The proposed development agreement between the city of Issaquah and the United States Postal Service, which will take the city a step closer to a new crossing of Interstate 90, has been sent back to Rivers and Streams Board and the Land Use Committee for further discussion.
That was the decision made at this week’s council meeting.
The development agreement would give the city right away access through a parcel of land owned by the USPS which would then allow for a crossing under I-90 to be built.
Part of the parcel in question is home to the Issaquah post office. The remainder of the parcel is currently vacant.
The development agreement would give the city right of way access through the vacant section, which the USPS hopes can be developed into two buildings.
Under the agreement, the city will pay for a traffic signal at the northern end of the section, and permit fees for the development and wetland mitigation costs, in return for the right of way.
City staff estimates this to cost between $600,00 and $700,000.
The right of way for the property was appraised at $823,000.
Concerns were raised by community members about the wetlands located on the site, a number of which stressed the importance of an appropriate environmental review process.
The property contains several non-regulated wetland areas and one regulated area of wetlands.
The agreement proposes the city will mitigate those areas to Emily Darst Park, located farther north of the project on the shores of Issaquah Creek.
Council members agreed that while the transportation committee had reviewed the project most recently, those committees which dealt with the environmental impacts of the projects should see the newest version.
“It looked like there was plenty of ample space to build without impacting those wetlands,” said Janet Wall, a citizen and member of the Rivers and Streams Board. She added that small wetlands, though they may seem less important, are in fact important to many species. “I feel that both River and Streams and the Land Use Committee should review the potential development and examine the potential environmental impact.”
Others felt more information was needed about the environmental aspects, as well as the specific costs.
“I’m ambivalent about the undercrossing,” said Connie Marsh, a citizen of Issaquah. “I think it should be built, but I’m not willing to make decisions without adequate information. I don’t think there is enough information to make a decision, and unfortunately you’ll have to go back and figure out what that information is before you make an educated choice. I think it needs more work, it needs more detail before you can make a decision.”
Members of the council agreed with the public testimony.
Dave Kappler said he could not vote in favor of the agreement because he felt more information on the wetland and permit issues were needed.
City staff cannot move forward with the project until the agreement has been signed.
This also limits the city’s ability to apply for transportation grants because the project is not considered ‘shovel ready,’ according to Sheldon Lynne, the deputy director of public works.
In order for the project to compete for grants, which Lynne said he felt the project had a good chance of getting, all the pieces must be in place and essentially ready to go.
Both the Rivers and Streams Board and the Land Use Committee will overlook the proposed agreement and the agreement will be back in front of city council during the Aug. 17 council meeting.
