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Description of Proposal:
The City anticipates the submittal of two very large land development projects and project proponent has agreed that that the projects could have significant adverse environmental impacts and a determination of significance should be issued. Pursuant to WAC 197-11-055 the City has decided to commence the preparation of two Environmental Impact Statements (EISs)—one for The Villages and one for Lawson Hills Master Plan Developments (MPDs) prior to the submittal of the applications so that environmental issues can be taken into consideration at the conceptual stage in order to guide the project design and application processing at the earliest possible time. The Villages MPD includes 1,170 acres southwest of the town center, and is proposed for mixed use development to include residential, retail, commercial, office, educational, recreational, and open space. The proposed MPD assumes 4,400 dwelling units and 775,000 square feet of employment (commercial, office and other uses). The Lawson Hills MPD includes 376 acres located to the north and east of the town center. Proposed uses are consistent with those for The Villages, with 1,250 dwelling units and 390,000 square feet of employment. The City’s MPD ordinance requires 50% of the total area to be reserved for open space.
Proponent: YarrowBay Group, 825 Fifth Avenue, Suite 202, Kirkland, WA 98033
Location of Proposal: City of Black Diamond, WA
Lead Agency: City of Black Diamond, WA
EIS Required. The proponent has agreed that the proposals will have significant environmental impacts and pursuant to RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c) an EIS for each MPD will be prepared.
The following elements have been preliminarily identified for discussion in the EISs: Earth, Air Quality, Water Resources, Wetlands, Plants and Animals, Energy/Climate Change, Environmental Health, Noise, Land Use/Plans and Policies, Population/Employment and Housing, Aesthetics/Light and Glare, Historic and Cultural Resources, Transportation, Public Services and Utilities, including Economic and Fiscal Analysis.
Scoping. A public scoping meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Black Diamond Elementary School (25314 Baker Street, Black Diamond, WA 98010). Due to the proximity of the MPDs to each other this public scoping meeting will serve as official scoping for both EIS documents.
Agencies, affected tribes, and members of the public are invited to comment on the scope of the EIS. You may comment on alternatives, elements of the environment to be addressed, mitigation measures, probable significant adverse impacts, and licenses or other approvals that may be required. Comments will be received at the scoping meeting, and can also be sent to the City SEPA Official at the address below. The comment period will close on June 16, 2008.
Responsible official: Gwendolyn Voelpel
Position/Title: City Administrator
Address: City of Black Diamond
24301 Roberts Drive
Black Diamond, WA 98010
Phone: (360) 886-2560
Date: May 8, 2008.
