By Richard Uhlhorn
Apple Blossom Development changes:
What is affordable in the housing market? That has been an ongoing debate. We all know that the Weidner apartments will rent at market rate prices.
At the Chelan City Council meeting on Tuesday, August 12, the council passed Ordinance No. 2025-1640 Amendment No. 1 to the Apple Blossom Center Development Agreement.
This agreement will increase the density of the development from the assumed number of 720 units to an estimated 828 units. Chelan Apartments might develop up to 64 cottage units while Weidner and Chelan Apartments will add no more than 80 450 sq. ft. micro units.
Initially, Weidner plans on constructing 250 apartment building and increasing that to 450 if their initial investment is rented.
It was rumored that the micro units might rent for approximately $1,500 per month which in many minds is not affordable. I reached out to Weidner’s Development Director, Nick Nowotarski about micro unit and cottage rents. He replied that the Leavenworth micro units were renting for $1,000 per month. “As market rate housing, the rents for the micros will be determined by what people are willing to pay.” Weidner is not planning on building any cottage units.
Chelan Community Development Director, John Ajax, stated in his opening report that the micro units are about the ability to provide affordable units.
Council members all have concerns with the increased density, parking and increased traffic. Ajax addressed the potential traffic issues by reporting that currently there are no plans to alter traffic flow. “There might be a roundabout at the Walmart intersection,” said Ajax. “Weidner would be making some contribution to that intersection.”
Terry Sanders is concerned with proper infrastructure being in place along with serious concerns about traffic, etc.
“Traffic is something we are going to have to address,” said Brad Chitty. Mark Ericks added that potential traffic problems need to be addressed before they arise.
Both Sanders and Jon Higgins voted No on the amendment due to their concerns.
With the Ordinance in place, Weidner and Chelan Apartments have a clear road to increasing the density of the development.
Unit Lot Subdivisions:
City Council unanimously approved an ordinance allowing Unit Lot Subdivisions as required by a state law passed in 2023. This law required short plat regulations for all cities, towns and counties.
The law allows the division of a parent lot into separately owned unit lots. Portions of the parent lot not subdivided will be owned by the owners of the individual lots or by the homeowners association.
Jon Higgins asked where these lots would be allowed. Ajax replied parent lots could be subdivided everywhere in the city. Tim Hollingsworth asked about covenents.
Lynette Grandy is concerned tht building heights will ruin iconic views within the city and buildings that don’t represent the communities small town historic architecture. “The look like shipping containers,” she remarked.
Grandy would like to hear more public testimony on the subject.
Downtown Sewer/Water project:
City Staff requested its consultant, Ardurra Group Inc., to provide an Additional Services Addendum (ASA) for the Lift Station No. 1 Improvements Project.
Jake Youngren, public works director, told the council that the work encompasses all the requirements by the Department of Ecology. The city is working with Chelan County PUD on the lift station remodel that will become a main feature of the Riverwalk Park property.
Youngren reported that adequate funds are available. The PUD is estimated to pay $85,100 as their portion of the work. The total additional services amount is $241,842.
The design ASA includes the following additional work:
- Coordination with Chelan County PUD regarding the landscape architecture components and park features to be installed as part of the lift station project.
2) Geotechnical support to understand and mitigate potential soil contamination as well as soil mechanics.
3) Completion of environmental permitting requirements established by the Department of Ecology as part of the funding agreement.
4) Inclusion of gravity sewer design elements for a gravity sewer pipeline upgrade along Columbia Street between Johnson Avenue and Lift Station No. 1.
The council unanimously passed this ordinance.
Lakeside Park bid award:
Chelan Parks Department, after rejecting its first bids on the Lakeside Park project, rebid the project after working with Berger Associates to revise the project plans, accepted the rebid by Cascade Central Construction. The new base bid was $1,279,299.21. The original scope of work included restroom and playground renovations, a new ADA compliant walkway, beach improvements and other park enhancements.
The work has been scaled back resulting in reducing the cost of the base bid by $234,000. Cost-reduction efforts in the revised bid included reducing finishes within the restroom building, square footage of beach enhancement, square footage of concrete pathways, and some site furnishings.
The project will begin in early September.
In addition:
The in-water work for the Lakeside Park Renovation Project was bid separately for the installation of a new T-dock and beach enhancements to the designated swimming area.
The Dock Company bid $ 231,748.60 for the work. The total project exceeds the budgeted amount by $250,000 and the Parks Department is seeking approval to reallocate funds from its shoreline access and road-end parks funds which has $379.115 available. This will require a budget amendment.
Tim Hollingsworth asked it the department is sure the city needs to have docks at Lakeside. He cited potential conflicts with watercraft users and the swimmers. “We need to think outside the box on Lakeside.”
Parks Director Paul Horne replied that Hollingsworth’s question was a valid one but that the docks are constantly in use by people. Horne feels that the Sheriff’s Marine Patrol can help with inappropriate watercraft use at the docks.
Administrative reports:
Communications Director Chad Coltman recognized several employees for outstanding work and in particular, Deputy City Clerk Cailey Couch who has taken all the classes necessary to become a full-fledge certified clerk. “Her understanding of the profession is an important aspect of the job.”
City Administrator Wade Farris said, “The city clerk is extremely important and having a backup is helpful.”
Jake Youngren reported that his department had to put divers into the lake to help seal a sewer leak.
Paul Horne remarked that the City’s parks are a lot more family friendly this season.
Farris remarked that crowds were overwhelming at times and that there were still some problems. “We still have lots of work to do,” said Farris. He added that the Sheriff’s Department is stretched thin.
Mayor/Council comments:
Terry Sanders stated that Lakeside Park “is a work in progress.” He would like to see increased signage at the park.
Brad Chitty said he appreciates public input. “It’s how we get things done.”
Tim Hollingsworth stated that he doesn’t want to lose the pocket park projects.
Mayor McCardle remarked that hundreds of hours of staff time have been devoted to the Lakeside Park issues. “You will find a much more family friendly park at Lakeside,” she said. McCardle said that not listening to the residents is a bit frustrating.
All Things Lake Chelan 