COUNTY: Proposal lacks long-range planning
As an architect, planner and facilitator, I am perplexed by the development of the proposed Pierce County General Services Building.
I support the co-location of county departments, however, this is not exclusive to the proposed site. Numerous alternatives exist that support this goal, many at reduced cost.
The proposed project lacks true grass-roots public involvement and a long-range master plan.
The proposed plan lacks effective connections to community infrastructure investments, including Link light rail, the Sounder train, efficient traffic patterns and extensive utility grids, as well as services available in the downtown core of Pierce County from Portland Avenue to Tacoma Avenue and the Dome District to the Stadium District.
The proposed project may adversely impact the Lincoln residential neighborhood, the traffic capacity, public transportation, anticipated jobs and expected support for the Lincoln and McKinley Hill business districts.
The mounting questions of the proposed financing plan and the increasing project budget only add concern.
Vote no in the August primary election so this project can restart with proper public involvement and master planning.
This story was originally published July 20, 2015 at 1:19 PM with the headline "COUNTY: Proposal lacks long-range planning."