News Articles
Wolff Calls Another Community Meeting
Posted on Mar 16th, 2011
OPEN HOUSE/COMMUNITY MEETING INVITE FROM DEVELOPER
Monday, March 21, 2011 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Richland City Hall
We encourage your family to attend to let the Wolff Co. and City know that homeowners are still opposed to the apartment complex proposal. Let's come together and take a community stand.
The Applewood Estates HOA has learned that the Wolff Company sent a meeting notice (see attachment) to several homeowners living near the proposed apartment complex. This meeting appears to be like the one the Wolff Co. and the City held back on October 6, 2010. The only changes we see in the proposed apartments is a theater room, community gardens, and gas fire pits. These amenities only benefit the tenants of the apartments. We know that this type of development will adversely impact our neighborhood.
If you are interested in a preview of the apartment complex, the Wolff Company has constructed what we believe to be a nearly identical complex at Columbia Center Boulevard and 4th Avenue. This is an example of the population density we will have in our midst. Also, you will note in the attached plan, provision is made for parking for 328 vehicles. Without a light at Brantingham and Keene, this will effectively turn Fugi and Jonagold into high-traffic routes for people to get to the light at Shockley for a left-hand turn onto Keene Road. We do not know yet the impact this will have on our property values.
The HOA board is disappointed to learn about another meeting to show area homeowners the exhibits of what the Wolff Co. is now calling a "major modification" application of the Badger Mountain Village PUD. The court had ordered the developer and city to follow the process regarding major modifications in land use by way of a public hearing process. This is what we all expected from them; not another community meeting trying to convince area homeowners that rental apartments are good for this area. The board has consulted the HOA attorney, Joel Comfort, and learned the PUD statute contains a provision that implies the necessity of an informal meeting:
RMC 23.50.030(A): The applicant shall submit conceptual or preliminary plan material to the Administrative Official. The Administrative Official shall consult with the applicant, and as appropriate, other agencies, departments and/or neighborhood residents or organizations to determine general acceptability of the proposal submitted. The Administrative Official shall indicate to the applicant in writing the general acceptability of the proposal and shall outline recommended changes or modifications necessary to show compatibility with the ordinance codified hereafter.
Our attorney recommends that we attend this meeting. Please do not miss this opportunity! The HOA encourages you to attend and voice your opinions as city officials will be present and listening to our input at this “Open House.” Homeowners will have only one more chance to be heard and that is at the hearing before the Planning Commission, after which the City Council will give a final decision.
Board of Directors
Applewood Estates HOA