After extending the public comment period on a rezone proposal for around 500 acres of forest land north of Mineral Lake, the Lewis County Planning Commission voted unanimously Tuesday night to recommend the rezone to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).
The application for a rezone came from the YMCA of Greater Seattle, which owns the property with the intent of building the first new overnight YMCA camp in over 100 years. If approved, it will change the zoning of the area from forest resource land into what is considered a master planned resort.
The volunteer commission heard several presentations on the topic, had the chance to speak with the application representatives and heard public comment from many in the Mineral area. There were also a few dozen pieces of written testimony sent to the commission. Commissioners were to use all that information to weigh their decision on whether to recommend the rezone based on these four criteria:
• Growth Management Act and county planning policies would be met under the rezone
• There is a demonstrated need for the amendment
• Public interest would be served by the action
• The rezone is not spot-zoning, meaning it is consistent with the zoning in land around the plats being rezoned
The overnight camp proposal has been opposed by many Mineral residents since the first discussions held about it in the East Lewis County town. Criticism has included worry about noise and pollution, potential strain on an already volunteer-only fire department and safety issues for children recreating on the popular fishing lake.
The written testimony about the rezone and the public comment voiced during a June 29 planning commission meeting were summarized by staff into pros and cons. Opposition also stated there would be an increase in local taxes, increased traffic, insufficient sewer and water infrastructure. Support on the record included economic benefit to the community, education opportunities for youth, enhanced recreation for community members and that the rezone ensures no individual residential development on the site.
The application at this time was not about the project itself, but for rezoning the property. Both staff at the county’s community development department and the planning commissioners agreed that the rezone met necessary criteria. Now, the decision will go to the BOCC after another public hearing is held.
