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

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.