To the editor,
The candidate for mayor in Black Diamond, Dave Gordon, said that “now is not the time for the Yarrow Bay developments to occur.” The slogan for his campaign is “Save Our Town.” If Dave Gordon is attempting to save the city from growth, what is the sense and reality of that goal?
Earlier this year, as the city council studied the need to raise water and sewer rates, the council viewed different growth scenarios that proved to them that if development would occur it would be unnecessary to raise rates significantly. They agreed. The consultant said city officials should be on the street corners begging the developers to come to town and build. Soon after that work session, the council voted to raise rates 15 percent per year for the next three years. This rate increase applies only to residents on city utilities. The rates do not apply to Lake Sawyer residents or to city residents using Covington Water and Soos Creek Sewer.
Why is this not the time for growth? The economy is strengthening. Housing prices in King County are up, interest rates are still low, but there is little new construction in Black Diamond. Black Diamond is losing businesses rather than having sufficient population to attract or retain businesses. Why is this not the time for development to bring in a reliable revenue stream making it unnecessary for large rate increases?
When Black Diamond was designated as an urban growth area, thousands of acres surrounding the city were saved from development. YarrowBay bought property from several land owners becoming the largest private land owner in the city. The city’s agreement with YarrowBay is to develop their land as a master project, a symbiotic relationship with residents and businesses supporting one another in a balanced manner.
The city gains revenue from both activities. Growth pays for growth. Amazingly, half of YarrowBay’s property will be left as open space. This is positively unique compared to what is happening in other cities.
The Hearing Examiner and the Superior Court have ruled in favor of the city and YarrowBay, supporting the Master Planned Developments and Development Agreements. An appeal against preliminary plat 1A for The Villages was dismissed by the Hearing Examiner. The court of appeals will soon hear arguments on the MPD and DA. Legal experts believe the court will again side with YarrowBay and the city.
The Yarrow Bay project is a done deal. Legally bound contracts were signed three years ago. Even current council members — including those who opposed the YarrowBay project when they ran for office — have stated that the projects will be built. What the city should be doing at this point, the council acknowledges, is ensuring compliance to these contracts.
It is time for growth. Support the people who understand the negative impacts of further delay and how it harms rather than helps our city’s financial health. Support the vitality of your city by voting for those who will insure Black Diamond grows responsibly. This November the city needs our votes for Bill Roth, Shawn Oglesbee, Patrick Nelson and Mayor Rebecca Olness.
Bill Boston
Black Diamond
