SEQUIM — It looks as if the controversial “big box” retail development some have sought — and others have feared — is on its way to this city of 4,400.
The City Council moved quickly Monday night to clear the way for two major retail sites proposed for Sequim’s west side, taking only 90 minutes to dispose of issues raised during 19 hours of appeals hearings and reams of testimony.
An audience of about 60 watched in the non-air conditioned Sequim Community Center on an especially warm evening as four City Council members voted against attempts by separate interests to get more environmental-impact studies made on the sites.
Three council members have recused themselves from acting on the proposed projects, leaving a panel of four to deliberate over one of the most significant periods of commercial growth the city will experience at one time.
The two developments across Washington Street from each other are:
* Center Investments Retail Development, representing Wal-Mart, seeking to build a 194,000-square-foot “superstore” at Washington Street and Priest Road.
* AVB Developers, seeking a 395,000-square-foot regional shopping center, called Sequim Village Marketplace, at a site directly across Washington Street near River Road.
Among the Marketplace tenants are The Home Depot home improvement warehouse store and possibly a large Albertsons supermarket.
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