Proposed zoning changes will create traffic nightmare | Letter

Think the commute through Maple Valley is tough now? Wait until the city of Maple Valley approves their latest "good" idea. This idea is being put forth with very little public input. We in the immediate neighborhood found out quite accidentally. The surrounding community was not notified, nor was this possible zoning change posted on the property as is typical.

August 13, 2012 1:51 pm

Editor’s note: The Planning Commission meeting mentioned will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug, 15 at the Tahoma Central School District office. The agenda packet for it can be found here.

Think the commute through Maple Valley is tough now? Wait until the city of Maple Valley approves their latest “good” idea.

This idea is being put forth with very little public input. We in the immediate neighborhood found out quite accidentally. The surrounding community was not notified, nor was this possible zoning change posted on the property as is typical.

The city is planning to change zoning on 50 acres in the heart of Maple Valley; changing 36 acres from its current mixed use to strictly commercial, allowing 100 foot tall/10 story tall buildings.

This area is known as the Brandt property and is along Highway 169 across from Key Bank, very close to Wilderness Village.

This will essentially create an industrial park in the heart of our residential community.

Imagine how many cars will be clogging the Maple Valley corridor when multiple buildings of this size are built? The “official” traffic impact study shows minimal impact. How can that be?

Our morning commutes will be complicated by other drivers coming into the area.

While some local people will find work here and have a short commute, total volume HAS to increase.

I am not against industry in our city, but there are options for this to be in less impactful areas. In our small community we already have quite a bit of development and major traffic issues in the main highway corridors.

Should we be adding to traffic inside the heart of our city, clogging our roads?

It already takes 15 minutes to drive 1-2 miles thru town at some times during the day. May we question the wisdom in the haste to approve this change?

There is only one meeting on Aug, 15 for Planning Commission input before it goes to the City Council.

Your time to effect this decision is very short.

Please come and voice your opinion on this fundamental change to the future of Maple Valley: 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Tahoma Central School District office on 25720 Maple Valley-Black Diamond Road.

Thank you!

Donna and Bob Pirog

Maple Valley