XXX DPWJOHUPOSFQPSUFS DPN t XXX NBQMFWBMMFZSFQPSUFS DPN Boston stated the projects will provide jobs, opportunities for young families to stay in the city, and businesses to locate in the area. “I am proud to be part of the this council both for the MPD ordinances we passed last year and the passage of the development agreements here today with my fellow council members,� he said. Bob Edelman, a member of Toward Responsible Development, said he wasn’t surprised the agreements were passed, but he noted, “Considering the number of flaws, they are candidates for appeal.� He stated he didn’t believe all issues recommended by the hearing examiner were addressed including sewer and water availability. According to Edelman there is a question whether the agreements are “valid because the MPDs are under appeal. While the underlying issue is under appeal the city can’t rely on anything.� Edelman said no decision has been made at this point by the group whether or not to appeal the agreement ordinances. Brian Ross, YarrowBay managing partner, said after the approval of the agreements, “I’m so excited about the future and the ability to move forward on the city’s plan to create a special place in Black Diamond.� Ross said YarrowBay has vested the plats that the company will now begin working on with the city staff. CROSSWORD ANSWERS
He said there are about 300 homes projected for the plats.
THREE COUNCIL MEMBERS During the opening stages of the City Council quasi-judicial hearings two members, Bill Saas and Craig Goodwin, recused themselves from the process and did not return. YarrowBay attorney Nancy Rogers submitted a letter during the appearance of fairness portion of the hearing requesting four of five council members recuse themselves. The letter stated Mulvihil and Hanson should recuse themselves because they own property near the projects. The letter stated two other council members, Saas and Goodwin, had ex-parte contact or discussions with opponents of the developments. Rogers went on to write that by four recusing themselves it would trigger the doctrine of necessity because a quorum, or three of five members, would not be present. This would allow all four to return without legal liability for previous actions. “In this way, YarrowBay
and community member against community member attacks can be avoided, the city’s fiscal interests will be protected, and the full five-member City Council can sit together with the community, to review The Villages and Lawson Hills Development Agreements,� Rogers wrote. Mulvihill and Hanson chose to return, but Goodwin and Saas did not. Goodwin disputed there was ex-parte contact but was unwilling to open himself and his family to what he saw as a legal liability.
wave of criticism by opponents. The projects have been in the works in the city for two decades, but, reached a critical mass when the draft environmental impact statements were released in 2009. Edelman, a retired chief engineer for The Boeing Co., said he became involved in the process in about 2009. The November election showed how deep emotions run in the community over the developments.
The incumbents Hanson and Mulvihill both lost by more than a 40 percent spread. Ron Taylor will be taking Mulvihill’s seat and Tammie Boxx-Deady will join him in Hanson’s position. Boston retired from the council and Joe May will take his position.
Reach Dennis Box at dbox@maplevalleyreporter.com or 425-4321209 ext. 5050.
To comment on this story go to www.maplevalleyreporter.com.
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DIAMOND Read us online 24/7 with regular updates www.covingtonreporter.com www.maplevalleyreporter.com
THE DEVELOPMENTS The two developments are projected to add about 6,000 residential units with retail, office, light industrial, open space and recreational space. The projects are planned for about a 15 year build out with a five year extension. Black Diamond currently has a population of about 4,100 and the projects would increase the population to more than 20,000. The population increase and the strain on the infrastructure including roads has created a rising
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