On Sept. 2, Bonney Lake residents, and the surrounding communities, have a chance to give input to the most important decision ever made city leaders. This decision will forever change the look, feel and future of Bonney Lake. Once again, WSU, along with cohorts Weyerhaeuser and its real estate company Quadrant, have submitted a development plan for the 150 acres of forest in the heart of Bonney Lake. The forest is the last of one-of-a-kind areas that can be found in cities the size of Bonney Lake.
For over 60 years this forest has served the community with a forestry program for young people and a ropes course that many schools and various community groups frequently utilized. It also was open for walks and running path for high school athletes. Four years ago, WSU shut down the forest to any public use, resulting in numerous criminal activities which never had taken place before. In holding the forest hostage, WSU and Weyerhaeuser are responsible for the higher crime rate. They used it as a cruel tactic to wear down the resolve of the community.
The overall theme in the proposed development plan is greed. Taking advantage of taxpayers by WSU, which is funded with our tax dollars, is not new. WSU has the highest-paid state worker, President Elson Floyd, on its payroll. WSU cannot see past their own nose because of the dollar signs that blind their eyes. The plan submitted will ask for a new zoning, which currently does not exist, with nine units per acre. This means hundreds of houses, duplexes, triplexes and apartments being built. You think traffic on 410 is bad now, wait until thousands of new residences are built. Think your water and sewer bills are high? Well, they’re going to go up due to all the new construction.
Many are confused by the YMCA mention in the plan. They plan to give the city land but not the millions it takes to build one, we taxpayers would pony up for that. They also had proposed to use most of the “donated” land given to the city, 20 acres, to serve as a retention pond for the whole site. How greedy, oops, I mean generous.
There will be a chance to voice your concerns and opinions regarding this mega development proposal. The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement at City Hall, Sept. 2, at 5:30 p.m. It is vital for the citizens to have input in the process since the city seems to embrace the plan. For those who cannot attend, you may submit written comments to the Planning Commission. Their information is online, along with the DEIS at http://www.ci.bonney-lake.wa.us
Cheryle Noble
Bonney Lake
