Debating Olympia's Future: Who Will Decide?

By Bonnie Jacobs — Sitting Duck, June 2008

"Location, Location, Location." That is what the rezone of the Isthmus is all about.

Of course residents want a safe, thriving downtown. Of course we want an interesting array of parks, restaurants, shops, and cultural activities.

We also want attractive housing, thoughtfully located to provide homes for whomever wants to live there.

So what is the issue? ...LOCATION... Olympia's waterfront is spectacular! The Isthmus in particular, with its panoramic views in every direction, astounds locals and visitors alike! And when the sun is out, WOW!

The question now is: What do we want to do with it?

As the Joni Mitchell song goes: Do we "pave paradise and put up a parking lot" or in Olympia's case bulldoze paradise and put up condominiums?

Triway, a west coast developer, has requested a rezone with Full Block coverage (sidewalk to sidewalk). Building heights would be 65ft to 90ft, plus 16 ft of equipment sheds atop. Most of the Isthmus is included in the rezone.

Talk about massive! The 9-story "mistake on the lake" only covers 1/5 of that block. Imagine full block coverage. The Heritage Park fountain will be shaded most afternoons.

Don't be fooled. This rezone is not the silver bullet that proponents would have us believe. It is more akin to a stake in the heart of our city — our waterfront.

There are plenty of empty lots and buildings in need of a redo in downtown. Most blocks are already zoned for 8 stories of housing. In most cases, the upper floors would have fabulous views enabling the developers to make big money.

Our state capitol is said to have the most beautiful setting of all 50 state capitols. Tax payers' money has come in from all over the state to pay for Heritage Park and Percival Landing. A resident of Seattle donated the Fountain. And we lucky locals get to enjoy it all year round!

We have a responsibility that extends beyond ourselves. It extends to the state's taxpayers and to future generations as well. Are high-rise condos what we want to be our legacy?

Yes, let's get talking about this issue: to everyone you know, including the city council and the planning commission. Attend the planning commission hearing June 24.

Will the people of Olympia decide this rezone? Or will a developer, who bought the property knowing full well the current zoning, decide the future of OUR WATERFRONT, OUR ISTHMUS? (A developer who, by the way, has refused to participate in public forums on the issue.)

Bonnie Jacobs, Friends of the Waterfront