Report: Shoreline proposes compromise on Point Wells development

By Evan Smith

The City of Shoreline has proposed a compromise on the Point Wells development, according to a report in the Everett Herald Friday.

The paper reported that Shoreline is seeking a compromise with the developer to allow the development to move forward.

The compromise would allow the developer to go ahead with the condominium development in exchange for a deal on traffic and a possible future annexation of the 60-acre property on the opposite side of the King-Snohomish county line.

The Herald story said that such a deal could save the city and developer costly legal battles.

The Herald quoted Shoreline Planning Director Joe Tovar as calling the proposal the start of a discussion. The report quoted Tovar as saying that the proposal would allow the developer to build the project according to Snohomish County codes but allow Shoreline to limit the number of trips in and out of the area on Shoreline roads.

The proposed development is in an unincorporated area of southwest Snohomish County, within the town of Woodway’s urban growth area, but the only access to and from the area is on Richmond Beach Drive in Shoreline.

The Herald reported that Snohomish County, Woodway and the Save Richmond Beach neighborhood group all have objections to the proposal.

The Herald reported that, on Thursday an attorney working for the developer called Shoreline's offer a welcome, though expected move.

The attorney told the Herald that the developer has no preference as to annexation.

The Herald said that Snohomish County and Woodway do have objections.

County leaders in the past have been wary of further cross-county annexations, such as one in Bothell.

Woodway Town Administrator Eric Faison told the Herald that while it's necessary to drive through Shoreline to get to Point Wells, it's also necessary to drive through Woodway because the road to the property goes through a small portion of the town after crossing the county line. Woodway borders Point Wells to the north and east as well.

The Herald reported that lawsuits by Woodway, Shoreline and Save Richmond Beach over the county's zoning for the property remain unresolved.

The Herald reported that Woodway has sought a court order to enforce a State Growth Management Hearings Board ruling that the Snohomish County zoning at Point Wells is illegal.

The Herald quoted Caycee Holt from Save Richmond Beach as saying that she understands Shoreline's desire to compromise, though she's worried about what it means in real terms for people who already live in her neighborhood.

In a press release, Shoreline Mayor Keith McGlashan argued that the city is the most logical provider of police, fire and other municipal services at Point Wells.

The city of Shoreline has scheduled a meeting to update people about Point Wells from 6:30 to 8:30pm Wednesday.

City staff members also plan an update during a City Council study session at 7pm September 6.