southern Parking areas. In addition, in the next few weeks the Public Works Department will place traffic counting devices on 127th and near park entrances to better calculate the current traffic situation. 

I believe the Parks Department is committed to keeping Lord Hill Park open to the mountain biking community.  Mountain Biking has been a part of this park for over 20 years. I agree with this however I do not believe a Bike Skills Challenge Course is the best fit for this park and the Parks Department has informed me this is not part of their current discussion.

 

Cavalero Hill Park

County Parks has been working collaboratively with the City of Lake Stevens to implement phase one of an exciting new Preferred Development Plan.  The key feature of Phase One is the Skate Park.  The County has contracted with Grindline Skate Parks to design a 16,000 square foot skate park that boasts an 11’ deep bowl and ample street style features.  Phase One also includes extending 79^th Ave SE into the park, a full court basketball court and paved parking for more than 20 cars.  Construction is being planned for late 2017 and early 2018.  The park, even as it is now, attracts more than 30,000 visitors a year to utilize the very popular off leash Dog Park.  The Dog Park will remain open during construction and will always be a key feature of the park.

Sky Valley Shooting Range

County Parks investigated the feasibility of developing a shooting range in the Sultan Basin area on property that had been conveyed to the County from the Department of Natural Resources and found that site to be inadequate for the size and scope of a shooting range that was being planned.  Parks had previously conducted an in-depth public process that showed there was great interest in a shooting range that was large enough to host a variety of competition level shooting events including a 600 yard rifle range, a variety of pistol ranges, shotgun sports as well as both flat field archery and 3D archery.  The County Executive and County Council have both recently supported the request to the DNR to have a much larger piece of property re-conveyed to the County for the eventual development of a shooting range.  This new property is in the same general area as the previous piece. 

Steelhead County Park

This park is approximately 88 acres on the Skykomish River just south of the City of Sultan.  The property is currently under the management of the County Surface Water Management (SWM) group but will eventually be transferred to County Parks.  The land is comprised of many parcels that were purchased over a number of years.  Some of those purchases were made using County Roads Mitigation Funds or with FEMA dollars due to repetitive flood losses.  For that reason, some of the property needs to be set aside as mitigation.  Currently, Parks is working with SWM to determine the most meaningful locations for this mitigation that will still allow for public use of this beautiful property.  While the site has a number of environmental challenges, it has great potential for river access, passive recreation, fishing and camping.  It is hoped that the property will be transferred to parks within the next year.

Flowing Lake

There are two projects currently underway at Flowing Lake Park: installation of ten new campsites and reconstruction of the park entrance.  Reconstruction of the park entrance is being pursued in order to facilitate park entry and access to Ranger staff.  Work will address site circulation issues and relocate the Ranger office to a location that is more accessible to visitors.  Entry reconstruction is currently in design, with the goal of permit application later in 2017.  Campsite construction is almost complete and will provide ten new campsites at this very popular destination.  Campsites will have water and 50 amp power and include a mix of campsite types (large RV and smaller sites). 

Thanks for taking the time to read my updates – should you have any questions please feel free to reach out to my office at any time (425) 388-3494. 

 

 

Thank you!

Sam Low, Councilmember - District 5

3000 Rockefeller Ave., M/S #609 Everett, WA 98201

Office: (425) 388-3494