Planning Commission considers huge land use changes in unincorporated areas

Controversial land use changes to the Frederickson, Parkland, Spanaway, Midland, South Hill and Mid-County (Summit, Waller, North Clover Creek Collins) areas are progressing through the formal process of adoption in Pierce County. These changes Cemters and Corridors March 2019 involve housing and business uses, but not an accompanying infrastructure plan. Therefore the communities, already overcrowded for urban growth that has been occurring for decades, are speaking out about the need to stop the county until an infrastructure plan is brought forward to accompany the growth.

Problems described include commuter traffic, lack of community transit, water availability, emergency services response, sewers, parks, open space and more. The state of Washington’s Growth Management Plan has provisions that require growth to have infrastructure accompanying it. The fur is flying and the tree minute timer is all that is stopping it. Even the Fire Department testimony is stopped by the three minute timer.

The Pierce County Planning Commission will consider proposed updates to the Frederickson Community Plan at two public meetings in July. There will be an informational open house prior to each meeting from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. where attendees can view displays and talk to Pierce County staff. The first meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. July 23 at the Pierce County Skills Center, 16117 Canyon Road E, Puyallup, WA 98375. Verbal and written comment will be accepted. Written comments will also be accepted at http://www.piercecountywa.gov/cpupdate. The second meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. July 30 at the Pierce County Annex, 2401 S 35th St., Tacoma, WA 98409.

The Pierce County Planning Commission will consider proposed updates to the Parkland-Spanaway-Midland Community Plan at two public meetings in August. There will be an informational open house prior to each meeting from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. where attendees can view displays and talk to Pierce County staff. The first meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. August 6 at the Sprinker Recreation Center. Verbal and written comment will be accepted. Written comment will also be accepted at http://www.piercecountywa.gov/cpupdate. The second meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. August 13 at the Pierce County Annex, 2401 S 35th St., Tacoma, WA 98409.

After considering public testimony and amendments proposed by commission members, the Planning Commission will submit its final recommendation on the plan to the Pierce County Council. The council will then set and hold hearings, determine whether to adopt the proposed changes for the plan, and set an effective date for the final plan.