Showing posts with label point wells. Show all posts
Showing posts with label point wells. Show all posts

Shoreline submits its Point Wells scoping comments to Snohomish County

Friday, February 28, 2014

The City has submitted its scoping comments to Snohomish County as part of the County’s state mandated environmental review of the proposed Point Wells development. The City’s comments reflect the concerns heard expressed by residents and identifies anticipated project impacts that need to be studied as part of the environmental review process. Determined to make sure a full evaluation of anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation is conducted, the City is also seeking funding from Snohomish County to help off-set the cost of hiring technical experts to help review and verify the results of the draft environmental impact statement (EIS).

Through Washington’s State Environmental Policy Act, when a proposed project is likely to result in significant adverse impacts, the permitting agency is required to prepare an EIS. In the case of Point Wells, Snohomish County is the agency issuing the permits. The EIS reviews the project’s impacts and provides reasonable alternatives and possible mitigation. The first step in the process is to conduct “scoping”, which is the community’s opportunity to comment on the anticipated project impacts and alternatives that should be evaluated.

Once Snohomish County has determined the scope it will begin preparing the draft EIS. The EIS will analyze the probable impacts of the project and reasonable alternatives, and may include studies, modeling, etc. It is anticipated that the County will release the draft EIS later this year.  Both the general public and specific agencies, such as the City, will be able to review and comment on the findings and recommendations of the draft EIS. Before a final EIS is completed, Snohomish County will analyze and respond to the comments received on the draft. Once all of that work is completed, Snohomish County will release the final EIS. The final EIS will be used in Snohomish County’s decision-making process in issuing permits for the development.

To learn more, visit the webpage or contact Planning and Community Development Director Rachael Markle 206-801-2531.


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Point Wells transportation study workshops

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Group briefing
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg
By Marc Weinberg

The City of Shoreline hosted the second of six Transportation Corridor Study Workshops at City Hall March 26 to define impacts to the Shoreline community of this development project.

Future dates of additional workshops are March 13 and 19 as well as April 1 and 16. These take place at City Hall from 7-9pm each of those nights. All residents are encouraged to attend to explain their transportation concerns and to work with others to identify potential solutions.

A break-out group studies the traffic maps
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg

The format of our evening was designed with 30 minutes of background and update information in a presentation style, then we divided into small groups based on the area where our concerns were focused so we could discuss the details. Traffic maps were displayed to help locate citizen concerns. This was followed by a 30 minute debrief of our ideas and a summary. Many ideas will be assimilated into the study documents.

This is a long term development project, but the time to influence the choices is now. Almost everyone in Shoreline will eventually be impacted by construction and residential traffic changes. 

For questions, contact Transportation Planning Manager Kirk McKinley. Or better yet - come to the next meeting.


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Point Wells meeting on Wednesday at Shoreline City Hall

Monday, February 24, 2014

Point Wells Transportation Corridor Study Workshop Meeting #2: Confirmation and prioritization of issues for Segment A (lower Richmond Beach Dr. west of 24th Ave. NW)

Wednesday, February 26, 2014
6:30 p.m. – Doors open
7:00 to 9:00 p.m. – Workshop
Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave. N.

The proposed development at Point Wells will take up to 25 years to fully complete. However, the project’s impacts and mitigations must be identified at this stage of the process. As the Point Wells development project moves forward, the City will host a series of workshops to ensure that the community has an opportunity to provide input on Snohomish County’s environmental review process and identify capital investments that will make for a safer transportation corridor.

Visit the webpage for more information.

REMINDER: Scoping comments due to Snohomish County by March 3

Snohomish County has issued the Scoping Notice requesting comments on the scope of its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Point Wells development.

The following options are available to provide comments on the scope of the EIS on or before 5:00 p.m., March 3, 2014:

1. Via email to Darryl.Eastin@co.snohomish.wa.us; or

2. In writing to Darryl Eastin, Snohomish County Planning and Development Services, 3000 Rockefeller Ave. M/S 604, 2nd Floor, Robert Drewel Building, Everett, WA 98201.

Review the City’s draft scoping comments on the webpage.


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Point Wells - Snohomish County environmental review - Scoping meetings

Friday, February 14, 2014

Point Wells - Snohomish County environmental review  - Scoping meetings

Snohomish County will host two scoping meetings as part of the environmental review process for the proposed development at Point Wells. Scoping is the community’s opportunity to comment on the project’s impacts, identify alternatives and how to address the impacts. The two meetings will both be held on Tuesday, February 18, with one meeting in Everett and one in Shoreline. The locations and times of the two meetings are as follows:

Everett
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 12:30 p.m. to approximately 2:30 p.m.
Snohomish County Administration Building Court Complex
3000 Rockefeller Ave.
Everett, WA 98201

Shoreline
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m. to approximately 8:30 p.m.
Shoreline Conference Center
18560 1st Avenue NE
Shoreline, WA 98155

If you are unable to attend either meeting, you can submit your comments:

1.       Via email to: Darryl.Eastin@co.snohomish.wa.us

2.       In writing to:
Darryl Eastin
Snohomish County Planning and Development Services
3000 Rockefeller Ave. M/S 604, 2nd Floor
Robert Drewel Building
Everett, WA 98201
Through Washington’s State Environmental Policy Act, when a proposed project is likely to result in significant adverse impacts, the lead agency is required to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS).  In the case of Point Wells, Snohomish County is the lead agency. The EIS reviews the project’s impacts and provides reasonable alternatives and possible mitigation. The first step in the  process is to conduct “scoping” which is the community’s opportunity to comment on the impacts, identify alternatives, and how to address the impacts.



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Point Wells Transportation Corridor Study Workshop Wednesday at City Hall

Monday, February 10, 2014

Point Wells Transportation Corridor Study Workshop
Meeting #1: Overview and identify issues for Segment A (lower Richmond Beach Dr. west of 24th Ave. NW)

Wednesday, February 12, 2014
6:30 p.m. – Doors open
7:00 to 9:00 p.m. – Workshop
Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave. N.

The proposed development at Point Wells will take up to 25 years to fully complete. However, the project’s impacts and mitigations must be identified at this stage of the process. As the Point Wells development project moves forward, the City will host a series of workshops to ensure that the community has an opportunity to provide input on Snohomish County’s environmental review process and identify capital investments that will make for a safer transportation corridor.



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Richmond Beach Community Association General Meeting Tuesday on Point Wells

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Richmond Beach Community Association General Meeting
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m.
Richmond Beach Congregational Church,
1512 NW 195th Street, Lower Level


Point Wells: Where Do We Go From Here?

By Jerry Patterson, RBCA Vice President

Over the past 18 months, the spotlight on Point Wells shined most vividly on the legal side of things. Even though the State Supreme Court has not yet issued a ruling on the legal issue of vesting, from this point forward the major challenges shift to the following:

• Completion of an environmental review, including the scope of the categories reviewed, the impact of development on the environment, and the steps needed to minimize any potential negative impacts of Point Wells. These steps must also demonstrate how the local communities will be able to provide required capital facilities as well as transportation, school, water, sewer, police and fire services at Point Wells

• The approval of a variety of permits filed by the developer, including shoreline regulations, site plans, hazardous waste, and building permits. As long as the property is in Snohomish County and not annexed by Shoreline, these permit proceedings will be at the county level, but impacts will be felt primarily by you.

In the long-term, best interest of the Richmond Beach community, it is imperative that each of the above steps is conducted properly and accurately reflects the significant impacts on our neighborhood’s quality of life. In other words, the decisions to be made in the next several months will produce long-term, irreversible effects on our community.

With so much at stake for the future of Richmond Beach, we cannot afford to be merely a consumer of what local officials or developers tell us will be done. As a community, we need to explore all our future options on how we can collectively continue to demand a project that will not destroy the fabric of our community. And you need to be part of this conversation. That’s why it is so crucial for you to attend our February 11 meeting. See you there!


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Point Wells Transportation Corridor Study begins

Tuesday, January 21, 2014


Beginning February 12, as part of the agreement between the City of Shoreline and Point Wells developer, BSRE Point Wells, LP (BSRE), the City will conduct a Transportation Corridor Study to focus extensively on the transportation impacts of BSRE’s proposed development at Point Wells. 

Located just across Shoreline’s border with Snohomish County, Point Wells is a petroleum and asphalt plant currently accessible only through Shoreline’s Richmond Beach neighborhood. BSRE is moving forward with its project to build residential units and commercial space on the property.

The development planned at Point Wells will impact all of Shoreline, with the most direct impacts to the northwestern part of the city, particularly Richmond Beach. Traffic will eventually increase in the area, with ripple effects for a large part of Shoreline.

While the proposed development at Point Wells will take up to 25 years to fully complete, the project’s impacts and mitigations must be identified at this stage of the process.

Through Washington’s State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), when a proposed project is likely to result in significant adverse impacts, the lead agency is required to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS). 

In the case of Point Wells, Snohomish County is the lead agency. 

The EIS reviews the project’s impacts and provides reasonable alternatives and possible mitigation. The Transportation Corridor Study will be incorporated into the transportation element of Snohomish County’s EIS.

The study will look at time spent waiting at intersections, the ability for residents to safely access their driveways, and safety concerns for pedestrians and bicyclists. To ensure the process is objective, the City has hired a third party facilitator.

The process includes a series of six workshops that will give residents an opportunity to explain and show on maps exactly the kinds of capital investments that will make for a safe and efficient transportation corridor.

For questions or comments, contact Transportation Planning Manager Kirk McKinley 206-801-2481. Visit the City webpage for more information.

All meetings will be held in the Shoreline City Hall Council Chamber from 6:30pm to 9:00pm.

  • Wednesday, Feb. 12 – Segment A Meeting #1: Overview and identifying issues
  • Wednesday, Feb. 26 - Segment A Meeting #2: Confirmation and prioritization of issues
  • Thursday, March 13 - Segment A Meeting #3: Review proposed design options
  • Wednesday, March 19 - Segment B Meeting #1: Understanding and prioritizing issues
  • Tuesday, April 1 - Segment B Meeting #2: Review proposed design options
  • Wednesday, April 16 - Segment A and B Final Wrap-Up Meeting

*The workshop meetings will be divided in focus between the two segment areas shown on the map below. Segment A is the lower Richmond Beach area (west of 24th), and Segment B is the upper area (24th to Aurora).


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Shoreline Planning Commission - Pt Wells, 185th Station, Comp Plan

Monday, January 13, 2014

The Shoreline Planning Commission will meet on Thursday, January 16, at 7pm in Council Chambers at City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N.

The commission will study the Draft Comprehensive Plan Amendment Docket. The Director will report on the Pre – Scoping Meeting for the Point Wells Environmental Impact Statement, and the Light Rail Station Area Planning Committee will report (this is different from the Citizens' Committee group).

The public is welcome to attend and make comments.


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Reminder: Point Wells open house and workshop Wednesday

Sunday, January 12, 2014

The Point Wells open house and workshop will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N, with the open house from 6:30 to 7:30pm and the workshop from 7 to 8:30pm.



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Point Wells Community Workshop Series

Friday, January 10, 2014

Point Wells Community Workshop Series
Workshop #1: Preparing for Snohomish County’s Environmental Review Process

Wednesday, Jan. 15 - 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Shoreline City Hall Council Chambers - 17500 Midvale Avenue N

Snohomish County will soon start the environmental review for the proposed development at Point Wells. The review will look at the development’s impacts and determine how to address them.

The proposed development at Point Wells will take up to 25 years to fully complete. However, the project’s impacts and mitigations must be identified at this stage of the process. As the Point Wells development project moves forward, the City will host a series of workshops to ensure that the community has an opportunity to provide input on Snohomish County’s environmental review process and identify capital investments that will make for a safer transportation corridor.

Soon, Snohomish County will begin the scoping process for its environmental review. The review will look at the development’s impacts and determine how to address them. The first step in the process is to conduct “scoping.” Scoping is required to identify the elements and to guide the scope of the environmental factors to be evaluated in an environmental review. It is the community’s opportunity to comment on the impacts of the proposed development, identify alternatives to the development, and make suggestions on how to address the impacts.

Snohomish County and BSRE have agreed to a 30 day scoping comment period, which is longer than the minimum 21 day requirement. Snohomish County will hold two public meetings during the scoping period, including one in Shoreline.

Workshop #1: Preparing for Snohomish County’s Environmental Review Process
The City will submit official scoping comments on the Point Wells project’s impacts to our community. Join us for an overview of the Snohomish County environmental review process and to review and comment on the impacts we have identified.

OPEN HOUSE : 6:30 to 7:00 p.m.
  • Review project background and environmental process
WORKSHOP : 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Overview of Snohomish County’s environmental review process
  • Review and comment on the project impacts identified by the City
  • Next steps:
    • Snohomish County’s Environmental Scoping Meeting
    • Shoreline’s Transportation Corridor Study workshops
      • (Six meetings between February 12 and April 16)
To provide your input, plan to participate in the workshop series. Contact Planning Director Rachael Markle, 206-801-2531 with questions.


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Point Wells activity update

Sunday, December 29, 2013



Point Wells Environmental Review Process begins

The City will host a series of workshops beginning Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014, to ensure that the community has an opportunity to provide input in the review process and identify capital investments that will make for a safer transportation corridor.

Snohomish County will start the environmental review process for the proposed development at Point Wells in January 2014. The review will look at the development’s impacts and determine how to address them. The City of Shoreline will host a series of workshops beginning Wednesday, Jan. 15, to ensure that the community has an opportunity to provide input in the review process and identify capital investments that will make for a safer transportation corridor.

Snohomish County’s environmental review process

Through Washington’s State Environmental Policy Act, when a proposed project is likely to result in significant adverse impacts, the lead agency is required to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS). In the case of Point Wells, Snohomish County is the lead agency. The EIS reviews the project’s impacts and provides reasonable alternatives and possible mitigation. The first step in the process is to conduct “scoping” which is the community’s opportunity to comment on the impacts, identify alternatives, and how to address the impacts.

Snohomish County and BSRE have agreed to a 30 day scoping comment period, which is longer than the minimum 21 day requirement. The process will begin in early January and Snohomish County will hold two public meetings during that time, including one in Shoreline. 

Shoreline’s Point Wells Community Workshop Series

Workshop: Preparing for Snohomish County’s Environmental Review Process
Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014, 6:30 to 8:30pm
Shoreline City Hall Council Chambers

The City will submit official scoping comments on the Point Wells project’s impacts to our community. Join us for an overview of the environmental review process and to review and comment on the impacts we have identified.

Learn more about this workshop on the City's calendar.

Transportation Corridor Workshops

Six workshops between February 12 and April 16
Shoreline City Hall Council Chambers

As part of the agreement between the City and BSRE, the City will conduct a Transportation Corridor Study to focus extensively on the project’s transportation impacts to the Shoreline community. This study will allow the community, City staff, and BSRE to examine the effects of additional traffic on Richmond Beach Drive, Richmond Beach Road, surrounding side streets and other major intersections along N 185th Street and to I-5. This includes looking at time spent waiting at intersections, the ability for residents to safely access their driveways , and safety concerns for pedestrians and bicyclists. To ensure the process is objective, the City has hired a third party facilitator. The process includes a series of six workshops that will give residents an opportunity to explain and show on maps exactly the kinds of capital investments that will make for a safe and efficient transportation corridor.

More information

Visit the Point Wells project page for more information and project background.

For questions about Snohomish County’s environmental review process, contact Shoreline Planning Director Rachael Markle 206-801-2531.

For questions about the City’s Transportation Corridor Study, contact Transportation Planning Manager Kirk McKinley 206-801-2481.



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Oral arguments in Save Richmond Beach case this Thursday

Monday, October 21, 2013


Save Richmond Beach reports that the Supreme Court accepted their petition for review of the Court of Appeals decision that went against them. The case is scheduled for oral arguments this Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 1:30pm at the Temple of Justice, 415 12th Ave SW, in Olympia.

From their website:
There are myriad issues with Point Wells, but at the simplest level we believe that Snohomish County violated the Growth Management Act when designating Point Wells an urban center. This belief was vindicated on April 25, 2011 when the Growth Board resoundingly agreed with us that Point Wells is not an appropriate site for an urban center. 
On November 23, 2011, King County Superior Court also over-turned the developers vesting and enjoined Snohomish County from processing the development application.The Court of Appeals over-turned that decision, but the State Supreme Court has now taken the case for review.



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Shoreline City Council addresses Point Wells issues

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

The following letter, dated July 22, 2013, was addressed to the Richmond Beach community and is signed by all Shoreline City Councilmembers with the exception of Councilmember Will Hall, who has recused himself from all things Point Wells due to his employment with the Snohomish County Council.


Dear Richmond Beach Community:

            For the past several years, the issues surrounding Point Wells have been of great concern to you and the Shoreline community as a whole. We share your concerns and want to assure you that the issue is extremely important to us as well. As we have heard your concerns we have taken those to heart and considered how best to address them.

            We recognize that some of you are frustrated and even disappointed with the strategy the City has taken. While we successfully challenged Snohomish County’s designation of Point Wells as an Urban Center with the Growth Management Hearings Board (GMHB), Snohomish County was able to satisfy the findings of the GMHB through their adoption of the Urban Village zoning. Based on the advice we have received, including third-party legal analysis, we did not join with Save Richmond Beach (SRB) or the Town of Woodway in their most recent lawsuit challenging the developer’s permit application.

            Washington’s vesting laws grant developers strong protections once a permit application is complete. BSRE has a vested permit application under the Urban Center designation. As a result, we believe the best option for addressing the impacts from the proposed development is to enter into an agreement with BSRE. The purpose of the agreement is to have more control over the level of traffic on Shoreline’s road network and to provide guaranteed funding for mitigation rather than relying solely on Snohomish County to look out for Shoreline’s interests. We have a responsibility to every resident of Shoreline to address the impacts of any development at Point Wells.

            Even though the Supreme Court recently agreed to hear the appeal brought by SRB, the permit application is still valid until the Supreme Court rules otherwise. Following the Court’s decision, BSRE communicated to the City that it plans to move forward with its permit, and Snohomish County is legally required to process it. The environmental review may be completed before the Supreme Court has made a final decision (we estimate a year or longer before there is a ruling). If SRB’s appeal is successful, the most likely outcome is that the development would need to comply with Snohomish County’s Urban Village zoning. Regardless of the Supreme Court ruling or which zoning the property develops under, there will be significant traffic impacts. Having an agreement with BSRE and completing a transportation corridor study (TCS) serves as an insurance policy regardless of the outcome.

             The City has been successful in securing an agreement with BSRE to complete a comprehensive TCS using Shoreline’s level of service criteria, our methodology and our assumptions to study the impacts that would be created by the development over the next 20 to 30 years. Absent the agreement, Snohomish County would use its own level of service standards, methodologies and assumptions for evaluating traffic, which would result in a much less comprehensive study and would involve far less community input.

            We received many emails encouraging us to support Woodway in annexing Point Wells; however, we could not support this because we continue to believe that Shoreline suffers the majority of the impacts and is the most logical provider of services to the area. As you know, the only way to reach Point Wells is via Shoreline. Future residents and businesses at Point Wells will use City facilities (especially our roads) and place unfunded demands on City services. Due to their proximity, future Point Wells’ residents will in essence become a part of our community and daily life regardless of whether or not they are annexed into the City. Since all City facilities and services are paid for by Shoreline taxpayers, it is only fair that the future Point Wells residents share in that tax burden.

            We strongly encourage all Shoreline residents, and especially Richmond Beach residents, to participate in the Snohomish County Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) meetings and the forthcoming TCS meetings. Dates have yet to be set for both processes, but as soon as they are we will use every means possible to communicate those dates to you.

            The City Council and the 32nd District Legislative Delegation are committed to keeping lines of communication open and are available to listen to your concerns.  If you have questions or would like to discuss Point Wells, please do not hesitate to contact us.

            It is our hope that this letter conveys that we care deeply about your concerns regarding the Point Wells development. We understand that even now you may disagree with our strategy, but please know that we follow this strategy because we believe it is the best way to protect the quality of life of those living in Richmond Beach and the greater Shoreline community. It is our desire to regain the trust of Richmond Beach residents and we remain hopeful that this is possible.

Sincerely,

Keith A McGlashan, Mayor                           
Chris Eggen, Deputy Mayor
Doris McConnell, Councilmember
Christopher Roberts, Councilmember                                  
Jesse Salomon, Councilmember
Shari Winstead, Councilmember


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UPDATE: Monday legislative hearing important to future of Point Wells

Monday, June 10, 2013

Point Wells Update from the Richmond Beach Community Association:

Today's hearing on House Bill 2068 was canceled. Our understanding of the reason for cancellation was that the legislature was not in session today because of the 10am memorial service for the late State Sen. Mike Carroll (R-Lakewood).

The last day of the special session is tomorrow, so likely HB 2068 will not be voted on this session. If new information on this develops, we will keep you posted.

Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Save Richmond Beach is advising supporters to contact legislators before Monday regarding HB 2068, scheduled to be heard at a 9:30am hearing in Olympia.

HB 2068 negates the bill recently signed by the governor giving Woodway the option to unilaterally annex Point Wells.
The proposed bill (HB 2068) is supported by the Point Wells developer (BSRE), Snohomish County and the City of Shoreline and opposed by the Town of Woodway and Save Richmond Beach.

Those who attend the hearing can testify or simply sign in as pro or con.

Senate Governmental Operations Committee Hearing on HB 2068
, Monday, June 10, 9:30am in the Cherberg Building (next to Capitol in Olympia)
, Hearing room #2, first floor.

None of our local legislators are on the committee, which is chaired by Sen. Pam Roach. Her office can be contacted at 360-786-7660. Committee members and their emails addresses are on the SRB website.


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Point Wells Update: It’s not Over til it’s Over

Wednesday, June 5, 2013



Come to Richmond Beach Community Association’s special June 11 meeting to find out why

By Jerry Patterson, RBCA Vice President

Point Wells Subcommittee

Because of the flurry of happenings swirling through Point Wells, the Richmond Beach Community Association Board has scheduled a special June meeting: Tuesday, June 11, 7:30pm, Richmond Beach Congregational Church, 1512 NW 195th Street, lower level. 

Invited to the meeting are City of Shoreline officials, Save Richmond Beach (SRB) officers, Town of Woodway officials, representatives of the developer Blue Square Real Estate (BSRE) and Councilmember Rod Dembowski of Metropolitan King County Council District 1. Given what’s been happening, this promises to be an informative session for all Richmond Beach residents.

So what’s the big deal all of a sudden?

A couple of dramatic things have happened. First, on June 4, we learned that the Washington State Supreme Court has agreed to hear SRB and Woodway’s appeal.  The Court will review the Court of Appeals decision that ruled the Point Wells developer has vested rights to build three thousand plus units.  Second, in late May, the Governor signed a bill, approved by both chambers of the legislature, that could dramatically affect the issue of Point Wells annexation.

Senate Bill 5417 would give the Town of Woodway the ability to annex Point Wells.  This would give it control over the development process for Point Wells. Right now, that power sits in the lap of Snohomish County officials, and they have seemed reluctant to address the myriad of concerns expressed over the impacts to both Shoreline and Woodway.

The City of Shoreline has been working with the developer (BSRE) on a traffic study but they acknowledge that, with the exception of counting cars, they have very limited leverage to get BSRE to reduce the scale of the project. If Woodway annexes the Point Wells property, they would assume control of the development process and, in their view, would have much more leverage than Snohomish County or Shoreline in trying to limit the impacts of the development’s size.

The City of Shoreline opposed Woodway’s annexation efforts and argued the City should have the right to annex. With the battle lines drawn, from May 18- 21, both the City of Shoreline and Town of Woodway engaged in a frenzy of lobbying efforts to persuade the Governor to see the issue from their respective positions.

In addition, on May 16, the Town of Woodway issued a letter to the City of Shoreline that said the Town is prepared, in the event of SB 5417 being signed into law, to meet with the City to begin negotiations on an interlocal agreement. More specifically, Mayor Nichols stated in the letter, “The agreement would include our commitment to ensuring that the impacts to your transportation infrastructure created by the development at Point Wells are appropriately mitigated, both on a one-time and ongoing basis.”  We have not heard of any communication by the City of Shoreline with Woodway in response to the Woodway letter.

If you’ve been snoozin’ you’ve been losing!

Within the past month, several RBCA Board members have heard from the community that either “it’s a done deal. Nothing we can do to change things,” or to the other extreme, “It’s not going to happen. The Courts have taken care of things.” Clearly neither perspective is accurate. As the Richmond Beach Community News has repeatedly reported over the past year, a lot is happening, and it is not “over til it’s over.” And snoozing is no excuse for inaction.

We urge community members to stay on top of what’s transpiring. We urge you to come to our June 11 RBCA Community Meeting to hear the most up-to-date news on where things stand and where things are likely headed. See you there!


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BSRE Point Wells and City of Shoreline reach agreement regarding Richmond Beach Corridor Study, public involvement in transportation planning

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Press release from BSRE Point Wells


Memorandum of Understanding provides for extended public involvement, voice in road design and potential mitigation decisions

Snohomish County - The developer of the proposed development at Point Wells, BSRE Point Wells, LP (BSRE) and the City of Shoreline have executed a memorandum of understanding which establishes an agreed approach to the study of transportation impacts resulting from BSRE's proposed redevelopment of Point Wells.

The city and BSRE shall jointly conduct a transportation study focusing on the Richmond Beach Drive - Richmond Beach Road corridor, which provides access to the Point Wells site.

BSRE Point Wells is proposing the transformation of the 61-acre industrial site on Puget Sound into a signature mixed-use community. Located in the Southwestern corner of Snohomish County, it would develop in phases to coincide with the area's economic growth, beginning with clean-up of the aging industrial property. The new community would be pedestrian oriented and provide new public access opportunities, including 2/3 mile of sandy beach, parks, a 1,000-foot-long public pier, restored and enhanced habitat, and other amenities.

BSRE Point Wells is affiliated with Blue Square Real Estate Ltd., a major developer of real estate. 

With the Court of Appeals decision, BSRE's applications for the Point Wells site are vested and can be processed under the Snohomish County Urban Center zoning. Through this study, BSRE Point Wells is providing expanded public participation opportunities as part of its commitment to the local community.
"This study, coupled with the upcoming project-specific environmental impact statement, represent key steps in fulfilling our vision of Point Wells as a world-class, sustainable community the entire region will take pride in," said Ze'ev Stein, Chief Executive Officer for Blue Square Real Estate.  
"Our aim has been, and will be, to design a project that will connect and integrate into the surrounding community.  The crescent shaped sub-developments will provide renewal opportunities for natural habitats on the property and along the shoreline for all to share."

The results of the Corridor Study will be incorporated into the Snohomish County environmental impact statement. The county's SEPA process is expected to commence later this spring. BSRE Point Wells will work with the City of Shoreline to determine specific timing of the corridor study.

The BSRE/Shoreline MOU requires extended public participation opportunities beyond those normally required for similar proposals. Shoreline residents will be invited to participate in a series of meetings devoted to understanding transportation constraints, anticipated road impacts, design alternatives and available mitigation options. One-on-one discussions with property owners along Richmond Beach Drive are also planned.
 "Transportation considerations to and from the site, including pedestrian safety, are important to both current local residents as well as future residents at Point Wells," said Gary Huff, land use counsel for BSRE Point Wells. 
"Agreeing in advance with Shoreline on the study's parameters and assumptions, and engaging with local residents to understand and address their concerns, will go a long ways towards ensuring a positive outcome for all concerned."

The corridor study will be based in part on the following agreed parameters:

  • Traffic modeling based on a projected traffic volume.
  • Ensure the current 60-foot right-of-way width on Richmond Beach Drive remains the maximum width allowed as much as possible, except where the study concludes additional width is necessary to accommodate turn lanes, sidewalks and curbing improvements.
  • To reduce congestion, require signalized intersections meeting a more stringent level of service than standard levels generally used in Shoreline.
  • The study shall include connecting streets and intersections leading up to the corridor.

For more information on the proposed transformation at Point Wells visit the BSRE website for the project.


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Save Richmond Beach asks state supreme court to review decision on Point Wells

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Architect's drawing of part of the planned "urban village"
at Point Wells in Snohomish county


Save Richmond Beach and Woodway have asked the Washington State Supreme Court to­­ review the Court of Appeals decision allowing an Urban Center at Point Wells, which would have the Court taking a fresh look at the validity of BSRE's application.

Woodway has joined SRB in challenging the Court of Appeals decision, and both are asking the City Council of Shoreline to file a "friend of the court"  (amicus curiae) brief on behalf of Save Richmond Beach / Woodway.

An amicus curiae brief from the Shoreline City Council to the State Supreme Court would help to persuade the Court to take our case for review.

BSRE plans to clean up the Paramount Oil storage facility at Point Wells and gradually build a mega-apartment high-rise village on the site. The site is fully within Snohomish County but the only access is through Shoreline.

Follow up story here


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Learn the latest about Point Wells on Feb 12 at the RBCA meeting

Friday, February 8, 2013


The February Richmond Beach Community Association General Meeting Promises to be Lively!

By Jerry Patterson, RBCA Vice President

Are you up to date on breaking news about Point Wells? Do you know what’s happening at the negotiating table? Are you current on the December 2012 Washington Court of Appeals decision that affects you and your community?

Get answers to these questions and more at the RBCA General Meeting on February 12, 7:30pm, at the Richmond Beach Congregational Church located at 1512 NW 195th in Shoreline. Also use this opportunity to ask other things you have on your mind about Point Wells.

Point Wells stuff is happening fast and decisions may be coming at a rapid-fire pace. The RBCA Board will do our part to create forums for discussion. Please do your part to stay informed by coming to our February General Meeting.

An update by members of the City of Shoreline staff and Save Richmond Beach will include: 
  • the role of future community involvement on this topic, 
  • status of legal challenges in the court system, 
  • financial impact of a Point Wells project on the City of Shoreline and 
  • negotiations between the City of Shoreline and the developer. 


In addition, learn what the City of Shoreline has in the works regarding a Traffic Corridor Study.

City staff will be hosting a 30-minute open house from 7:00 to 7:30pm prior to the start of the meeting.  This will be an opportunity for you to get additional information about the Traffic Corridor Study process and to ask questions about the Point Wells development one-on-one with City staff.

RBCA needs to hear from you NOW. If Point Wells happens, tell us what improvements need to occur in order to maintain the current quality of life in the greater Richmond Beach community. Examples include walkways linking parks, pedestrian overpasses on Richmond Beach Road and sidewalks on cut-through streets to reduce the negative impact of heavy traffic and burying power/utility lines underground to offset diminishing property values caused by the development at Point Wells. 

Any comments received by February 15 will be considered in a summary RBCA will send to the City of Shoreline and BSRE so they know what you think. Bring your comments to the meeting on February 12, email them, or mail to PO Box 60186, Shoreline, WA 98160-0186.

We are counting on seeing you there!


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Save Richmond Beach urges residents to comment at Shoreline Planning Commission Feb 7

Friday, February 1, 2013

3-6,000 new residents are expected to increase traffic in Shoreline


The grass-roots organization Save Richmond Beach is urging residents to attend the Thursday, Feb 7, 2013 Shoreline Planning Commission meeting and comment on proposed amendments to traffic planning in Richmond Beach to accommodate the planned development in Snohomish County's Point Wells.

Thursday, February 7, 7pm, Shoreline City Hall Council Chambers. 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133.

City staff have recommended the City Council increase the total vehicle trips per day allowed on NW Richmond Beach Drive. 
Come address the Planning Commission about this proposed reversal in classification. The City of Shoreline Planning Commission will meet on Thursday, February 7, 7:00 p.m., Shoreline City Hall Council Chambers, 17500 Midvale Avenue North, Shoreline. Promptly at 7:10 p.m., the Commission will receive public comment. You are welcome to speak in person or to submit comments in writing. 
 Read the rest of the article at the SRB website

The Planning Commission is an appointed group which researches and studies planning issues and makes recommendations to the City Council.


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Save Richmond Beach reaffirms resolve to fight Point Wells

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Architect's drawing of planned Urban Village at Point Wells


The Save Richmond Beach citizens' group has vowed to continue the fight against the mega-development at Point Wells in spite of the set-back at the Court of Appeals. The Court reversed an earlier ruling against a Snohomish County "Urban Center" development at the site, which is at the end of a long, narrow lane.


It is important to note that this loss was not entirely unexpected. Whether we won or lost at the Court of Appeals, we have little doubt that this case would have been appealed to the Supreme Court one way or another.

Current road from Point Wells
Houses on one side
A drop off to the railroad tracks on the other

Save Richmond Beach is asking supporters for contributions to fund the legal team for the appeal to the state Supreme Court.


The important thing to note is that Save Richmond Beach has not accepted a mega-development as a foregone conclusion and is continuing to work towards a resolution through whatever means necessary.  Everyone who cares about our communities and the environment should also continue to fight and not assume this project is a "done deal".  Now more than ever, your support is critical to Save Richmond Beach’s efforts to fight for a development that enhances our community rather than turning it into a thoroughfare.


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