I have agonized deeply over the Summit Place Joint Planning Agreement. Originally, I was the individual who approached the Suburban Cities Association to ask for their support to force King County to negotiate with Maple Valley for joint planning of the Donut Hole. The agreement is the result of this relationship as well as hard work by many staff members. My final decision was based on the following criteria.

First: I talked with a member of the planning commission. He convinced me that they had done all they could to keep the city of Maple Valley’s interests at the forefront as well as work out a palatable solution with YarrowBay development. They had numerous meetings on this with

many negotiated items. One of the prime ones was to get a significant decrease in the number of housing units on the property. In addition the city of Maple Valley will be able to annex the property and receive all the permit revenue and property taxes. Our staff would have control of the approval of building construction.

Second: I talked with members of the constituency to solicit their thoughts. Once I had given them the complete information, they agreed that approval of the agreement was the best way to go.

Third: I have also listened to several Staff presentations which only added to the information that I received from planning commission.

For these reasons, I am convinced the best solution for the city of Maple Valley is to approve this agreement.

Glenn Smith

Maple Valley City Council

Position No. 2