Olympia Downtown Association Supports Urban Waterfront Amendment

(Olympia, WA, September 2, 2008) The Olympia City Council will soon hear public commentary on the proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Re-zone concerning Urban Waterfront Housing. The amendment will allow for mid-rise rather than the existing low-rise development on the isthmus; the benefits of which far outweigh any negatives.

This proposal is consistent with the State of Washington Growth Management Act and County-wide Planning Policies for Thurston County. Allowing mixed-use development that includes housing increases the density of our downtown and decreases potential sprawl from regional growth. It will extend the perceived perimeter of our active downtown core with the addition of mixed-use retail and office space to an area that is currently underutilized. Residents will provide an influx of customers to existing downtown businesses and provide incentive for further investment by new business or property owners.

Concerning views, the Olympia Downtown Association understands the importance of preserving the unique beauty of our capital city and has worked hard for many years to do so. We know that any construction downtown is going to affect a view in some way or another. The proposal recommended by the Planning Commission takes into account view corridors not specifically protected by City plans or regulations and still finds the impact to be minimal. The vacant buildings located on the site already affect pedestrian views. In addition, allowing for a stepped-back façade and minimizing the footprint of the original proposal does not significantly alter the view from the Capitol campus above Heritage Park.

Left unaltered, the isthmus is destined to remain low-rise office or commercial space that does not add to the scenic beauty, economic vitality or cultural potential that Olympia strives for. It is past time for our community to consider whether our current stagnant pace of development allows us to be competitive in attracting the substantial growth and investment expected in this region in the coming years. Left unaltered, the isthmus may serve as a reminder that if Olympia has not already fallen behind the times, we are sorely in danger of doing so. The Olympia Downtown Association strongly recommends that the Council support the Planning Commission’s position in favor of the height amendment.

Olympia Downtown Association Mission
The Olympia Downtown Association works to preserve and promote downtown Olympia as the commercial, cultural, residential and recreational center for the region.

Contact:
Olympia Downtown Association
Connie Lorenz, Executive Director
Daniel Furrer, President
360.357.8948 phone
360.704.7548 fax
oda@tss.net
www.DowntownOlympia.com