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Tuesday, Nov. 03, 2009

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Approval recommended for Thompson Hill project

By John Trumbo, Herald staff writer

Kennewick planners are recommending approval for a proposal to build 27 luxury homes on 23 acres of a larger 50-acre steep slope parcel overlooking the city from the north side of Thompson Hill.

Planning commissioners voted 4-0 to send Jose Chavallo's Citadel Estates project ahead to the city council. But they were uneasy about the potential for land movement in the project area, noting that excessive watering could saturate the soil, making it unstable.

The subdivision would be a gated community with private roads just west of 25th and 26th avenues, with access through Panoramic Heights. The project area lies south of the Creekstone subdivision and south of the Kennewick Irrigation District canal.

The project engineer, Paul Christensen of Oasis Development in Pasco, told commissioners Chavallo would have a foundation design report done for each home.

The subdivision's "conditions, covenants and restrictions" also would address concerns about overwatering.

Commissioners said the developer could find an off-site storm water retention site, but it would have to be identified and obtained before approval is given for the final plat.

Christensen asked that the portion of the property with the steepest slopes, which is being set aside as not buildable, not be designated as such "for perpetuity," as recommended by city planning staff.

The commissioners did not grant the request, noting that from the beginning, the project was represented as having a portion of the hillside land designated as not suitable for development.

City staff's report on the project noted that "(it) may have an impact on the physical and natural beauty of the hills, (but) does not impact the top of Thompson Hill or the upper hillside."

Staff also said the city does not have any regulations prohibiting development on hillsides or hilltops.

The property is designated low density residential, with three to four units per acre.

Planning staff recommended nearly 60 conditions for approving the project, which the commissioners accepted.

The city council will consider the proposal in two weeks.



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