2009/03/25 Council Agenda Packet

Planning Commission Meeting January 22, 2008 Page 2 Historically, the site was comprised of old mill development that included the Simpson parcel and Eclipse Mill site. Parcel A, where the retail development is proposed, was a landfill for 60 years. The landfill closed in 1974. In 1983, there was the tire fire on the landfill site that required cleanup, remediation, and a consent decree between the Department of Ecology (DOE) and the City. In 1982, Parcel B was a pulp and paper mill and Parcel C was a lumber mill. The consent decree with DOE establishes environmental conditions for development on the landfill site. Construction on the landfill site must be in conformance with the consent decree and the clean up action plan. Parcel B has been previously filled to raise the elevation 2 feet above the FEMA floodplain. There are some low spots where additional grading and fill would be done to bring those areas above the 100 year floodplain. A portion of that site, south of the development pad and in the wetland area, was transferred to Department of Transportation (DOT) and will not be part of the proposal or the City's restoration activities for the surrounding wetlands. The entire site is within the Shoreline Master Program (SMP). The proposal includes 41st Street reconfiguration of the freeway exit to allow access to the Town Center development where there will be retail, a 200 room hotel which will be the highest building in the entire development, storefront shops, retail, restaurants, and a theater. Most of the buildings constructed will be 2 or 3 stories high. A 1.5 acre common and open space area will be provided that will access the riverfront. Oliver McMillan and the City will be working together to provide trails throughout the area. Many of the existing trails throughout the wetland area will be enhanced. During construction, temporary trails will be constructed so existing access remains. A continuous trail system will be constructed throughout the entire area. There are many open spaces proposed within the residential development and green areas for open areas and enhancing stormwater collection and doing natural rain gardens. According to the Consent Decree, no stormwater is allowed to infiltrate the landfill site so runoff goes to collection areas. Dave Davis, City staff, stated that the Riverfront Redevelopment project is a public private partnership. Though the development proposal was prepared by Oliver McMillan, the City has obligations and expectations as part of that redevelopment that have been outlined in the Property Development Agreement. The City is responsible for the 41st Street extension and roundabout. Construction will begin in the Spring with an anticipated construction completion in 1-1/2 years. The City will also be doing the restoration activities associated with the wetlands and habitat in the area. The City will providing pedestrian amenities as outlined in the Pedestrian and Public Amenities Improvements Plan that is part of the Riverfront DEIS. Along with a continuous trail system, the City is planning for a 3 acre park and overview areas along the trail system. The City also made a commitment with the Tulalip Tribes and environmental communities through the 41st Street negotiations to enhance the wetlands in the area. This work is separate to the work that is being done as part of the Riverfront Redevelopment DEI8; however, it is very much a part of the project. Mr. Davis presented some examples of the proposed public amenities to the site. Mr. Mueller, Oliver McMillan, reviewed the alternatives: Preferred Alternative provides for 900,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial and up to 200,000 square feet of hotel space mostly on the Landfill site; and up to 1,400 residential units; and associated public amenities