Department of Ecology Letter, Nov 4, 2011 (2).pdfSTATE Or WASHINGTO�i
DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY
JUL I () 2012
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November -^r, 2011
Mr. Robert McChesney, Executive Director
Port of Edmonds
.3).'36 Admiral Way
Edmonds, WA 98020
RE: Shoreline Master Program (SMP) -Urban mixed Use Designation
Dear Mr. McChesney:
On October 14, 2011, Paul Anderson and I met with you, Port Commissioner Jim Orris, City of
Edmonds Planning staff and Port consultants about the potential application of the draft SMP
shoreline environment Mixed Use III designation to the Port's Harbor Square property. The
Port's lona term plan is to redevelop this property. Harbor Square is located adjacent to the
Edmonds Marsh, which is classified as a shoreline of the State and a Natural shoreline
environment under the proposed SMP.
Ecology has been coordinating with City Planner, Kemen Lien, on developing the shoreline
environment and SMP standards that would best suit the Harbor Square area and also minimize
impacts on Edmonds Marsh over the long term. Ecology supports Edmonds' draft Mixed Use III
shoreline environment and the associated shoreline regulations for the Harbor Square area.
These proposed standards recognize the existing high intensity land uses present at Harbor
Square and the highly modified upland shoreline environment adjacent to Edmonds Marsh. The
standards also allow for potential redevelopment within the same impervious surface footprint_
At the meeting you provided preliminary ideas and plans for a major redevelopment of Harbor
Square. Installation of low impact development (LID) storm water controls and day lighting
parts of Willow Creek are part of this redevelopment. Given that Harbor Square currently does
not have such storm water treatment facilities; the installing of LID storm water facilities could
have a very beneficial effect on the water quality and ecological functions of Edmonds Marsh.
Ecology sees this as a potential positive environmental outcome of the Harbor Square
redevelopment.
Mr. Robert McChesney; Executive Director
November 4.2011
Page 2 of 2
Ecology staff will continue to work -,with the City of Edmonds Planning staff as the SMP works
its way through the Planning Commission and the City Council.
If you have any questions please give me call at (425) 649-4253.
Sincexel
"-avid Pater
Shoreline Planner
DP:eja
cc: Paul Anderson, Department of Ecology
Kernen Lien, Associate Planner, Edmonds Development Services