SEQUIM — The City Council has delayed action on the developer’s site plan for a proposed 109-unit affordable apartment complex in south Sequim.
Paul H. Murphy proposes developing 60,000 square feet of apartments on 7.5 acres in a mixed-used residential zone off South Sequim Avenue at Brownfield Road on property owned by his family for 40 years.
He would build three-story apartment buildings in clusters on property that would adjoin a neighborhood of low-interest financing single-family homes built by families and other volunteers.
Council member Ted Miller, a former city Planning Commission member, expressed concern about the project’s density Monday night.
“I think it’s a really good project in spirit and intent,” Miller said, adding he also was concerned about whether the project would be an aesthetic fit into the surrounding character of the neighborhood.
Council member Laura Dubois said she needed more time to understand the issues raised.
At City Manager Steve Burkett’s suggestion, the council agreed to continue the matter to Oct. 11, when the planning staff will provide more information about conditions that could be included in the project’s conditional use permit.
Trader Joe’s sought
Murphy told the council that for three years he has been trying to get Trader Joe’s grocery store to locate on part of the site.
“Our intention is to have low-income senior housing in the first phase,” Murphy said during the council meeting Monday night.
The project’s second phase would include a grocery store or other commercial or public use.
The project designed by Seattle architect Philip Christophides also could include office space, Murphy said.
City Associate Planner Joe Irwin said the project would require the use of on-site storm water controls, including bioswales and rain gardens.
Murphy said the state Department of Transportation used part of the family’s property for a storm water retention pond, agreeing to allow the family to benefit from it should it ever develop the property.
As proposed, the developer would agree to pay $795,000 in development impact fees to the city and the plan would include miniparks and trails.
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Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-681-2391 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.