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The following was written by the SaveNETacoma coalition.
This message is intended to inform the NE Tacoma Community of the facts regarding the potential development of Northshore Golf Course. At this time it is important to address the rumors and questions that are floating around this community and simply state the facts.
“It’s a done deal. The course has been sold.”
This is not a true statement, the course is not sold. The developer has a contract with the owners to purchase contingent to certain criteria being met.
“I thought we stopped this with the recent moratorium and changes to the City Planned Residential Development (PRD) code?”
Our input changed the outdated municipal codes and brought current PRD requirements into line with the current Tacoma Comprehensive Plan. The City accepted the developer’s application under the previous municipal codes because they were able to file the application minutes before the moratorium deadline. The application has been accepted as complete however, standard reviews such as environmental, traffic and other impact studies are typically required from various agencies before the developer can proceed.
“What about our open space and recreational property in NE Tacoma?”
The building density that has been allowed in NE Tacoma in the past has been based on the fact that the Northshore Golf course would satisfy the open space and recreational requirements of our neighborhoods. NE Tacoma is already short of open space and recreational property. The development would take that away and change an agreement that was signed by the course owners and the City of Tacoma that stated the space would remain open in perpetuity.
“The golf course is going to close and bulldozers are going to show up”
There is no way to foresee the present owner’s actions during the slow winter months. Don’t panic, it does not mean the developers have won. We will see Public Notices posted around the course asking for community input regarding environmental, school and traffic studies. Your input is critical and will stop this! We encourage you to be informed and provide your verbal and written comments regarding impacts to our schools, traffic, crime, environment and quality of life in NE Tacoma.
"What will be the environmental impact if this development is allowed to move forward?"
The loss of hundreds of mature trees from the golf course would be a tragedy in itself, not to mention destroying the habitat of wildlife that now resides on the course. The largest pond on the course is the headwaters to Joe’s Creek which flows into Dumas Bay. It is stated on the City of Tacoma’s own Surface Water Management website that: “the lowermost portion of the creek provides the largest and best quality reach of salmonids spawning and rearing habitat in the southwest portion of King County”. The SaveNETacoma Environmental Committee strongly believes that a complete Environmental Impact Study needs to be completed on the golf course property to determine if wetlands and critical areas are present.
"What are the next steps for us to stop this from going forward?"
It is the intention of SaveNETacoma to monitor legal and binding agreements pertaining to the land and application process to ensure completeness. It is also our intention to see that the existing covenants and the original conditions of approval of the North Shore planned residential district that the golf course remain to satisfy open space requirements in perpetuity are supported.
“What can you do to impact your future?”
Be involved! The application process requires the City to ask for community comment. Attend the hearings and express your opinions, keep informed of the facts, and encourage your neighbors and friends to be informed. Donate your time, talents, energy and monitory contributions to our cause.
"What are the potential impacts of the proposed Northshore Development facing our NE Tacoma Schools?"
• 1,000 or more additional K-12 students enrolled in our schools.
• Our NE Tacoma schools are near or at full capacity.
• Many of our students may not remain in their current NE Tacoma school. Boundaries will need to be shifted to accommodate the increase of students.
• Children may be forced to attend schools that do not currently meet WASL scores or the No Child Left Behind standards.
• NE Tacoma is a unique community with a small town feel. We are part of Tacoma yet surrounded by Federal Way. With the proposed increase in students, busing across the busy Port of Tacoma to East Tacoma schools is a concern. Imagine our young children enduring longer bus rides to an unfamiliar area.
• Recent reports have put the estimated truck traffic across the Port at 43,000 trucks per week. As the Port grows these numbers will significantly increase. The extra buses needed to shuttle our students across the Port of Tacoma could be a recipe for disaster.
• Increased traffic volumes on Highway 509 as teen drivers transport themselves to Stadium and possibly Lincoln High, as well as the increase in pedestrian traffic around NE Tacoma schools will, again, be a concern for our student’s safety.
• NE Tacoma students, east of Northshore Golf Course (On the Green Apartments, Tuscany, etc.) who are currently bused to Meeker Middle and Crescent Heights Elementary may lose these privileges. School policy says students who reside within 1 mile of their school and can safely walk are required to do so. In the event the golf course is developed, students living within 1 mile will be forced to walk to school through the new neighborhood.
This information is based on a report to staff members from the former Superintendent of Tacoma Schools, Dr. Charles Milligan, as well as school results published in the Tacoma News Tribune. The information was compiled by Robert Guile, retired Director of Risk Management, Tacoma School District
“ What is the coalition’s mission?”We, the SaveNETacoma coalition, have pooled our collective talents and brainpower as your volunteer advocates. We believe strongly in this cause and will not be deterred! We, with Gary Huff, our Super Lawyer, have worked tirelessly since January for you. This cause impacts every one of the 6,000 residents in our 98422 area. Our power is in our numbers! We encourage you to visit our web site at www.SaveNETacoma.com to find out more information and register to be updated as we save this historic piece of our community.
www.SaveNETacoma.com
1911 SW Campus Drive #585
Federal Way, Washington 98023
253.952.2308
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