by Richard Uhlhorn
John Ajax – Community Development Director:
At the end of the Chelan County Hearing Examiner’s Public Hearing considering the Shoreline Development Permit (SSDP2022-02) and the Variance (VAR2022-04 ) applications submitted by the Campbell’s for a 16 unit Townhome at 300 W. Okanogan above Riverwalk Park, Community Development Director John Ajax remarked that all issues brought up in the hearing would be looked at carefully.
“It is important that we do have the public involved and important there is public participation,” Ajax stated.
Andrew Kottkamp – ChelanCounty Hearing Examiner:
The packed house hearing was conducted by Hearing Examiner Andrew Kottkamp who said, “There are a large amount of the public here. I’m limiting comments to two minutes per person. This is not a question/answer period,” stated Kottkamp. “When you have an emotional issue on the table it is necessary to be respectful and quiet.”
Kottkamp went on to say that his decision is final, but the public has a right to appeal his decision on the Shoreline Development Permit application to the Shoreline Hearings Board.
He then opened the hearing to Community Development Director John Ajax who stated that he has gone over the applications and that the applications for the residential development does comply with City Codes.
John Ajax report to Kottkamp:
“The staff is recommending approval of this application,” said Ajax.
Developer’s agent:
Charlie Underwood, the developer’s agent thanked the staff for their efforts in considering the applications. He noted that there are various concerns about overflow parking and that the developer is working with staff and the Public Works Department for off project parking.
Public Comments:
Twelve residents addressed the Hearing Examiner about their concerns over this development. There were also a number of letters the Planning Department received regarding the development. Many of those letters raised a number of concerns about the development’s impact, not only on the neighborhood, but transportation issues, parking issues, environmental issues and shoreline impact issues.
Mike Cooney was the first resident to speak and stated that he purchased his 100 year old home in what he called a true neighborhood. Cooney added that the development would impact the value of their property.
David Foruria said that Campbell’s bent a lot of rules to get what they wanted. His concern is the number of vehicles that would impact the area. “They need to contain parking on their property.” He also said that people were always speeding on 3rd Street and would like to see speed bumps installed.
Steven Easley was concerned about the traffic impacts on the old bridge, high school and the additional impact to an already busy Hwy. 97A. “I would like to at least open up 1st Street to Woodin Avenue and make it a two way street,” said Easley.
Mary Signorelli stated that public safety concerns have not been adequately addressed.
Kate Foruria called the neighborhood the last historic neighborhood in the City. “I’m not against progress and development,” she said, but noted her concerns about increased traffic and parking issues along with aging infrastructure.
Chris Baker told the Hearing Examiner that he was not speaking to support or deny private property rights. “The developers are working within the law,” said Baker. “They are playing by the rules set forth… the codes need updating.”
Bob Kohn, a retired housing contractor said, “This project is grossly overwhelming with parking issues.” He added that the project does not fit the property and called it pure greed on the developer’s part. “Don’t let them do this,” he exclaimed.
Tim Hollingsworth stated that his home of 26 years is directly across from the proposed project. “I don’t oppose best use of property within the law…zoning is a classic example of settled low density neighborhood.” He added that the project will have a negative impact on the use of the park.
After the public comments, Kottkamp told the audience that he would render a decision on the applications within 10 days. “I will look at all the issues very carefully,” Kottkamp stated. He mentioned the criteria regarding the Shoreline Permit as of some concern.
The Campbell’s and their agent have done everything they can do by the law and codes of the City. If granted the permits to move forward, the project will definitely have an impact on the neighborhood and surrounding area, but if all I’s have been dotted and T’s crossed and the project meets the City Codes, the project most likely will be given a green light.
Updates when the Hearing Examiner makes his decision will be posted.
All Things Lake Chelan 