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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEPA EPIC-ND-27 - CITY OF TUKWILA - CHRISTENSEN GREENBELTCHRISTENSEN GREENBELT EPIGND -27 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT. CHRISTENSEN GREENBELT PROJECT #EPIC -ND -27 OFFICIAL TITLE OF PROPOSED ACTION: TYPE OF PROPOSED ACTION: PROJECT SPONSOR: CONTACT PERSON: NATURE OF THIS REPORT: A. DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION. Christensen Greenbelt. Froject..` Linear Riverside Park Development City of Tukwila Fred N. Satterstrom . Tukwila Planning Department 6230 Southcenter:$oulevard Tukwila, WA 98188 (206) 244 -6290 Environmental Assessment 1. The Proposal: The proposed action is commonly known as the Christensen Greenbelt Project, a narrow linear -type park stretching along the Green River in Tukwila. • Essentially_, the proposed project. includes the development of approximately 1.8 miles of existing public right -of -way and other city -owned lands for local.. and regional recreation. The project site is located along the west bank of the. Green River between Interstate 405 and South 180th Street. Map,l shows the location of the Christensen Greenbelt project. The site: is located within walking distance of a majority of the resident, employee, and customer population of the city.. The objective of the proposed action is to provide river access and linear - type recreation of local and regional importance. Recreational activities which will be provided by this project include safe, lawful, and convenient river access for steelhead fishing,' canoeing and trails and facilities for walking, cycling, jogging, and picnicking. The proposed Christensen Greenbelt project is considered a vital link in the regional trail system along the Green River. Futuristically, the Christensen Greenbelt will connect with the existing Kent trail system to the south, the. planned King County system to the north, and the soon- to -be- constructed Renton system to the east. 2. Major Aspects of the Proposal: The Christensen Greenbelt project will transform the existing Christensen dirt road into-an elongated recreational and open space corridor. The greenbelt will extend from South 180th Street northerly to Interstate 405, a distance of 1.8 miles. The greenbelt.'will be created in a 3 -phase development program. Park development will consist of a 6 -foot wide pedestrian path, 8 -foot wide bike path, with parking lots..at var- ious points for access to.the greenbelt. Lawn areas with:b'uilt -in irrigation • systems will be established where riverbank conditions allow. Tree: plantings: will grace the pathway along its entirety. 1 To Renton MQO ❑ To =urien CHRISTENSEN GREENGE - J� )�c , ` UN V�1 ll PLan Ht HOM8 &° IRE SEA -TA i 1AIRPORT TUMWILA PLAMNIM6'DEPAMTME/IT 1775 j Q S 0( 8 fAVINi TO BC DONE WITH OF 11fy4I1A AN 1976 WG9T VALLI, M — WAY NOTFS 1. the FC%_LOWING D•AVONCTS '.JITOvJAPF'�:A1IY.Are r10R:Z:J.- :T7.L. LG'J.`IONS ONLY as aS U O ND CAM ALLOWED ▪ I•MAY VEHICULAR TwrK re / RANZ. • PCNIC AREAS A MINT 0'11.41-Meg' NIDEX r-IAP .10 FEET ChM I6TENSEN RLY.2 TO . WON C_ St.ITHAKEA . PAK FOSTER. GOLF TOKF -NT ���` xstl�, +:Fj IiA'� i;rr�Nl'�1 `41i� �4 , th �� �i� %1�.� ✓ % /�� . I tl .I_, �l Iw_� �, i r Diu r -/err UI 1tF III= IIIHIII= c(U AI =aq�11 =111 ice; 0-20' Mr.T LAWN ° vJNYJPVS VICINITY MAP GN.97 DEr 'T 7 TO 11xwILA Keve5- Pti r_LE BY PJ`-Er WFS1ERN TOK TC✓W LANE PV6 -V,. PAKK f+JKPJE! W4LY SKETCH CHRISTENSEN GREENBELT s. a a nRa BY.EARLtiwo2.9. DESIGN PLAN L.WD F•INL TJ C= -AI- VLF_TE'.i AT, A F-/IN,-T- DAATL rJ 9G Cgp1FLETF�IN 1977 WI r,. C. - A T- W'NG ASSISrw -L iD BE CPT CD IN 1976 WIT!I CRYOF ;•ACWµ.A FLnDS TO BE COMPLETe711 Igl7 WIr-4 IAC. GRA\T-IN-AI.% ASS,STAV..E. WG9T VALLI, M — WAY NOTFS 1. the FC%_LOWING D•AVONCTS '.JITOvJAPF'�:A1IY.Are r10R:Z:J.- :T7.L. LG'J.`IONS ONLY as aS U O ND CAM ALLOWED ▪ I•MAY VEHICULAR TwrK re / RANZ. • PCNIC AREAS A MINT 0'11.41-Meg' NIDEX r-IAP .10 FEET ChM I6TENSEN RLY.2 TO . WON C_ St.ITHAKEA . PAK FOSTER. GOLF TOKF -NT ���` xstl�, +:Fj IiA'� i;rr�Nl'�1 `41i� �4 , th �� �i� %1�.� ✓ % /�� . I tl .I_, �l Iw_� �, i r Diu r -/err UI 1tF III= IIIHIII= c(U AI =aq�11 =111 ice; 0-20' Mr.T LAWN ° vJNYJPVS VICINITY MAP GN.97 DEr 'T 7 TO 11xwILA Keve5- Pti r_LE BY PJ`-Er WFS1ERN TOK TC✓W LANE PV6 -V,. PAKK f+JKPJE! W4LY SKETCH CHRISTENSEN GREENBELT s. a a nRa BY.EARLtiwo2.9. DESIGN PLAN L.WD F•INL 3. Land Use Plans, Permits, and Zoning Regulations: In 1962, John Graham $ Co. completed Tukwila's first Comprehensive Plan for Tukwila. In that Plan, all lands contiguous to the 1.8 mile project site were designated for industrial use. Since 1962, commercial and industrial developments in Andover Industrial Park have sprung up along over 90% of Christensen Road. Only one undeveloped parcel of land currently exists along Christensen Road. The proposed greenbelt is consistent with the goals and policies of Tukwila's Shoreline Master Program and conforms to the recently adopted Park Plan, in which it is the number one priority project. All lands on both sides of the Green River along the proposed Christensen Green- belt are presently zoned for industrial purposes. Although zoned for industrial use, the east side of the Green River has not yet reached the level of develop- ment as that on the west side. A shoreline substantial development permit is required before development of the proposed greenbelt may begin. This permit is now being reviewed . by the Attorney General's office and the Department of Ecology. B. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT. 1. Natural Environment: The Christensen Greenbelt lies in a broad, very flat alluvial floodplain formed over thousands of years by deposition of sediments from the Green River. The site itself is located on the west bank of the river. River- bank conditions vary along the 1.8 mile site from levee -like banks on the south (25 -28 feet elevation) to flat, natural banks on the north (23 -26 feet elevation). Flowing along the eastern edge of the proposed greenbelt is average discharge of the Green at the site is approximately maximum flood flows reach 9,000 to 12,000 cfs. Some minor, of property has occurred in the past at the northern end of subsequent to the construction of Howard Hanson Dam. Vegetation on the site is found exclusively on that portion lying between Chris- tensen Road and the river. Tree growth along the river is sparse but a few, elongated stands of tall black cottonwood and broadleaf maples line segments of the bank. Understory flora consists mostly of sedges, .fireweed, rushes, and various grass species. the Green River. The 1500 cfs. Typical localized flooding the project site Wildlife on the site is confined to small mammals such as beaver, weasel, rabbit, and possibly skunk, and numerous and diverse species of songbirds. 2. Human Environment: Current population of the City of Tukwila is 3370.; 1975 population for the Tukwila Planning Area is over 22,000. Approximately 50,000 persons come to the Tukwila area (particularly Southcenter) each day to shop, and another 10,000 come to work in the 500+ commercial and industrial enterprises. The proposed greenbelt lies within walking distance of much of this resident - shopper - employee population. An estimated 70,500 cars travel through Tukwila daily on Interstate 5. An additional 53,000 cars daily pass through on Interstate 405. These two free- ways intersect about i mile northwest of the subject site. The subject site is currently publicly owned and is "open to the public ". However, due in part to the extreme disrepair of the existing Christensen Road and the lack of recreational and open space improvements, current recreational use of the site is minimal. Most of this use is for steel - head fishing and spontaneous activities; there is little, if any, trail or bike use. Land use in the vicinity is primarily urban interspersed with small, undeveloped tracts. Over 90% of the land contiguous to the proposed greenbelt is industrially developed; across the river from the project site present development is more sparse. All the lands contiguous to the proposed greenbelt and across the river from the site are planned for urban uses. C. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED ACTION. 1. Impacts to the Natural Environment: The primary environmental impact of the proposed action is the replacement of an existing dirt road with a 14 -foot wide strip of asphalt. In order to accomplish this action, the dirt road will need to be graded and disturbance to the soil and subsurface geology will be inevitable, although negligible. It is expected that the impervious asphalt surface will cause a slight increase in the rate of storm water runoff for that area which it covers. This increase will only be slight due to the fact . that the present dirt road (which consists of a gravel ballast with approximately. 50% clay) is nearly. impervious. Landscaping of the proposed greenbelt is expected to have some initial, insigni- ficant environmental impacts. Several areas of existing field grasses will be disturbed or replaced with lawns, and erosion could occur during this disturbance. 2. Impacts to the Human Environment: The proposed action would limit the recreational use of the project site by the motorist. Presently, the motorist may drive the length of Christensen Road. As a result of the proposed greenbelt, the motorist would be confined to designated parking lots and access points along the river. D. MITIGATING MEASURES INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSED ACTION. As mentioned in Section C., the primary environmental impacts will be a slight increase in the runoff rate for the asphalted area and soil erosion which may occur during path construction and landscaping activities. While a slight increase in the runoff rate is expected for the area covered by the 14 -foot wide asphalt strip, the overall runoff rate for the project site is . not expected to exceed that which presently exists. To explain, the present width of Christensen Road is approximately 30-35 feet and is composed of a nearly impervious gravel ballast of about 50% clay composition. This existing surface will be replaced by only 14 feet of asphalt and the remainder of the . right -of -way will be replaced with pervious soil material, trees, and grass. Consequently, while the runoff rate for the asphalt portion will be slightly increased, this increase may be offset by the reduction in the rate for the remaining portion of the. right -of -way. 5 Erosion and dust can be controlled or reduced somewhat during the construction process also. Planting sod instead of seed will decrease the amount of erosion in areas where lawns are to be established. Watering or misting of the site during construction of the road will reduce dust and particulates in the air. E. UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS. No unavoidable, adverse environmental impacts are expected as a result of the proposed Christensen Greenbelt project. F. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT -TERM ENVIRONMENTAL USES AND THE MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT OF LONG -TERM PRODUCTIVITY. In its present state, the subject area provides a small degree of wildlife habitat and represents an open, undeveloped linear space along the Green River. Development of the Christensen Greenbelt is not expected to diminish this condition; rather, at least with respect to the site's open space nature, the proposed action will actually improve its, aesthetic appeal. The proposed site offers little, if any, opportunity for agricultural activities and as such does not constitute a displacement of potential agricultural land with nonagricultural use. Neither does the site afford any significant oppor- tunity for commercial or industrial development, due primarily to its narrow, elongated configuration and severe shoreline development restrictions. Due to the inherent characteristics of the site — its size, width, location, etc. -- the choice of suitable uses is limited. The proposed action represents a suitable use of the site; one which will not degrade the existing environmental conditions, and one which will continue to serve as an amenity and recreational opportunity for generations to come. G. IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE RESOURCE COMMITMENTS WITH THE PROPOSED ACTION. The proposed action will result in the commitment of the subject site to recreational and open space use, which, in turn, will commit financial recources, construction materials, and labor to achieving such use. The commitment result- ing from the proposed action will belong -term, probably 50 years or more. While the commitment of finances, materials, and labor are irretrievable ones, the commitment of the land itself is not. The Christensen Greenbelt, as proposed, represents a flexible recreational development which leaves open future options for new development :or re- development. H. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION. 1. No Action: This alternative would entail leaving the site as is, with Christensen Road remaining a dirt, chuckhole road and the land between the road and river unaffected. The advantages to this alternative are ecological and financial. Left as is, . the wildlife and vegetation currently using the site would be unaffected. Finan- cially, the City and State would have additional monies to fund . other projects. 6 Difficulty of using the site in its present condition is the primary disadvan- tage of this alternative. Poor road conditions currently inhibit auto and bike traffic. Also, the site's untidy condition and its lack of focal points, par- ticularly around entrances, detracts from its use and obscures its identity as an open space. 2. Establish Greenbelt at Another Location: Since the proposed action is a riverside greenbelt, the only other place this alternative could be established is across the Green River from Christensen Road. Most of these riverside pro - perties are currently in private ownership with some in public street rights -of- way. No anticipated advantages would accrue: as a result of this action. The disadvantages in this alternative are locational and financial. Because certain areas along the river are developed, the trail would have to cross currently used industrial and commercial lands. It would also be extremely difficult to wedge a trail or greenbelt between the Green River and the West Valley Highway where the latter parallels the river to the south. Moreover, this alternative would require gaining easements or title to land along the river and would likely skyrocket the cost of the project. I. CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION OF EFFORTS IN DEVELOPING THE PROPOSAL. 1. Internal Coordination: Within the City of Tukwila itself, there has been much coordination of city departments and boards and commissions. Citizens and the Park Board initially rated the proposed action a high priority in the new Park Plan. In adopting the Park Plan, the City Planning Commission favora- bly recommended the project to the City Council. In turn, the Council authorized the expenditure of local funds for matching purposes. 2. .External Coordination and Consultation: The proposed project has been coordinated closely with the King County Department of Hydraulics and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the flood control aspects of the project. J. REVIEW OF THE ASSESSMENT INFORMATION. • In the spirit.of coordination and cooperation, this environmental assessment • has been sent to the following agencies for their review and comments: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Soil Conservation Service State Department of Ecology King County Parks Department City of Kent City of Renton King County Public Works, Hydraulics Division April 8, 1976 CITY OF TUKWILA DECLARATION OF NON - SIGNIFICANCE ON THE CHRISTENSEN GREENBELT PROJECT EPIC -ND -27 Pursuant to Chapter 18.98 of the Tukwila Municipal Code dealing with envir- onmental requirements and the State Environmental Policy Act of 1971. Proposed recreational project along the Green River in publicly -owned right -of -way, commonly known as the Christensen Greenbelt. CITY OF TUKWILA - APPLICANT INTRODUCTION: The following is a statement of declaration by the undersigned as the Respon- sible Official pursuant to Chapter 18.98 of the Tukwila Municipal Code and the Washington State Environmental Policy Act of 1971. An Environmental Assessment has been completed on,the proposed project to develop a linear greenbelt in existing public right -of -way along the Green River, west side. DECLARATION: Based upon the environmental assessment submitted, the City of Tukwila Muni- cipal Code Chapter 18.98 dealing with environmental policy, and the guidelines issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology for the implementation of the State Environmental Policy Act, I find that the proposed action will not have a significant effect upon the environment and therefore an environmental impact statement is not required. -CITY OF TUKWILA Stoknes, Planning Director Date of Negative Declaration: April 28, 1976 AGENDA ITEM: IV A -- PUBLIC HEARING - REZONE (Oldright) Interurban qve. & Southcenter Blvd. J CITY OF TUKWILA ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT #75 -13 -R A. THE PROPOSED ACTION: This environmental assessment has been prepared to report, the potential impact of a proposed rezoning of certain property located near the inter- section of Interurban Avenue and Renton -Three Tree Point Road from C -1 and R -4 to C -2, (SEE, Attachment A). The applicant has submitted a site plan with the application showing plans for a restaurant - cocktail lounge with 190 parking spaces, (SEE, Attachment B). A negative declaration of environmental impact for this rezone request is included with this assessment as Attachment G. B. JUSTIFICATION: The proposed rezone has been applied for in accordance with the require- ments of the City'of Tukwila zoning ordinance, Title 18. C. LOCATION: The subject property is located on the west side of and adjacent to the intersection of Interurban Avenue (S.R. 181) and Renton -Three Tree Point Road. The legal description of the subject property is as follows: "That portion of Tract 28, Interurban Addition to Seattle, according to plat recorded in Volume 10 of Plats, page 55, in King County, Washington, lying southwesterly of the River Street (Secondary State Highway No. 5 -M) and westerly of the Renton-Three .Tree Point Road (Secondary State Highway No. 1 -L.) EXCEPT that portion lying between the westerly junction of said roads and a line drawn parallel to the west line of said Tract 28, through a point 100 feet due west of the most easterly point in the westerly line of said junction; and EXCEPT Railroad right -of -way, if any; AND EXCEPT that portion conveyed to State of Washington Auditor's File No. 5528323. D. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: The best information available indicates that prior to•September 1971 the subject property was zoned R -1, single family residential. On September 7, 1971,: the eastern portion of the site was rezoned by Ordinance 1683 to C -1 (Neighbor= hood Retail Business) and the western portion to R - -4 (Apartments), conditioned upon a Concomitant Zoning Agreement with the City of Tukwila. According to Ordinance #683, included herewith as Attachment D; this agreement was executed. Although the application for rezoning in 1971 was for rezoning the eastern portion of the site to C -1, and the subsequent official action of the City through Ordinance #683 was to grant the rezoning of the eastern portion to C -1, the zoning designation which erroneously found its way onto the city zoning map was C -2. Thus, the eastern portion of the subject site is shown to be C -2 on the city zoning map in Attachment C when in fact the actual zoning is C -1. This mistake has been corrected on the vicinity map in Attachment A. E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Application for the rezoning from C -1 and R -4 to C -2 classification was made with the Tukwila Planning Department on July 30, 1975._ A public hearing before the Tukwila Planning Commission was advertised in the Renton Record - Chronicle and scheduled for September 25, 1975. If the Planning Commission's response is favorable to the rezone request, the rezone will go before the Tukwila City Council. F. RELATIONSHIP TO EXISTING LAWS, POLICIES, AND PLANS: At the present time the subject property and the general vicinity of the rezone is identified on the Tukwila Comprehensive Plan Map as multiple family, (SEE, Attachment E). A multiple family designation logically includes the R -2, R -3, R -4 and RMH zoning classifications, but the comprehensive plan makes no reference as to the density of this multiple family development. Though the subject property falls within 200 feet of the ordinary high water mark of the Green River, the act of rezoning property does not require a shoreline development permit. However, at such time that the subject property ,would be developed, a shoreline development permit would likely be required. G. ACTION REMAINING FOR IMPLEMENTATION: The rezone application must go before the Tukwila Planning Commission at an advertised public hearing on September 25, 1975. If approved by the Planning Commission,, the rezone request will go before the Tukwila City Council for final disposition. If denied by the Commission, the applicant may appeal the decision to the City Council. H. EXISTING CONDITIONS: 1. Zoning and Land Use. The existing zoning on the subject property is R -4 and C -1. The R -4 zoned portion of property is located uphill from the C -1 portion. Allowed uses in the R -4 zone include apartments, offices, conval- escent homes, clinics, and boarding and lodging homes. Allowed uses in the C -1 zone include neighborhood retail businesses like banks, restaurants, drug stores, grocery markets, meat, hardware, and jewelry stores, and other . similar commercial uses which cater to the local community. Zoning on the west side of the subject property is for residential and public.use. Several parcels of multiple family zoning,•namely R -3, R -4 and RMH zoning, are located here and apartment buildings have been con- structed on each of these multiple family zoned sites. The Tukwila City Park, which consists of 6.5 acres of public tennis courts, picnic grounds, and natural stands of tall fir trees, borders the subject property for over 525 feet on the latter's west side. Also, a piece of R -1 . property borders the subject property's south boundary. Four occupied single family homes are located in this R -1 zone. The eastern side of the subject property is bordered by roads, namely the Renton -Three Tree Point Road and Interurban Avenue. Beyond these roads to the east is the Green River. Zoning on the eastern side of the Green River is entirely M -1, light industry. 2. Natural Conditions. a. Geology. Geologically, the subject site is composed of basaltic type rocks and sedimentary rocks (shale and sandstone). According to the U.S. Geological Survey, these types of rocks have good seismic, foundation, and slope stabilities but may become unstable when modified. b. Soils. According to the 1952 King County Soil Survey, the soils on this site are classified as Cathcart soils. These soils have formed over shale and sandstone and include some glacial debris. Cathcart soils are subject to erosion, especially when found on steep slopes. Vegetation on .the- subject site helps to stabilize the soil and mitigate erosion. c. Topography. Basically, the subject site is the. easternmost part of a basaltic knoll which juts out into the Green River Lowland. The gradient of slopes 'on the site ranges generally between 25 and 40 percent. Several areas on the site reach over 50 percent slope, and the northeastern facing•bluff is a 100 percent slope (or a 45 degree angle). d. Drainage. There are no streams on the subject property. Because of the. impermeable nature of the underlying geology- basalt, shale, and sandstone — soils become readily saturated during periods of peak rainfall and surface runoff is high. Dense vegetation on the site serves to intercept a portion of this rainfall and mitigate surface runoff. e. Vegetation. The subject site is densely wooded with a typical second - growth forest understory. Coniferous tree species (evergreens) located on the site include grand fir, Douglas fir, western hemlock, and red cedar. Deciduous varieties include broadleaf maple, vine maple, red alder, dogwood, and willow. Understory vegetation includes swordfern, Oregongrape, salal, and numerous shrubs. f. Wildlife. Bird and animal species which use or inhabit the subject property are typical of those generally found in the Tukwila area. Although no field studies have been done, it is assumed that such birds as robins, sparrows, crows, quail and possibly hawks use this area for nesting or foraging. Small mammals like skunk, weasel, raccoon, and rabbit are assumed to use this area also. 3. Circulation. Access to the subject property is possible .from two streets, South 153rd Street and Renton -Three Tree Point Road (also called Southcenter Boulevard). South 153rd Street, a 40' -wide residential street, extends to within 100 feet of the subject property's west boundary; the final 100 feet is in an .unimproved condition due to the fact that the properties on both sides of the right -of -way are undeveloped. The other point of access to the site is from Southcenter Boulevard. Average daily traffic volumes on Southcenter Boulevard, according to a TOPICS study completed.in 1973, is in excess of 11,000 vehicles. 4. Utilities. A 12" water line extends along the west side of South - center Boulevard and is sufficient to serve any proposed development on the site. According to the Public Works Department, there is sufficient pressure within this line to force water up the hillside to future buildings. Sanitary sewer service is not available adjacent to the subject prop- erty. The nearest line is 145 feet south of the site, and the size of this line is only 6 -inch, which would preclude any large -scale devel- opment from connecting to it. A larger 8 -inch sewer line is located an additional 30 -feet south of the 6 -inch line or about 175 feet from the subject property. I. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION: As mentioned, the subject site has two zoning classifications: R -4 and C -1. The C-1 or commercial zoning occupies the "lower" portion of the subject site while the R -4 or multiple family residential zoning occupies the "upper" portion of the site. Allowed.uses in the R -4 or upper portion of the subject site include apartments, parks, certain types of office buildings and boarding and lodging houses. These types of uses are characteristic of and compatible with the existing uses found in the upland area adjacent to the subject site. The proposed rezoning would classify the "upper" portion of the.subject site as C -2, Local Retail Business. A C -2 classification allows such.. uses as auto and trailer sales, restaurants (with cocktail lounges), drive -in restaurants, taverns, offices, gas stations, tire stores, in addition to those uses allowed in the C -1 zone (e.g., bakeries, banks, barber and beauty shops, clothing, drug, and hardware stores, restaurants with no liquor facilities, and grocery markets). Based upon the existing land use border.ing.the subject property on the Tukwila hill, it seems that such 'commercial uses as those mentioned would be incongruous with the nature or character of the surrounding area. In addition, access to the "upper" portion of the subject property would he via South 153rd Street which has a 40 -foot right -of -way. The minimum width of streets serving commercial areas should be 60 -foot right -of -way, as stated in the municipal code (17.08.010). If the "upper" portion of the subject site is developed commercially,.it is expected that vehicular movements to and from the site will have an adverse effect on South 153rd Street. The most logical ingress- egress point to the subject property from South center Boulevard is at the southeast corner of the site where the gradient of the slope is least. However, the sight distance at this point is restricted and the Public Works Department has expressed concern over the practicality of ingress- egress at this point, (SEE, attached letter from Tukwila Public Works Director, Attachment F). The present natural condition of the subject site is a heavily wooded hillside, geologically composed of basalt and sedimentary rocks with thin overlying soils, which generally ranges between 25 and 40 percent slopes. Commercial buildings which are allowed under C -2 zoning, along with their associated parking and service areas, would require dramatic alterations to the natural condition of.the property. Because of the steepness of the slope, cuts would have to'be made for building sites, parking lots, and access roads, effectively eliminating much of the natural vegetation which presently serves to reduce erosion on the steep hillside. J. ANY UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS: Approval of C -2 zoning on the subject property with subsequent develop- ment of a commercial establishment will result in the'removal of the greater portion of the natural vegetation and reduce the wildlife habitat to nil. Soil erosion on the steep hillside will be severe during the construction phase. As a result of devegetation and construction of roads, parking lots and buildings, increased storm water runoff will result. An increase in auto traffic onto South 153rd Street and Southcenter Boulevard will also occur, with potential traffic hazards due to restricted sight dis- tance on Southcenter Boulevard and inadequate right -of -way on 153rd. K. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION: Since the proposed action is one of rezoning the property to permit other uses than its present zoning allows, there are only two alternatives: to either grant or deny the rezone request. Granting the rezone request would allow the'subject property to be used for commercial uses which would be either local or regional in nature. Denying the rezone request would restrict the use of the R -4 property to office or residential use, and. the C -1 property to local retail business uses. L. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT TERM ENVIRONMENTAL. USES AND THE MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT OF LONG TERM PRODUCTIVITY: The steep hillside on which the subject property is located is neither a suitable nor a desireable environment for agriculture, nor are any significant deposits of mineral resources known to be located on the site. The proposed rezoning of the property, coupled with its subsequent development; would constitute a long -term use of the land. As such, the subject. property would generate revenue for the City of Tukwila, the South Central School District No. 406, and other taxing entities. Development . to C -2 use would allow residents of the City as well as others to obtain commercial services from the subject site. Tukwila Planning Department August 22, 1975 HJI� 3NOZ3J JO 31IS t V IN3WHOVJJV rri LI " • Attachment C RANGE 4 EAST RANGE 5 EAST CITY • OF TUKWILA ZONING LEGEND R A. R 17.2 111.12.0 R28.4 R.3 R.3.60 R.4 RMH PF C.1 C2 CPR CM M1 61-2 • "------,7;;;; - - - C -PR R-1-9.6 1/ 747 RESIDENTIAL. AGRICULTURAL 1 FAMILY RESIDENCE 1 FAMILY RESIDENCE 1 FAMILY RESIDENCE 2 FAMILY RESIDENCE 3 FAMILY RESIDENCE 3 or4 FAMILY RESIDENCE LOW APARTMENTS MULL RESIDENCE HIGH DENS. PUBLIC FACILITY NEIGHBORHOOD RETAIL LOCAL RETAIL PLAN'D BUS. CENTER REGIONAL INDUSTRIAL PARK LIGHT INDUSTRY HEAVY INDUSTRY SOO 1000 'SOO 2000 1000 F1. CITY,OF TUKWILA PLANNING DEPARTMENT MAY 1975 TUKWILA WASHINGTON-REVISIONSFR • WASHINGTON ORDINANCE NO 4 llL ATTACHMENT D AN ORDINANCE rezoning certain property within the City:; :•of Tukwila from R -1 to R -4 and.0 -1. WHEREAS, Frank and Joan Todd have petitioned to rezone property within the City of Tukwila from R -1 to C -1, and WHEREAS, the hearings required by law were held before the Planning Commission and the City Council, and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission and the City Council recommended R -4 and C -1 zoning providing a concomitant zoning agreement was executed to control the development of said property for the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City of Tukwila and whereas said agreement has been executed. NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Tukwila do ordain as follows: •. Sec. 1. ,The property described on Exhibit "A" is hereby rezoned from land classification R -1 to R -4 and C-1 as indicated on the exhibit. Sec. 2. This new zoning classification is expressly ..con- ditioned on the full and complete performance by Todd of the Con- comitant Zoning Agreement. PASSED this 7th day of September, 1971.. ATTEST: CITY CLERK 'APPROVED AS TO FORM: • CITY ATTORNE PUBLISHED RECORD CHRONICLE 'MAYOR ‘4,4 ILA ;y • - l �I • / r ..t ; _ i':l i • • �• csh-5 EXIBIT "A" FROM R-1 to R-4 the West 125 feet of Block 28, Interurban Addition to Seattle AND FROM R-1 to C -1 Block 28, Interurban Addition to Seattle less the West 125 feet. 1' . TUKWILA -TODD CONCOMITANT ZONING AGREEMENT. THIS .is a Concomitant Zoning Agreement executed this day of ,.1971, between the City .of Tukwila, a municipal .corporation of the Third Class within the State of Washington (herein- after called .TUKWILA) and Frank Todd and Joan Todd; His Wife, (herein- after referred to as TODD). RECITALS:. TODD is the owner in fee simple of.property within the City of Tukwila, described in Exhibit "A" attached hereto, and by this reference incorporated herein, and hereinafter referred to as "The property "; land WHEREAS, Todd has filed a Petition to Rezone the property from Rl zoning designation to.R -4 and C -1 pursuant to the provisions of the Tukwila. Municipal Code, and The City Planning Commission pursuant to public hearing has recommended to the City Council that the property be rezoned upon the execution of a property use and development agreement, .and. WHEREAS, the Tukwila City Council, after public hearing., has recommended that.•. the property be zoned pursuant to certain'agre giants relative to the property use and development of the property, and The establishment of R -1 and C--i zoning on the property will effect the flow of traffic in the vicinity; effect the storm drainage, sanitary drainage, and other utilities :within the area and certain 'conditions are regu'ired to control the development of said property -1- for the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City of Tukwila, • NOW, THEREFORE, in the event the City Council of the City of Tukwila reclassifies the property from R -1 to R-4 and C -1 as indicate on the attached map marked Exhibit "B" and incorporated herein by ref and in consideration of the City•Council changing the classi- fica.tion'of the property to R -4 and C -1 and for so long as the prop- erty remains so classified, TODD hereby covenants and agrees to the following covenants and conditions on behalf of themselves and their -successors and assigns: _?. 1.'-That 67th Avenue South shall be improved to minimum City .'h2Standards and there shall be a suitable public turn around near the } • 0-corner of 67th Avenue South and .South 153rd. The standards hall s '.be set forth in writing and attached to this agreement. The ques tion of the suitability of the public turn around shall be in the discretion-of the City Supervisor in consultation with the Fire ar_d Police Depart_ment. - a -i'1. r/f t ! t CIV f 'r' c� L_ C 2. That sufficient service be provided for fire protection with hydrants installed with mains as required by City. Standards ' which shall be located in an easement with loop connecting the prop- erty from Southcenter Boulevard to South 153rd. This service shall be in writing and in the discretion of the Fire Chief, 0 4 5.'7= 'C'/e6 74° 3. That adequate storm drains be designed to meet the specific approval of the City of Tukwila Building and Street Depart- ments' ;.. i� �� • -2- • . That a decorative fence be erected at' the South end of the C -Land R -4 zoning to' prevent access from existing public 'street and that there be a landsaa e strip adjacent'to the park oundary _ 1 4ti'_(1K6°712C -�� r/ ) % • •That the. building which 34 erected near the.South T • 'boundary shall be located at least'40'feet North of the South . - boundary . '6. materials, • All aspects of signing, including construction, lighting, size and location relative to this devel- opment shall be'and require the approval in the sole discretion of the Planning Commission. 7. That the . plans for development including all con- ditions required herein relat ive to construction shall be approved :bx the Planning Commission prior to issuance of a-Building Per- mit; the- landscaping and signing details shall also be included . in the design drawing submitted for review. All design and construction shall be without cost to the City. .. That TODD shall - design, construct -and pay for the .sanitary sewer facilities which will be required. in accordance with the applicable ordinances of the. City of Tukwila. 9. No excavation shall occur without the applicant, TODD, securing an Excavation Permit pursuant to the Ordinances of the . City of Tukwil W .i ,.::ii /.<, 10, No construction shall be commenced before the City has notified TODD in writing that the plans and specifications have . been approved. by.the•Planning Commission and the City Superintendent. The City shall have the right to inspect said facilities. and no facility shall be . covered up prior to inspection. TODD • agrees to comply with all of the City's reasonable inspection requirement. 11. Upon completion of construction and upon certification :from the City Engineer, that said facilities meet the•standards. Of the City of Tukwila, TODD shall assign and convey all public fac ilities,..together with any necessary easements, to the City for acceptance by / the City. Said e,asemen s - shall. •be for general .Utility. .p4rposes :reSaid easement shall be escrowebi in advance of the Building Permit being issued. •126 The King County Cause No. 695378.shall be dismissed with prejudice. 13. TODD agrees to indemnify and hold the City harmless from any and all claims which may be asserted against. the City as . a result of the construction, or maintenance of said facilities prior to accep tance 'by the City. 14. TODD agrees in . carrying. but. the terms of this para- •graph, TODD shall'be acting as an independent contractor and in no respect shall be deemed an agent of the City. 15. That partial waiver or waiver by acquiescence -by ':the City of any provisions. or 'conditions of this agreement shall not be a waiver of any other provisions or conditions'of this Agreem nt. 16. any facility When notified to make changes or-corrections in. • described herein/by the"City Supervisor, TODD agrees to make such changes or corrections, providin' they are in accord- reeme t C• ance with this A g n , within St,re, t me sE, .far =ch' ire- sake hc2trce • In the event of failure to make' said changes or corrections all rights of Todd :iznae t -y -s=ag r-eemen-t shall- termin _•and• a Stop Work Order issued by the City qrr= a -1 h•ases -af --cons ru ma=r -erg- - ctcir- 17. •This.agreement shall be, recorded in the Records -of the King County Auditor and the covenants, duties and obligations f TODD. under this Agreement shall .constitute.an- .easement:and •servitude'and:a. covenant attached hereto and running with-the land ..-upon-the. property and shall be binding upon TODD-and their..suc- .cessors. and assigns, All Builc}ing, Occupancy and Use Permits here- after applied for or issued shall be subject to the .terms,`condi- • tions and limitations of this agreement. 18. .Amendments to this Agreement maybe made:only .after, approval by the City Council of the City' of Tukwila. 19. This agreement is specifically enforceable- . "by the Ei cy -. 'and 4.1 -:C=x pia! institute and prosecute any proceeding at lasr or in equity to enforce. the provisions of this agreement-. ritCCD2agrees to pay reasonable .Attorney fees . forcement proceedings. 1 U1 '20. All provisions of other Ordinances of the City of except as modified herein. expended -by_for aa11 en -' applicable zoning, building, or Tukwila shall control this project -5- 21. It is further expressly agreed by. TODD that in the event any covenant or condition or restriction hereiriabove con- tained or any portion thereof is invalid or void, such invalidity condition or voidness shall in no way affect any•other covenant, or-restriction hereinabove contained. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is executed this ,:.1971, at Tukwila; Washington. TODD BY: Frank Todd' Joan • Todd CITY OF TUKWILA BY • Mayor. BY J '.Clerk -67. ATTACHMENT E COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN CTY OF THWIILA LEGEND INDUSTRIAL RETAIL SALES MULTIPLE FAMILY rs] SINGLE FAMILY PUBLIC PASSED BY ORDINANCE 484 15 MAY 1967 1 5 03 d SUBJECT: Proposed Restaurant, Southcenter Blvd. at Interurban Ave. Bob Oldright UBLIC Qom® K8 DE '''AR• -." ENT 823 =• - Southcenter ®ulevard Tukwila, Washington 3087 telephone E 2 6 a 242-2177 July 31, 1975 MEMORANDUM TO: Kjell Stoknes, Planning Director FROM: Steve Hall, Public Works Director ATTACHMENT F EC As per our discussions, I have several grave questions and concerns EL as to the proposed access as indicated on the preliminary site plan iC for this project. The first and major one is the sight distance as dictated. by normal it highway design. In the case of this proposed project, minimum sight distance would be considered two hundred and fifty feet (250'). I E am enclosing a page from the AASHO Manual and the accompanying • calculations for 35 miles per hour on wet pavement. • U1 P) 0 c� Enclosures: AASHO.Design Site Location, Photographs Proposed Access w Secondarily, with the anticipated future widening of Southcenter Boulevard, it would be a requirement of this Department that the access road from Southcenter Boulevard as proposed to this site be at road elevation at the property line. This would simplify future widening of the road, and not cause a problem in the future with a possible discrepancy in grades at that point. Also, as per Tukwila Municipal Code, maximum grade allowed is 15 %. Steven M. Hall, P.E. 2 z 1 IMMO tiihr \ 1 � .non ,.b 1 ._1 •1 I. �. II Y • IL —t-..ii:- I✓OVSr) 21 (1 j F- 26125 124 i 21- - - : -_i 2 cos 1 I53RD 1 • 16 - ST a1 N trIWVI 40 r75-1 ' ' J 1,r1 14 er7`• .. 14115116'I 11 r----- -1:1' 1 I 1 X18 1= 11.4,21= _°t_.. 0 ffff:1 ( /DAHO Sr) v ITS ; .�. 1. 6 S. 15 ' 6a 1 1 i 8 1 9N IO 1 1 1 1 1 2 IT; , - - - � 7. 27 J [.u. /3 54 7 �H i /C:3;197- 4P 136 AASHO- GEOMETRIC HIGHWAY DESIGN Braking Distance The approximate braking distance of a vehicle on level roadway may be determined by the use of the standard formula: d= 30 f Where d= braking distance, feet V= initial speed, mph f=coefficient of friction between tires and roadway In this formula for braking distance the f factor is used as an overall or a single value that is representative for the whole of the speed change. Measurements show that f is not the same for all speeds. It decreases as the initial speed increases. It varies considerably due to many physical elements such as air pressure of tires, type of tires, amount of tire tread, type and condition of the pavement surface, the presence of moisture, mud, snow or ice, etc. Further, and of greater significance, in stops from high speeds the actual braking distance, is dependent upon the vehicle braking system rather than the skidding of tire on pavement. In stops from TABLE 11I -1 MINIMUM STOPPING SIGHT DISTANCE Design speed mph 30 40 50 60 65 70 75* 80* Assumed speed for condition mph 28 36 . 44 52 55 58 61 64 30 40 50 60 65 70 75 80 30 40 50. 60 65 70 75 80 Perception and brake reaction Time Distance sec. Design 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 feet Coefficient of friction f Braking distanc Stopping sight distance e Rounded on level Computed for design feet feet Criteria -WET PAVEMENTS 103 132 161 191 202 213 224 235 Comparative Valu 110 147 183 220 238 257 275 293 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 .36 .33 .31 .30 .30 .29 .28 .27 73 131 208 300 336 387 443 506 es-DRY PAVEMEN .62 .60 .58 .56 .56 .55 .54 .53 48 89 144 214 251 297 347 403. feet TS 176 263 369 491 538 600 667 741 158 236 327 434 . 489 554 • 622 696 200 275 350 • 475 550 600 675 750 *Design tDrollof access or where dsuch ncontrol spplan planned in theofutgh`vays with full con -. 2 3aeo Fr gz9,4E �2 V �G ) (2.5 sec. "7 FT' ge79)e im6 0.5 I/42) 2- lo.3s) // 7p- ATTACHMENT G CITY OF TUKWILA PLANNING DEPARTMENT STATEMENT OF DECLARATION FILE #MF- 75 -13 -R APPLICATION FOR A REZONE OF A CERTAIN PROPERTY WEST OF AND ADJACENT TO THE INTERSECTION OF INTERURBAN AVENUE AND SOUTH - CENTER BOULEVARD FROM R -4 AND C -1 TO C -2. Applicant - Bob Oldright INTRODUCTION: The following is a Statement of Declaration by the undersigned as the Responsible Official pursuant to Title 18.98 of the Tukwila Municipal Code and the Washington State Environmental Policy Act of 1971. An Environmental Assessment has been completed on the proposed legislation and has been taken into consideration in this Declaration. DECLARATION: Based upon the Environmental Assessment as prepared, Section 18.98 of the Tukwila Municipal Code dealing with environmental policy and the guidelines issued by the Washington State Depart- ment of Ecology for the implementation of the State Environmental Policy Act, I find that the proposed rezone application from R-4 and C -1 to C -2 will not have a significant effect upon the envir- onment and therefore a complete Environmental Impact Statement is not required. The City reserves the right to require an additional environmental review, and full Environmental Impact Statement if deemed necessary, at such time as a building permit is applied for on the property. PALNNING DEPARTMENT KS /cw September 8, 1975 S oknes, Director (Date) Mr. Fred N. Satterstrom Planning Department City of Tukwila 14475 59th Avenue South Tukwila, Wa. 98168 Dear Mr. Satterstrom: King County of Washington John D. Spellman, Co y Executive Department of Public Works Jean L. DeSpain, Director 900 King County Administration Building Seattle, Washington 98104 June 21, 1976 Environmental Assessment Christensen Greenbelt We have completed our review of the above environmental assess- ment and found it to be satisfactory subject to the comments in our letter to you dated March 23, 1976 (copy enclosed). Vory\ truly yours, WILLIAM B. GILLESPIE Division Engineer Division of Hydraulics WBG LRG:lmw Enclosure NPSEN -PL -ER • • DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY SEATTLE DISTRICT. CORPS OF ENGINEERS P.O. BOX C -3755 SEATTLE. WASHINGTON 98124 Mr. Fred N. Satterstrom Planning Department City of Tukwila 6230 Southcenter Boulevard Tukwila, Washington 98188 Dear Mr. Satterstrom: �ECEIVE JUN 8197 -6 MY OF TUKWILA 3 JUN 1976 We have reviewed the environmental assessment for the Christensen Greenbelt Project with respect to the Corps of Engineers' areas of responsibility for flood control, navigation and hydropower. As indicated in our letter of 7 April 1976, any landscaping improvements installed on the existing levee would have to be removed and replaced by the city if and when the levee is raised and widened with Federal funds. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this assessment. Sincerely yours, R. P. SELL ' D Chief, Engineering Division • Edgar D. Bauch, Mayor CITY of TUKWILA 14475 - 59TH AVENUE SOUTH TUKWI LA, WASHINGTON 98067 April 30, 1976 TO RECIPIENTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: • Enclosed you will find a copy of the Environmental Assessment for the proposed CHRISTENSEN GREENBELT project in Tukwila. This greenbelt is a long (1.8 mile), linear park and trail development along the Green River. Note that the enclosed document is an assessment, not a draft Environmental Impact Statement. However, should you have any comments or questions regard- ing the project, please direct them to Fred N. Satterstrom of the Planning Department staff (242- 2177). Thank you for your consideration. Very truly yours, Kjell Stoknes Planning Director KS /FS /cw • • CITY OF TUKWILA DECLARATION OF NON - SIGNIFICANCE ON THE CHRISTENSEN GREENBELT PROJECT EPIC -ND -27 Pursuant to Chapter 18.98 of the Tukwila Municipal Code dealing with envir- onmental requirements and the State Environmental Policy Act of 1971. Proposed recreational project along the Green River in publicly -owned right -of -way, commonly known as the Christensen Greenbelt. CITY OF TUKWILA - APPLICANT INTRODUCTION: The following is a statement of declaration by the undersigned as the Respon- sible Official pursuant to Chapter 18.98 of the Tukwila Municipal Code and the Washington State Environmental Policy Act of 1971. An Environmental Assessment has been completed on the proposed project to develop a linear greenbelt in existing public right -of -way along the Green River, west side. DECLARATION: Based upon the environmental assessment submitted, the City of Tukwila Muni- cipal Code Chapter 18.98 dealing with environmental policy, and the guidelines issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology for the implementation of the State Environmental Policy Act, I find that the proposed action will not have a significant effect upon the environment and therefore an environmental impact statement is not required. CITY OF TUKWILA /tjw AW/9 Kjel Stoknes, Planning Director Date of Negative Declaration: April 28, 1976 • • ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CHRISTENSEN GREENBELT PROJECT #EPIC -ND -27 OFFICIAL TITLE OF PROPOSED ACTION: TYPE OF PROPOSED ACTION: PROJECT SPONSOR: CONTACT PERSON: Christensen Greenbelt Project Linear Riverside Park Development City of Tukwila Fred N. Satterstrom Tukwila Planning Department 6230 Southcenter Boulevard Tukwila, WA 98188 (206) 244 -6290 NATURE OF THIS REPORT: Environmental Assessment A. DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION. 1. The Proposal: The proposed action is commonly known as the Christensen Greenbelt Project, a narrow linear -type park stretching along the Green River in Tukwila. Essentially, the proposed project includes the development of approximately 1.8 miles of existing public right -of -way and other city -owned lands for local and regional recreation. The project site is located along the west bank of the Green River between Interstate 405 and South 180th Street. Map 1 shows the location of the Christensen Greenbelt. project. The site is located within walking distance of a majority of the resident, employee, and customer population of the city. The objective of the proposed action is to provide river access and linear - type recreation of local and regional importance. Recreational activities which will be provided by this project include safe, lawful, and convenient river access for steelhead fishing, canoeing and trails and facilities for walking, cycling, jogging, and picnicking. The proposed Christensen Greenbelt project is considered a vital link in the regional trail system along the Green River. Futuristically, the Christensen Greenbelt will connect with the existing Kent trail system to the south, the planned King County system to the north, and the soon- to -be- constructed Renton system to the east. 2. Major Aspects of the Proposal: The Christensen Greenbelt project will transform the existing Christensen dirt road into an elongated recreational and open space corridor. The greenbelt will extend from South 180th Street northerly to Interstate 405, a distance of 1.8 miles. The greenbelt will be created in a 3 -phase development program. Park development will consist of a 6 -foot wide pedestrian path, 8 -foot wide bike path, with parking lots at var- ious points for access to the greenbelt. Lawn areas with built -in irrigation systems will be established where riverbank conditions allow. Tree plantings will grace the pathway along` its entirety. 1 6 ALKE VY PAYTC 0Y S. -xY ::f T. t/NWb TO 0G PONE WTH OTT OF TALVAL.A RAIDS IN 1976 WaST VALLEY H — WOW NOTFS I. THE Fg10WING DRAWINGS Or' OWAPP14:- .vMAT .O4.- LOC.NTIONS ONLY NIDE . MAP N-fAr ALIOWCD hW.Y VL711C.VLAR 7}MPIC MANN Y PICNIC AREN ♦ FONT Cr INTERMIT HO FEEI- CHIC IbT•NSEN RCLAD 1b NTON II= 111 =III= 111 =11Ya �IU=AI _I11 -11 =111 L'; -j GtW GREEN RAVER VICINITY MAP a PEST 8 PC.ET LAID DEFYED TD TL'✓.WIL' PC0E5- F=ICYCl.E P 1 1`J_+ET WELTERN r'.>R TRV 4 LANE PJBLIC FAICK YJKYJ °S WAL L SKETCH I. Peer 0-20 rear TE E9 LAWN I.MIDSiAF'I.VG REOL;821 s7 Cr- _sw■,+eM F'R;? 7.NNFR CHRISTENSEN GREENBELT K ° °- Le - IM191.. BY CARL NTIrROn DESIGN PLAN LTO CC c..M- GLETED Ar. A FJTLP.E OATS' YO E3: CgMR.ETEDIN 1977 WITH VC C ANT- W-AID ASSIST-ANC-E. TO 6E. CON.PLETCD IN 1976 WITH CT'OF N•Wp1J FUNDS TO BE CDMRP_TED IN 1977 W1TH IAC GRAVT-IN -80 ASEcSTANCE, WaST VALLEY H — WOW NOTFS I. THE Fg10WING DRAWINGS Or' OWAPP14:- .vMAT .O4.- LOC.NTIONS ONLY NIDE . MAP N-fAr ALIOWCD hW.Y VL711C.VLAR 7}MPIC MANN Y PICNIC AREN ♦ FONT Cr INTERMIT HO FEEI- CHIC IbT•NSEN RCLAD 1b NTON II= 111 =III= 111 =11Ya �IU=AI _I11 -11 =111 L'; -j GtW GREEN RAVER VICINITY MAP a PEST 8 PC.ET LAID DEFYED TD TL'✓.WIL' PC0E5- F=ICYCl.E P 1 1`J_+ET WELTERN r'.>R TRV 4 LANE PJBLIC FAICK YJKYJ °S WAL L SKETCH I. Peer 0-20 rear TE E9 LAWN I.MIDSiAF'I.VG REOL;821 s7 Cr- _sw■,+eM F'R;? 7.NNFR CHRISTENSEN GREENBELT K ° °- Le - IM191.. BY CARL NTIrROn DESIGN PLAN • • 3. Land Use Plans, Permits, and Zoning Regulations: In 1962, John Graham $ Co. completed Tukwila's first Comprehensive Plan for Tukwila. In that Plan, all lands contiguous to the 1.8 mile project site were designated for industrial use. Since 1962, commercial and industrial developments in Andover Industrial Park have sprung up along over 90% of Christensen Road. Only one undeveloped parcel of land currently exists along Christensen Road. The proposed greenbelt is consistent with the goals and policies of Tukwila's Shoreline Master Program and conforms to the recently adopted Park Plan, in which it is the number one priority project. All lands on both sides of the Green River along the proposed Christensen Green- belt are presently zoned for industrial purposes. Although zoned for industrial use, the east side of the Green River has not yet reached the level of develop- ment as that on the west side. A shoreline substantial development permit is required before development of the proposed greenbelt may begin. This permit is now being reviewed by the Attorney General's office and the Department of Ecology. B. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT. 1. Natural Environment: The Christensen Greenbelt lies in a broad, very flat alluvial floodplain formed over thousands of years by deposition of sediments from the Green River. The site itself is located on the west bank of the river. River- bank conditions vary along the 1.8 mile site from levee -like banks on the south (25 -28 feet elevation) to flat, natural banks on the north (23 -26 feet elevation). Flowing along the eastern edge of the proposed greenbelt is the Green River. The average discharge of the Green at the site is approximately 1500 cfs. Typical maximum flood flows reach 9,000 to 12,000 cfs. Some minor, localized flooding of property has occurred in the past at the northern end of the project site subsequent to the construction of Howard Hanson Dam. Vegetation on the site is found exclusively on that portion lying between Chris- tensen Road and the river. Tree growth along the river is sparse but a few, elongated stands of tall black cottonwood and broadleaf maples line segments of the bank. Understory flora consists mostly of sedges, fireweed, rushes, and various grass species. Wildlife on the site is confined to small mammals such as beaver, weasel, rabbit, and possibly skunk, and numerous and diverse species of songbirds. 2. Human Environment: Current population of the City of Tukwila is 3370; 1975 population for the Tukwila Planning Area is over 22,000. Approximately 50,000 persons come to the Tukwila area (particularly Southcenter) each day to shop, and another 10,000 come to work in the 500+ commercial and industrial enterprises. The proposed greenbelt lies within walking distance of much of this resident - shopper - employee population. An estimated 70,500 cars travel through Tukwila daily on Interstate 5. An additional 53,000 cars daily pass through on Interstate 405. These two free- ways intersect about i mile northwest of the subject site. 4 • • The subject site is currently publicly owned and is "open to the public ". However, due in part to the extreme disrepair of the existing Christensen Road and the lack of recreational and open space improvements, current recreational use of the site is minimal. Most of this use is for steel - head fishing and spontaneous activities; there is little, if any, trail or bike use. Land use in the vicinity is primarily urban interspersed with small, undeveloped tracts. Over 90% of the land contiguous to the proposed greenbelt is industrially developed; across the river from the project site present development is more sparse. All the lands contiguous to the proposed greenbelt and across the river from the site are planned for urban uses. C. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED ACTION. 1. Impacts to the Natural Environment: The primary environmental impact of the proposed action is the replacement of an existing dirt road with a 14 -foot wide strip of asphalt. In order to accomplish this action, the dirt road will need to be graded and disturbance to the soil and subsurface geology will be inevitable, although negligible. It is expected that the impervious asphalt surface will cause a slight increase in the rate of storm water runoff for that area which it covers. This increase will only be slight due to the fact that the present dirt road (which consists of a gravel ballast with approximately 50% clay) is nearly impervious. Landscaping of the proposed greenbelt is expected to have some initial, insigni- ficant environmental impacts. Several areas of existing field grasses will be disturbed or replaced with lawns, and erosion could occur during this disturbance. 2. Impacts to the Human Environment: The proposed action would limit the recreational use of the project site by the motorist. Presently, the motorist may drive the length of Christensen Road. As a result of the proposed greenbelt, the motorist would be confined to designated parking lots and access points along the river. D. MITIGATING MEASURES INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSED ACTION. As mentioned in Section C., the primary environmental impacts will be a slight increase in the runoff rate for the asphalted area and soil erosion which may occur during path construction and landscaping activities. While a slight increase in the runoff rate is expected for the area covered by the 14 -foot wide asphalt strip, the overall runoff rate for the project site is not expected to exceed that which presently exists. To explain, the present width of Christensen Road is approximately 30-35 feet and is composed of a nearly impervious gravel ballast of about 50% clay composition. This existing surface will be replaced by only 14 feet of asphalt and the remainder of the right -of -way will be replaced with pervious soil material, trees, and grass. Consequently, while the runoff rate for the asphalt portion will be slightly increased, this increase may be offset by the reduction in the rate for the remaining portion of the right -of -way. 5 • • Erosion and dust can be controlled or reduced somewhat during the construction process also. Planting sod instead of seed will decrease the amount of erosion in areas where lawns are to be established. Watering or misting of the site during construction of the road will reduce dust and particulates in the air. E. UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS. No unavoidable, adverse environmental impacts are expected as a result of the proposed Christensen Greenbelt project. F. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT -TERM ENVIRONMENTAL USES AND THE MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT OF LONG -TERM PRODUCTIVITY. In its present state, the subject area provides a small degree of wildlife habitat and represents an open, undeveloped linear space along the Green River. Development of the Christensen Greenbelt is not expected to diminish this condition; rather, at least with respect to the site's open space nature, the proposed action will actually improve its aesthetic appeal. The proposed site offers little, if any, opportunity for agricultural activities and as such does not constitute a displacement of potential agricultural land with nonagricultural use. Neither does the site afford any significant oppor- tunity for commercial or industrial development, due primarily to its narrow, elongated configuration and severe shoreline development restrictions. Due to the inherent characteristics of the site — its size, width, location, etc. — the choice of suitable uses is limited. The proposed action represents a suitable use of the site; one which will not degrade the existing environmental conditions; and one which will continue to serve as an amenity and recreational opportunity for generations to come. G. IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE RESOURCE COMMITMENTS WITH THE PROPOSED ACTION. The proposed action will result in the commitment of the subject site to recreational and open space use, which, in turn, will commit financial recources, construction materials, and labor to achieving such use. The commitment result- ing from the proposed action will be long -term, probably 50 years or more. While the commitment of finances, materials, and labor are irretrievable ones, the commitment of the land itself is not. The Christensen Greenbelt, as proposed, represents a flexible recreational development which leaves open future options for new development or re- development. H. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION. 1. No Action: This alternative would entail leaving the site as is, with Christensen Road remaining a dirt, chuckhole road and the land between the road and river unaffected. The advantages to this alternative are ecological and financial. Left as is, the wildlife and vegetation currently using the site would be unaffected. Finan- cially, the. City and State would have additional monies to fund other projects. 6 • • Difficulty of using the site in its present condition is the primary disadvan- tage of this alternative. Poor road conditions currently inhibit auto and bike traffic. Also, the site's untidy condition and its lack of focal points, par- ticularly around entrances, detracts from its use and obscures its identity as an open space. 2. Establish Greenbelt at Another Location: Since the proposed action is a riverside greenbelt, the only other place this alternative could be established is across the Green River from Christensen Road. Most of these riverside pro- perties are currently in private ownership with some in public street rights -of- way. No anticipated advantages would accrue as a result of this action. The disadvantages in this alternative are locational and financial. Because certain areas along the river are developed, the trail would have to cross currently used industrial and commercial lands. It would also be extremely difficult to wedge a trail or greenbelt between the Green River and the West Valley Highway where the latter parallels the river to the south. Moreover, this alternative would require gaining easements or title to land along the river and would likely skyrocket the cost of the project. I. CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION OF EFFORTS IN DEVELOPING THE PROPOSAL. 1. Internal Coordination: Within the City of Tukwila itself, there has been much coordination of city departments and boards and commissions. Citizens and the Park Board initially rated the proposed action a high priority in the new Park Plan. In adopting the Park Plan, the City Planning Commission favora- bly recommended the project to the City Council. In turn, the Council authorized the expenditure of local funds for matching purposes. 2. External Coordination and Consultation: The proposed project has been coordinated closely with the King County Department of Hydraulics and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the flood control aspects of the project. J. REVIEW OF THE ASSESSMENT INFORMATION. In the spirit of coordination and cooperation, this environmental assessment has been sent to the following agencies for their review and comments: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Soil Conservation Service State Department of Ecology King County Parks Department City of Kent City of Renton King County Public Works, Hydraulics Division 7 April 8, 1976 • DISTRICT ENGINEER, SEATTLE DISTRICT U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 1519 Alaskan Way South Seattle, Washington 98134 • Mr. Max Fulner U.S. Soil Conservation Service 35 South Grady Way Renton, WA 98055 Mr. Dennis Lundblad Head Environmental Review Department of Ecology Olympia, WA 98504 1H ii• Mr. James P. Harris, Planning Director Kent Planning Agency P.O. Box 310, City Hall Kent, WA 98031 Mr. James Webster, Assist. Director Parks Division W226 King County Courthouse Seattle, WA 98104 1 Mr. Gordon Ericksen, Planning.D.irector, Renton Planning Department 200 Mill Ave. So. Renton, WA 98055 Mr. G. E. Wannamaker Division of Hydraulics 900 King County Administration Bldg. Seattle, WA 98104 V adr r-44)1- 4/30p 6 Mr. Carl Stixrood Park: Planner City•of Tukwila 14475-59th Avenue South Tukwila, Wa. 98067 Dear Mr. Stixrood: King County S of, Washington John D. Spellman, County Executive Department of Public Works Jean L. DeSpain, Director ( �� ^app{ OF HYORP,ULkts 900 King County Administration Buirthng ---� Seattle, Washington 98104 il'l)TIAI Gillfispie • Firini,i March 23, 1976 Giboolls 1Akr; Yci(rgs F ile Christijnsen Trail Project Reference is made to your letters to us dated February 20, 1976, and March 10, 1976, and to your discussions with Larry Gibbons of my staff concerning the above subject. We have reviewed this proposed project and have the following comments: 1. The proposed project should be made compatible with the two alternatives selected by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for providing flood protection to the Green River Valley between Auburn and Tukwila, es- pecially since this project could start as early as 1981. Both of these alternatives consist of either raising the existing river bank or constructing set- back levees. Plans showing the heights of these..` levees were provided you earlier by Larry Gibbons. If you decide to construct your project as now de -• signed, we believe the 'City of Tukwila should pay for any required restoration work when the Corps of Engineers' project is constructed. 2. The proposed project must not restrict our access along the river bank for our• river patrol during high water conditions and our maintenance of the existing river bank. 3. A- State Flood Control lone permit is required .l.or this project. Detail plans of your proposed improvements along; the river bank will be required. with your State Flood Control Zone application. We are especially con- cerned with your trail under Strander bridge. Mr. Carl Stixrood March 23, 1976 Page Two (2) 4. If the river bank is disturbed by the proposed project, we recommend that the river bank be sta- bilized with rock riprap. Details.of this method of bank stabilization can be obtained'from my office. 5. No building must be constructed within 30 feet of the top of the existing river bank. 6. The promenade should be widened to 12 feet to pro- vide a minimum - working area for construction equip- ment.. 7. The 12 foot wide paved bike lane must be constructed strong-enough to support heavy construction equipment. 8. Breaks in the median barrier must be provided at.least every 500 feet to enable us to get construction equip- ment to the river bank. If you have any questions regarding the above comments, please contact our project engineer, Larry Gibbons, on 344 -3874. Very truly yours, WILLIAM B..GILLESPIE Division Engineer Division of Hydraulics WBG LRG:lmw