The Kennewick Planning Commission unanimously rejected Monday a developer's request to change the land use on top of Thompson Hill for a proposed destination resort.
The denial was based largely on a report prepared by city officials and testimonies of neighbors who cited concerns about traffic, natural habitat and quality of life issues. About 70 people attended the meeting.
City officials felt the proposal to change more than 20 acres from open space and low density residential zoning to commercial was not consistent with the elements of the Southridge sub-area plan and would have potential traffic and environmental impacts. A commercial land use designation will conflict with the goals of the comprehensive plan, the report said.
Jos Chavallo, the property owner who made the land use change request, said his proposal would help showcase the city and promote jobs. He also said if the city and interested groups don't like his plan, they can buy his property.
Lynne Freeman, who's lived in the area since 1994, said she would be OK if the bottom third of the hill is developed.
She said her father during a recent visit from Texas saw a burrowing owl on her property. "He was ecstatic."
Many other residents also referred to observing a variety of birds and animals in the vicinity and how the open spaces helped define the ridge as a Kennewick landmark.
John LaFemina said, "Mr. Chavallo knew the land use when he bought the land." And to claim his rights are being infringed is not true, he said, adding the development of the hill is not in the best interest of the city.
Terry Miller, a Chavallo supporter, spoke to the commission about Chavallo's vision and his ability to pull off a project that would add to the city's charm. "The city should seriously consider his application."
Imagine there could be 80 houses on the land or an RV park could be created by just applying for a permit, Miller said. The traffic impact will be much more severe then, he said.
Though many opponents accused Chavallo of threatening them with a possible RV park on the land under consideration if the commission rejected his application, Chavallo denied it.
The commission's recommendation will be discussed at a city council meeting Dec. 1.
The Kennewick Planning Commission also denied another application for an amendment to the comprehensive plan to change the land use on 3.1 acres on Thompson Hill. The commission ruled 4-2 on Kevin Heinen's request to designate two parcels from open space to low density residential.
Heinen said he made a request to "make (the land use) conform with what we have around us." There's already an existing house with an approved bed and breakfast use with limited wine tasting for which Heinen has a conditional use permit.
-- Pratik Joshi: 509-582-1541; pjoshi@tricityherald.com
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