E-MAIL TO THE EDITOR: Mayor Discusses Homestead Park

Any future developments directly adjacent to Homestead Park might require increased buffers and landscaping based upon discussions at the U.P. City Council meeting this week.

Planning and Development Services Director David Swindale presented Council with various options during a study session regarding potential future developments on Lots 1 and 2 (the existing Windmill Village property along with a parcel to the east), both of which are located next to Homestead Park.

Under the original Town Center vision, the community indicated a desire for a future development that would be oriented to and provide public access to the park. In order to provide clear guidance to future developers, the Council requested the Planning Commission to review balancing future development needs while protecting the park.

Based upon their review, the Planning Commission recommended a Level 1 landscaping requirement which involves a dense visual screen using a variety of evergreen trees and plantings along with a minimum 20 foot buffer. Options for eliminating setbacks to encourage developers to orient the building toward the park were also offered. Council discussion, however, leaned toward providing more incentives for future developers to orient a primary or secondary façade toward the park, rather than a back wall which could potentially include refuse or recycling facilities. If a developer was unable or unwilling to provide a desired façade, a potential 40 foot setback from the park along with extensive landscaping requirements could be required. Public comment and Council action on this issue are scheduled for November.

Other Council agenda items included:

• Authorizing an agreement with Hewitt Architecture to design necessary interior garage improvements for the existing Lot 8 garage in Town Center not to exceed $59,860. The cost will be funded 100% with budgeted funds.

• Six Year Transportation Plan – State law requires cities to update and adopt a six year transportation improvement plan (TIP) each year to identify potential road projects. The proposed 2012-17 TIP does not commit the City to any financial expenditures. Instead, the plan enables the City to apply for various grants, many of which require projects to appear on the TIP. This plan also helps provide information to other jurisdictions and utilities so that they can plan projects accordingly with the City’s future plans. The TIP, which can be viewed at www.CityofUP.com, is scheduled for consideration at a future Council meeting.

• Land Offer – A local resident is offering to donate a parcel of land which abuts the Chambers Creek Canyon to the City; however, more information is needed before the Council decides whether or not to accept the offer. Mr. Sven Oldfelt, who was unsuccessful in selling his property, is interested in donating the property, located at 8902 65th Street W. to the City for tax purposes. Although the pipestem property would provide access to an existing City-owned, land-locked property, Councilmembers raised questions regarding potential impacts on the neighborhood, future maintenance costs, parking and other issues. Council subsequently sent the issue to the Parks and Recreation Commission for further study.

• Approved a resolution revising the calendar for the Comprehensive Plan amendments and public participation program. State law requires the City to periodically review and amend our Comprehensive Land Use Plan along with establishing a public participation program. Due to a State extension regarding the timeline for updating plans, delays in the adoption of the Countywide Planning policies and a heavy workload for the Planning Commission, staff recommended a revised calendar for reviewing plan components and holding public hearings. Under the proposal, two private amendment requests will be considered this year while reviews on Land Use and Shoreline elements will be discussed next year. Other elements of the plan regarding housing, transportation, capital facilities, utilities, and parks and open space are scheduled for 2012-13. For more information, visit www.CityofUP.com or contact Planning and Development Services Director David Swindale at dswindale@CityofUP.com

• City Manager’s Report – According to City Manager Steve Sugg, options for potential locations and estimated costs for siting a flag by the new Civic Building will be presented to Council in November.

UPcoming Events….

• City Commission Vacancies — Interested in serving on a City Commission? Applications are now being accepted for the Public Safety Commission (meetings 3rd Thursday at 6 p.m.); Park and Recreation (2nd Thursday at 6:30 p.m.); and Planning (1st and 3rd Wednesday at 7 p.m.) For more information, contact the City Clerk’s office at egenetia@CityofUP.com or call 253.460.2510. Commissioners serve four-year terms and provide recommendations to Council on various issues. Please note that current commissioners are eligible to reapply for their positions.

• Pierce County Citizens’ Advisory Board Vacancies - Pierce County Department of Community Connections is seeking new members to serve on the Pierce County Citizens’ Advisory Board (CAB). The Board makes recommendations for allocating Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) dollars. Members will have the opportunity to reduce the impact of poverty and homelessness on families and individuals by funding programs which ease these conditions In monthly evening meetings, the members of the CAB determine community needs, prioritize program activities, evaluate funding applications, and make recommendations to the County Executive on program funding. Staff support is provided by the Department of Community Connections. The CAB generally meets on the first Wednesday of every month. To volunteer, contact Stephanie Bray at 253.798.6917 or sbray@co.pierce.wa.us.
• October 22, Parks Appreciation Day –Check out our newest park and help spruce it up from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 22. Bring work gloves and prepare to get dirty as we clear out invasive vegetation from the Leach Creek Park, a 15-acre parcel formerly owned by the Tacoma School District. For information and directions, visit www.CityofUP.com or contact dsage@CityofUP.com or 253.460.6493.

• 3rd Annual Simple Supper to benefit the U.P. Food Bank and families in need on Saturday, October 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Curtis High School Cafeteria. Keynote speaker is David Zeeck, president and publisher of the Tacoma News Tribune. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for kids under 18. Please RSVP to www.familiesunlimitednetwork.org or call 253.460.3134, ext. 101.

• Edgar Allan Poe (as portrayed by actor Tim Hobban) and fabric artists Helen Hein and Anne Doumit Sparks are featured in the UP for Art’s Fall Arts Series on Friday, October 28 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. in the Civic/Library Building atrium. Free (donations appreciated). Thanks to sponsors Skelley Piano and Green Spot Teahouse. For more information, visit www.upforart.org.

• Duck the Halls – Start a new holiday tradition by forming a caroling group to compete in the 1st annual Duck the Halls Caroling Competition on Friday, Dec. 9, to benefit the U.P. Food Bank. Get your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers together to sing for a great cause. Groups must register by November 16. For contest rules and information, visit www.upforart.org.

As always, I welcome your comments and questions. Please feel free to contact me at dklosowski@CityofUP.com.

Sincerely,

Debbie Klosowski