From a City of Sumner press release:

On Tuesday, July 10, the City of Sumner received the decision from the Growth Hearings Board which would halt the Orton Junction project.  Sumner intends to appeal this decision as the project received unanimous approval from both the democratically elected Sumner City Council and Pierce County Council.

The primary reason the Board stated for their decision was concern about agricultural land.  The City of Sumner believes the Board has made a mistake in failing to recognize that Orton Junction is well within the parameters of what is permitted by the Growth Management Act and, in fact, would do more to protect agriculture in Pierce County than the existing zoning has or can do.  Thanks to the Seven Principles Agreement of Orton Junction, spearheaded by environmental leader Forterra, Orton Junction will permanently protect over 500 acres of farmland and open space.

“This decision is attempting to jeopardize the best farmland protection package that Pierce County had ever seen,” said Sumner Mayor Dave Enslow.  “Orton Junction would use private dollars, not taxes, to permanently protect over 500 acres of farmland in our valley.  Instead, this decision opens that land back up to the possibility of being developed into housing.  It just doesn’t make much sense.”

When appellate courts have looked at similar choices by other counties’ hearings boards, they have repeatedly upheld the local governments’ decisions.   Sumner believes the court will also reverse this Board’s decision; however, the process will further delay Sumner’s plans for Orton Junction, which would include a farmer’s market and community gardens, a state-of-the-art YMCA facility, health care services, housing options for seniors and young people and the creation of thousands of new jobs in construction, agriculture, retail, health services and other sectors.

“We will appeal this decision because we believe it is fully consistent with the goals and requirements of the Growth Management Act,” said Community Development Director Paul Rogerson.  “Orton Junction reduces Sumner’s future size by 100 acres, directly combatting sprawl; it permanently protects over 500 acres of farmland and open space; it puts complete, compact and connected development next to existing freeway interchanges where urban services are readily available; and it creates thousands of much-needed jobs.”

Also included in Orton Junction was the plan to build a YMCA, which began with a citizens’ grassroots effort to bring healthy activities and gathering place for children, teens, adults and seniors.  The proposed YMCA would include an art center, swimming pool, teen late night program and Friends and Servants, a program that mentors troubled youth by helping them learn farming practices.

“People need jobs now and healthy recreation right here in Pierce County,” said Enslow.  “Orton Junction would use this area to grow not only produce but also strong, multi-generational families.  We believe our children are worth it.”