Contributed graphics Brett Lucas/City of Cheney planning The top map shows the Emtman Alki property as it's currently zoned. The bottom map shows how it would be affected by the proposed zoning changes.
Cheney developer Steve Emtman is proposing a zoning change that would essential "swap" land designated multifamily on 12.1 acres of land along Alki Street to better accommodate construction of a 224-unit apartment complex.
The changes would redistribute land around a wetland on the site by changing the designation of Emtman's property along a strip of Alki from R-3/multifamily residential to R-3H/high density multifamily residential. An equal amount of land along the northern boundary of the wetland currently zoned R-3H would then become R-3.
"At the end of the day, there's no net increase in R-3H or R-3 citywide," Cheney senior planner Brett Lucas said. "It (zoning change) would allow the four-story building (to be built) closer to the railroad tracks."
Lucas said the applicant, Whipple Consulting Engineers, has already submitted civil engineering plans for the project, defined in the application as Emtman Alki Apartments. The application's State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA) checklist also notes that grading and building permit applications are also in the works.
While the notice of application and mitigated determination of non-significance forms call for a 224-unit apartment complex, the SEPA information lists a complex of 275 units. Project engineer Elliot Whipple said the 224-unit configuration is the correct number, adding that its size can't get any bigger due to parking requirements recently modified by the city.
"That's the ultimate limiting factor," Whipple said.
The SEPA checklist also notes that the site contains a wetlands, fed by several streams and in-ground flows, that will be subject to mitigation measures as a condition of construction. The wetland has been the subject of studies from past projects related to Emtman's Terra Vista residential concept, of which the proposed apartment complex along with townhouse units further south along Alki and east on Blackhawk Lane as well as several homes on Terra Vista are a part of.
Whipple said they would be contacting a biologist to prepare another report on the wetland, defining its type, size and structure as well as what efforts need to be taken to protect it.
"We're an engineering firm, we don't do that," Whipple said. "(But) it will be one."
A public hearing on the rezone application is scheduled for the Cheney Planning Commission's regular meeting next month on Sept. 10. The commission meets at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
The commission will send a recommendation on the rezone to the City Council, who has final approval on any changes. According to the SEPA checklist, the project could commence within six to 20 weeks after a final approval of the rezone by the council.
Whipple said the project includes paving of the final portion of Alki Street that was not included in the previous projects, providing easier access on that side of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe and Union Pacific railroad tracks between Cheney-Spangle and Cheney-Plaza roads.
John McCallum can be reached at jmac@cheneyfreepress.com.
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