Kennewick developer says city not interested in big ideas

By the Herald staff

KENNEWICK -- Developer Jos Chavallo, who wants to develop Thompson Hill, says Kennewick is not yet ready for "big" ideas.

"I should stop coming up with great ideas," he said at the end of Tuesday's Kennewick City Council meeting.

The council delayed a vote on a planned development permit for a gated community Chavallo wants to build on the lower north side of Thompson Hill.

Earlier in the week, the Kennewick Planning Commission rejected his request to change the land use on top of Thompson Hill for a proposed destination resort.

But Chavallo is prepared to defend his two plans -- distinct yet part of his larger vision to promote balanced growth -- next month in front of the Kennewick City Council. The two plans will be discussed at two separate city council meetings.

On Dec. 1, council members plan to consider Chavallo's proposal to change the designation of more than 20 acres atop Thompson Hill from open space and low-density residential to commercial, despite the planning commission's recommendation to deny the change.

The land use change is the first step to turn Chavallo's vision of a destination resort with a day spa, a wine-tasting room and an interpretive center high on the hill into a reality. The proposed project will showcase the Tri-Cities and attract visitors while providing public access to private lands with great views, he said.

Chavallo said his team will be able to address any potential misconceptions and give a better explanation to the city council of his vision and the potential benefits it will bring.

If the council approves the change proposed for Thompson Hill, it will require an amendment of the city's comprehensive plan and a review by the state Department of Commerce before final adoption by the city, said Ferdouse Oneza, Kennewick's planning manager.

After the comprehensive plan is amended, the property owner can make a zone change request.

Chavallo's request for a planned development permit and preliminary plat is set to come up for a vote at the city council meeting Dec. 15. It would divide about 49 acres into 27 single-family lots and three tracts of land west of the Panoramic Heights neighborhood at 25th and 26th avenues, south of the Kennewick Irrigation District Canal.

Chavallo's Citadel Estates Planned Development project is designed to offer more luxury housing in the city.

Approval of a preliminary plat is the first step in the subdivision process.

The council approved a preliminary plat in the same location four years ago that allowed 45 single-family lots with a similar street layout.

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Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009

Kennewick developer says city not interested in big ideas

By the Herald staff