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Page 1 of 5 Determination of Significance and a Scoping Notice for a Bridge-to-Bridge/River-to-Railroad Revitalization Plan/EIS for Kennewick, Washington September 2009 I. Introduction In accordance with SEPA Rules (WAC 197- 11), effective 4 April 1984, this scoping document is being prepared for the proposed Bridge-to-Bridge/River-to-Railroad (BB/RR) Revitalization Plan/EIS for Kennewick, Washington. The lead agency, the City of Kennewick has determined this proposal is likely to have a significant adverse impact on the environment. An environmental impact statement (EIS) is required under RCW 43.21C.030 and will be prepared. Materials indicating likely environmental impacts can be reviewed at our office. The purpose of this document is to outline the issues to be addressed in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) being prepared for this proposal. The City of Kennewick, as the lead agency for the action under consideration, is seeking agency and public comments on the proposed scope of the DEIS, to ensure that potential significant impacts are adequately addressed. II. Background Information/Project Description/ Location Located between the Blue Bridge and the Cable Bridge, the Bridge to Bridge/River to Railroad Revitalization Area comprising of approximately 400 acres acts as a major gateway into Kennewick and its Historic Downtown. The area is generally bounded on the east and west by the two bridges and by the Columbia River on the north and multiple railways on the south. 2003 Urban Design Assistance Team (UDAT) The UDAT was initiated for the BB/RR by some stakeholders from the district and city-at-large. The UDAT report indicated a major issue was “how to reclaim the riverfront for improved and better uses, and reconnect the community to the river. At one time, the Columbia River was a more integral part of the life and identity of Kennewick. The communities along the river once had direct visual and physical access to the Columbia River, making riverboat commerce a lifeline. However, Columbia River flooding prompted the US Army Corp of Engineers to erect levees directly in front ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 2 of 5 of downtown to control flood waters in conjunction with Grand Coulee, Bonneville, and other dams. Kennewick’s downtown is several blocks from the riverfront, and other mixed uses have been developed between Downtown Kennewick and the river. The Columbia River, although at the town’s front door just blocks away, can’t be seen from downtown, nor is it easy to get there.” The UDAT report stated the situation has changed, due to the following circumstances: a determination that the levees do not have to be as tall as they are and the Corps of Engineers is in favor of lowering them; a revitalization plan has been developed for downtown and the river will play a major role in that revitalization; and there is support for projects such as the planned Clover Island redevelopment that will make the river an even more valuable amenity to Kennewick. 2006 Economic Strategic Development Plan The Economic Strategic Development Plan was prepared for the city by Angelou Economics to serve as a roadmap for Kennewick’s future economic development efforts. It reflected the results of a 9-month planning process and input from hundreds of citizens, a 20-person Advisory Committee, and regional leaders. Hundreds of hours of research and discussion led to the strategy with a prime objective being to direct and assist Kennewick’s economic developers in their efforts. The plan included the following recommendations: Implement the recommendations in the Bridge to Bridge, River to Rail plan regarding development along the Columbia River. Encourage private developers when possible to develop high-end retail near the river to provide even more attractions close to the river. 2008 Kennewick Comprehensive Plan Kennewick’s Comprehensive Plan was updated and reformatted following the issuance of a SEPA Checklist. The format for the plan was redesigned, with an executive summary and accompanying technical document. The 4 elements of the Updated Plan include Land Use, Infrastructure, Economic Development, and Urban Design which incorporated the previous seven elements defined in GMA mandatory provisions. The Economic Development element of the updated plan stated that redevelopment and revitalization are a simple way of investing in the Kennewick own community. According to the economic element, the city can play an active role in redevelopment and revitalization schemes by supporting private groups in their efforts to upgrade an area and cited the following examples: The Port of Kennewick’s plans for Clover Island - as presented in the Clover Island Master Plan. The Plan proposes a coordinated system of public amenities and island infrastructure, a mix of water- oriented land uses, and recreational uses supporting the existing waterfront and boating tradition. When these proposed changes occur, it is expected that visitors to that area will increase and further economic spin-offs will occur. The Downtown Revitalization Plan - has been effective in streetscape improvements and façade redesign throughout the historic downtown area of Kennewick. New trees have been planted, storefronts have been retrofitted, public art has been provided, and new businesses have moved into the area. Long-range plans include a landscaped corridor along Washington Street visually uniting Clover Island to the historic downtown area. The Bridge-to-Bridge/River-to-Railroad (BB/RR) UDAT plan - is a long-range concept of developing the riverfront area between the Cable and Blue Bridges. The goals are to create access to the Columbia River, develop the area as a focal point in Kennewick, and emphasize the uniqueness of this area while enhancing the natural environment. A portion of this concept has been implemented with the lowering of the levee from N. Washington Street to the Blue Bridge (Highway 395). 2009 Developments Recent developments within the BB/RR district include the: ---PAGE BREAK--- EIS Scoping Notice – Bridge to Bridge/ River to Railroad Revitalization Plan Page 3 of 5 Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) completion - of the series of roundabouts between SR-240 and SR-395 that define a new western gateway to the district and city. Port of Kennewick’s acquisition - of the properties surrounding Duffy’s Pond and the potential this provides for the Port to develop a new eastern gateway to the district and city. Port of Kennewick’s acquisition - of some frontage commercial properties between Duffy’s Pond and Columbia Drive and the potential this provides for the Port to develop new mixed uses that will connect the riverfront with the downtown. Purpose of BB/RR Revitalization Plan The purpose of this revitalization plan is to anticipate and guide the long-term redevelopment of the BB/RR and its distinct and integral neighborhoods. The plan will serve as a statement of the city’s commitment and direction for these areas and as a resource for potential investors, property owners, the community, and other public agencies. Depending on the results of the process, the plan contents could include proposals for existing land use retention and enhancements as well as new or intensified commercial and industrial developments, higher density residential projects, and mixed-use developments along with shoreline adjustments, trail and park expansions, roadway reconfigurations, and other infrastructure improvements. Key objectives could include establishing new gateway entries to the BB/RR district as well as between the district and downtown and city, refurbishing signage, streetscapes, and other amenities. III. Proposed Alternative Actions The EIS may address the following alternatives on a neighborhood or area-wide basis: no action – where the goals, objectives, and concepts in the existing 2008 Comprehensive Plan are not changed, low density concept – where a preferred concept is possibly refined under a low density focusing on mixed uses with low building heights, medium density concept – where a preferred concept is possibly refined under a medium density focusing on mixed use and structures up to 5 stories over parking decks, and high density concept – where a preferred concept is possibly refined under a high density focusing on mixed use with some structures over 5 stories. Implementation Program Depending on the content of the preferred plan elements and examples, implementation measures could include GMA requirements for comprehensive plan amendments, zoning revisions, and a capital facilities program. In addition, the program could also develop the following measures. Subarea development organization(s) – including the possible creation of existing or new public/nonprofit/private entities including a Public Development Authority (PDA), Public Facilities District (PFD), or Community Initiated Development (CID) nonprofit corporation to undertake specific action plan implementation tasks involving marketing, promotion, management, financing, or acquisition and development of key prototype and momentum-building projects. Marketing program - defining the characteristics of prospective developers, investors, or key tenant prospects and the graphics, brochures, website postings, and e-mail distribution lists with which to solicit and obtain their participation in subarea action plans and projects. Design overlay districts and form- based design standards - with maps and designations including opportunities for performance-based characteristics. And, design standards concerning building frontages and facades, mixed use, pedestrian activities, public accent areas, retail building facades, awnings, signage, boardwalks and walkways, building materials and colors, and streetscape furnishings. Financing strategies - including special tax levies or revenue bonds, growth impact fees, connection charges, local or special improvement districts, parking and/or ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 4 of 5 business improvement areas, or other methods for paying public system infrastructure costs (including late-comer fees) that will be effective to the subarea and equitable to developers. Fiscal cost/benefits - projecting the net revenues to be realized from retail sales, real estate excise, and property taxes to be realized before and after implementation of subarea plan and projects on a yearly and 5- 20 year time period. Prototype project feasibility evaluations - of the impact implementation measures will have on developing feasible example projects accounting for: Direct incentive strategy impacts - of using the recently authorized LIFT and TIFT, Parking and Business Improvement Areas (PIA and PBIA), Local Improvement Districts (LIDs), Washington State CERB grants for infrastructure, Small Business Administration and Economic Development Administration (SBA and EDA) loans and grants. Indirect incentive strategy impacts - of varying land use and development control mechanisms including pre- project SEPA approvals, land use and zoning allowances, on and off-street parking ratios and buy-in programs, building densities, growth impact fees or concurrency charges, late-comer plan action charges, and any other direct land development control mechanisms. Kick-start projects – including the use of design/develop competitions for the prototype projects of opportunity where the land or sites are acquired or optioned and an RFP competition is conducted based on the prototype project feasibility evaluations, incentive packages, and design criteria. Low-hanging fruit/momentum-building – we will also identify a series of immediate actions that can be undertaken on your plan’s adoption that will generate momentum and a visible sign of progress. Your momentum-building projects could involve a variety of low-cost, private and non-profit actions that would be highly visible and in support of the plan’s recommendations – and could include ideas identified in the public brainstorming workshops. IV. Environmentally Significant Issues In accordance with WAC 197-11-44, the Kennewick Community Planning Department has determined this proposal may have a significant adverse impact on the following topics: Physical Earth BB/RR revitalization plans could change land use designations and development conditions thereby influencing subsequent land development intensities and patterns. The DEIS will inventory geological conditions and various flooding, erosion, landslide, seismic and other sensitive area hazards that affect the BB/RR district’s capability/suitability for urban redevelopment. Water BB/RR revitalization plans could add storm water runoff affecting surface water quality conditions. The DEIS will inventory existing waterways, wetlands and groundwater conditions; define possible changes in the quantity or quality of surface water flows - and describe mitigation measures appropriate to each alternative plan. Plants & animals BB/RR revitalization plans could displace or alternatively enhance existing vegetation and habitat for wildlife. The DEIS will inventory existing conditions, define the potential impact on wildlife and vegetation - and describe mitigation measures appropriate to each alternative plan. Energy and natural resources BB/RR revitalization plans could affect the use of energy and natural resources. The DEIS will inventory existing energy use, define potential impacts - and describe mitigation measures appropriate to each alternative plan. Built Environment Environmental health BB/RR revitalization plans could increase noise sources and levels. The DEIS will inventory existing noise conditions, define potential impacts - and describe mitigation measures appropriate to each alternative plan. ---PAGE BREAK--- EIS Scoping Notice – Bridge to Bridge/ River to Railroad Revitalization Plan Page 5 of 5 Land and shoreline use BB/RR revitalization plans could change existing land and shoreline use activities, development patterns, and intensities. The DEIS will inventory existing land use conditions, define potential impacts - and describe mitigation measures appropriate to each alternative plan. Transportation BB/RR revitalization plans could increase traffic volumes and patterns, trail demands and systems, pedestrian and bicycling patterns, and other non-motorized transportation systems. The DEIS will inventory existing transportation conditions, define potential impacts - and describe mitigation measures appropriate to each alternative plan. Public services - fire, police, schools and recreation BB/RR revitalization plans could affect the demand and need for additional fire, police, schools, recreation, waste disposal, sewer, water, stormwater, and other services. The DEIS will inventory existing services, define potential impacts - and describe mitigation measures appropriate to each alternative plan. Written comments Copies of the Kennewick Comprehensive Plan and the BB/RR Revitalization Plan Scope of Work are available for viewing at Kennewick City Hall, 210 West Sixth Street – and on the city website at www.ci.kennewick.wa.us. Agencies, affected tribes, and members of the public are invited to comment on the scope or emphasis of the EIS. You may comment on alternatives, mitigation measures, probable significant impacts, or other approvals that may be required. You may submit written comments to the responsible official listed below. The deadline for written comments is 5 pm, October 30, 2009. Kennewick Planning Department Ferdouse Oneza, Planning Manager Kennewick City Hall 210 West Sixth, PO Box 6108 Kennewick, Washington 99336 Phone: [PHONE REDACTED] Fax: [PHONE REDACTED] Email: [EMAIL REDACTED]