BONNEY LAKE, Wash. — The City of Bonney Lake, Washington State University and Weyerhaeuser announced this week a plan to develop the nearby WSU Demonstration Forest property to meet a variety of goals.
Bonney Lake Mayor Neil Johnson supports the proposal. “We envision an opportunity that provides the citizens of Bonney Lake with public benefits through local revenue, jobs, recreation and open space,” he said.
If approved by the Bonney Lake City Council, the project will provide a total of 47 acres of land deeded to the city, new commercial/medical and retail services, a residential community, and a new connector road to improve traffic flows. The acreage dedicated to the city would include 35 acres of treed/open space area, 5 acres of buffer/trails, 2 acres of park, and 5 acres set aside for a future YMCA with a pool.
WSU has owned the 150-acre property since 1941 when it was deeded to the university by Weyerhaeuser for use as a Demonstration Forest. The deed included a clause that would return the property to Weyerhaeuser if WSU decided to use the land for other purposes.
The university and Weyerhaeuser have now agreed to pursue the land use entitlements needed to gain project approval. When approved, certain lands will be dedicated to the city and the remainder of property will be offered for sale. Quadrant Corp. is serving as agent for the redevelopment plan.
The university and Weyerhaeuser have now agreed to pursue the land use entitlements needed to gain project approval. When approved, certain lands will be dedicated to the city and the remainder of property will be offered for sale. Quadrant Corp. is serving as agent for the redevelopment plan.
“WSU wants to ensure this property can provide beneficial uses for many. The financial proceeds from the sale of the property will help fund higher education and the planned development benefits the local community,” said Mel Taylor, WSU executive director of real estate operations and external affairs. He estimates the plan will return “several million dollars” to WSU.
If the project is approved and completed, there is no specific destination for the funds at WSU at this time, Taylor said.
“We are excited to work with the city, WSU, and Weyerhaeuser on a project that we believe offers many benefits to the community,” said Pete Lymberis, Quadrant senior development manager. “This project represents a great opportunity to make the best use of this property with advantages for so many stakeholders,” he said.
On behalf of WSU and Weyerhaeuser, Quadrant has submitted an application to begin the process for seeking approval of a comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning for the former WSU Demonstration Forest in Bonney Lake.
The mayor said the proposed plan will be subject to review by the city and other permitting agencies, and input from the public, before action will be taken in the fall of 2009. This includes completion of a draft and final environmental impact statement, staff review, Planning commission review, city council review, and public hearings.
There is no definite timeline for completion of the project at this point, Taylor said, as it needs to go through the public process first.
