E-MAIL TO THE EDITOR: Klosowski Recaps City Council's Drive-Through Vote

Additional drive-throughs for banks, pharmacies, coffee shops and restaurants will be allowed along portions of Bridgeport Way in the near future based on action taken by the University Place City Council this past week.

During the past few months, the planning commission has reviewed several proposals to allow certain types of drive-throughs within the overall Town Center Zone. Under current regulations, no new drive-throughs are allowed in the TC Zone which is roughly bordered by 35th to 44th along both sides of Bridgeport Way. In addition, more stringent design standards also exist within the Town Center Overlay area which primarily encompasses city-owned properties from 35th to Homestead Park on both sides of Bridgeport Way.

A great deal of discussion ensued regarding issues such as protecting neighborhoods, balancing the needs of the community and increasing flexibility for developers without compromising the vision of the pedestrian friendly Town Center plan. As a result, a City Council compromise was reached to continue a prohibition on drive-throughs in the Town Center Overlay (35th to Homestead Park on both sides of Bridgeport Way) but to allow drive-throughs further south along Bridgeport Way.

Under the revision, new drive-throughs (limited to pharmacies, banks, coffee shops and restaurants) will be allowed within the Albertsons and Green Firs Village complexes and along the east side of Bridgeport Way to 42nd Street subject to new design standards to provide further protection for pedestrians. Property owners on the west side of Bridgeport Way from 40th to 44th will be allowed to have the same type of drive-throughs with a conditional use permit which involves a public hearing and potential conditions to minimize the impact to adjacent neighborhoods.

Although many legitimate arguments were made on both sides, I was unable to support this concept because there are several other areas within the city which currently allow drive-through uses. The proposal, however, will enable the owner of the Green Firs Village shopping center to pursue a bank and will increase the flexibility for other business owners to offer drive-through uses on their properties. After the majority of council voiced their support for this option, staff began the process of finalizing an ordinance which will be brought before council in mid-August for final adoption.

In a related Town Center issue, Council also amended the Town Center Design Guidelines to lift the maximum density allowed on an individual parcel within the Town Center overlay zone while maintaining a maximum density of 60 dwelling units per acre within the entire overlay site.

Under the adopted Town Center plan, there is a mix of allowed uses including residential, commercial, office, entertainment and restaurants. This amendment preserves the adopted maximum total number of allowable residential units but provides greater flexibility to future developers while ensuring they meet stricter design standards.

In other action, the council approved:

*Allowing restaurants to reserve one parking stall for curbside service;

*Eliminated permit requirements for people moving less than 50 cubic yards of material per year (except in environmentally sensitive areas) as well as requirements regarding stock piling of less than 250 cubic yards of material throughout the life of a development. This exemption will essentially provide builders with more leeway in case construction projects take longer than anticipated to complete.

*Approved state mandated regulations to allow electric vehicle infrastructure in residential and commercial areas including charging and exchange stations which will hopefully encourage electric vehicle use.

Other Council meeting highlights included:

* A 28th Legislative District Recap from state Sen. Mike Carrell and state Reps. Troy Kelley and Tami Green;

*A National Parks and Recreation Month Proclamation;

*U.P. Duck Daze /UPTown Cruisin' Car Show Report – Duck Parade Leader Dixie Harris reported on the great success of the 10th Annual Duck Daze which included the Duck Parade, Treasures in the Park, Public Safety Fair and Car Show along with several thousand visitors. Proceeds from this year’s event raised an estimated $7,000 for our youth and senior recreation programs. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event such a great success! We often joke how during the first parade, there were more people in the parade than viewers; however, there is no doubt that Duck Daze is now one of the most loved events within our community!

*Curran Orchard Concert – Patriotic tunes and rousing melodies from popular musicals such as “Fiddler on the Roof” will be performed by the American Legion Band on Thursday, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Curran Apple Orchard Park. Purchase food from the U.P. Kiwanis or bring your own picnic. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be relocated to the Curtis High School Cafeteria. (And don’t forget, Elvis is coming on Aug. 11!)

Get Local! – Check out local businesses and bid on gift baskets at the “Get Local” event on Saturday, July 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Market Square in front of the new Civic Building. The event, which features local business vendors, is also an opportunity to raise funds for youth and senior recreation programs.

National Night Out – Get together with your neighbors and celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 2. Contact Jennifer Hales to sign up your neighborhood for a visit from NNO caravan featuring fire trucks and representatives from the police and fire departments along with City Council members, staff and commissioners.

*Happy Birthday University Place! - Celebrate our City’s 16th Birthday at the University Place Festival on Saturday, August 6, from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m, at Cirque Park. Enjoy free entertainment including “The Diamond Experience” (A Neil Diamond tribute); Maia Santell & House blend, Rock n’Roll Magic and the Whoopee Cats – Winner of the Battle of the Bands contest. A bounce house, miniature golf, Navy SEAL Fitness Challenge, soccer clinic, Cirque Slam skateboard contests and of course, the annual Hogs vs. Hoser’s softball game. There will be plenty of food, fun and vendors!

Check out the full event schedule on www.TacomaEvents.com or www.CityofUP.com. Volunteers are still needed…please contact the U.P. Volunteer Center at 253-223-0039 or www.upvolunteers.org; or dgallagher@upvolunteers.org.

Overflow parking is available at Drum Intermediate School and Central Baptist Church on Cirque and 67th. No shuttle service is available this year.

*Pups in the Park – Bring along your favorite four legged friend to the 5th Annual Pups in the Park on Saturday, August 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Cirque Park. This year’s event features the Skyhoundz Northwest Regional Championship – these “flying disc dogs” will amaze you with their incredible speed, skill and tricks. Doggie contests, vendors, food and much more are slated for this SUNDogs fundraiser for the off leash dog park. For more information, visit www.updogpark.org.

As always, I appreciate your questions and comments. Please feel free to contact me at dklosowski@CityofUP.com. In the meantime, enjoy the summer!

Sincerely,

Debbie Klosowski

Mayor, City of University Place