This workshop agenda has two head-scratching items on it. You can watch the discussions on Zoom, link at the top of the agenda, Richland City View or Cable Channel 192. Choices, choices.
WSU wants more land from the city, a 45-acre donation was not enough
Washington State University (WSU) authorities have asked the city for additional land to help them sell the 45 acres the city gave them in 1993. The land is south of Hanford Street.
The 1993 deal stipulated that the land was to be used as a campus or revert to the city if it was to be used for any other purpose. BUT, in 2019, at the request of WSU, the city council voted to eliminate the campus stipulation. Now the university wants more land from the city to make it easier to sell to developers. Wrap your head around that.
An important drinking water supply facility is mucking up WSU plans. Several of the donated acres might not be developable. According to the summary provided for this workshop, “WSU has advanced a proposal for an additional donation of city property to support their marketing strategy…”
Road safety, paralysis by analysis
Washington State Department of Transportation is distributing $35 million statewide for a city safety grant program to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries. There is no indication as to how much Richland will receive out of this money pot. But, according to the summary, “a foundational requirement of the grant program is the preparation of a local road safety plan….”
We already know that poor road design and speed cause fatalities and serious injuries and we have crash records. But since there’s money out there from the state, I guess we can study it some more. This is commonly called “paralysis by analysis.”
Finally, something that makes sense
Late fees for library books will be eliminated. Studies have shown that the late fees result in libraries losing materials and the fines generated are not significant.
That looks like an ideal place for a WSU performing arts center. A theatrical facility at that location would a marvelous addition to both WSU and the City of Richland.
Hi Jon, Thank you for reading the Observer. The summary that was provided for this workshop says, “In recent years, WSU has sought to sell the property south of Handford Street to several developers.” From that, it doesn’t appear that a public facility like a performing arts center has ever been considered for the property.
If I remember correctly, the land is zoned high density residential in the comprehensive plan. A performing arts center would require a comp plan amendment and a rezone. What Richland desperately needs is high density residential development.
Hi FM, Thanks for reading the Observer. Ginger agrees with you. See her message and link.
Hi FM, I thought of you tonight. At the city council meeting, I learned that the 1.7 acres that the city is planning to donate is in an area zoned, “public facilities.” If the WSU plans to sell it for residential or commercial zoning, it will have to be rezoned.
There’s enough land there to sell for some north Richland eateries. And there are enough Hanford workers and students close by to make it work. North Richland development will never take off until there is food. Also gas stations.
Hi Beth, Thank you for reading the Observer. I was very disappointed when Ethos Cafe left that area and moved to Keene Road. They have since opened a cafe on the Parkway. The area in the north is growing with new apartments and houses so maybe we will see some other eateries open in that area. I hope so.
It should revert back to the city and they should then donate it to a land trust for permanently affordable housing. Something like this would be perfect! https://www.villagegardenstownhomes.com/
Hi Ginger, Thanks for reading the Observer. I thought about this housing issue too. I wondered how the Washington Constitution’s provisions on “gifts” would affect a transfer of the property. The city cited the constitution when Adam Avenir was working on his public market proposal.