SEQUIM — The City Council approved plans for a large subdivision and rezoned property on another project Monday, clearing the way for the developments to proceed at the fast-growing west end of town.
The first approval was for Jennie’s Meadow, a 202-unit subdivision planned on 52.8 acres on the west side of Priest Road behind Wal-Mart.
This is not the first project proposed for the site. In 1998, the Sequim City Council denied a proposal to build 222 units of manufactured housing for seniors on the land.
Neighbors and concerned parties lined up then and recently to protest the large developments, worried about damage to water quality, wildlife habitat and quality of life.
Members of the Sequim Planning Commission and the City Council said they were satisfied with the plans this time around, noting that the developer, MRP Partners, created buffer zones to protect an irrigation canal through the property, as well as trees used by eagles and other birds.
The developer’s plan for managing stormwater runoff — the subdivision will sit on top of an aquifer recharge zone — met city approval, and there’s also an agreement with neighbors to plant new trees and landscaping so they do not block existing mountain views.
Apartment complex OK’d
Council members also approved a zoning change to allow a three-story, 120-unit apartment complex for seniors to be built west of the intersection of West Washington Street and River Road.
There also will be a 6,500-square-foot building for medical and dental offices.