After decades of sitting empty, Tacoma moves forward on future of former landfill
What is now a 3-acre vacant piece of land off Pacific Avenue near South 35th Street in Tacoma will become a new affordable housing property.
At least, that’s the plan from the City of Tacoma.
City staff are working on a request for proposal to find a company to develop the project, which will have a required affordable housing component, along with other mixed-use possibilities.
The city has been collecting feedback for what the community would like to see at the site, which have ranged from public recreational facilities like a dog park and walking trails to grocery and cafe amenities.
Between 1960 and 1992, the property was the site of a former landfill for construction debris from Interstate 5, Interstate 705 and State Route 7 extensions, Tacoma Public Utility construction and other projects. The city conducted additional environmental analysis of the property this summer. While future development at the site will require methane vents, no other actions are needed.
In 2015, the property was declared surplus, meaning it was no longer needed for use by the city. An RFP for the property was created, but the proposals did not gain council support at the time, according to Jennifer Hines, real property services manager for the city.
“This is the first one in six years,” Hines said of the RFP.
City Council approved a resolution in 2019 that updated its surplus policy, prioritizing it for much-needed affordable housing.
Tacoma City Council member Catherine Ushka said in a July 26 public hearing on the project that she often hears from her constituents about the property.
“I know I want that to be something other than what it is right now, yesterday. And for those people who live right next to it, they wanted it two years ago,” Ushka said.
Ushka told The News Tribune on Tuesday that a homeless encampment currently on the site has also been a cause for concern from neighbors. City staff continues to offer outreach and trash removal at the site.
She encouraged participation from the public to continue to share their comments and ideas for the property.
“What I want for the property is the best use for what the community has expressed,” Ushka said.
The city is working to transfer the property to the Tacoma Community Redevelopment Authority, a public corporation that manages funding for affordable housing projects.
After the transfer, an RFP will be issued, likely in the coming months, Hines said. The RFP will remain open for 6-8 weeks.
After the RFP closes, a selection advisory committee made up of two members of the public — a residential representative and a business representative —and three city staff members, will select the top three proposals. Those selected will give presentations to the community in a public meeting prior to final selection.
