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TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2014
Vol. CXXIV, No. 47
OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE CITY OF TACOMA Devoted to the Courts, Real Estate, Finance, Industrial Activities, and Publication of Legal Notices
Published Published Since Since 1890 1890
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House For Hope
Partnership could develop former Hilltop 'Filthy 15' site Article By Todd Matthews, Editor Photo Courtesy City of Tacoma An innovative partnership could soon turn a vacant parcel of land in the Hilltop neighborhood into the site of one of Tacoma's latest single-family affordable homes. Under the House for Hope program, which is spearheaded by the Master Builders Association (MBA), the City of Tacoma, Habitat for Humanity, Homestreet Bank, and the MBA would partner to build the singlefamily home on a 6,500 square foot lot located at 811 South L Street, according to a briefing last week during Tacoma City Council's Neighborhoods and Housing Committee meeting at City Hall. If the plan is successful, it would mark a dramatic turnaround for site that was once listed on Tacoma's notorious "Filthy 15," a list of properties deemed dangerous or derelict by the City of Tacoma and unfit for human occupancy. At one point, the site included a two-story home (pictured) that had seen better days. "This is a house I walked by and used to dream about buying," said Tacoma City Councilmember Lauren Walker during the meeting last week. "It was lovely." Three years ago, however, the City of Tacoma spent just over $27,200 to raze the boarded up building after receiving complaints from neighborhood residents. The City placed a lien on the property for demolition costs. In spring of 2011, Homestreet Bank acquired the property through a foreclosure action. The bank also became responsible for the demolition costs, as well as nearly $13,000 in interest to date. "While the building was a problem, since then the vacant lot has become a problem, as well," explained
Assistant City Manager Tansy Hayward. "We've had a number of complaints about graffiti or overgrown vegetation on the lot." Under the proposed plan, the City would waive the costs associated with the demolition. In return, Homestreet Bank would donate the property to the MBA and Habitat for Humanity, which would partner to build the affordable single-family home and make it available to someone eligible for a first-time homebuyer affordability program. The MBA would donate the labor and materials to build the home. Following the property sale, any remaining profit would be split between the MBA and Habitat for Humanity. Tacoma Municipal Code allows the City to waive debts in excess of $25,000 if recommended by the city manager and approved by Tacoma City Council. According to MBA Executive Officer Tiffany Speir, a recent market analysis pegged the value of a sin-
gle-family home in the neighborhood at just under $180,000. During the meeting last week, council committee members said they would like to see the City of Tacoma have some say in how the new home is designed so it is compatible with other buildings in the neighborhood. Councilmember Joe Lonergan, who said he considered buying the former home with his wife when they were first looking to purchase a home years ago, noted the neighborhood includes many beautiful 1890s-era homes. City staff are expected to return to the council committee with draft versions of a memorandum of understanding and resolution. The committee could then recommend approval and forward it to the full council for a final decision. "This is a positive ending to a very sad, sad story," said Councilmember Walker.
Port vote could advance Upper Clear Creek salmon habitat project Posted online Mon., March 10 The Port of Tacoma is poised to move closer this week to completing an environmental project that will create a salmon-friendly habitat area on Upper Clear Creek (pictured). The project is part of a $4.65 million agreement reached between the Port of Tacoma, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of Justice to mitigate for wetland impacts due to the Port's earlier efforts to eradicate invasive snails. In July 2012, Port of Tacoma Commissioners
authorized spending $1.175 million on early design work for the project. On Wednesday, commissioners are scheduled to vote on a resolution that would authorize the Port to spend approximately $9 million to complete the project, which includes the design, construction, and mitigation bank establishment for approximately 40 acres of habitat. More specifically, the project involves re-channel a portion of the creek, creating a salmon spawning area, and building forested wetlands. The Upper Clear Creek site is located off Gay Road south of the Puyallup
River. If commissioners approve the expenditure this week, the Port of Tacoma is expected to advertise for bids early next month, and award a contract in late-May. The project is expected to be completed in late-2017. The Port of Tacoma Commission is scheduled to vote on the issue during its meeting on Weds., March 12, at 12 p.m., in Room 104 of the Fabulich Center, 3600 Port of Tacoma Road. Meetings are streamed live online at portoftacoma. com.