15728 Main Street, Mill Creek, Washington 98012 -- (425) 745-1891 or (425) 337-1116
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EAST GATEWAY

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT

The City Council conducted a Public Hearing on the East Gateway Comprehensive Plan Amendment on Tuesday, March 25, 2008.  The Council passed Ordinance 2008-676 adopting the Comprehensive Plan Amendment and implementing zoning text. 

A Public Hearing on the East Gateway plan was held on February 7, 2008.  The Planning Commission passed Resolution 2008-136 recommending approval of the East Gateway Comprehensive Plan and Development Code Amendments to the City Council. 

The City Council received the Planning Commission recommendation on the proposed Comprehensive Plan and Development Code revisions for the area known as East Gateway at their meeting on February 26, 2008.  Following their discussion, the Council determined that they would like to review the proposal in more detail, especially on the topic of economic feasibility, prior to making a final decision.  The City Council has scheduled a public hearing on March 25, 2008, at 7:30 p.m.

On a related item, last night the City Council adopted 5-0 a moratorium on receiving any land use applications within the East Gateway area.  The text of the motion is as follows:

Motion to:

1) adopt a moratorium on the acceptance and processing of any and all land use, development, building, zoning, or any other application for property located within the boundary of the East Gateway Urban Village as proposed tonight, said moratorium to extend for six months or until sooner terminated or extended by action of the City Council in accord with state law; provided that any current permit applications for said area that have been already determined to be complete by City staff and applications for minor remodels or improvements to existing structures are exempt herefrom.

2) Direct City staff to prepare a resolution reflecting the foregoing and present it to the Council at the next available meeting. 

Obviously, the intent of the moratorium is to allow the Council the time to evaluate the proposed East Gateway Urban Village Plan without the fear of an inconsistent proposal being submitted and becoming vested in the meantime.  Also, it is not the City staff's or Council's intention to take any longer to evaluate the plan than is necessary.

illustrative master plan

DNS

Checklist

Comments received at January 10, 2008 Open House

Comments received at October 4, 2007 Open House

     Parks Element
     Transportation Element
     Goals Element
     Land Use Element
     East Gateway Planned Urban Village Zone District

 

Background History

The East Gateway area is approximately 50 acres of vacant/underdeveloped property located within the 132nd Street Southeast corridor between 35th Avenue Southeast and Seattle Hill Road, which is currently planned and zoned Community Business (Map).

This area was annexed by the City in December 2005.  Since this area has been annexed into the City, developers and property owners have approached the City to discuss the development potential of these properties and the need for a coordinated access plan.  Therefore, the City is proposing amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Development Code to facilitate the coordinated development of the site..

The size and location of the area presents an opportunity to plan, design and facilitate the development of a mixed-use center in lieu of typical strip commercial developments that are currently allowed within the existing zone designation. Planning and developing this corridor as an integrated mixed-use project will provide benefits such as:

  • Coordinated Access on 132nd Street SE
  • Potential for Centralized Stormwater Facilities
  • Increase Buildable Lot Area
  • Potential for Shared Parking
  • Flexibility
  • Increase Potential for Residential Uses

To create a mixed-use center, amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, zoning map and the development regulations will be required.  In accordance with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, plan amendments are legislative in nature and need to occur within the City’s established plan amendment review process.

Public Input Process

The first public meeting to provide ideas and concepts for the development of this area was held in July, followed by subsequent meetings to develop a preferred master plan for this area.  Please view the proposed schedule for dates.  Should you wish to be added to the mailing list, please email Christi@cityofmillcreek.com.  After the Planning Commission public hearing in February 2008, the City Council will consider the amendments in late February and/or early March.

If you have comments and questions, please feel free to contact Christi Amrine, Senior Planner at the City of Mill Creek, 15728 Main Street, Mill Creek, WA  98012 or by phone 425-921-5738 or email at Christi@cityofmillcreek.com.