Property Owners Say Downzoning `Unfair' -- Some Insist Fed. Way Moving Too Quickly In Limiting Growth

FEDERAL WAY

Property owners in Federal Way criticized the City Council last night for proposing zoning changes that will tightly restrict development and limit uses on land throughout the newly formed city.

``It's ironic that while democracy is being born in the Soviet Union, it seems to be dying here in Federal Way,'' said David Thorstad, a Federal Way architect who attended the two-hour public hearing at Decatur High School.

He was echoed by others in the audience of about 75 people, most of whom protested the proposed zoning changes. Many of them said they they were longtime landowners who want to build offices, restaurants and other businesses on their property - in accordance with King County zoning laws.

Much of that changed, however, when Federal Way citizens voted late last year to incorporate as an independent city.

With that vote came a mandate to restrict growth, say City Council members, who have since drafted the zoning map. Changes in the map are not final and the council's Land Use Committee will meet again tonight to shift a few more lines to determine where residential, commercial and industrial districts will be located. But final action is expected by Feb. 28, the day Federal Way officially becomes a city.

In the meantime, landowners are trying to influence where those lines will be drawn. Last night, for example, Roy Velling urged the council to maintain zoning for office use on his property at 356th South and First Ave. South.

``If the zoning is changed, I will lose a lot of profit and potential for my family,'' he said, noting that he wanted to build an office building on the land for later use by two sons now in dental school.

Under county zoning laws, Velling said the property was zoned for office use. The city, however, is proposing a rezone to residential use.

``The county will widen that corner intersection to five lanes,'' Velling said. ``There is no way anyone will ever build a home there.''

Nadine Zackrisson asked the council to reconsider zoning changes on a 10-acre parcel of land at 320th Southwest and 47th Ave. Southwest. The owners want to build a small retail center, she said, based on county zoning laws that would allow such commercial development. The city, however, is proposing a rezone to professional office space.

``Is is unfair, inequitable and unreasonable,'' she said. ``It will create serious financial hardship for the owner.''

Council members did not respond to such complaints and later declined to comment on which, of any such requests, would be granted. They did, however, argue that the council must balance the public good against individual requests. It is not an easy task.

``Downzoning is always controversial,'' said Councilman Jim Handmacher.

However, he said the council is planning to use the zoning map as a tool to manage growth in the rapidly expanding neighborhoods and commercial districts.

The plan, as drafted, directs retail growth toward a city center surrounding the Sea-Tac Mall. Manufacturing parks are being encouraged along Pacific Highway South. Malls and other large commercial developments are being directed away from residential areas.

Many areas previously zoned for apartments and other multifamily housing units are being rezoned for single family uses only.

Few people at last night's meeting protested the change in apartment zoning, but many urged the council to slow down.

``I don't have any ax to grind; I'm retired,'' said A.B. Christensen, who said his property won't be affected by zoning changes.

``But I hear a lot of people here telling you you're not ready for this and I agree - you're not ready to pass a zoning ordinance. I suggest you go out and look into these peoples' concerns.''

The council's Land Use Committee is scheduled to meet at 5:30 p.m. tonight at City Hall.