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Residents voice urgent concerns over proposed housing development

September 23, 2024 | Walla Walla, Walla Walla County, Washington


This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »

Residents voice urgent concerns over proposed housing development
In a recent government meeting, community members voiced significant concerns regarding a proposed development on Cottonwood Road, which plans to introduce 257 homes to the area. Residents highlighted multiple issues, primarily focusing on safety, traffic congestion, and the environmental impact of the project.

Several speakers emphasized the dangers posed by existing road conditions, particularly on Kendall Road and Bridal Road, which they described as narrow and lacking adequate pedestrian infrastructure. Concerns were raised about the safety of children walking to nearby schools, with calls for immediate road improvements, including widening and the addition of sidewalks, before any construction begins. One resident noted the potential for fatalities if these roads remain unchanged, especially given the high volume of traffic from local farms and schools.

The density of the proposed development was another major point of contention. Critics argued that the introduction of high-density housing contradicts the character of the surrounding neighborhoods, which feature larger lot sizes. Residents expressed fears that the development would lead to a loss of open space and views, fundamentally altering the community's landscape.

Environmental concerns were also prevalent, with discussions about light pollution from streetlights and the management of nitrates in local water sources. Residents urged the council to consider the long-term implications of the development on the area's natural resources.

Additionally, the lack of amenities and public transportation options for potential low-income residents was highlighted, with one speaker questioning the classification of the housing as \"affordable.\" The projected starting price of homes at around $460,000 raised doubts about the development's ability to serve low-income families effectively.

Overall, the meeting underscored a community deeply invested in preserving the character and safety of their neighborhoods while grappling with the pressures of growth and development. Residents called for a careful review of the project's impact on infrastructure and the environment before any approvals are granted.

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Scribe from Workplace AI
Scribe from Workplace AI