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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04. Heritage Final Revised Report (Final-Apri22)Prepared for: Broetje Orchards LLC Prepared By: J-U-B ENGINEERS, Inc. 3611 South Zintel Way Kennewick, WA 99337 With assistance from: Land Strategies The Metts Group SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO PASCO’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FROM INDUSTRIAL TO MIXED COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL NEW HERITAGE April 2022 30-19-079/New Heritage i TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 OVERVIEW.................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Vision for the Site ............................................................................................................................ 2 1.3 Land Use ........................................................................................................................................... 3 2 REPORT SCOPE ............................................................................................................ 6 2.1 Scope ................................................................................................................................................. 6 2.2 Alternatives ...................................................................................................................................... 6 3 SUMMARY – APPROVAL CRITERIA ........................................................................... 9 3.1 Pasco Code Requirements ............................................................................................................. 9 3.2 Community Development Requirements .................................................................................. 11 3.3 City Council Goals and Policies ................................................................................................... 15 4 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMPATIBILITY .............................................................. 19 5 EXISTING CONDITION, EFFECTS, AND MITIGATION ............................................ 36 5.1 Land Use ......................................................................................................................................... 36 5.2 Population, Housing, and Employment ..................................................................................... 42 5.3 Environmental Health ................................................................................................................... 48 5.4 Parks and Recreation .................................................................................................................... 50 5.5 Public Facilities .............................................................................................................................. 55 5.6 Utilities ............................................................................................................................................ 56 5.7 Transportation ............................................................................................................................... 61 6 ECONOMICS ............................................................................................................... 66 30-19-079/New Heritage ii TABLE OF TABLES Table 2.1 – Land Use Estimates by Alternative ........................................................................................................ 8 Table 4.1 – Comprehensive Plan Compatibility ..................................................................................................... 19 Table 5.1 – Existing Land Use in Pasco Limits and UGA ....................................................................................... 36 Table 5.2 – Existing Vicinity Land Uses ................................................................................................................... 38 Table 5.3 – Proposed Land Uses in the Amendment Vicinity .............................................................................. 41 Table 5.4 – Average Household size ....................................................................................................................... 46 Table 5.5 – Employment ........................................................................................................................................... 47 Table 5.6 – Typical System Description Components ........................................................................................... 51 Table 5.7 – Low Use Projected Sewage Volumes .................................................................................................. 58 Table 5.8 – Low Intensity Alternative Proposed Water Demand with Irrigation ............................................... 58 Table 5.9 – Medium Use Projected Sewage Volumes .......................................................................................... 59 Table 5.10 – Medium Intensity Alternative Proposed Water Demand with Irrigation ..................................... 59 Table 5.11 – High Use Projected Sewage Volumes............................................................................................... 60 Table 5.12 – High Intensity Alternative Proposed Water Demand with Irrigation ............................................ 60 Table 6.13 – Commuting Flows by Geographic Area (2019)................................................................................ 68 TABLE OF FIGURES Figure 1.1 – Amendment Area ................................................................................................................................... 1 Figure 1.2 – Vicinity Map ............................................................................................................................................ 2 Figure 5.1 – Pasco Future Land Use Map ............................................................................................................... 37 Figure 5.2 – Vicinity Land Use .................................................................................................................................. 39 Figure 5.3 – Park Service Area ................................................................................................................................. 53 Figure 5.4 – Pasco Street System ............................................................................................................................ 62 Figure 6.1 – Net Absorption, Industrial Properties in Franklin County ............................................................... 66 Figure 6.2 – Commuter Flows, City of Pasco (2019) .............................................................................................. 68 Figure 6.3 – Pasco Urban Growth Boundary .......................................................................................................... 69 LIST OF APPENDICES A. Transportation B. Economic Analysis 30-19-079/New Heritage 1 1 OVERVIEW 1.1 INTRODUCTION An Amendment is being proposed for a 196-acre area, currently designated in Pasco’s Comprehensive Plan as “Industrial”, to either “Mixed Residential/Commercial” or "Medium Density Residential." This 196-acre site is a portion of a 239-acre area. The remaining 42-acres, located south of the existing railroad spur, would remain industrial. (See Figure 1.1). If this application to amend the Comprehensive Plan is approved, an application for a Rezone and Land Subdivision under the Pasco Zoning Code will be submitted. This would allow a mix of residential, commercial and office uses, with residential densities ranging from a minimum of 6.6 Units Per Acre (UPA) to a maximum 11.5 UPA. The purpose of this report is to: evaluate the effects this amendment would have on the community and the environment; suggest measures to reduce impacts; and to provide measures to increase compatibility with the goals and policies of Pasco’s Comprehensive Plan. FIGURE 1 .1 – AMENDMENT AREA The land being evaluated for the Comprehensive Plan Amendment is comprised of five parcels in Pasco: • 112430012 (16.9 acres) • 112430021 (140.0 acres) • 112470014 (35.3 acres) • 112462078 (2.46 acres) • 112462096 (1.65 acres) 30-19-079/New Heritage 2 FIGURE 1 .2 – VICINITY MAP 1.2 VISION FOR THE SITE The site is proposed to be a mixed residential and commercial area, providing much needed housing to the East Pasco area using the "New Urbanism" concept. This concept would incorporate walkable blocks and streets, housing, and shopping opportunities in proximity, accessible public spaces, and school facilities near those being served into the development. New Heritage would be a mixed-use development that is compact, pedestrian-friendly and where many of the activities of daily living (shopping, access to green-space, work, schools, etc.) are within walking or biking distance. It will also serve nearby employment centers and provide job opportunities to the families living there. 30-19-079/New Heritage 3 Diversity is crucial to New Heritage’s vision and is a hallmark of a healthy community per Broetje Orchards’ long-established experience and success in community-building. As such, new development will seek to honor the history and culture unique to the East Pasco area. Further, this concept of diversity also seeks to provide housing and services that welcome all, attracting low and high-income residents, the elderly and young families. In the tradition of Broetje Orchards vision and values, New Heritage will be a place that seeks to facilitate connections between the residents who live and work there. As such, gathering places that are work nor home, where individuals can feel a sense of safety and belonging are a core feature of the development and provide opportunities for relationships between residents to form. The New Heritage concept will promote civic engagement and advancing the well-being of those who are there. This is a goal of Broetje Orchards’ current and future work (https://broetjefamilytrust.org). 1.3 LAND USE New Heritage envisions up to five general land use categories: • Residential • Commercial/Office • Schools • Parks and Open space • Roads and Utilities The following describes the character of each of these land uses based on the “Vision” discussed above: RESIDENTIAL New Heritage could develop a range of residential configurations. It could include the typical single-family residences on a separate lot with access from a public street, where pedestrian, bike and automobile access are from the public street, or automobile access is from an alley. This option could have a range of 3 to 8 units per acre. Multi-family uses would range from duplexes to multi-story apartment buildings ranging from 8 to 24 units per acre. Source: Skibba Illustration 30-19-079/New Heritage 4 Most of these residential uses would be located within walking and biking distance (0.5± mile) to parks, schools, retail shops (coffee, barber, restaurants, offices, etc.) and employment centers. Building designs for these residential uses would vary depending on the type and location. For instance, duplexes in or near single-family residential areas would be designed to be compatible with single-family houses. Denser, multi- family apartments would be designed to be compatible with nearby residential and commercial uses. Pedestrian and bike access would be a combination of trails, street sidewalks and bikeways. COMMERICAL/OFFICE New Heritage would also contain a mix of retail uses. The vision would be to have shopping within walking and biking distance to reduce the reliance on the automobile and to develop a real sense of community. This category also would include mixed-use commercial and office space on the ground floor with residential uses above. This category could include mixed-use commercial and office space, located within a 0.5± mile walking range, to primally serve the denser single-family and multi-family land uses. This category may also include stand-alone commercial, and office uses that are designed to serve populations outside of the 0.5± mile walking area. This option would include retail spaces that require more parking and are designed to serve a wider market, such as grocery stores and hardware stores. This type of retail use would generally be located at major intersections and be designed to serve both the New Heritage area and other areas outside of New Heritage. SCHOOLS Because of the potential projected population of the New Heritage site and for the stated need by the Pasco School District for a school site in this area, it is assumed that an elementary school may be required to serve the area. Because of this, land has been set aside for this purpose. This land use would also be served by a combination of walkways, pathways and bikeways and would be within walking and biking distance from the major residential areas. Source: Edge 1 Source: VMWP 1 30-19-079/New Heritage 5 PARKS AND OPEN SPACE One of the major elements in this “Vision” is the extent and location of its Parks and Open Space system. This includes parks, but also includes dedicated pathways and bikeways, separated from vehicular traffic, and sidewalks and dedicated bikeways within roadways. This open space and pathway system would be the major element connecting the residential areas to the neighborhood centers, parks, schools and employment centers. It is envisioned that this open-space concept could also serve as the “Heart” of the community; providing both recreation and meeting spaces. This category also includes buffers to separate the existing industries east of the site and along the existing railroad spur to the South. ROADS AND UTILITIES A portion of the site will have to be dedicated to roadways, utility easements, existing easements, and existing public roadways. All roadways would have sidewalks, space for bicycles and street trees. Roadways would also have suitable stopping areas for public transportation. The vision also anticipates that some type of public bus stop/transit center located within walking distance to the major residential areas. Source: Can Stock Photo 30-19-079/New Heritage 6 2 REPORT SCOPE 2.1 SCOPE In order to fully evaluate the potential effects of this Land Use change to Pasco’s Comprehensive Plan, and to the community, the following major issues are addressed: • Land Use – Including Impacts to and from Industry • Population, Housing, and Employment • Parks and Recreation • Transportation • Public Services and Utilities • Economics This analysis also includes an assessment of the amendment area, including current uses, topography, access/utilities, and the existing infrastructure (rail, roadways, etc.). It evaluates the need for residential uses near major employment centers, traffic, noise, pollution, and quality of life. 2.2 ALTERNATIVES To prepare this report, New Heritage looked at four alternatives. This was done to compare the potential benefits and impacts of a range of alternatives, as well as showing the similarities and differences of those impacts to the natural and built environment. New Heritage emphasizes that no alternative should be considered definitive. This will allow New Heritage and the decision makers, with input from the public and stakeholders; the opportunity to incorporate the better features of each alternative into a recommended final overall design. This process also provides a basis for the development of future mitigation measures and design details. The following describes each of the alternatives. Table 2.1, below, summarizes the three action alternatives. NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE A No-Action alternative is intended to establish a basis for evaluating the three future action alternatives. Under this alternative, the current Comprehensive Plan designation of “Industrial” for the entire site would remain industrial and no land use changes would occur. The No-Action alternative is intended to provide a basis for comparison between the three action alternatives and the existing planning designation under Pasco’s Comprehensive Plan. ALTERNATIVE 1, LOW INTENSTIY MIXED USE Development under this alternative would conform to the “Vision” that New Heritage has outlined in Section 1, but at the lowest overall intensity when compared to the other alternatives. 30-19-079/New Heritage 7 • Residential – This alternative would contain a mix of single-family and multi-family units with an average overall density of 6.6 units per acre with a total of 794 residential units. • Commercial/Office – This alternative would contain approximately 32,670 square feet of retail and service/office space. • Park and Trails – This alternative would contain acreage for parks, open space, buffers and trails. Actual park acreage will be determined during the Land Subdivision Process. • Schools – Approximately 15 acres has been set aside for an elementary school, if needed. • Roads/Infrastructure – For this alternative, approximately 29 acres have been allocated for roads and infrastructure, including easements and rights-of-way. ALTERNATIVE 2, MEDIUM IN T ENSITY MIXED USE This alternative would also conform to the “Vision” that New Heritage has proposed in Section 1, but at a medium intensity when compared to the other two alternatives. • Residential – This alternative would contain a mix of single-family and multi-family units with an average overall density of approximately 8.6 units per acre, with a tota l of 1,028 housing units. • Commercial/Office – This would contain approximately 65,340 square feet of retail and service/office space, including retail and office space with residential units above. • Park and Trails – This alternative would contain acreage for parks, open space, buffers and trails. Actual park acreage will be determined during the Land Subdivision Process. • Schools – Approximately 15 acres has been set aside for an elementary school. • Roads/Infrastructure – For this alternative, approximately 29 acres have been allocated for roads and infrastructure, including easements and rights-of-way. ALTERNATIVE 3, HIGH INTENSITY MIXED USE This alternative would also conform to the “Vision” that New Heritage has proposed in Section 1, but at a higher intensity when compared to the other two alternatives. • Residential – This alternative would contain a mix of single-family and multi-family units with an average overall density of 11.5 units per acre. Based on this, the total number of residential units would be 1,354. This includes residential units above the commercial and office spaces. • Commercial/Office – This alternative would contain approximately 76,230 square feet of retail/office space. • Park and Trails – This alternative would contain acreage for parks, open space, buffers and trails. Actual park acreage will be determined during the Land Subdivision Process. • Schools – Approximately 15 acres has been set aside for an elementary school. 30-19-079/New Heritage 8 • Roads/Infrastructure – For this alternative, approximately 29 acres have been allocated for roads and infrastructure, including easements and rights-of-way. TABLE 2 .1 – LAND USE ESTIMATES BY ALTERNATIVE Land Use Alternative 1 Low Intensity Alternative 2 Medium Intensity Alternative 3 High Intensity Commercial/Office Acres FAR Floor Area Acres FAR Floor Area Acres FAR Floor Area Retail 1 0.25 10,890 2 0.25 21,780 3 0.25 32,670 Service/Office 1 0.50 21,780 2 0.50 43,560 2 0.50 43,560 Subtotal 2 32,670 4 65,340 5 76,230 Other Land Uses Acres Acres Acres Schools 15 15 15 Parks * * * Roads & Utilities @ 15% 29 29 29 Subtotal 73 73 73 Residential Acres UPA Units Acres UPA Units Acres UPA Units Single-Family 100 5 500 85 5.5 468 69 6 414 Duplex/Tri-Plex 7 6 42 10 8 80 17 12 204 Apartments 14 18 252 24 20 480 32 23 736 Subtotal 121 6.6 794 119 8.6 1,028 118 11.5 1,354 Total Site Acreage 196 196 196 Total Population 3.35 2,660 3.35 3,442 3.35 4,536 Source: Broetje Orchards LLC, JUB, Land Strategies UPA = Units Per Acre FAR = Floor Area Ratio Average Household Size per City’s Comprehensive Plan and US Census for Washington State Average Household Size x Total Units = Total Population * Park space to be determined during Land Subdivision Process. 30-19-079/New Heritage 9 3 SUMMARY – APPROVAL CRITERIA 3.1 PASCO CODE REQUIREMENTS For the proposed amendment to be approved, the Pasco Planning Commission must make the following specific findings to the Pasco Council: 1. After completion of an open record hearing on a petition for reclassification of property, the Planning Commission shall make and enter findings from the records and conclusions there of which support its recommendation and find whether: a. The proposal is in accord with the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan; b. The effect of the proposal on the immediate vicinity will be materially detrimental; c. There is merit and value in the proposal for the community as a whole; d. Conditions should be imposed in order to mitigate any significant adverse impacts from the proposal; e. A concomitant agreement should be entered into between Pasco and the petitioner, and if so, the terms and conditions of such an agreement. 2. The Planning Commission shall render its recommendation to approve, approve with modifications and/or conditions, or reject the petition based on its findings and conclusions. The Commission's recommendation, to include its findings and conclusions, shall be forwarded to the Pasco Council at a regular business meeting thereof. [Ord. 3354 § 2, 1999; Code 1970 § 25.88.060.] The following addresses each of these requirements: a. Accord with the Goals and Policies of The Comprehensive Plan: Based on these assumptions, Table 5.3, Goals and Policies Conformance, below, identifies each Goal and Policy contained in the Comprehensive Plan and discusses how the Low Intensity, Medium Intensity and High Intensity alternatives conform to each Goal and Policy. Because the No-Action Alternative does not change the current designation under the Comprehensive Plan, it is assumed to already be in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan’s Goals and Policies. b. Effect of the Proposal on the Immediate Vicinity: Compatibility with uses in the immediate vicinity is discussed in Sections 5.1 through 5.8 and in Appendices A and B. This discussion includes potential effects on the environment and proposed mitigation measures. In summary, the project would have a positive impact on adjacent residential uses north of East A Street. It would not impact adjacent industrial uses, except in the possibility that the adjacent industries, including the adjacent distribution center, could reduce the 30-19-079/New Heritage 10 viability of residential uses without mitigation. Mitigation measures to reduce this potential have been proposed by both New Heritage and The Distribution Centers. c. There is Merit and Value in the Proposal for the Community as a Whole: The amendment site is adjacent to two major distribution centers containing over 1,200 employees (Business Journal). The proposal would provide needed affordable residential uses, reducing commute times, traffic congestion and pollution. (See Sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.7 and 5.8). This change would also provide mitigation measures to reduce any impacts to the community. It would also make effective use of the infrastructure currently in place (See Section 5.6). Pasco has continued to grow. The Comprehensive Plan provides that most new residential development will occur to the northwest, in the Broadmoor area, leaving the eastern portion of Pasco lacking residential opportunities; particularly given the significant employment base in the eastern portion of Pasco (See Section 5.8 and Appendix B). d. Conditions Should be Posed in Order to Mitigate any Significant Adverse Impacts from the Proposal: Mitigation measures have been proposed in Section 5 that could mitigate any adverse effects from the proposal. As noted in the introduction, it is assumed that necessary mitigation measures would be identified during the Land Subdivision Process. e. A Concomitant Agreement Should be Entered into Between Pasco and Petitioner: A concomitant agreement should be entered into either at the time of approval of the amendment, or at the time of approval of the Land Subdivision, or a combination of both. This report assumes that such approvals would mitigate any significant impacts from the amendment proposal and assure that the amendment is not in significant conflict with the above required findings. In addition to the above requirements, Section 25.215.020, Comprehensive Plan Amendment, identifies other requirements for the approval of a Comprehensive Plan Amendment: 25.215.020 Comprehensive Plan Amendment. (7) Annual Review of Docket. (b) All complete applications shall be docketed and reviewed concurrently, on an annual basis and in a manner consistent with RCW 36.70A.130. (ii) City Council Review of Docketed Requests. After the May 1st deadline, City staff will present the docketed requests to the Planning Commission (Commission) for review and a recommendation. The Commission’s recommendation shall be forwarded to the 30-19-079/New Heritage 11 City Council (Council) as soon as practical for Council review. The Council shall determine which specific docketed requests are processed based on the following criteria: (A) Timing of the requested amendment is appropriate, and Council will have sufficient information to make an informed decision; (B) The City will be able to conduct sufficient analysis, develop policy and related development regulations; (C) The requested amendment has not been recently rejected by Council; (D) The amendment will further implement the intent of the City’s adopted Comprehensive Plan or the Growth Management Act; (E) The amendment is not better addressed through another planning process. All the required information needed for Council review is included in this Report, including Appendices A and B, and in the completed application for the amendment. The information provided is also sufficient for the development of analysis, policy and development regulations. This is a new amendment request and has not been previously rejected by Council. As noted in Section 4, the proposed amendment is consistent with the intent of the Comprehensive Plan. As noted in this Section, the proposed amendment is also in conformance with the Growth Management Act. The proposal is needed to meet an urgent requirement to provide affordable housing to adjacent industries and there is no other planning process that could meet this need on a timely basis. 3.2 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS The Pasco Community and Economic Development Department has also established the general criteria for approval of an amendment to the City's Comprehensive Plan: • Does the proposed amendment bear a substantial relationship to the public health, safety, welfare, and protection of the environment? This is discussed in Section 5, below and in Appendices A and B. Section 5 and the Appendices provide information related to the impacts associated with the No-Action Alternative and the three action alternatives. It also provides mitigation measures to address these impacts. In summary, this analysis determined that the proposed amendment would have less impacts to the natural environment and to the public health, safety and welfare than the current Industrial designation. • Is the proposed amendment consistent with the requirements of the Washington State Growth Management Act and to the affected portion(s) of the adopted Pasco Comprehensive Plan? The Washington State Growth Management Act provides thirteen goals to guide the development and adoption of comprehensive plans and development regulations. The following discusses this proposed amendment conformance to these goals: 30-19-079/New Heritage 12 1. Urban growth. Encourage development in urban areas where adequate public facilities and services exist or can be provided in an efficient manner. The site has adequate public facilities (See Section 5 and Appendices A and B). 2. Reduce sprawl. Reduce the inappropriate conversion of undeveloped land into sprawling, low-density development. The proposal reduces sprawl by converting existing undeveloped industrial land into residential uses, within the current Urban Growth Area (UGA). 3. Transportation. Encourage efficient multimodal transportation systems that are based on regional priorities and coordinated with county and city comprehensive plans. The proposal would provide for public transportation as well as other forms of transportation (See Sections 1, 2 and 5). 4. Housing. Plan for and accommodate housing affordable to all economic segments of the population of this state, promote a variety of residential densities and housing types, and encourage preservation of existing housing stock. The proposal would meet an identified need for affordable housing required by adjacent industrial and business land uses (See Section 1 and Appendix B). 5. Economic development. Encourage economic development throughout the state that is consistent with adopted comprehensive plans, promote economic opportunity for all citizens of this state, especially for unemployed and for disadvantaged persons, promote the retention and expansion of existing businesses and recruitment of new businesses, recognize regional differences impacting economic development opportunities, and encourage growth in areas experiencing insufficient economic growth, all within the capacities of the state's natural resources, public services, and public facilities. This site is a portion of the original 400+ Heritage industrial site. The major portion of this site is currently being developed for two major distribution centers. There are currently insufficient affordable residences to serve the employees of these two developments as well as other existing and planned industrial developments in the immediate area. (See Appendix B). The lack of affordable housing can have an adverse impact on the ability for industry to attract employees (See Appendix B). The Pasco UGA has over 7,000 acres of industrial land. While a large portion of this land is in rights-of-ways or is owned by public agencies, there is still significant acreage remaining available for industrial uses (See Appendix B). 30-19-079/New Heritage 13 6. Property rights. Private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation having been made. The property rights of landowners shall be protected from arbitrary and discriminatory actions. Not applicable. 7. Permits. Applications for both state and local government permits should be processed in a timely and fair manner to ensure predictability. Not applicable. 8. Natural resource industries. Maintain and enhance natural resource-based industries, including productive timber, agricultural, and fisheries industries. Encourage the conservation of productive forestlands and productive agricultural lands, and discourage incompatible uses. Not applicable. 9. Open space and recreation. Retain open space, enhance recreational opportunities, conserve fish and wildlife habitat, increase access to natural resource lands and water, and develop parks and recreation facilities. The proposed amendment will require park and open space (See Sections 1, 2 and 5). Actual acreage to be determined during the Land Subdivision Process. 10. Environment. Protect the environment and enhance the state's high quality of life, including air and water quality, and the availability of water. Mitigation measures are identified in Section 5 and Appendices A and B. In general, the proposed conversion to residential and retail/office uses would have less impact on the natural environment than industrial uses. 11. Citizen participation and coordination. Encourage the involvement of citizens in the planning process and ensure coordination between communities and jurisdictions to reconcile conflicts. The City's Amendment process will provide adequate public review and comment. In addition, the Rezone and Land Subdivision also provides opportunity for public comment (See Section 4). 12. Public facilities and services. Ensure that those public facilities and services necessary to support development shall be adequate to serve the development at the time the development is available for occupancy and use without decreasing current service levels below locally established minimum standards. There are adequate public facilities immediately available to serve the site. 13. Historic preservation. Identify and encourage the preservation of lands, sites, and structures, that have historical or archaeological significance. Not Applicable. 30-19-079/New Heritage 14 Conformance to the Pasco Comprehensive Plan is discussed in detail in Section 4. This includes conformance to the projected 20-year population projections and conformance to the economic policies. It also addresses the impact lack of affordable housing will have on keeping and attracting new firms. ("The shortage of affordable housing undermines not only a swift economic recovery but also the economic competitiveness and productivity of metropolitan areas, as high housing costs affect regional economies’ ability to attract new firms and businesses and to expand existing ones - Center for American Progress, 2012). • Does the proposed amendment correct a mapping error or address a deficiency in the Comprehensive Plan? The proposed amendment does not correct a mapping error, but it does correct a deficiency in the Comprehensive Plan that does not provide affordable housing close to one of the primary industrial centers in the region. This is primarily due to the significant number of nearby industries that do not require highly skilled labor (See Appendix B). • What are the effects on the physical environment, including open space and natural features? The proposed amendment would have less effect on the physical environment than the current industrial classification, particularly given the current Medium Intensity Industrial zoning of the site (See Section 5). • What is the compatibility and impact on adjacent land uses and surrounding neighborhoods? In general, residential uses would have significantly less impact on adjacent residential neighborhoods than industrial uses. Impact to adjacent industrial uses would be mitigated (See Section 5). • What are the impacts on public facilities, and utilities, transportation system, parks, recreation, and public schools? Impacts to public facilities are addressed in Section 5, and in Appendices A and B. An elementary school site is available and park space will be provided. Impacts to other public facilities (police, fire, etc.) is also discussed in Section 5. • What is the effect on other components of the adopted Comprehensive Plan? There are two primary issues related to the proposed amendment: The economic impact related to changing 196 acres from Industrial to Mixed Use Residential/Commercial or Medium Density Residential; and the impact the additional population will have on the 20- year population projections in the Comprehensive Plan and approved by the County and Washington State. o The impacts related to the conversion of 196 acres of industrial land to a primary residential use is discussed in Section 5 and in Appendix B. In summary, it finds that the lack of affordable housing for unskilled employees can have a significant 30-19-079/New Heritage 15 impact on existing and prospective industries (See Appendix B). Even industries that require skilled employees have difficulty attracting and keeping employees if affordable housing is not available. Because the high cost of housing reduces a family’s ability to spend, it also impacts other businesses such as restaurants, groceries, health services, etc. o The impacts related to the projected increase in population is also discussed in Section 5. In summary, the City Comprehensive Plan provided for a 20% market factor in justifying the expansion of the UGA boundary. The purpose of this market factor was to maintain affordability in property acquisition and housing development. If this market factor was reduced to allow for the proposed additional housing units, the proposed amendment would not increase total projected population. It is also possible that this amendment will slightly reduce the projected density in the expanded UGA expansion area, or could reduce the overall average household size in Pasco, which would also limit any projected population increase. This issue is discussed in Section 5. 3.3 C ITY C OUNCIL G OALS AND P OLICIES Every 2 years, the City Council establishes specific goals designed to guide the work of the City. The following identifies how the proposed amendment is in conformance with these 2020-2021 goals. QUALITY OF LIFE Promote a high-quality of life through quality programs, services and appropriate investment and re-investment in community infrastructure by: • Using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and other public and private capital to revitalize older neighborhoods and safe routes to essential services. • Continuing efforts toward designing, siting, programming needs, and site selection for a community center and pursuing acquisition of land for future community park. • Developing Phase I of the A Street Sporting Complex and continue efforts to provide additional soccer and sports fields. • Coordinating with the Pasco Public Facilities District to develop a public education campaign, financial analysis and prepare a ballot measure concerning the development of a regional aquatic facility for consideration by the people. • Completing construction of a new animal control facility. • Ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and effectiveness of public resources in the delivery of municipal services, programs, and long-term maintenance and viability of public facilities. • Collaborating with the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Commission and community leaders to enhance engagement efforts and organizational cultural competency. 30-19-079/New Heritage 16 • Updating design standards for the development of new neighborhoods and re-development to promote greater neighborhood cohesion through design elements, e.g.: walkability, aesthetics, sustainability, and community gathering spaces. • Updating Parks and Facilities Comprehensive Plan to include: public facilities inventory, needs assessment, level of service, and centers evaluation. • Teaming with local and regional partners to develop a Housing Action Plan with a focus on strategies that emphasize affordable housing. RESPONSE: The amendment would provide community park facilities and would promote walkability, aesthetics, sustainability and community gathering spaces. This development will also compliment the planned City’s A Street Sport Complex. (See Section 1) FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY Enhance the long-term viability, value, and service levels of services and programs, including: • Regular evaluation of services and programs to confirm importance to community, adequacy, and cost-benefit. • Continuation of cost of service and recovery targets in evaluating City services. • Ongoing evaluation of costs, processes and performance associated with delivery of City services including customer feedback and satisfaction, staffing, facilities, and partnership opportunities. • Instilling and promoting an organizational culture of customer service across all business lines. • Updating policies relating to urbanization of the unincorporated islands to assure consistency with long-range planning, community safety, and fiscal sustainability. RESPONSE: New Heritage provides a number of community services to assist residents and coordinates these activities with appropriate public agencies. COMMUNITY SAFETY Preserve past improvements and promote future gains by: • Developing a Comprehensive Police Strategic Master Plan through a transparent process to evaluate future service levels of the department to assure sustainability, public safety, and crime control over the next 5-10 years. • Collaborating with regional and community partners to evaluate and implement strategies to reduce the incidence of homelessness. • Leveraging and expanding partnerships to maintain and enhance behavioral health services to community members in crisis being assisted by police and fire. • Continuing efforts to improve police and community relations. • Working to achieve and maintain target fire response times through ope rational improvements and long-range strategic planning of facilities and staffing. 30-19-079/New Heritage 17 • Focusing on the long-term goal of sustaining a Washington State Rating Bureau Class 3 community rating. • Leveraging infrastructure database of sidewalks, streetlights and pavement conditions along with evaluating policies and methods to address needs and inequities. RESPONSE: The proposed amendment and future Land Subdivision Permit would be a continuation of the existing Tierra Vida development to the north. Historical police call data confirms that police calls were 50% lower in the Tierra Vida neighborhood than the City’s average across all neighborhoods. The New Heritage development will have a positive impact on Pasco’s overall behavioral health. Lack of affordable housing is a large contributor to poor behavioral health outcomes. Further, through its non-profit organizations Broetje Orchards provides service to its communities that contribute to the growth and well-being of those living there, such as community support, social services, neighbor mediation, etc. This reduces family crisis and services of police and fire. Fire response time would be maintained (See Section 5). COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION NETWORK Promote a highly-functional multi-modal transportation system through: • Commencement and completion of construction of the Lewis Street Overpass project. • Continued emphasis on improvements in Road 68/I-182/Burden Blvd. corridor to improve operation and safety. • Data-driven pro-active neighborhood traffic calming efforts. • Continued collaboration with Ben Franklin Transit to enhance mobility and access. • Completion of a Transportation System Master Plan and utilization of its recommendations to develop policies, regulations, programs, and projects that provide for greater connectivity, strategic investment, mobility, multi-modal, accessibility, efficiency and safety. RESPONSE: The proposed amendment, through creation of a walkable community, would improve transportation (See Sections 1 and 5, and Appendices A and B). The goal is to create a "New Urbanism" community that emphasizes walking and biking. It will also help and ease commuting to adjacent and nearby industrial centers for all economic levels through a range of affordable housing. ECONOMI C VITALITY Promote and encourage economic vitality by supporting: • Downtown revitalization efforts of Downtown Pasco Development Authority (DPDA), post - COVID restart, and City initiatives such as Downtown Master Plan process and sign code modifications. • The construction of Peanuts Park and Farmers Market and continued efforts to pursue streetscape and gateway upgrades. • The completion of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update and Broadmoor Master Plan efforts, adoption of Urban Growth Area expansion alternative, implementation of adopted 30-19-079/New Heritage 18 long-range planning efforts with appropriate analysis and adoption of planning actions including: zoning code changes, phased sign code update, and development regulations and standards. • Increased efforts to promote the community as a desirable place for commercial and industrial development by promoting small business outreach and assistance, predictability in project review, and excellent customer service. • Partnerships and encouragement of Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to facilitate development of the remaining state-owned properties at Road 68/I-182. • Continued coordination with the Port of Pasco to complete and implement a waterfront- zoning plan and provide for public infrastructure. • Active partnerships in the planning and development of strategies to promote tourism and deployment of assets to spur economic activity. • In concert with community partners, development of a comprehensive economic development plan. RESPONSE: The proposed amendment would provide needed affordable housing within easy commute distance to existing employment centers. This has been critical in attracting certain businesses and industries where access to labor is critical (See Section 5 and Appendix B). It would enhance implementation through the development of a Contract Agreement and Rezone, with a future Land Subdivision to assure that the Goals and Policies of the Comprehensive Plan are met, and the project vision identified in Section 1 is implemented. COMMUNITY IDENTITY Identify opportunities to enhance community identity, cohesion, and image through: • Continued efforts of community surveying through traditional methods and the application of new technologies. • Providing opportunities for community engagement through boards, commissions, volunteer opportunities, social media, forums, and other outlets. • Enhanced inter-agency and constituent coordination developed during the pandemic. • Continued efforts of the community identity/image enhancement campaign to include promotion of community and organizational successes. • Enhanced participation and support of cultural events occurring within the community. • Support of the Arts and Culture Commission in promoting unity and the celebration of diversity through art and culture programs. RESPONSE: The proposed amendment would create a unique community identity with a range of affordable housing, an emphasis on pedestrian access, bikeways, community centers and programs that emphasis community interaction (See Section 1). As a calling card of Broetje Orchards’ community development work, community participation and engagement is a core focus. Please see https://broetjefamilytrust.org for more information. 30-19-079/New Heritage 19 4 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMPATIBILITY The Pasco Zoning Code requires that any amendment to the City's Comprehensive Plan be in conformance to the Plan's Goals and Policies. Table 4.1, below discusses each of the Comprehensive Plan's Goals and Policies and this amendment's conformance: TABLE 4 .1 – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMPATIBILITY GOALS AND POLICIES COMPATIBILITY LAND USE LU-1. GOAL: TAKE DELIBERATE, CONSISTENT, AND CONTINUOUS ACTIONS TO IMPROVE THE COMMUNITY’S QUALITY OF LIFE LU-1-A Policy: Maintain and apply current design standards for major public investments, particularly streets. LU-1-B Policy: Enhance the physical appearance of development within the community through land use regulations, design guidelines, and performance and maintenance standards including landscaping, screening, building facades, color, signs, and parking lot design and appearance. LU-1-C Policy: Encourage conservation design with cluster commercial development and discourage strip commercial development. LU-1-D Policy: Land uses should be permitted subject to adopted standards designed to mitigate land use impacts on adjacent, less intensive uses, while preserving constitutionally protected forms of expression. Implementation of the project "Vision" and the requirements of the Pasco Zoning and Subdivision Regulations will allow all proposed alternatives to meet this Goal and Policies. This proposed amendment will create a mixed use residential/commercial area: including, parks/trails, school, and road infrastructure. Current Pasco design standards will be applied to all major public investments (see Section 5) and all future development will be reviewed and approved through Pasco’s Land Subdivision process. The proposed amendment, for all alternatives, would have less impact on adjacent land uses than the current industrial uses (see Section 5.3). Adjacent industrial land uses can be mitigated, and all alternatives will be connected to Pasco services. Residential densities would exceed minimum Pasco requirements (see Section 5.6). 30-19-079/New Heritage 20 GOALS AND POLICIES COMPATIBILITY LU-2. GOAL: PLAN FOR A VARIETY OF COMPATIBLE LAND USES WITHIN THE UGA LU-2-A Policy: Maintain sufficient land designated to accommodate residential, commercial, industrial, educational, public facility, and open-space uses proximate to appropriate transportation and utility infrastructure. LU-2-B Policy: Facilitate planned growth within Pasco limits and UGA and promote infill developments in Pasco limits. LU-2-C Policy: Ensure that adequate public services are provided in a reasonable time frame for new developments. LU-2-D Policy: Encourage the use of buffers or transition zones between non-compatible land uses. LU-2-E Policy: Discourage the siting of incompatible uses adjacent to Pasco (Tri-Cities) Airport and other essential public facilities. LU-2-F Policy: Discourage developments dependent on septic system, and at a density below the minimum, to sustain an urban level of services. The proposed amendment could provide a mix of commercial, residential and supportive land uses under all the alternatives. The UGA will retain enough land to accommodate all land uses and adequate public services would be provided (see Section 5). Buffers and setbacks would be provided between non-compatible land uses. In addition, public services are currently available to the site (see Section 5.5, Appendix A). LU-3. GOAL: MAINTAIN ESTABLISHED NEIGHBORHOODS AND ENSURE NEW NEIGHBORHOODS ARE SAFE AND ENJOYABLE PLACES TO LIVE LU-3-A Policy: Design major streets, schools, parks, and other public facilities that will encourage the individual identities of neighborhoods. LU-3-B Policy: Support existing and design future recreational, educational, and cultural facilities and services through the Capital Facilities Plan; dedication of land through the concurrency management process; and coordination with service providers. LU-3-C Policy: Ensure all developments include appropriate landscaping and screening, as required by adopted regulations and guidelines. LU-3-D Policy: Encourage the use of irrigation (non-potable) water for landscape maintenance. The new urbanism concept (see Section 1) provides that neighborhoods are walkable to services, work, play, school and parks. Gathering places are provided to ensure an enjoyable place to live. The concept incorporates a high level of design consistency and will establish a unique identity to this neighborhood (see Section 1 and 5). Under the proposed amendment, space will be provided for schools, recreation, and cultural facilities and services (see Sections 1 and 5.4). All alternatives provide landscaping and screening and will meet or exceed adopted regulations and guidelines. The proposal could also provide recreation and community gathering spaces for the existing neighboring developments. 30-19-079/New Heritage 21 GOALS AND POLICIES COMPATIBILITY LU-4. GOAL: INCREASE COMMUNITY ACCESSIBILITY THROUGH PROPER LAND USE PLANNING LU-4-A Policy: Reduce the dependency of vehicle travel and encourage pedestrian and multi- modal options by providing compatible land- uses in and around residential neighborhoods. LU-4-B Policy: Encourage infill and higher density uses within proximity to major travel corridors and public transportation service areas. LU-4-C Policy: Encourage the development of walkable communities by increasing mixed-use (commercial/residential) developments that provide households with neighborhood and commercial shopping opportunities. LU-4-D Policy: Designate areas for higher density residential developments where utilities and transportation facilities enable efficient use of capital resources. LU-4-E Policy: Encourage the orderly development of land by emphasizing connectivity and efficiency of the transportation network. LU-4-F Policy: Support mixed use, smart growth, infill, and compact developments with transit and pedestrian amenities that promote a healthy community. The new urbanism concept will create a walkable community. The Vision (see Sections 1, 5.1 and 5.2) will provide pedestrian and multi-modal options with parks, recreation and shopping within walking and biking distances. The amendment could provide a mix of densities from 5 UPA to 12 UPA within proximity to major travel corridors and public transportation (see Section 5.5). The densities of the proposed alternatives are higher than Pasco average and would have utilities and transportation facilities available (See Section 5.5 and 5.6). LU-5. GOAL: MAINTAIN A BROAD RANGE OF RESIDENTIAL LAND USE DESIGNATIONS TO ACCOMMODATE A VARIETY OF LIFESTYLES AND HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES LU-5-A Policy: Allow a variety of residential densities throughout the UGA LU-5-B Policy: Encourage higher residential densities within and adjacent to major travel corridors, Downtown (Central Business District), and Broadmoor. All alternatives provide for a mix of residential land use designations and densities to accommodate a variety of lifestyles (see Section 1 and 2). The proposed amendment would expand the residential densities to the east of the downtown with transit and bike access to the Central Business District. 30-19-079/New Heritage 22 GOALS AND POLICIES COMPATIBILITY LU-6 GOAL: ENCOURAGE DISTINCTIVE QUALITY COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS THAT SUPPORT PASCO’S OVERALL DEVELOPMENT GOALS LU-6-A Policy: Encourage commercial and higher-density residential uses along major corridors and leverage infrastructure availability. LU-6-B Policy: Promote efficient and functional neighborhood level and major commercial centers to meet community demand. LU-6-C Policy: Ensure attractive hubs for activity by maintaining and applying design standards and guidelines that will enhance the built environment of each community. Implementation of the project "Vision" (See Section 1) would allow the amendment to meet this Goal. Planned Business and Office Park uses would also support Pasco’s overall development goals. Higher density residential and commercial uses would be within or adjacent to major travel corridors to leverage infrastructure availability (see Sections 5.8 and 8.7). The proposed site would contain both neighborhood retail and office/service uses. Specific design standards and guidelines would be established as part of the Land Subdivision and Development approval process (see Sections 1 and 2). LU-7 GOAL: SAFEGUARD AND PROTECT SHORELANDS AND CRITICAL LANDS WITHIN THE URBAN AREA LU-7-A Policy: Maintain regulatory processes to preserve wetlands, wildlife habitats, and other critical lands within the urban growth area. LU-7-B Policy: Conform to the adopted goals and policies of the Shoreline Master Program as part of this Comprehensive Plan. LU7-C Policy: Ensure the implementation of the requirements of the Washington State Shoreline Management Act (RCW 90.58) Not Applicable. Development does not occur in the shore lands/critical area. LU-8. GOAL: ENHANCE THE PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS, SITES and NEIGHBORHOODS LU-8-A Policy: Allow adaptive re-uses in historic structures. LU-8-B Policy: Increase public awareness and partnerships to increase historic New Heritage tourism with the Franklin County Museum. LU-8-C Policy: Monitor and update the Historic Preservation Plan as guided by the Historic Preservation Committee. Not Applicable. Proposed development area has no historic structures. 30-19-079/New Heritage 23 GOALS AND POLICIES COMPATIBILITY HOUSING H-1. GOAL: ENCOURAGE HOUSING FOR ALL ECONOMIC SEGMENTS OF PASCO’S POPULATION CONSISTENT WITH THE LOCAL AND REGIONAL MARKET H-1-A Policy: Allow for a full range of housing including single family homes, townhouses, condominiums, apartments, and manufactured housing, accessory dwelling units, zero lot line, planned unit developments etc. H-1-B Policy: Higher intensity housing should be located near arterials and neighborhood or community shopping facilities and employment areas. H-1-C Policy: Support the availability of special needs housing throughout the community. H-1-D Policy: Support or advance programs that encourage access to safe and affordable housing. The Vision would encourage housing for all economic segments with a wide range of housing options provided from multi-family, single-family, duplex, triplex, and housing above commercial (see Sections 1 and 2). It would also serve the housing needs of adjacent industrial uses. The Vision would place residential areas within walking/biking distances to shopping, employment, recreation and schools. Housing affordability is a key element in this proposal and is intended to meet the needs of nearby employees. H-2. GOAL: PRESERVE AND MAINTAIN THE EXISTING HOUSING STOCK FOR PRESENT AND FUTURE RESIDENTS H-2-A Policy: Use the Residential Rental Program as a method to ensure that all rental housing in Pasco comply with minimum housing code standards. H-2-B Policy: Assist low-income households with needed housing improvements. H-2-C Policy: Support organization s and or programs involved in affordable housing development, repair and rehabilitation. There is no housing currently on the amendment area. Affordable housing organizations have been and would continue to be supported. H-3. GOAL: ENCOURAGE HOUSING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION THAT ENSURES LONG TERM SUSTAINABILITY AND VALUE H-3-A Policy: Encourage innovative techniques in the design of residential neighborhoods and mixed- use areas to provide character and variety in the community. H-3-B Policy: Maintain development regulations and standards that control the scale and density of residential housing to ensure compatibility with surrounding uses. H-3-C Policy: Utilize design and landscaping standards to ensure all residential development exhibits a consistent level of access, quality, and appearance. The Vision will allow for a wide range of housing designs and allows for a wide range of mixed-use areas (see Section 1). Detailed design and land use issues will be addressed under the Land Subdivision and Development approval process and Concomitant Agreement. The proposal would be a continuation of existing Tierra Vida development to the north, under the "New Urbanism" concept, providing a combination of high quality housing with affordability. 30-19-079/New Heritage 24 GOALS AND POLICIES COMPATIBILITY H-4. GOAL: SUPPORT EFFORTS TO PROVIDE AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY H-4-A Policy: Collaborate with local, state and federal agencies, and private organizations to assist lower income residents rehabilitate and/or maintain their homes. H-4-B Policy: Work with public and private sector developers to ensure that lower income and affordable housing is available. H-4-C Policy: Increase housing supply and diversity through appropriate and flexible development standards. The Vision Statement provides for a wide range of affordability (see Section 1). The New Heritage Foundation has as its founding purpose the need to assure affordable housing. This will be even more critical as additional employment is generated within nearby industrial areas. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ED-1. GOAL: MAINTAIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AS AN IMPORTANT AND ONGOING PASCO INITIATIVE ED-1-A Policy: Promote an environment, which supports the development and expansion of business opportunities. ED-1-B Policy: Continue efforts to attract and recruit new employers to the community with promotional efforts in cooperation with other Tri - Cities partners. ED-1-C Policy: Support the promotion of Pasco’s urban area as a good business environment by enhancing the infrastructure of the community. ED-1-D Policy: promote tourism and recreational opportunities. ED-1-E Policy: Recognize that infrastructure, including transportation and utility planning, is vital to economic development and attracting businesses. ED-1-F Policy: Support and encourage residential/commercial mixed-use developments that provide neighborhood shopping and services and promote walkable neighborhoods. There is substantial demand for additional residential uses to reduce commute times to the adjacent industrial centers (see Section 5.2). By providing adjacent affordable housing, the project could encourage more potential employees to the community and nearby remaining industrial area (See Section 5.7). The project will cooperate with others and will provide promotional efforts to attract industrial uses to the area (see Section 5.7). Underutilized infrastructure is currently available to the site (see Sections 5.5 and 5.6.). Under all alternatives, the project is a mixed-use development and provides neighborhood shopping and services and promotes walkable neighborhoods. 30-19-079/New Heritage 25 GOALS AND POLICIES COMPATIBILITY ED-2. GOAL: ASSURE APPROPRIATE LOCATION AND DESIGN OF COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES ED-2-A Policy: Maintain a strong working relationship with the Port of Pasco and regional Economic development agencies to further economic opportunities. ED-2-B Policy: Encourage development of a wide range of commercial and industrial uses strategically located to support local and regional needs. ED-2-C Policy: Continue the pursuit and preservation of industrial sites for development that may be serviced by existing utilities. ED-2-D Policy: Ensure that lands with large-scale agricultural uses are converted to an appropriate scale of urban agriculture or other related uses to fit community needs. The proposal would convert 196.3 acres from “Industrial” to “Mixed-Use Residential Commercial or Residential” (see Sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, and 5.4). Sections 5.2 and 5.7 discusses the location of commercial and industrial uses. Specifically, there is an urgent need to locate housing within easy commute distance to employment. This is particularly important for low and moderate- income employees where commute costs can impact lifestyle. The proposal is intended to provide uses to support local and regional needs. New Heritage would maintain a working relationship with the Port of Pasco and Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC) and other regional economic development agencies to promote industrial and business park uses adjacent to the amendment area to further economic opportunities. ED-3. GOAL: MAINTAIN DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND DESIGN GUIDELINES TO ENSURE THAT COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS ARE GOOD NEIGHBORS ED-3-A Policy: Enhance compatibility of commercial and industrial development with residential and mixed-use neighborhoods with appropriate landscaping, screening, building and design standards, ED-3-B Policy: Ensure outdoor illumination and signage of businesses have a positive impact and are compatible with neighborhood standards. ED-3-C Policy: Provide appropriate access through a combination of pathways, sidewalks, non-motorized travel lanes and parking. ED-3-D Policy: Require businesses and buildings in and adjacent to the Central Business District to conform to established development standards. Under the Mixed Commercial/Residential Land Use concept, landscape screening, fencing, land use location, and design (building, sign, and lighting) would ensure the proposal remains a good neighbor (See Sections 1, 2, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4). This includes a planned network of pathways, sidewalks, non-motorized travel lanes and parking to encourage pedestrian access (see Sections 1 and 2). 30-19-079/New Heritage 26 GOALS AND POLICIES COMPATIBILITY ED-4. GOAL: POSITION THE COMMUNITY FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND PROSPERITY ED-4-A Policy: Leverage the Tri-Cities Airport as an appealing gateway to attract visitors and new industry to the airport district and the greater Pasco region. ED-4-B Policy: Collaborate with public/private partners to create a master plan vision of the waterfront, Broadmoor area, and other neighborhoods as necessary. ED-4-C Policy: Pursue the ongoing revitalization of Downtown Pasco including incentivizing development in the Central Business District. Currently there is limited residential and supportive land uses serving this area. A mixed-use area, developed under the New Urbanism concept outlined in Section 1, would provide easy commute distances to existing and future employment centers and the Tri-Cities Airport. Some of these future employment centers could be within walking and bike distances. In addition, the downtown would also remain within biking distance to the site. CAPITAL FACILITIES CF-1. GOAL: USE THE SIX YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROCESS AS THE SHORT- TERM IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 20-YEAR CAPITAL FACILITY NEEDS IDENTIFIED IN THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CF-1-A Policy: Systematically guide capital improvements consistent with the vision and plan of the community. CF-1-B Policy: Encourage public participation in defining the need for, the proposed location of, and the design of public facilities such as parks, ball fields, pedestrian and bicycle corridors, and street and utility extensions and improvements. The capital facility improvements required would be provided by the development under the Land Subdivision process (see Sections 5.5, 5.6, and Appendix A). Public participation would occur during the Rezone, Land Subdivision and Plan Amendment Processes. 30-19-079/New Heritage 27 GOALS AND POLICIES COMPATIBILITY CF-2. GOAL: ENSURE CONCURRENCY OF UTILITIES, SERVICES, AND FACILITIES CONSISTENT WITH LAND USE DESIGNATIONS AND ACTIONS WITHIN CAPITAL BUDGET CAPABILITIES CF-2-A Policy: Encourage growth in geographic areas where services and utilities can be extended in an orderly, progressive, and efficient manner. CB-2-B Policy: Deficiencies in existing public facilities should be addressed during the capital facilities budgeting process. CF-2-C Policy: Periodically review capital facilities needs and the associated fiscal impacts on the community in light of changing regional and local economic trends. The appropriate interval for such a review is ten years during the mandated GMA update cycle, except for the annual 6-Year Budget review. Public facilities are addressed under Sections 5.5, 5.6, and Appendix A. All required public facilities and services would be required under the Land Subdivision process and concomitant agreement process. CF-3. GOAL: MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LANDS FOR PUBLIC FACILITIES CF-3-A Policy: Assure land development proposals provide land and/or facilities or other mitigation measures to address impacts on traffic, parks, recreational facilities, schools, and pedestrian and bicycle trails. Land has been set aside for schools, roadways, utilities, parks, trails and open spaces. Mitigation measures are identified in this report that address impacts on traffic, parks, recreation facilities, schools and pedestrian and bicycle paths (see section 5 and Appendix A). CF-4. GOAL: ACQUIRE ADEQUATE WATER RIGHTS FOR FUTURE NEEDS CF-4-A Policy: Ensure the acquisition of water rights commensurate with Pasco’s planned development and need for water in residential, commercial, industrial, and other urban uses. CF-4-B Policy: Ensure that new developments, utilizing Pasco water, transfer to Pasco any existing water rights associated with the properties being developed. In absence of any existing water rights, developments should pay water rights acquisition fees to Pasco. The amendment area is currently within the City of Pasco water service area. 30-19-079/New Heritage 28 GOALS AND POLICIES COMPATIBILITY CF-5. GOAL: IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE COUNTY, PROVIDE PARKS, GREENWAYS, TRAILS, AND RECREATION FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE UGA CF-5-A Policy: Implement the adopted parks and recreation plan as a part of this comprehensive plan CF-5-B Policy: Encourage use of existing natural features, open spaces, and appropriate excess right-of-way as an integral part of the community-wide park system. CF-5-C Policy: Maintain a cooperative agreement with Pasco school district regarding the development, use, and operation of neighborhood parks. The proposal provides an extensive system of parks, greenways, trails and recreation facilities. The Goals, Policies and Standards of Pasco’s Park, Recreation and Forestry Management Plan are addressed in Section 5.4. Where feasible, rights-of- way will be used as part of the open-space system and school property would be integrated into the park and trail system. CF-6. GOAL: FOSTER ADEQUATE PROVISION FOR EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE UGA CF-6-A Policy: Work with the school district to coordinate facility plans with this comprehensive plan and encourage appropriate location and design of schools throughout the community. CF-6-B Policy: Work with Columbia Basin College to coordinate campus development plans including access and traffic circulation needs. Coordination with the School District has begun, the proposal has allocated 15-acres for an elementary school. It is intended that the school site would have access to the trail system to encourage pedestrian access. In addition, planned park and recreation facilities could be located adjacent to better utilize both facilities (see Sections 2 and 5.4). CF-7. GOAL: MAINTAIN, WITHIN PASCO, A LEVEL OF FIRE PROTECTION SERVICE THAT IS EFFICIENT AND COST-EFFECTIVE. ENCOURAGE THAT SAME LEVEL OF SERVICE IN THE UNINCORPORATED PORTION OF THE UGA CF-7-A Policy: Strive to provide a sufficient number of fire stations in appropriate locations throughout the community. CF-7-B Policy: Maintain a cooperative policy with the county fire district. An existing fire station is located about a mile from the site and would be able to serve the proposed amendment area (See Section 5.5). 30-19-079/New Heritage 29 GOALS AND POLICIES COMPATIBILITY CF-8. GOAL: LOCATE ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES TO OPTIMIZE ACCESS AND EQUITABLY DISTRIBUTE ECONOMIC BENEFIT/BURDENS THROUGHOUT THE REGION AND COUNTY CF-8-A Policy: Review all reasonable alternatives for the location of essential public facilities prior to granting necessary permits. CF-8-B Policy: Ensure all potential environmental impacts are considered for each essential public facility including the cumulative impacts of multiple facilities. CF-8-C Policy: Ensure essential public facilities contribute to necessary concurrency requirements for transportation and utilities. CF-8-D Policy: Adopt mitigating measures during the special permit review process to address potential land use compatibility issues with surrounding uses. No essential public facilities have been identified at this location. Depending on the essential public facilities required, space could be provided, and compatibility could be achieved. This action would require additional analysis by Pasco or a regional agency requesting the action. UTILITIES UT-1. GOAL: PROVIDE ADEQUATE UTILITY SERVICES TO THE UGA TO ASSURE THAT THE ANTICIPATED 20-YEAR GROWTH IS ACCOMMODATED UT-1-A Policy: Ensure that public water and sewer services are available concurrently with development in the urban growth area. UT-1-B Policy: Prioritize investments in public water and sewer system improvements to support planned development within the urban growth area. UT-1-C Policy: Coordinate utility providers’ functional plans and Pasco’s land use and utility comprehensive plans to ensure long term service availability. UT-1-D Policy: Leverage irrigation water in new developments to ease the use of potable water for maintenance of landscaping. Mitigation measures have been proposed to address the impacts on population growth (see Sections 5.2 and 5.6). Public sewer and water service are currently available at the site (see Section 5.5). 30-19-079/New Heritage 30 GOALS AND POLICIES COMPATIBILITY UT-2. GOAL: ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE PLACEMENT OF UTILITY FACILITIES IS ADDRESSED IN DEVELOPMENT PLANS UT-2-A Policy: coordinate private utility providers’ plans for energy and communication utilities with Pasco land use plans and development permit applications. UT-2-B Policy: locate and design utility substations consistent with adopted codes and standards to be compatible with the aesthetic standards of affected neighborhoods. Sections 5.6 discuss the adequacy of the utilities serving the site and proposed mitigation measures. Coordination with private utility providers would occur at the time of approval for development as part of the Land Subdivision process. UT-3. GOAL: ASSURE THE PROVISION OF ADEQUATE AND EFFICIENT STORM WATER MANAGEMENT UT-3-A Policy: Require adequate provision of storm water facilities with all new land development. UT-3-B Policy: Include adequate storm water management facilities to serve new or existing streets. Section 5.5 discuss all utilities, including stormwater management. The proposed project would be required to comply with current storm water management requirements. 30-19-079/New Heritage 31 GOALS AND POLICIES COMPATIBILITY TRANSPORTATION TR-1. GOAL: PROVIDE FOR AND MAINTAIN A SAFE, INTEGRATED AND EFFECTIVE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM THAT PROMOTES CONNECTIVITY TR-1-A Policy: Participate in the metropolitan and regional transportation planning efforts of the Benton-Franklin Council of Governments. TR-1-B Policy: Require transportation and land use planning efforts and policy that meet the needs of the community and the objectives of this plan. TR-1-C Policy: Minimize traffic conflicts on the arterial street system by implementing access and corridor management best practices. TR-1-D Policy: Encourage multi-modal street design with traffic calming and safety in consideration of surrounding land uses. TR-1-E Policy: Provide increased neighborhood travel connections for public safety as well as providing for transportation disbursement. TR-1-F Policy: develop an interconnected network of streets, trails, and other public ways during the development process while preserving neighborhood identity. TR-1-G Policy: adopt and maintain a functional street classification system consistent with regional and state guidance. TR-1-H Policy: Maintain level-of-service “D” on all arterials and collectors and level-of- service “C” during the PM peak-hour. TR1-I Policy: Require developments to meet the intent of Pasco Complete Street Ordinance. Section 5.5 and Appendix A discuss the transportation impacts of each alternative and how those impacts would differ from those that would occur under the No-Action alternative. Measures required to mitigate those impacts identified are also addressed. With the new-urbanism concepts identified under Section 1, the proposal would emphasize walkability to schools, parks, retail and nearby employment centers. The site would also provide for public transportation and space for bike and pedestrian access to public roadways. The intent is to provide an interconnecting system of streets, trails and public ways to enhance the quality of life. All Pasco standards, ordnances and guidelines would be met under the approval processes of Pasco. 30-19-079/New Heritage 32 GOALS AND POLICIES COMPATIBILITY TR-2. GOAL: ENCOURAGE EFFICIENT, ALTERNATE, AND MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS TR-2-A Policy: Maintain the multi-model passenger terminal. TR-2-B Policy: Collaborate with Ben Franklin Transit in programming transit routes, transit stops, and supporting facilities that increase user accessibility during the development process. TR-2-C Policy: Encourage the use of public transportation including ridesharing, and Ben Franklin Transit’s Van Pool program. TR-2-D Policy: Encourage bicycle and pedestrian travel by providing safe and purposeful bicycle and pedestrian routes. TR-2-E Policy: Encourage park-and-ride lots for bicycles and/or automobiles. TR-2-F Policy: Support rail services for passengers, industries, and commerce within the area. There would be space for a central transit station and transit stops throughout the site (see Section 5.5). Van Pooling would be included in the concept. Bikeways and pathways are provided to interconnect residential, schools, parks, services and nearby employment centers. TR-3 GOAL: IMPROVE OPERATING EFFICIENCY OF THE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM TR-3-A Policy: Evaluate, plan, and install traffic control devices and intersection designs to improve travel safety and efficiency. TR-3-B Policy: ensure adequate maintenance of the existing facilities. The existing railroad spur could still serve adjacent industries. Transportation and traffic are discussed under Sections 5.5 and Appendix A. All required safety and design standards would be met at the time of approval of a specific plan under the Land Subdivision and Development approval process. TR-4 GOAL: BEAUTIFY THE MAJOR STREETS OF PASCO TR-4-A Policy: Incorporate design and streetscape into all major arterial and collector streets as they are constructed. TR-4-B Policy: Encourage retrofit projects that include beautification on major arterial streets. A detailed street tree planting plan will be submitted during the Land Subdivision and Development approval process (see Section 5.4). TR-5 GOAL: MAINTAIN A FREIGHT ROUTE SYSTEM TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL AREAS TR-5-A Policy: Promote the safe and efficient movement of freight through Pasco. TR-5-A Policy: Support the development of facilities that are critical components of the movement of freight. Existing railroad spur will be retained to serve abutting industry (see Sections 2, 5.5, and Appendix A). Site is adjacent to major local and state freight corridors to allow access to the site. 30-19-079/New Heritage 33 GOALS AND POLICIES COMPATIBILITY IMPLEMENTATION & MONITORING IM-1. GOAL: ENSURE CONSISTENCY AND CERTAINTY IN LAND USE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT IM-1-A Policy: Maintain codes, standards, and guidelines, which are clear, concise, and objective. IM-1-B Policy: Strive for consistency and certainty through a predictable schedule of assessment and amendments on an annual basis, rather than sporadically. IM-1-C Policy: Create and enforce a common set of development standards for both the incorporated and unincorporated lands of the UGA, in cooperation with Franklin County. IM-1-D Policy: Maintain a general land use map that clearly designates various land uses and densities consistent with the goals and policies of this plan. IM-1-E Policy: Establish development project permit approval procedures that are well defined and consistent with regulatory criteria and standards. IM-1-F Policy: Ensure appropriate timelines for action on applications. Consistency would be established during the Comprehensive Plan Amendment process. This process, and the subsequent Land Development process, ensures that the proposal will be consistent with Pasco development standards, land uses, densities, regulatory criteria and standards, timelines, and the Goals and Policies of the Comprehensive Plan. IM-2. GOAL: ADVANCE PASCO’S INFORMATION AND DECISION-MAKING CAPACITY IM-2-A Policy: Utilize innovative planning level data and analysis to determine progress of the Comprehensive Plan through annual updates, metrics and tracking. IM-2-B Policy: Analyze development patterns of the UGA and identify revisions, amendments, and changes to the goals, policies, objectives. IM-2-C Policy: Conduct an annual review of the Comprehensive Plan. IM-2-D Policy: Ensure that all plans and studies shall be consistent with the goals, policies, and proposals of this comprehensive plan. IM-2-E Policy: Lead and collaborate on efforts for database, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and other data related programming and projects with local, regional, and state agencies. The purpose of this report is to provide the public, stakeholders, Pasco and other public agencies data necessary to analyze the consistency of the proposal with the Goals and Policies of the Comprehensive Plan and its conformance with the basic standards and guidelines of Pasco. It also provides a non-Project level analysis of the potential effects of the proposal on the natural and man-made environment. 30-19-079/New Heritage 34 GOALS AND POLICIES COMPATIBILITY IM-3 GOAL: ENSURE THAT THE PUBLIC HAS A MEANINGFUL OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PLANNING EFFORTS OF PASCO IM-3-A Policy: Ensure the appropriate notification of plans, projects, and studies are provided to all impacted residents of Pasco. IM-3-B Policy: Encourage and facilitate expanded public participation by designing user-friendly processes and documents. IM-3-C Policy: Consider the interests of the entire community and the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan prior to making land use and planning decisions. IM-4-D Policy: Use a range of public forums and media outreach to collect, obtain, and facilitate public engagement. IM-4-E Policy: Provide equitable access to all Pasco programming, services, and events, including accommodations for disabilities and community members with limited English- speaking ability. IM-4-F Policy: Ensure that all public engagement is culturally relevant and provides residents with an opportunity to engage and provide feedback to Pasco. IM-4-G: Collaborate with the Inclusivity, Diversity and Equity Commission. The development of this report is intended to provide Pasco, public, other decision makers, and stakeholders, the Vision, intent, alternatives, potential effects of the proposal and mitigation measures to ensure consistency with the Goals, Policies and procedures of Pasco’s Comprehensive Plan. Subsequent planning processes, including the procedures to amend the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Development process, will include public participation. 30-19-079/New Heritage 35 GOALS AND POLICIES COMPATIBILITY IM-4 GOAL: WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VARIOUS GOVERNMENT ENTITIES IM-4-A Policy: Coordinate with other governmental units in preparing development regulations. IM-4-B Policy: Work with BFCG’s Growth Management Committee to develop consistency among the various jurisdictions that are planning. IM-4-C Policy: Work with other state agencies such as the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Fish and Wildlife when developing regulations, which would impact those agencies. IM-4-D Policy: Work with the Office of Financial Management in siting essential public facilities of regional and statewide importance IM-4-E Policy: Participate with communities within the County in developing regulations that are consistent with each other and provide a smooth transition between rural areas and urban cities. Development will be in collaboration with Pasco of Pasco, Franklin County and appropriate State, regional, local agencies, and impacted utility agencies. Development will be consistent with all agency requirements adopted by Pasco and/or required for construction. 30-19-079/New Heritage 36 5 EXISTING CONDITION, EFFECTS, AND MITIGATION 5.1 LAND U SE EXISTING CONDITIONS Pasco’s Comprehensive Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), provide information on the existing uses of land in Pasco. “Pasco includes a variety of land uses from residential, commercial, industrial to open space. Pasco’s land use designations and acreages are identified in the 2018 Comprehensive Plan. Residential land is the predominant use in Pasco, containing over 44% of Pasco’s total land. Residential land use is followed by industrial land use, which consists of 24% of the total land use within Pasco. Commercial lands are distributed along the major corridors, Pasco Center and along the Interstate -182. Open space land use is distributed throughout Pasco in the form of parks and natural open spaces. The shoreline areas consist of several parks, trails, and natural open space. See Table 9 (Table 5.1) for a summary of land use types in Pasco.” TABLE 5 .1 – EXISTING LAND USE IN PASCO LIMITS AND UGA Land Use Designation Acreage* % of Total Residential Lands 11,167 44% Low Density Mixed Density High Density Commercial Lands 2,666 11% Mixed Residential/Commercial Commercial Industrial Lands 5,968 24% Public/Quasi-Public Lands 925 4% Open Space / Park Lands 1,012 4% Airport Reserve Lands 2,236 9% DNR Reserve Lands 1,234 5% Total 25,208 100% *The total includes 4,300 acres of street right of way, which is about 17% of the total. Source: Pasco of Pasco Comprehensive Plan Non-Project Environmental Impact Statement.” Pasco’s Comprehensive Plan’s Preferred Alternative also included an expansion of the UGA by 3,600 acres along the north edge of Pasco, raising the total UGA acreage to 28,808. In addition, Pasco’s Land Capacity Analysis assumed a 20% market factor, a 5% environmental factor, and a 20% factor for roadways in justifying the expanded UGA. Pasco’s Comprehensive Plan Non-Project EIS also discusses the land use categories included in the Comprehensive Plan (See Figure 5.1): 30-19-079/New Heritage 37 FIGURE 5 .1 – PASCO FUTURE LAND USE MAP Pasco’s Comprehensive Plan land use categories and their purposes are discussed below: • Open Space/Nature – This land use designation applies to areas where development will be severely restricted. Parklands, trails, and critical areas are examples of different types of open spaces. • Low Density Residential – This land use allows residential development at a density of two to five dwelling units per acre. The land use designation criterion includes sewer availability or approval from the Benton-Franklin Health District when sewer is not available, suitability for home sites, and market demand. • Medium Density Residential – This land use designation includes single-family dwellings, patio homes, townhouses, apartments, and condominiums at a density of 6 to 20 dwelling units per acre. This is designated to areas where the location is convenient to major circulation routes, it provides transition between more intense uses, and low density uses. Availability of sewer services and market demand are also key criteria for this land use designation. • High Density Residential – This land use designation includes multi-family dwellings, apartments, and condominiums at a density of 21 dwelling units or more per acre. This is designated to areas where the location is convenient to major circulation routes and employment areas. Availability of sewer services and market demand are also key criteria for this land use designation. 30-19-079/New Heritage 38 • Mixed Residential Commercial – This land use designation is a mix of residential and commercial uses. Residential uses include single-family dwellings, patio homes, townhouses, apartments, and condominiums at a density of 5 to 29 dwelling units per acre. Commercial uses include neighborhood shopping and specialty centers, business parks, service, and office uses. This is designated to areas where the location is convenient to major circulation routes and land is suitable for heavy building sites. • Commercial – This land use is designated for neighborhood, community and regional shopping and specialty centers, business parks, service, and office uses. This is designated to areas where the location is convenient to major circulation routes and land is suitable for heavy building sites. • Industrial – This land use is designated for manufacturing, food processing, storage, and wholesale distribution of equipment and products, hazardous material storage, and transportation-related facilities • Public and Quasi Public - This land use is designated for schools, civic buildings, fire stations and other public uses. • Airport Reserve - This land use is designated for lands owned or occupied by the Tri-Cities Airport. • DNR Reserve - This land use is designated for lands owned by DNR. Within the immediate vicinity of the proposed amendment area, land uses include Industrial, Low Density Residential, Mixed Use Residential, Public and Quasi-Public, Open Space/Nature, and Mixed Residential Commercial. Table 5.2, Existing Land Use within the Vicinity of the Proposal, summarizes the acreages for each land use category. Figure 5.2, illustrates the immediate vicinity used as a basis for the below acreages. TABLE 5 .2 – EXISTING VICINITY LAND USES Land Use Designation Acreage % Industrial 1,383 62% Low Density Residential 539 24% Mixed Use Residential 117 5% Public/Quasi-Public 79 4% Open Space/Nature 53 2% Mixed Residential/Commercial 55 2% Total 2,226 100% 30-19-079/New Heritage 39 FIGURE 5 .2 – VICINITY LAND USE The 196-acre Amendment area is currently undeveloped except various sewer lines, water lines, powerlines, other utilities and rights-of-way. There is also an existing railroad spur along the southern portion of the site and two proposed Distribution Centers directly to the east. Under the Industrial designation of the Comprehensive Plan, Pasco’s Zoning Code identifies three separate zoning classifications: Light Industrial (I-1), Medium Industrial (I-2) and Heavy Industrial (I-3). The amendment area is currently zoned Medium Industrial with approximal 17 acres along East A road zoned Light Industrial. The area to the immediate south, east and west are also zoned Light Industrial. The area to the immediate north along East A Street is zoned a mix of Residential, Commercial, and Mixed Commercial Residential. Pasco Zoning Code allows the following uses under the Medium Industrial District zoning classification. MEDIUM INDUST RIAL DISTRICT Uses permitted in the I-2 district shall be: 1. All uses not otherwise prohibited by law, but no residential buildings shall be permitted; and 2. Junkyards, automobile wrecking yards, scrap iron, scrap paper, or rag storage, sorting or bailing shall be permitted, provided: a. An eight-foot, sight-obscuring fence must be constructed and inspected prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for use of the goods. The fence shall be of solid single neutral color. 30-19-079/New Heritage 40 b. No automobile or parts thereof, junk or salvage materials or parts thereof shall be visible from any public right-of-way. All materials or parts shall be located within the fenced area. c. Fire lanes shall be provided as required in the International Fire Code. d. A performance bond for $1,000 shall be required prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit, to ensure compliance with provisions of this section. The bond shall remain in force as long as the use exists. e. The permit shall be granted for a period not to exceed two years, and at the end of such period an inspection shall be made of the premises to determine the advisability of renewing such permit. [Ord. 3354 § 2, 1999; Code 1970 §25.54.020. Pasco Zoning Code allows the following uses under the Light Industrial District zoning classification. The I-1 light industrial district is established to preserve areas for industrial and related uses of such a nature that they do not create serious problems of compatibility with other kinds of land uses. Uses permitted in this district should not generate noise levels, light, odor or fumes that would constitute a nuisance or hazard. [Ord. 3354 § 2, 1999; Code 1970 § 25.52.010.] Uses permitted in the I-1 district shall be: 1. All uses permitted in the C-3 district; 2. Building material storage yard; 3. Trucking, express and storage yards; 4. Contractor’s plant or storage yards; 5. Laboratories, experimental; 7. Automotive assembly and repair; 8. Kennels; 9. Creamery, bottling, ice manufacture and cold storage plant; 10. Blacksmith, welding or other metal shops, excluding punch presses over 20 tons rated capacity, drop hammers, and the like; 11. The manufacturing, compounding, processing, packaging of cosmetics, pharmacology and food products, except fish and meat products, and the reducing and refining of fats and oils; 12. Printing plant; and 13. Parking lots within 500 feet of a C-2 district boundary, provided such lots are paved and the development complies with the landscape and fencing requirements of the C -1 district, as enumerated in PMC 25.85.020(13). [Ord. 4110 § 23, 2013; Ord. 3354 § 2, 1999; Code 1970 § 25.52.020.] 30-19-079/New Heritage 41 EFFECTS ON THE PROPOSAL NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE Under the No Action Alternative, the Industrial designation in the City's Comprehensive Plan would remain. The uses and zoning classifications allowed under that designation could be constructed. In the amendment area site, uses allowed under the I-1 and I-2 classification would be allowed. Some of these uses could potentially adversely impact nearby residential land uses and the natural environment through increased noise, odor, reduction in air quality and runoff (see Sections 5.3 to 5.7). Generally, Industrial Zoning has a greater potential for environmental impacts to the natural and man-made environment than does residentially zoned land. While the City’s Comprehensive Plan Environmental Impact Statement does not address this issue in detail, Pasco's existing codes, policies and requirements could address some or all of these impacts. ALL ACTION ALTERNATIVES Under all action alternatives, with the approval of a Land Subdivision, future land uses in the vicinity would change as illustrated in Table 5.3 , below. TABLE 5 .3 – PROPOSED LAND USES IN THE AMENDMENT VICINITY Land Use Designation Proposed Amendment Revised Acreage % Industrial -196 1,187 53% Low Density Residential 0 539 24% Mixed Use Residential +123 240 11% Public/Quasi-Public +44 123 6% Open Space/Nature * 82 4% Mixed Residential/Commercial 0 55 2% * Park space to be determined during Land Subdivision Process Under Pasco’s Zoning Ordinance (25.215.015 - Comprehensive Plan land use density table), the Mixed Residential/Commercial Land Use designation will “allow a combination of mixed- use residential and commercial in the same development. Single-family dwellings, patio homes, townhouses, apartments, and condominiums at a density of 5 to 29 dwelling units per acre. Neighborhood shopping and specialty centers, business parks, service and office uses”. Proposed zoning classifications R-1 through R-4; C-1 and O; and Waterfront, are allowed under the Mixed Residential/Commercial Land Use designation with the approval of the Pasco City Council, with the recommendation by the Pasco Hearing Examiner. Under all action alternatives, this change could impact the viability of adjacent industrial land uses within the immediate area without mitigation. It may also increase the pressure on other adjacent industrial land uses to convert to a similar designation in the future. Without mitigation, this 30-19-079/New Heritage 42 change may also impact adjacent residential uses from runoff, noise, traffic, and reduction in air quality. These and other potential impacts and mitigation measures resulting from this change are also discussed Sections 5.2 through 5.7, below. LOW INTENSIT Y ALTERNATIVE Under the low intensity alternative, the proposed amendment to Pasco Comprehensive Plan would convert approximately 196 acres from “Industrial” to “Mixed Residential Commercial” or "Medium Density Residential". With this change, this alternative would provide approximately 121 acres of residential land with 794 residential units with an average density of 6.6 UPA; approximately 32,670 square feet of retail/office space; area for open space; 15 acres for an elementary school and, approximately 29 acres for roadways and utilities (See Table 2.1). MEDIUM INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE Because this alternative anticipates that the same amount of land would be changed from Industrial to Mixed Residential Commercial or Medium Density Residential, the land use impacts would be similar. With this change, this alternative would provide approximately 116 acres of residential land with 1,028 residential units with an average density of 8.6 UPA; approximately 65,340 square feet of retail/office space; area for open space; 15 acres for a school and, approximately 29 acres for roadways and utilities (See Table 2.1). HIGH INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE This alternative also anticipates that the same amount of land would be converted from Industrial to Mixed Residential Commercial or Medium Density Residential, consequently the land use impacts would also be similar. With this change, this alternative would provide approximately 118 acres of residential land with 1,354 residential units with an average density of 11.5 UPA; approximately 76,230 square feet of retail/office space; area for open space; 15 acres for an elementary school and, approximately 29 acres for roadways and utilities (See Table 2.1). MITIGATION MEASURES Mitigation measures related to the proposed amendment are discussed under Sections 5.2 through 5.7 below. This includes specific mitigation measures discussed under 5.2, Population, Housing and Employment, 5.3, Environmental Health, and 5.7, Industrial/Economic. These mitigation measures include buffers, setbacks, and land use location developed during site design. 5.2 POPULATION, HOUSING, AND EMPLOYMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS POPULATION Part of Pasco’s Comprehensive Plan Non-Project Environmental Impact Statement (NPEIS) stated: 30-19-079/New Heritage 43 “… population estimates for Pasco in 2018 are 73,590 and in 2019 are 75,290. Based on 2018 numbers, it is estimated that 48,238 people will be added to Pasco’s population in the next 20 years (Oneza & Associates, 2018). Based on this, without this amendment, the future total population in 2029 is projected to be 123,528. Or a little less than 6,200 new residents per year. HOUSING The Comprehensive Plan’s NPEIS stated; The 2017 American Community Survey (ACS) data indicate 21,653 housing units in Pasco. About 70 percent of the housing units are owner-occupied and 30 percent renter occupied. Per Pasco of Pasco Draft Comprehensive Plan Volume II, using the average hous ehold size of 3.17 persons per unit, added population from the 2018 base population will require 15,217 housing units. Existing vacant buildable land is estimated to provide 9,581 units in a variety of housing types (e.g., single-family, multi-family, town home, condo); therefore, an additional 5,636 housing units will be required to meet the demand of future housing (Oneza & Associates 2018).” Based on the above, Pasco currently has an average household size of 3.49. Based on Pasco's Comprehensive Plan, there would be a total of 36,870 housing units projected by 2029 with an average household size of 3.35. There is currently no housing located within the amendment area. EMPLOYMENT For employment the NPEIS states; “Pasco’s economy is also tied to the economy of the Tri-Cities metro area. The Tri‐Cities area is unique in that its employment base is dominated by a select number of large employers. Roughly one in five of estimated 116,000 jobs in the Benton and Franklin Counties are for large employment firms or agencies, with the top five ranging in type, including research and development, health services, engineering and construction, food processing, and education. The continued employment growth at the Department of Energy Hanford Nuclear Reservation, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Energy Northwest and the Office of River Protection will continue the growth of Pasco’s population. This growth will not only attract new residents to Pasco, but also provide opportunities for our young population to remain in Pasco. Employment in the Tri‐Cities region increased from 2006 to 2015 by more than 22,000 jobs, with an average annual growth rate of 2 percent. There are roughly 116,000 jobs in the region. All industries experienced positive employment growth by the end of the 10‐year period. However, from 2011 to 2014 employment slightly declined as spending cuts at the Hanford Site impacted the entire regional economy. In Pasco, the expansion of its economy led to increasing industrial diversity, and although the economic downtown in 2008 did have an impact, food manufacturing, agriculture, private and public educational and healthcare services provided strong stability.” The 196-acre amendment area is undeveloped except for utilities and a railroad spur to the south. The areas to the West, South and East are all designated as Industrial in the Comprehensive Plan. 30-19-079/New Heritage 44 The area to the north is designated in the Comprehensive Plan as Mixed Residential/Commercial, Commercial, and low and medium density residential (See Figure 5.2). Recently, two large distribution centers are in process of being developed to the east of the amendment area. Total projected employment at these two facilities is approximately 1,800 people. Other industrial developments have also been recently announced which will also increase employment in the area. EFFECTS ON THE PROPOSAL POPULATION ALL ACTION ALTERNATIVE Under all action alternatives, an increase in population would impact public services, traffic, noise, utilities and air quality. It could also impact the population projections in the City's Comprehensive Plan. These impacts are addressed in other sections of this report and in Housing, below. NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE Under the No Action Alternative, the site would remain industrial, and population would not be directly impacted. Indirectly, primary employment would increase which would increase housing demand, and consequently, population (See Employment, below and Appendix B) LOW INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE Based on the estimated persons per household shown in Table 5.4, the total population increase under this alternative would be 2,660, or an increase of approximately 2.2% over the 20-year planning period. MEDIUM DENSITY ALTERNATIVE If the amendment is approved, there would be an estimated population increase of 3,442, or approximately 2.7%. HIGH INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE If the amendment is approved, there would be an estimated population increase of 4,536, or approximately 3.7%. HOUSING Pasco has projected that a net of 15,217 new housing units would be required by 2038 (Oneza & Associates 2018). To provide for this increase, Pasco has expanded the UGA by 3,600 acres (Pasco's EIS Preferred Alternative). In justifying this expansion, Pasco also used a 20% market factor, a 5% environmental factor and a 20% factor for roads and utilities. Based on this, Pasco is projected to have a total of 36,870 housing units by 2029 with a total of population of 123,528. This results in a household size of 3.35. 30-19-079/New Heritage 45 ALL ACTION ALTERNATIVES In order to not impact the population projections under the City's Comprehensive Plan, any increase in housing, from any of the proposed action alternatives, would have to either reduce the 20% market factor used in justifying the GMA boundary (it is assumed that the 5% environmental factor and the 20% roads and utilities factor would not be affected), or reduce the average projected housing density in Pasco (See Table 5.4, below). NO ACTI ON ALTERNATIVE The No-Action Alternative would leave the site as industrial. Under this designation, no housing would be provided. LOW INTENSITY ALTERATIVE Under this alterative, 794 housing units would be added on 121 acres with an average density of 6.6 units per acre. In order to be consistent with Pasco's projected housing increase, this would require that the projected 20% market factor be reduced by about 9%, and/or a change to the City’s average household size (See Table 5.4). Without mitigation, an increase in housing could impact noise, surface water runoff, air quality, utilities, traffic and public services, but would not impact the human and man-made environments to the extent that the No-Action could. MEDIUM INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE Under this alterative, 1,028 housing units would be added on 119 acres with an average density of 8.6 units per acre. In order to be consistent with Pasco's projected housing increase, this would require that the projected 20% market factor be reduced by about 11%, and/or a change to the City’s average household size (See Table 5.4). Without mitigation, an increase in housing could impact noise, surface water runoff, air quality, utilities, traffic and public services, but would not impact the human and man-made environments to the extent that the No-Action could. HIGH INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE Under this alterative, 1,354 housing units would be added on 118 acres. In order to be consistent with Pasco's projected housing increase, this would require that the projected 20% market factor be reduced by about 14%, and/or a change to the City’s average household size (See Table 5.4). Without mitigation, an increase in housing could impact noise, surface water runoff, air quality, utilities, traffic and public services, but would not impact the human and man-made environments to the extent that the No-Action could. 30-19-079/New Heritage 46 TABLE 5 .4 – AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE Item Comprehensive Plan Low Density Alternative Medium Density Alternative High Density Alternative Projected Population 123,528 123,528 123,528 123,528 Proposed Increase 0 2,259 2,770 3,506 Total 123,528 125,787 126,298 127,034 Projected Housing Units 36,870 36,870 36,870 36,870 Proposed Increase 0 778 994 1,296 Total 36,870 37,648 37,864 38,166 Average Household Size 3.35037 3.34113 3.33557 3.32846 Source: JUB, Land Strategies EMPLOYMENT NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE Under the No-Action Alternative the site will remain in a combination of Light Density Industrial and Medium Density Industrial. The impacts of this designation on population and housing have been generally discussed in the City's Comprehensive Plan Final EIS (See Existing Conditions, above). According to DataUSA, the total employment in Pasco in 2019 was 62,775. This does not include the approximately 2,400 employees currently projected for planned projects (Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business). It’s important to point out that the existing Pasco Comprehensive Plan has projected most of the future population and housing growth in the Broadmoor area, which is on the west side of Pasco. The primary area for the employment growth outlined above is on the east side of Pasco. This means that, under the current Comprehensive Plan, many new employees, particularly those at the two proposed distribution centers, would be required to commute across town, resulting to impacts to traffic (See Appendix A and B). Because Medium Density Industrial allow any use not otherwise prohibited by law, it is not possible to project the employment on the site under the no-action alternative. The Institute of Transportation Engineers Manual estimates 6 employees per acre for this type of land use, but this estimate may be low. Based on this estimate the site would contain 1,176 employees. ALL ACTION ALTERNATIVES Under all action alternatives there would be employment related to the commercial and service/office land-uses being proposed (See Table 5.5). For all action alternatives, except employees living on site, employees will have an impact on traffic and public services, including transit. Businesses and offices will also impact traffic, utilities and public services. 30-19-079/New Heritage 47 TABLE 5 .5 – EMPLOYMENT Land Use Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3 SF Emp. Total SF Total Emp. SF Emp. Total Emp. SF Emp. Total SF Total Emp. Elementary School 1,250 205,000 164 1,250 205,000 164 1,25 0 205,001 164 Service/Office Single Tenant Office 295 13,780 47 295 26,560 90 295 26,780 91 Medical-Dental 207 8,000 39 207 17,000 82 207 17,000 82 Sub Total 21,780 85 43,560 172 43,780 173 Retail Restaurants 134 3,490 26 134 8,780 66 134 11,000 82 Neighborhood Retail 588 7,400 13 588 13,000 22 588 21,000 36 Sub Total 10,890 39 21,780 88 32,000 156 Total 288 424 493 Source: ITE/JUB, Land Strategies MITIGATION MEASURES Specific mitigation measures are identified in Sections 5.3 to 5.7, below. Pasco’s Comprehensive Plan also identifies Goals and Policies that would mitigate potential impacts resulting from the proposed amendment. • H-1. GOAL: Encourage housing for all economic segments of Pasco’s population consistent with the local and regional market. • H-1-A Policy: Allow for a full range of housing including single family homes, townhouses, condominiums, apartments, and manufactured housing, accessory dwelling units, zero lot line, planned unit developments etc. in areas as appropriate. • ED-1-F Policy: Recognize that infrastructure, including transportation and utility planning are vital to economic development and attracting businesses. • ED-2 Goal: Assure appropriate location and design of commercial and industrial facilities. • ED-2-B Policy: Encourage development of a wide range of commercial and industrial uses strategically located to support local and regional needs. • ED-3 Goal: Maintain development standards and design guidelines to ensure that commercial and industrial developments are good neighbors. • ED-3-A Policy: Enhance compatibility of commercial and industrial development with residential and mixed-use neighborhoods using landscaping, screening, and superior building design standards and guidelines. 30-19-079/New Heritage 48 Additional mitigation measures include encouraging carpooling and transit to nearby employment centers and the provision of bike and walking corridors to adjacent employment centers. 5.3 ENVIRONM ENTAL HEALTH EXISTING CONDITIONS The amendment remains vacant. The areas to the west and southwest are also vacant (except for a railroad spur to the south). The area directly east is currently under construction for two major distribution centers and the area to the north contains a mix of residential, and commercial uses. There is an existing residential mobile home park (Lakeview) located 2/3 of a mile to the southeast of the project area. While not currently constructed, the City of Pasco has funding and is schedule to construct Phase 1 of a 28 acre sports complex in the industrial area off East A Street. This sports complex is located at the southeast corner East A St. and S. Elm Ave. Construction of Phase 1 is scheduled to begin sometime in 2022; therefore, the sports complex will be an existing feature in late 2022. EFFECTS ON THE PROPOSAL NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE In the future, industrial uses allowed under the Industrial designation in the Comprehensive Plan, particularly under the Medium Density classification in Pasco Zoning Ordinance, could pose environmental health risks to adjacent land uses. These risks include increased exposure to chemicals or risk of fire, run-off from the storage of hazardous wastes, odor and decreases in air quality, noise, increased traffic/congestion, and visual blight. These impacts would potentially have an increased affect to the existing residential areas to the north, northeast and also to the southeast (See Section 5.7, below). The proximity of existing residential developments to the north, northeast and southeast of this industrial area has prompted the majority of industrial developments to occur at existing industrial zoned lands located approximately 4 miles to the north of this area. A 28-acre sports complex will be located at the southeast corner East A St. and S. Elm Ave directly adjacent to the industrial zoned land. LOW INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE Under this alternative, with approval of a Rezone and Land Subdivision, any uses permitted under zoning districts R-1 through R-4; C-1 and O; Waterfront as identified in the Pasco Zoning Code would be allowed. Depending on the size, location and types of uses permitted in the land use approval, these uses could be exposed to environmental impacts from other industrial areas through increased exposure to chemicals or risk of fire, run-off from the storage of hazardous wastes, odor and decreases in air quality, noise and visual blight. Currently the majority of these nearby industrial areas are Zoned L-1, which limits the types of industrial uses that can be 30-19-079/New Heritage 49 developed and would likely have less impact on the proposed amendment area. Potential environmental health Impacts from the amendment area include increased runoff, construction noise, air-quality reduction from increased traffic, and increased traffic congestion. MEDIUM INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE Increased residential density and the expansion of the retail and office areas could be proportionally impacted by adjacent industrial uses. In addition, this increased density and expansion would also proportionally increase runoff, construction noise, reduce air-quality, and increase traffic congestion. HIGH INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE This alternative would have the greatest increase in residential density and office areas. This could result greater environmental health impacts from adjacent industrial uses. This increased density would also proportionality increase runoff, construction noise, reduce air-quality, and increase traffic congestion. MITIGATION MEASURES NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE The impacts to the No-Action Alternative have been addressed under Pasco’s current Comprehensive Plan and Environmental Impact Statement. ALL ACTION ALTERNATIVES Potential mitigation measures for all the alternatives depend on the specific uses allowed, their location and mitigation measures required at the time of approval by Pasco. One potential impact could result from truck noise from the proposed distribution center. To mitigate this potential impact, the distribution center has agreed to construct a sound barrier wall along their western property boundary. In addition, a landscape buffer could be developed to provide additional buffering. Impacts from adjacent industrial uses could be mitigated, in part, through adoption of mitigation measures during construction and operation, and through the adoption of the Goals and Policies of Pasco Comprehensive Plan, including: 50'+/-15'+/- 3 :1 S lo p e Drought Tolerant Landscaping Masonary Wall 10'-15' High Property line Varies 15' Distribution Center Property 30-19-079/New Heritage 50 • LU-2-D Policy: Encourage the use of buffers or transition zones between non -compatible land uses. • LU-3-C Policy: Ensure all developments include appropriate landscaping and screening, as required by adopted regulations and guidelines. • ED-3. GOAL: MAINTAIN DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND DESIGN GUIDELINES TO ENSURE THAT COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS ARE GOOD NEIGHBORS • ED-3-A Policy: Enhance compatibility of commercial and industrial development with residential and mixed-use neighborhoods with appropriate landscaping, screening, building and design standards, • ED-3-B Policy: Ensure outdoor illumination and signage of businesses have a positive impact and are compatible with neighborhood standards. • ED-3-C Policy: Provide appropriate access through a combination of pathways, sidewalks, non-motorized travel lanes and parking. • ED-3-D Policy: Require businesses and buildings in and adjacent to the Central Business District to conform to established development standards. In addition, Pasco Code provides development standards and requirements that mitigate future industrial impacts on future residential uses. If the change to the amendment area is approved, specific mitigation measures would be applied to reduce run-off, construction noise, traffic congestion and air-quality. As noted in Sections 1 and 2, the intent is to create a walkable community with significant open spaces, parks and trails. These applied mitigation measures and land use approach would significantly reduce any potential impacts. In addition, the Vision anticipates the extensive use of buffers and open space to reduce impacts from adjacent industrial from visual blight, noise, runoff and odor. These buffers would include the wall identified above and landscaped areas. 5.4 PARKS AND RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS Pasco adopted in 2016 a Park and Recreation Plan. This Plan: “[E]stablishes policies for park and recreation services and urban forestry practice, and it identifies parks and recreation facility needs for Pasco of Pasco” (Parks, Recreation and Forestry Plan, Pasco of Pasco).” The Plan identifies one existing neighborhood park to the north of the amendment site (Kurtzman Park) that could serve a small portion of the amendment site, and a Regional State Park (Sacajawea) to the southeast. In addition, the plan identifies the Sacajawea Trail that runs along the waterfront that intersects with a Pasco defined bike and pedestrian path that abuts the amendment area. The Plan also establishes standards for future parks based on projected population. Table 5.6, below, identifies the standard for each park type, based on the projected population for each alternative. 30-19-079/New Heritage 51 Pasco also budgeted in the CIP to construct a 28-acre soccer complex immediately west of the site. Construction of Phase 1, which includes 3 soccer/multiuse fields, is scheduled to begin in 2022. The final project will include up to 10 multiuse sports fields. TABLE 5 .6 – TYPICAL SYSTEM DESCRIPTION COMPONENTS Type 2006 Adopted Standard (Pasco Parks Plan) Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3 Acres Facilities Required Acres Facilities Required Acres Facilities Required Neighborhood Parks 3-7 Acre Standard 2.00 acres/1,000 population 2.7 1 3.4 1 4.5 1 Community Parks 20+ Acres 2.10 acres/1,000 population 5.6 0 7.2 0 9.5 0 Large Urban Parks 2.99 acres/1,000 population 8 0 10.3 0 13 0 Regional Parks No Adopted Standard 8.93 acres/1,000 population n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Linear Park No Adopted Standard 1.56 acres/1,000 population n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Softball Fields 1 field per 3,000 population n/a * n/a * n/a * Youth Baseball 1 field per 2,000 population n/a * n/a * n/a * Soccer Fields 1 field per 2,000 population n/a * n/a * n/a * Tennis Courts 1 court per 1,500 population n/a * n/a * n/a * Trails (8” wide) 0.50 miles per 1,000 population n/a * n/a * n/a * Source: Pasco Parks, Land Strategies *Type, size and number of amenities to be determined during Pasco Land Subdivision process. Pasco’s 2019 Plan and Recreation Plan also describes each park type: “Neighborhood parks include a playground and park designed primarily for non-supervised, non- organized recreation activities. In Pasco, they are generally small (3-7 acres) and serve a radius of approximately one-half mile. At average residential densities, this amounts to about 5,000 to 7,500 residents. Since these parks are located within walking and bicycling distance of most users, the activities they offer become a daily pastime for neighborhood children. While it is not necessarily the rule, neighborhood parks sometimes provide space for organized community events. A few examples include Island Park, Richardson Park, and Centennial Park. Community Park facilities are generally designed for organized activities and sports, although individual and family activities are encouraged. Community parks can provide indoor facilities to 30-19-079/New Heritage 52 meet a wider range of recreation interests. A community park can also serve the function of neighborhood parks, although community parks serve a much larger area and offer more facilities. Their service area is about a one-mile radius and will support a population of approximately 12,000 – 15,000 persons depending upon its size and nature of its facilities. They require more support facilities including parking, rest rooms, and covered play areas. They usually exceed 20 acres in size and often have sport fields or similar facilities as the central focus of the park. Memorial Park fulfills the needs of a community park in Pasco. Large urban parks, like Chiawana Park, are designed to serve the entire community. They are like a community park but much larger. They provide a wide variety of specialized facilities such as large picnic areas, water related activities, indoor recreation facilities, and sports fields. They require more support facilities such as parking, rest rooms, and play areas because of their size and facilities offered. They usually exceed 50 acres in size and should be designed to accommodate many people. Regional parks are large recreational areas that serve an entire Pasco or region. They can be large and often include one specific use or feature. If possible, they should be developed around a unique or significant resource to emphasize regional recreation interest. These types of park areas are found nearby and include Sacajawea State Park, Columbia Park (Pasco of Kennewick), and Howard Amon Park (Pasco of Richland). These parks offer riverfront and boating facilities as well as other passive recreation opportunities and are within a short travel time for Pasco residents. Linear parks are land areas that generally follow a drainage corridor, ravine, or some other elongated feature such as a power line or railroad right-of-way. This type of park area often contains various levels/types of trail systems and sometimes includes greenbelts. Pathways and trails are designed to provide walking, bicycling, and other nonmotorized means for linking various parts of the community and connecting parks to residential areas. Trails provide recreation-oriented bicycle and walking opportunities utilizing canals, drainage corridors, easements, and other publicly accessible facilities. The trail system includes unpaved foot trails used for walking, hiking, mountain bike riding and horseback riding, and paved multi-use bicycle trails designed for bicycle riding, walking and hiking. The system can consist of both off -street and on- street trail segments. Many off-street segments already exist along the waterfront and Interstate 182.” (Bolding added for emphasis). The Plan also indicates the ½-mile service areas for each park in Pasco. 30-19-079/New Heritage 53 FIGURE 5 .3 – PARK SERVICE AREA EFFECTS ON THE PROPOSAL NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE Under the No-Action Alternative there would be no parks constructed and the site would remain “Industrial.” Planned parks and recreation facilities would not change. LOW INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE The Low Intensity Alternative projects an additional 2,660 in population. Pasco’s Park and Recreation Plan Standards would require additional park facilities. The type of park facilities will be determined during the Pasco Land Subdivision approval. Table 5.6 provides a general list of park facilities that may be considered. The Low Intensity Alternative would have parks and recreation land. In addition, trails and sidewalk would need to be provided to meet current Park standards. The types, size and location of park improvements will be determined as part of Pasco’s Land Subdivision approval. Park and recreation facilities that are developed on the amendment site, may be dedicated to the Park and Recreation Department of Pasco. If dedicated, this would impact Pasco’s maintenance requirements. Source: SVPVPA 30-19-079/New Heritage 54 Not all the facilities described above and in Table 5.6 may be required by the Pasco Zoning Code. The types, size and location of park improvements will be determined as part of Pasco’s Land Subdivision approval. MEDIUM INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE The Medium Intensity Alternative projects could add an additional 3,444 in population. Pasco’s Park and Recreation Plan Standards would require additional park facilities. The type of park facilities will be determined during the Pasco Land Subdivision approval. Table 5.6 provides a general list of park facilities that may be considered. The Medium Intensity Alternative would have parks and recreation land. In addition, trails and sidewalk would need to be provided to meet current Park standards. The types, size and location of park improvements will be determined as part of Pasco’s Land Subdivision approval. Park and recreation facilities that are developed on the amendment site, may be dedicated to the Park and Recreation Department of Pasco. If dedicated, this would impact Pasco’s maintenance requirements. Not all the facilities described above and in Table 5.6 may be required by the Pasco Zoning Code. The types, size and location of park improvements will be determined as part of Pasco’s Land Subdivision approval. HIGH INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE The High Intensity Alternative projects could add an additional 4,536 in population. Pasco’s Park and Recreation Plan Standards would require additional park facilities. The type of park facilities will be determined during the Pasco Land Subdivision approval. Table 5.6 provides a general list of park facilities that may be considered. The High Intensity Alternative would have parks and recreation land. In addition, trails and sidewalk would need to be provided to meet current Park standards. The types, size and location of park improvements will be determined as part of Pasco’s Land Subdivision approval. Park and recreation facilities that are developed on the amendment site, may be dedicated to the Park and Recreation Department of Pasco. If dedicated, this would impact Pasco’s maintenance requirements. Source: Skibba Illustration Star Tribune 30-19-079/New Heritage 55 Not all the facilities described above and in Table 5.6 may be required by the Pasco Zoning Code. The types, size and location of park improvements will be determined as part of Pasco’s Land Subdivision approval. MITIGATION MEASURES Mitigation for all the action alternatives would be similar and include: • Implement Pasco Park and Recreation Plan Goals and Policies; • Implement Pasco Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies, including: o LU-2-C Policy: Ensure that adequate public services are provided in a reasonable time frame for new developments. o LU-2-D Policy: Encourage the use of buffers or transition zones between non- compatible land uses. o LU-3-A Policy: Design major streets, schools, parks, and other public facilities that will encourage the individual identities of neighborhoods. o LU-3-C Policy: Ensure all developments include appropriate landscaping and screening, as required by adopted regulations and guidelines. o ED-3-C Policy: Provide appropriate access through a combination of pathways, sidewalks, non-motorized travel lanes and parking. o CF-1-B Policy: Encourage public participation in defining the need for, the proposed location of, and the design of public facilities such as parks, ball fields, pedestrian and bicycle corridors, and street and utility extensions and improvements. o CF-3-A Policy: Assure land development proposals provide land and/or facilities or other mitigation measures to address impacts on traffic, parks, recreational facilities, schools, and pedestrian and bicycle trails. o CF-5. Goal: in conjunction with the county, provide parks, greenways, trails, and recreation facilities throughout the UGA. • Develop a system of interconnected parks, recreation facilities, bike and pedestrian trails, gathering and meeting spaces, school facilities, retail spaces, and workspaces in order to facilitate the Vision of a walkable “New Urban” community. 5.5 PUBLIC FACILITI ES EXISTING CONDITIONS FIRE "Pasco Fire Department (PFD) provides fire suppression, advanced life support, emergency medical services, ambulance transport services, technical rescue services, and hazardous materials services (through a regional partnership) to its service area community (Pasco Comprehensive 30-19-079/New Heritage 56 Plan EIS). Station 81 is located on Oregon Avenue, approximately 1.5 miles from the site and is staffed full time.” POLICE "Law enforcement services for the City are provided by the City Police Department. Unincorporated areas of the UGA are served by the County Sheriff. The City and County law enforcement agencies cooperate readily when the need arises. Pasco currently has 1.03 patrol officers per 1,000 people" (Pasco Comprehensive Plan EIS). EFFECTS ON THE PROPOSAL FIRE / POLICE NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE The impacts to the No-Action Alternative have been addressed under Pasco’s current Comprehensive Plan and Environmental Impact Statement. ALL ACTION ALTERNATIVES Under all of the action alternatives there may be a slight increase in emergency calls over the No Action Alternative, depending on the specific industry that would occupy the site. MITIGATION MEASURES FIRE / POLICE Implement the Goals and Policies of the City's Comprehensive Plan: • CF-7-A Policy: Strive to provide a sufficient number of fire stations in appropriate locations throughout the community. • CF-7-B Policy: Maintain a cooperative policy with the county fire district. 5.6 UTILITIES EXISTING CONDITIONS SANITARY SEWER SERVICES The project area is currently serviced by the City of Pasco and is accounted for in the Comprehensive Sewer Plan (CSP). The existing treatment plan has a capacity of 8.68 million gallons per day (MGD) and in 2011 the maximum flow was 4.27 MGD. There is an existing 30-inch diameter sewer trunk main that collects sewer flows from the Road 40 East Interceptor. Flows from the Road 40 East Interceptor flows through the project site in the existing 30-inch sewer trunk main. Currently the proposed amendment site is undeveloped and has no sanitary sewer flows. The calculated pipe capacity of the 30-inch sewer trunk main using the Manning’s Formula for 50% capacity is 3,838,856 Gallons per Day (GPD) and 7,018,514 GPD at 75%. 30-19-079/New Heritage 57 POTABLE WATER SERVICE The proposed amendment area is served by the City of Pasco and was evaluated in the 2019 Comprehensive Water System Plan (CWSP) and according to CWSP, the City of Pasco has a total available water right of 13,645.50 acre-feet per year and 20,149 GPM for instantaneous flow. This water right converts to a Maximum Day Demand (MDD) of 29 MGD. The CWSP also indicates that the City of Pasco’s potable water source includes the Butterfield Water Treatment Plant (BWTP) with a capacity of 26.8 MGD a day and the West Pasco Treatment Plant (WPTP) with a capacity of 6 MGD. The proposed New Heritage Site is in Pressure Zone 2 which is serviced by the BWTP. Additionally, there is the Eastside Booster Pump that also supplies pressurized water to Zone 2. Zone 2 is a closed system and has no current storage capacity but is tied into Zone 3 through a pressure reducing valve. Zone 3 does provide storage capacity. There is an existing 16-inch water main that runs through the site that services the project area. The CWSP shows a current Zone 2 storage deficiency of 3.73 million gallons (MG). The 2019 CWSP indicates that the City has an existing and future deficiency in storage for Zone 2. The City has identified the storage need in their 2019 CWSP plan. The planned timeframe for this storage Capital Improvement Project (CIP) is to be completed sometime between 2020-2023. This CIP will provide a 5.75 MG reservoir to improve reliability, fire flows and level of service for all of Zone 2 and the project area. This CIP is required regardless of land uses under the No-Action Alternative or land uses under the three Action Alternatives. The CWSP also indicates that there is adequate fire flow capacity to support generally up to 4,000 GPM. Industrial users will tend to require larger fire flows due to larger building structures and higher occupancy than residential structures. The City of Pasco operates an irrigation water delivery system for certain parts of the City, but the proposed New Heritage Site is not included in the existing irrigation system. Irrigation water for the project area will have to come from either the domestic water system or from on-site sources. No irrigation service was included in the CWSP analysis. OTHER PUBLIC SERVICES AND UTILITIES The site is currently undeveloped. What stormwater leaves the site is either infiltrated or is collected on adjacent streets. Other utilities such a cable and phone are available to the site. EFFECTS ON THE PROPOSAL NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE Sewer and water impacts are generally covered under the City's Comprehensive Plan (Volume 2) and the Comprehensive Plan EIS. The analysis provided in the Comprehensive Plan and EIS is not specific enough to make a detailed comparison between the No-Action Alternative and the three Action Alternatives. Depending on the specific industry occupying the site, which could range 30-19-079/New Heritage 58 from food processing to bulk storage, the No-Action Alternative could either be greater, similar to or less the three Action Alternatives. Storm drainage management would depend on the specific industries developed and would have to be retained to meet City and State standards. Other utilities such as phone and cable would also have to be extended to meet the demands of the specific industry/s. LOW INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE Demand volumes for sewer under the Low Intensity Alternative are summarized in Table 5.7. TABLE 5 .7 – LOW USE PROJECTED SEWAGE VOLUMES Land Use Acre (AC) Units Low Use GPDA Estimated Population GPDA Low Use Total (GPDA) Open Space/Roadways 58 - - - - - Retail 1 - 1,500 - - 1,500 Service/Office 1 - 1,500 - - 1,500 School 15 - - 550 *20 11,000 SF Homes 100 500 - 1,675 **80 134,000 Duplex/Tri-Plex 7 42 - 141 **80 11,280 Apartment 14 252 - 844 **80 67,520 Total 196 - - - - 226,800 *20 GPD/Student **80 GPCD per 2019 CWSP Water demand is projected for the Low Intensity Alternative on Table 5.8, below. TABLE 5 .8 – LOW INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE PROPOSED WATER DEMAND WITH I R RIGATION SF Homes, Duplex and Apartment ERU (GPC) Residence (GPD) (# of Units x ERU) Retail, Office, School (GPD) Proposed Land Use Volumes (MGD) 794 *424 336,656 14,000 0.35 *424 ERU per 2019 CWSP GPC = Gallons per Connection Since industrial sewer and water demands can have a wide range of possible flows it is unknown if the proposed amendment will have a less, similar or greater impact. The specific impact and/or potential mitigation measures, if any, will need to be defined during the approval of the Land Subdivision application process. The extent and type of storm drainage required would likely be less than under the No-Action Alternative because of the extensive park and open spaces. Other utilities would also have to be 30-19-079/New Heritage 59 extended by the specific provider. Specific storm drainage requirement would be developed at the time of project approval. MEDIUM INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE Demand volumes for sewer under the Medium Intensity Alternative are summarized in Table 5.9, below. TABLE 5.9 – MEDIUM USE PROJECTED SEWAGE VOLUMES Land Use Acre (AC) Units Low Use GPDA Estimated Population GPDA Low Use Total (GPDA) Open Space/Roadways 58 - - - - - Retail 2 - 2,000 - - 2,000 Service/Office 2 - 2,000 - - 2,000 School 15 - - 550 *20 11,000 SF Homes 85 468 - 1,568 **80 125,440 Duplex/Tri-Plex 10 80 - 268 **80 21,440 Apartment 24 480 - 1,608 **80 128,640 Total 196 - - - - 290,520 *20 GPD/Student **80 GPCD per 2019 CWSP Water demand is projected for the Medium Intensity Alternative on Table 5.10, below. TABLE 5.10 – MEDIUM INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE PROPOSED WATER DEMAND WITH IRRIGATION SF Homes, Duplex and Apartment ERU (GPC) Residence (GPD) (# of Units x ERU) Retail, Office, School (GPD) Proposed Land Use Volumes (MGD) 1,028 *424 435,872 15,000 0.45 *424 ERU per 2019 CWSP GPC = Gallons per Connection Since industrial sewer and water demands can have a wide range of possible flows it is unknown if the proposed amendment will have a less, similar or greater impact. The specific impact and/or potential mitigation measures, if any, will need to be defined during the approval of the Land Subdivision application process. The extent and type of storm drainage require would likely be less than under the No-Action Alternative because of the extensive park and open spaces. Other utilities would also have to be extended by the specific provider. Specific storm drainage requirement would be developed at the time of project approval. 30-19-079/New Heritage 60 HIGH INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE Demand volumes for sewer under the High Intensity Alternative are summarized in Table 5.11, below. TABLE 5 .11 – HIGH USE PROJECTED SEWAGE VOLUMES Land Use Acre (AC) Units Low Use GPDA Estimated Population GPDA Low Use Total (GPDA) Open Space/Roadways 58 - - - - - Retail 3 - 2,500 - - 2,500 Service/Office 2 - 2,500 - - 2,500 School 15 - - 550 *20 11,000 SF Homes 69 414 - 1,387 **80 110,960 Duplex/Tri-Plex 17 204 - 684 **80 183,312 Apartment 32 736 - 2,466 **80 197,280 Total 196 - - - - 507.552 *20 GPD/Student **80 GPCD per 2019 CWSP Water demand is projected for the High Intensity Alternative on Table 5.12, below. TABLE 5 .12 – HIGH INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE PROPOSED WATER DEMAND WITH IRRIGATION SF Homes, Duplex and Apartment ERU (GPC) Residence (GPD) (# of Units x ERU) Retail, Office, School (GPD) Proposed Land Use Volumes (MGD) 1,354 *424 574,096 16,000 0.59 *424 ERU per 2019 CWSP GPC = Gallons per Connection Since industrial sewer and water demands can have a wide range of possible flows it is unknown if the proposed amendment will have a less, similar or greater impact. The specific impact and/or potential mitigation measures, if any, will need to be defined during the approval of the Land Subdivision application process. The extent and type of storm drainage require would likely be less than under the No-Action Alternative because of the extensive park and open spaces. Other utilities would also have to be extended by the specific provider. Specific storm drainage requirement would be developed at the time of project approval. MITIGATION MEASURES SANITARY SEWER SERVICE Mitigation measures for Sanitary Sewer would include: • Implement the 2014 CSP or most current CSP goals and policies. 30-19-079/New Heritage 61 • Implement the most current City of Pasco Design and Construction Standards for Sanitary Sewer design. DOMESTIC WATER FACILITIES Mitigation measures for Domestic Water Facilities would include: • Implement the 2019 CWSP or most current CWSP goals and policies. • Implement the most current City of Pasco Design and Construction Standards for Domestic Water Facilities design. • Implement the Water Storage Capacity CIP project for a 5.75 MG water reservoir as noted in the 2019 CWSP. • Conduct specific water system analysis once a more defined master plan has been prepared and prior to the development of any phase of the project. 5.7 TRANSPORTATION EXISTING CONDITIONS There are no existing roadways within the proposed 196-acre New Heritage Site. There is a network of streets that serve the area around the site as shown in Figure 5.4, which also shows the location of traffic signals in this portion of the city. Key roadways that will provide primary access to the site include: • “A” Street – a minor east-west arterial adjacent to the site along the northern boundary; • Heritage Blvd – a local north-south roadway between A Street and US 12 which is designated in the Comprehensive Plan as a future principal arterial; and, • US 12/I-182 –An east-west expressway that crosses the Columbia River to the west connecting with Benton County and Interstate I-82, and crossing the Snake River to the east connecting to Walla Walla. 30-19-079/New Heritage 62 FIGURE 5 .4 – PASCO STREET SYSTEM Details related to the roadways within the immediate New Heritage Site, including details on the traffic operations, is included in Appendix A. • Transit - Ben Franklin Transit provides fixed route and on demand transit service to the City of Pasco and the Tri-Cities area. In the vicinity of the New Heritage Site, service is provided by Routes 64 and 65, each providing service every half hour throughout the day. Routes 64 and 65 have stops on “A” Street. Both routes provide transfer opportunities at the 22nd Avenue Transit Center. • Bike and Pedestrian - The City of Pasco has a network of facilities that serve bicycle and pedestrian needs. In the vicinity of the proposed New Heritage Site, “A” Street has a sidewalk on the north side from Wehe Avenue to East 40th Avenue. It also has bike lanes in each direction and a 9’ wide pathway on the south side from Elm Street to East 40th Avenue. • Rail - There is an existing rail spur along the southern boundary of the New Heritage site that was constructed to promote industrial development at this site as well as on the south side. EFFECTS ON THE PROPOSAL NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE The City’s Comprehensive Plan does not specify industrial land uses for the proposed amendment site. Similar sites within this area and zoning classification have been primarily developed as warehousing and food processing, although it is possible, under the current zoning, for the 30-19-079/New Heritage 63 property to be developed for a wide range of other uses. In addition, the Traffic Model prepared by the Benton Franklin Council of Governments and used by the City in preparing its Comprehensive Plan, did not include any development for this site during the 20-year planning period. This, and the fact that the site has not been developed for any industrial use in the last 40 years and is not projected to in the future (See Appendix A), means that the potential uses could range from vacant to any allowable use under the City’s Zoning Code, other than Residential. Given this wide range, some reasonable basis for evaluating the traffic impacts resulting from the proposed amendment, had to be developed. To do this, an assumption was made that, if there were to be a change in the market, the site could be developed in uses identified in the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual as General Light Industrial. Based on this assumption, the No-Action Alternative could result in 1,235 peak hour trips with 13% inbound and 87% outbound, see details in Appendix A. A planning level analysis of these traffic volumes, similar to the analysis performed for the preparation of the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan that resulted in traffic impacts higher than shown in the Comprehensive Plan, but lower than what could be expected to result from the most traffic impactive land uses allowed under the Zoning Code. LOW INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE Under this alternative a variety of land uses are proposed and have been discussed previously. For the purposes of this analysis, a mixture of office space, retail in the form of restaurants, grocery and other neighborhood shopping, were evaluated and estimated to generate approximately 930 external trips with 56% of trips inbound to the site (see tables in Appendix A). The impacts for this alternative are similar to those of the No-Action Alternative identified under Appendix A, but may be expected to be slightly lower for three reasons: One, it generates fewer trips; two, the directional split of inbound and outbound trips is more evenly distributed; and three, the mixed-use nature of the proposed development allows for more trips to be contained on-site such as people that live and work within the New Heritage site, or people that are able to live and shop within the proposed development. Transit and bicycle/pedestrian features would be offered within the New Heritage site. The existing rail spur along the southern boundary would not likely be used on its north side but could still be used on its south side. MEDIUM INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE Under this alternative a variety of land uses are also proposed including a mixture of office space, business park, as retail in the form of restaurants, grocery and other neighborhood shopping were evaluated and estimated to generate approximately 1,140 external trips with 56% of trips inbound to the site. 30-19-079/New Heritage 64 A similar evaluation as the No Action Alternative was performed and is discussed in Appendix A. The analysis showed impacts similar to the results for the Low Intensity Alternative. HIGH INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE The High Intensity Alternative also includes a variety of land uses and are documented in more detail in Appendix A. For the purposes of this analysis, a mixture of office space, business park, and retail in the form of restaurants, grocery and other neighborhood shopping were evaluated and estimated to generate approximately 1,315 external trips with 57% of trips inbound to the site. Results are very similar at a planning level, a more detailed evaluation will likely be performed once a final development proposal is brought forward after the Comprehensive Plan amendment is approved. MITIGATION MEASURES NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE The Regional Travel Demand Model used for preparation of the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan did not include development on the New Heritage site during the planning period. Nor did the Regional model include traffic associated with the two proposed large distribution facilities nearby. Because of this, the No Action Alternative, based on the traffic evaluation included in Appendix A, indicates that any future industrial development of the New Heritage site under the No-Action Alternative would require additional traffic improvements beyond the mitigation identified in the Comprehensive Plan. What transportation improvements would actually be required under the No-Action Alternative depends on what specific development is being proposed, although it is likely that the requirement would be at least as much as those required under any of the Action Alternatives for these reasons: one, it generates more trips; two, the directional split of inbound and outbound trips is highly directional; and three, the very few trips are absorbed internally to the site because of the lack of complementary land uses associated with the industrial land uses allowed. ALL ACTION ALTERNATIVES Using the planning level methodology that was used in the preparation of the Comprehensive Plan described in Appendix A, the impacts related to the future development of the site under all three Action Alternatives are similar to those of the No-Action Alternative. The analysis described in Appendix A does not account for trips to/from the proposed large distribution facilities nearby, so it is conservatively high on trips further away from the site. Given that workers at these facilities will have additional housing nearby the impact on the roadway system may be less than those identified for the No Action scenario. The planning methodology used here identifies locations where improvements may be needed. It is logical to expect that when more detail is provided on a future development proposal, and more detailed traffic operations analysis is undertaken, that slightly different mitigation would be required for scenarios that add more 30-19-079/New Heritage 65 trips to the roadway network. Specific mitigation measures to assure concurrency would be identified at the time of approval of the Land Subdivision and Concomitant Agreement. 30-19-079/New Heritage 66 6 ECONOMICS The major questions related to the impact economics has on the proposed amendment includes: • What is the economic impact of removing 196 acres from the City's industrial center? • What are the benefits of adding affordable housing adjacent to the existing industrial area of Pasco? IMPACT OF REMOVING INDUSTRIAL ACREAGE: According to the Integrated Non-project Final Environmental Impact Statement prepared for the City of Pasco Comprehensive Plan, there are currently 7,095 acres of industrial land located within the City limits and UGA boundary (see Table 9). Of this amount, 4,212 acres, or approximately 45% of the total land acreage, is exempt and owned by the Port, City, and/or other government entities, 1,827 acres are undeveloped (26%), and 354 acres are underutilized (5%). The maximum employment identified in Section 5 is 329. This is 651 employees less than the 980 employees estimated using the 5 employees per acre (EPA) previously used by the Port of Pasco. It would also reduce the total 1,827 undeveloped acreage by approximately 11%. Based on 5 EPA, the total projected employment for all undeveloped land is 9,135. The 651-employee difference could reduce this projected employment by about 7%. Historically, Pasco has not had problem in industrial land availability. Even large land users such as food processing industries have been able to find suitable land in the past. For instance, in 2017 there was over 500+ acres of industrial land for sale around the Tri-Cities region (this was reduced due to the recent sale of a portion of the Heritage site). and it appears that roughly 45 acres of industrial land is absorbed each year, on average. Industry experts claim there is an abundance of undeveloped industrial land within the region to be absorbed, indicating roughly a 5-7-year absorption rate (See Figure 6.1). FIGURE 6 .1 – NET ABSORPTION, INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES IN FRANKLIN COUNTY Source: Costar (60,000) (40,000) (20,000) 0 20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 100,000 120,000 140,000 160,000 2020 Q4 QTD2020 Q32020 Q22020 Q12019 Q42019 Q32019 Q22019 Q12018 Q42018 Q32018 Q22018 Q12017 Q42017 Q32017 Q22017 Q12016 Q42016 Q32016 Q22016 Q12015 Q42015 Q32015 Q22015 Q1 30-19-079/New Heritage 67 Based on the above, there is more than enough industrial acreage in Pasco to meet the projected requirements and any future projected demand. BENEFITS OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING The lack of affordable housing has resulted in a significant hardship in many communities. Appendix B discusses the various impacts related to the location of housing in Pasco. The lack of affordable housing also has economic impact. According to the National Low-Income Housing Coalition: Increasing access to affordable housing bolsters economic growth. Research shows that the shortage of affordable housing costs the American economy about $2 trillion a year in lower wages and productivity. Without affordable housing, families have constrained opportunities to increase earnings, causing slower GDP growth. In fact, researchers estimate that the growth in GDP between 1964 and 2009 would have been 13.5% higher if families had better access to affordable housing. This would have led to a $1.7 trillion increase in income, or $8,775 in additional wages per worker. Moreover, each dollar invested in affordable housing boosts local economies by leveraging public and private resources to generate income— including resident earnings and additional local tax revenue—and supports job creation and retention. This is also listed as an issue by Habitat for Humanities: Greater tax generation, creation of jobs, opportunities for economic development, increased job retention and productivity, and the ability to address inequality — all are among the economic benefits of increased access to quality, affordable housing. a 2004 study [by the Harvard Kennedy School] showed a harmful link between high housing costs and employee, productivity and retention, which hurts businesses and a community’s economy. Since then, the impact of high housing costs in the U.S., both rental and homeownership, has only grown. Freeing our local, state and national economies from the drag created when housing is unaffordable helps everyone. According to Census’ LEHD on the Map program (2019 data is the most recent data available), three-quarters of Pasco residents commute outside the area for work. Despite this, there is a cross- haul of workforce — as many are coming into Pasco to work as are leaving (see Figure 6.2). Roughly 69% of the jobs in Pasco are being filled by people who live outside the city. However, as the geographic boundary broadens, less residents commute outside the area for work (Table 6.1). More Franklin County residents commute outside the county for work than Benton County residents, where the larger concentration of jobs are located (see Figure 6.2). In addition, 32% of housing units in Benton and Franklin counties have zero or only one vehicle (the share is slightly higher in Benton). This makes it more challenging for residents to get to work. 30-19-079/New Heritage 68 FIGURE 6 .2 – COMMUTER FLOWS, CITY OF PASCO (2019) Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Center for Economic Studies, LEHD TABLE 6.13 – COMMUTING FLOWS BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA (2019) Geographic Area Living and Working in Area Living in Area but Working Outside Employed in Area but Living outside (% of jobs) City of Pasco 24% 76& 69% Franklin County 32% 68% 62% Benton County 61% 39% 40% Kennewick-Richland MSA 74% 26% 25% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Center for Economic Studies, LEHD This disparity between where people live and where they work has a significant impact on the quality of life in Pasco. The cost of commuting also disproportionately affects low-income workers. With over half the workers and half the residents in Franklin County earning less than $40,000 per year, larger commutes put more of a strain on the community as people with lower incomes typically drive farther to work and spend more out of pocket. The Pasco Comprehensive Plan has expanded the city's Urban Growth Boundary to the north in the Broadmoor area (See Figure 6.3). A significant portion of the projected population growth 30-19-079/New Heritage 69 over the next 20 years is projected to locate in this area. This can result in even high commute costs for the workers in the industrial area of the city to the south. FIGURE 6 .3 – PASCO URBAN GROWTH BOUNDARY Source: Pasco Comprehensive Plan, JUB In conclusion, rising rental costs with low vacancy rates and high levels of low-income residents, coupled with high home prices and overall higher cost of living in the tri-cities region is a recipe for mitigating factors such as job creation in the central business district to reduce overall commuting costs for low-income and minority residents. (See Appendix B). It can also significantly increase traffic congestion due to longer commute. 30-19-079/New Heritage APPENDIX A 30-19-079/New Heritage Appendix A - Traffic Analysis P a g e | 1 APPENDIX A NEW HERITAGE SITE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT TRAFFIC ANALYSIS EXISTING CONDITIONS There are no existing roadways on the proposed Amendment area site itself. There is a network of functionally classified streets that serve the area around the site, as shown in Figure A-1 below, which also shows the location of traffic signals in this portion of the city. FIGURE A -1 . EXISTING ROADWAY NETWORK AND TRAFFIC CONTROL Note: intersections without a symbol are Two-Way Stop Controlled. 2 Key roadways that provide primary access to the site includes: • “A” Street - Adjacent to the site along the northern boundary is “A” Street, an east-west minor arterial that has two lanes west of 20th Avenue, four lanes from 20th Avenue to Elm Street, five lanes from Elm Street to Heritage Blvd along the northern boundary of the site, three lanes from Heritage Blvd to East 40th Street and two lanes from 40th Street to US 12. There are three traffic signals on “A” Street where it crosses other principal arterial roadways at Oregon Ave (SR 397), 4th Avenue and 10th Avenue. • Heritage Blvd – is a two lane north-south local road with limited access between “A” Street and US 12 with no stops. It is designated to become a principal arterial in the Comprehensive Plan. • US 12/I-182 – US 12 is designated an east-west expressway with two lanes in each direction as it comes west across the Snake River. West of a grade separated interchange at Lewis Street it becomes coincident with Interstate 182, continuing west through Pasco and into Benton County. It widens to three lanes in each direction west of US 395. With respect to existing traffic operations, results from the recently completed Comprehensive Plan are discussed here. Traffic volumes collected by the Benton Franklin Council of Governments (BFCOG) in 2018 were reviewed and evaluated at a planning level for both roadway segments and intersection Levels of Service to identify potential areas of concern that may not meet city standards. Capacities from the regional model were also used for each roadway. The resulting roadway network volume to capacity ratios were calculated. Intersection approach volumes were also examined and evaluated for two conditions. First, whether stop control is adequate when comparing major street and minor street traffic volumes, comparing to a table included in the Highway Capacity Manual (Intersection Control Type and Peak-Hour Volumes). Second, for signalized intersections entering volumes were compared with entering capacity with an intersection adjustment factor to account for the fact that two roadways must share the pavement within the intersection. As reported in the Comprehensive Plan, all functionally classified roads east of the railroad tracks in Pasco function with good volume to capacity (V/C) ratios and Levels of Service, with only one roadways having a V/C ratio greater than 0.70. Elsewhere in the City there is congestion over both of the bridges from Pasco to Kennewick and in the vicinity of the US 395/I-182 interchange. The Comprehensive Plan Update performed a planning level system wide evaluation of intersections which identified four intersections in central and east Pasco that are currently unsignalized but based on entering volumes may need improvements. These intersections include Heritage Blvd at A Street, two intersections on Lewis Street and one on Oregon Avenue. Ben Franklin Transit provides fixed route and on demand transit service to the City of Pasco and the Tri-Cities area. In the vicinity of the Amendment area service is provided by Routes 64 and 3 65, each providing service every half hour throughout the day. Route 65 has stops on “A” Street between Heritage Blvd and Terra Vida Lane while Route 64 has stops on “A” Street between Wehe Avenue and Elm Avenue. Both routes provide transfer opportunities at the 22nd Avenue Transit Center. The City of Pasco has a network of facilities that serve bicycle and pedestrian needs. In the vicinity of the proposed Amendment area, “A” Street has a sidewalk on the north side from Wehe Avenue to East 40th Avenue. It also has bike lanes in each direction and a 9’ wide pathway on the south side from Elm Street to East 40th Avenue. There is an existing rail spur along the southern boundary of the New Heritage site that was constructed to promote industrial development at this site as well as on the south side. EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSAL For each of the alternatives discussed below, a planning level analysis was performed using the same methodology as was used in the preparation of Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan Analysis as described above. The methodology for forecasting future traffic conditions for the four alternatives (including the No Action) is discussed below. To assist with identifying future conditions, the BFCOG develops and maintains the regional travel demand model. The model is a strategic planning tool that includes population and employment forecasts, identified transportation projects and models future conditions across the region. The outcome is a regional model that is adopted by the BFCOG Board, of which the City of Pasco is a member. The City of Pasco submitted to BFCOG updated population and employment forecasts, by Transportation Analysis Zones that reflect the expanded Urban Growth Area and land uses associated with the Comprehensive Plan. An updated traffic volume forecast using the regional travel demand model was prepared. This effort ensures that the Land Use Element and the Transportation Element are consistent for the purposes of the Comprehensive Plan. The results of the refined regional model provide insights and better understanding as to how the transportation network will function with the increase in population and employment. Of note for this current Traffic Analysis for the New Heritage site is that the Regional Travel Demand Model assumed no additional development on the site during the planning horizon of the Comprehensive Plan. Nor did the regional travel demand model include any trips associated with the two large, proposed distribution facilities. 4 A similar analysis to that of existing conditions was performed using the traffic volume forecasts of the Comprehensive Plan to evaluate both roadway segments and intersections to determine where capacity needs are anticipated based on the land uses built into the regional model. Similar to the existing condition roadway volume to capacity ratios (V/Cs) are good, with the only segment in central and east Pasco with a V/C ratio greater than 0.70 being the westbound on - ramp from Lewis Street to US 12. The long-range analysis of the Comprehensive Plan, within the area shown in Figure A-1 above, indicates 11 existing intersections with STOP control that may likely need improvements to provide acceptable Levels of Service. These improvements could be in the form of turn lanes or a higher level of traffic control such as a roundabout or traffic signal. There are also 10 existing signalized intersections and one existing roundabout that are forecast to be over capacity that may also need improvements in the form of additional lanes. These results, for the Comprehensive Plan analysis for the area included in the maps at the end of this appendix. The trip generation assumptions of each of the four Alternatives are included in tables towards the back of this appendix. Maps showing the results of the Volume to Capacity analysis as well as the Intersection Control Analysis follow the tables at the back of this appendix as well. Appropriate maps were prepared focusing on the area of impact of the New Heritage Site including central and east Pasco. The trips generated by each alternative were assigned to the roadway network using the same trip distribution percentages. The percentages shown below in Table A-1 were estimated using a cordon line around central and east Pasco and the existing traffic volumes crossing the cordon line during the PM peak hour. Based on the location of the New Heritage the percentages of trips using the Blue Bridge (US 395) and the Cable Bridge were adjusted to reflect an easier and less congested route to Kennewick using the Cable Bridge. An additional 12 large blocks were also designated in central and east Pasco to assign trips to this area as well, amounting to 23% of the total trips. 5 TABLE A -1. TRIP DISTRIBUTION PERCENTAGES Cordon Line % In % Out US 12 East of “A” Street 4 3 Kahlotus Hwy north of US 12 3 1 US 395 North of I-182 2 3 4th Ave North of I-182 2 1 Argent Rd west of 20th Avenue 3 5 I-182 west of US 395 25 24 Court Street west of US 395 6 5 Sylvester Street west of US 395 3 4 US 395 South (Blue Bridge) 5 8 10th Ave South (Cable Bridge) 24 23 Central/East Pasco 23 23 Total 100% 100% NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE To evaluate the effects of the alternatives an evaluation of the No Action Alternative must also be performed. To evaluate the New Heritage site under the No Action alternative, the land use changes in the regional model were examined and it was found that no additional development was assumed on this site. Thus, to evaluate the No-Action alternative trip generation and distribution needed to be performed for this scenario as well, assuming the site were to develop as light industrial. Similarly, the Comprehensive Plan didn’t include trips associated with the two large, proposed distribution facilities in the heritage vicinity. Multiple industrial land uses are offered in the Institute of Transportation Engineers Trip Generation Manual 10th Edition. Many land uses are allowed under the current zoning, including office, business park, manufacturing and light industrial. For the purposes of this analysis it was assumed that General Light Industrial zoning for trip generation purposes. The resulting trips would amount to approximately 1,235 PM peak hour trips with 13% of those inbound to the site and 87% outbound. These trips were distributed to the roadway network serving the site using the trip distribution percentages shown in Table A-1. The vast number of trips primarily headed east-west on “A” Street and north-south on Heritage Blvd to US 12. The results of the No Action Alternative analysis indicates that the westbound on ramp to US 12 will have a V/C ratio greater than 1.0. The results of the intersection analysis are shown in the maps at the end of this appendix as well. There would be 13 intersections with STOP control that would need improvements (2 more than the Comprehensive Plan), two of which are on “A” Street. 6 There are also 13 intersections with traffic signals that would need improvements as well, this being three more than the Comprehensive Plan, two of which are on Court Street near US 395, and the other one at “A” Street/ 4th Avenue. Important in all this evaluation is that such a large percentage of the trips are going away from the Heritage site since the primary activity there is employment. LOW INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE Under this alternative a variety of land uses are proposed. For the purposes of this analysis, a mixture of office space, business park, and retail in the form of restaurants, grocery and other neighborhood shopping were evaluated and estimated to generate approximately 930 trips with 56% of trips inbound to the site. Specifics on the land uses and amount of development assumed is included in the trip generation tables at the end of this appendix. A similar evaluation as the No Action Alternative was performed with respect to V/C ratios and intersection planning level analysis. Although the traffic volumes on the westbound on-ramp to US 12 from Lewis Street are lower, the V/C would still indicate that this ramp may need to be expanded. The intersection analysis resulted in the same 13 intersections currently STOP controlled that would likely require improvements in order to achieve acceptable LOS (10 of which are identified in the Comprehensive Plan. There are 13 existing traffic signals that would need improvements, these are also the same 13 as shown in the No Action Scenario, and three more than the Comprehensive Plan. Although the same intersections are identified as needing potential improvements as the No Action scenario, it is important to note that the impacts for this alternative may be less than those of the No-Action alternative for four reasons: 1. It generates fewer trips, 2. The directional split of inbound and outbound trips are more evenly distributed, 3. The mixed-use nature of the proposed development allows for more trips to be contained on-site such as people that live and work within Heritage, or people that are able to live and shop within the proposed development. 4. Proximity to the proposed large distribution facilities will be a benefit for both them and the Heritage residents. Transit and Bicycle/pedestrian features would be offered within the Heritage site. The existing rail spur along the southern boundary would not likely be used on its north side but could still be used on its south side. MEDIUM INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE Under this alternative a variety of land uses are also proposed including a mixture of Office space, business park, as retail in the form of restaurants, grocery and other neighborhood shopping were 7 evaluated. This alternative assumes about 235 more multi-family units as well as more commercial and office space. The trip generation specifics are included in a table later and estimates that this alternative would generate approximately 1,140 trips with 56% of trips inbound to the site. A similar evaluation as the No Action alternative was performed with respect to V/C ratios and intersection planning level analysis. The analysis was essentially identical to the results for the Low Intensity alternative, indicating that 13 unsignalized intersections and 13 signalized intersections would likely need improvements along with the westbound US 12 on-ramp from Lewis Street. HIGH INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE The High Intensity Alternative also includes a variety of land uses with an additional 325 more multi-family units as well as single family units and more retail and office space. The specific assumptions are included in a table following the text of this appendix. This alternative is estimated to generate approximately 1,315 trips with 57% of trips inbound to the site. A similar evaluation as the other alternatives was performed with respect to V/C ratios and intersection planning level analysis. The analysis resulted in the same 13 intersections currently STOP controlled that would likely require improvements in order to achieve acceptable LOS. There are 13 existing traffic signals that would need improvements, these are the same as the other alternatives which also include 10 that are identified in the Comprehensive Plan. Although the results are very similar at a planning level it should be noted that specific improvements at intersections are not identified and that more detailed evaluation would need to be performed as more detailed proposals are brought forward and more information is available. MITIGATION MEASURES NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE As mentioned previously, the Regional Travel Demand Model used for preparation of the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan did not include development on the New Heritage site, nor the site of the two proposed large distribution facilities, during the planning period. Thus, mitigation for the No Action Alternative would include installation of 13 new traffic signals or other capacity improvements, including 10 identified in the Comprehensive Plan, it would also include reconstruction of 13 existing traffic signals to increase capacity, 10 of which are included in the Comprehensive Plan. One existing roundabout would also need additional capacity as identified in the Comprehensive Plan, as well as ramp improvements at the Lewis Street interchange. 8 LOW INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE Although this alternative would require mitigation when compared to the existing Comprehensive Plan, essentially needing three new traffic signals as well as ramp improvements at the Lewis Street interchange, it is anticipated to require similar mitigation items as the No-Action Alternative. MEDIUM INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE At a planning level perspective, the mitigation required for this alternative is the same as that for the Low Intensity Alternative. In practice though, at the level of detail of this analysis, the implementation of the improvements at the time of the improvement will likely be slightly more. HIGH INTENSITY ALTERNATIVE At a planning level perspective, the mitigation required for this alternative is the same as that for the Low Intensity Alternative. In practice though, at the level of detail of this analysis, the implementation of the improvements at the time of the development will likely be slightly more. TRIP GENERATION NO ACTION Description Land Use Codes Units Rate Weekday Daily Traffic PM Peak Period Rate % PM In % PM Out Expected Units (independe nt variable) Calculated Daily Trips Based on Average Rate Calculated PM Trips Based on Average Rate In Out General Light Industrial 110 1,000 Sq. Ft. GFA 4.96 0.63 13% 87% 2134 10,587 1,345 175 1170 Source: ITE 10th Edition 2134 10587 1345 175 1170 Internal (8%)1059 134 14 94 Total External 9528 1211 161 1076 acres 196 sq ft 8,537,760 Floor Area Ratio 25% sq of Industrial 2,134,440 in thousands 2134 TRIP GENERATION ALTERNATIVE 1 - LOW INTENSITY Description Land Use Codes Units Rate Weekday Daily Traffic PM Peak Period Rate % PM In % PM Out Expected Units (independe nt variable) Calculated Daily Trips Based on Average Rate Calculated PM Trips Based on Average Rate Passby Percent PM Trips with Origin or Destination outside Heritage In Out Single-Family Detached Housing 210 Dwelling Units 9.44 0.99 63% 37% 542 5,116 537 537 338 199 Multi Family Housing (Low-Rise) 220 Dwelling Units 7.32 0.56 63% 37% 252 1,845 141 141 89 52 Elementary School 520 1,000 Sq. Ft. GFA 19.52 1.37 45% 55% 205 4,002 281 281 126 154 General Office Building 710 1,000 sq Ft. GFA 9.74 1.15 16% 84% 20 195 23 23 4 19 Medical-Dental Office Building 720 1,000 sq Ft. GFA 34.80 3.46 28% 72% 2 70 7 7 2 5 Office Park 750 1,000 sq Ft. GFA 11.07 1.07 7% 93% 0 0 0 0 0 0 Business Park 770 1,000 sq Ft. GFA 12.44 0.42 46% 54% 0 0 0 0 0 0 Shopping Center 820 1,000 Sq. Ft. GFA 37.75 3.81 48% 52% 0 0 0 34 0 0 0 Supermarket 850 1,000 sq Ft. GFA 106.78 9.24 51% 49% 7 747 65 36 41 21 20 High Turnover (Sit-Down) Restaurant 932 1,000 Sq. Ft. GFA 112.18 9.77 62% 38% 0 0 43 0 0 0 Fast-Food Restaurant with Drive Through Window 934 1,000 Sq. Ft. GFA 470.95 32.67 52% 48% 2 942 65 49 33 17 16 Gasoline/Service Station with Convenience Market 945 Vehicle Fueling Positions 205.36 13.99 51% 49% 4 821 56 66 19 10 9 Source: ITE 10th Edition 1034 13738 1174 1082 607 474 85 66 522 408 Less Internal (14%) Total Trips In/Out of Heritage TRIP GENERATION ALTERNATIVE 2 - MEDIUM INTENSITY Description Land Use Codes Units Rate Weekday Daily Traffic PM Peak Period Rate % PM In % PM Out Expected Units (independe nt variable) Calculated Daily Trips Based on Average Rate Calculated PM Trips Based on Average Rate Passby Percent PM Trips with Origin or Destination outside Heritage In Out Single-Family Detached Housing 210 Dwelling Units 9.44 0.99 63% 37% 548 5,173 543 543 342 201 Multi Family Housing (Low-Rise) 220 Dwelling Units 7.32 0.56 63% 37% 480 3,514 269 269 169 99 Elementary School 520 1,000 Sq. Ft. GFA 19.52 1.37 45% 55% 205 4,002 281 281 126 154 General Office Building 710 1,000 sq Ft. GFA 9.74 1.15 16% 84% 41 399 47 47 8 40 Medical-Dental Office Building 720 1,000 sq Ft. GFA 34.80 3.46 28% 72% 3 104 10 10 3 7 Office Park 750 1,000 sq Ft. GFA 11.07 1.07 7% 93% 0 0 0 0 0 0 Business Park 770 1,000 sq Ft. GFA 12.44 0.42 46% 54% 0 0 0 0 0 0 Shopping Center 820 1,000 Sq. Ft. GFA 37.75 3.81 48% 52% 0 0 34 0 0 0 Supermarket 850 1,000 sq Ft. GFA 106.78 9.24 51% 49% 15 1,602 139 36 89 45 43 High Turnover (Sit-Down) Restaurant 932 1,000 Sq. Ft. GFA 112.18 9.77 62% 38% 0 0 43 0 0 0 Fast-Food Restaurant with Drive Through Window 934 1,000 Sq. Ft. GFA 470.95 32.67 52% 48% 4 1,884 131 49 67 35 32 Gasoline/Service Station with Convenience Market 945 Vehicle Fueling Positions 205.36 13.99 51% 49% 4 821 56 66 19 10 9 Source: ITE 10th Edition 1300 17499 1475 1324 738 585 103 82 635 503 Less Internal (14%) Total Trips In/Out of Heritage TRIP GENERATION ALTERNATIVE 3 - HIGH INTENSITY Description Land Use Codes Units Rate Weekday Daily Traffic PM Peak Period Rate % PM In % PM Out Expected Units (independe nt variable) Calculated Daily Trips Based on Average Rate Calculated PM Trips Based on Average Rate Passby Percent PM Trips with Origin or Destination outside Heritage In Out Single-Family Detached Housing 210 DU 9.44 0.99 63% 37% 618 5,834 612 612 385 226 Multi Family Housing (Low-Rise) 220 DU 7.32 0.56 63% 37% 736 5,388 412 412 260 152 Elementary School 520 1,000 Sq. Ft. GFA 19.52 1.37 45% 55% 205 4,002 281 281 126 154 General Office Building 710 1,000 sq Ft. GFA 9.74 1.15 16% 84% 42 409 48 48 8 41 Medical-Dental Office Building 720 1,000 sq Ft. GFA 34.80 3.46 28% 72% 2 70 7 7 2 5 Office Park 750 1,000 sq Ft. GFA 11.07 1.07 7% 93% 0 0 0 0 0 0 Business Park 770 1,000 sq Ft. GFA 12.44 0.42 46% 54% 0 0 0 0 0 0 Shopping Center 820 1,000 Sq. Ft. GFA 37.75 3.81 48% 52% 16 604 61 34 40 19 21 Supermarket 850 1,000 sq Ft. GFA 106.78 9.24 51% 49% 11 1,175 102 36 65 33 32 High Turnover (Sit-Down) Restaurant 932 1,000 Sq. Ft. GFA 112.18 9.77 62% 38% 2 224 20 43 11 7 4 Fast-Food Restaurant with Drive Through Window 934 1,000 Sq. Ft. GFA 470.95 32.67 52% 48% 2 942 65 49 33 17 16 Gasoline/Service Station with Convenience Market 945 Vehicle Fueling Positions 205.36 13.99 51% 49% 4 821 56 66 19 10 9 Source: ITE 10th Edition Total Trips 1638 19468 1663 1529 867 660 121 92 746 568 Less Internal (14%) Total Trips In/Out of Heritage N 3RD AVE E A ST W CLAR K S T N 1ST AVEN OREGON AVE W PEARL ST W COURT ST E LEWIS ST S WEHE AVESMAITLANDAVEHERI TAGEBLVDS4THAVES 10TH AVEW A ST EAINSWORTHAVE N C O MME R CI A L A V E New Heritage 0.410.640.470.131 1.01 0.42 0.96 1.050.630.780.57 0.391.251.62 0.24 0.07 0.56 0.12 0.4 0.29 0.480.370.21 0.33 0.32 0.10.16 0.54 0.910.231.020.4900.720.380.70.580.05 0.340.97 1.190.140.55 0. 1 9 0. 3 6 0.750.86 0.7 4 0.730. 1 8 1.440.71 0.3 0.350.890.080. 1 7 182 182 395 395 12 12 12 397 397 COLUMBIA RIVER COMP PLAN VOLUME TO CAPACITY RATIO ¯ 0 0.25 0.5 Miles Volume to Capacity Ratio (1 Hour) (0.50) Less than 0.70 0.70 to <0.80 0.80 to <0.90 0.90 to <1.00 More than or equal to 1.00 N 3RD AVE E A STN 24TH AVEW CLAR K S T N 1ST AVEN OREGON AVE W PEARL ST W COURT ST E LEWIS ST S WEHE AVESMAITLANDAVEHERI TAGEBLVDS4 TH A V ES 10TH AVEW A ST EAINSWORTHAVE N C O MME R C I A L A V E New Heritage0.850.57 0.01 0.71 0.670.660.490.58 0.15 1.05 1.09 0.7 0.98 1.060.650.81.14 0.612.05 0.44 0.50.56 1.281.7 0.27 0.07 0.18 0.29 1.82 0.240.480.32 0.36 0.03 0.510.26 0.38 0.81 0.780.190.880.69 0.990.93 0.920.250.14 0.91 1.84 0.770.54 1. 0 7 0.39 1.03 0.350.41 0.02 0.060.160.310.370.471.04 0.720 . 9 6 0.42 0.13 0.430.82 0.090.120.590.34 0.530.550.08 0.31.02 1.190.620.460.73 0. 20.680.211.4 3 0.740.2210.05 0. 1 7 1.470.4 0.90.10.52 0.11 182 182 395 395 12 12 12 397 397 COLUMBIA RIVER 2040 NO ACTION VOLUME TO CAPACITY RATIO ¯ 0 0.25 0.5 Miles Volume to Capacity Ratio (1 Hour) (0.50) Less than 0.70 0.70 to <0.80 0.80 to <0.90 0.90 to <1.00 More than or equal to 1.00 N 3RD AVE E A STN 24TH AVEW CLAR K S T N 1ST AVEN OREGON AVE W PEARL ST W COURT ST E LEWIS ST S WEHE AVESMAITLANDAVEHERI TAGEBLVDS4THAVES 10TH AVEW A ST EAINSWORTHAVE N C O MME R C I A L A V E New Heritage0.850.550.630.01 0.650.480.80.810.170.76 0.58 1.03 0.1 1.09 0.56 0.661.05 0.791.14 0.612.05 0.430.521.320.571.66 0.26 0.08 0.150.920.49 0.3 1.82 0.380.240.410.32 0.29 0.03 0.51 0.35 0.34 0.78 0.19 0.62 0.93 0.251.060.14 0.91 1.84 0.670.54 1.07 0.390.360.070.020.310.720.370.471.04 0.710 . 9 6 0.42 0.13 0.82 0.270.090.120.590.440.060.99 1.20.4 0.16 0. 20.680. 4 6 0.84 0.211.1 0.740.2310.05 1.50.75 0.890.110. 1 8 0.5 0.94 182 182 395 395 12 12 12 397 397 COLUMBIA RIVER ALTERNATIVE 1 VOLUME TO CAPACITY RATIO ¯ 0 0.25 0.5 Miles Volume to Capacity Ratio (1 Hour) (0.50) Less than 0.70 0.70 to <0.80 0.80 to <0.90 0.90 to <1.00 More than or equal to 1.00 N 3RD AVE E A STN 24TH AVEW CLAR K S T N 1ST AVEN OREGON AVE W PEARL ST W COURT ST E LEWIS ST SMAITLANDAVEHERI TAGEBLVDS4THAVES 10TH AVEW A ST EAINSWORTHAVE N C O MME R C I A L A V E New Heritage0.550.38 0.01 0.69 0.650.480.770.66 0.62 1.03 0.1 1.09 0.58 0.671.05 0.81.14 0.612.05 0.49 0.44 0.450.520.56 1.320.571.67 0.26 0.08 0.15 0.51 0.3 1.82 0.410.240.32 0.29 0.03 0.36 0.35 0.79 0.780.190.920.63 0.93 0.251.060.14 0.91 1.84 0.54 1.07 0.4 0.39 0.02 0.160.310.720.370.471.04 0.710 . 9 6 0.42 0.13 0.82 0.07 0.270.810.090.590.34 0.460.060.99 1.20.430.95 0. 20.680.85 0.211.1 6 0.740.2310.05 0. 1 7 1.50.75 0.890.120. 1 8 0.5 0.11 182 182 395 395 12 12 12 397 397 COLUMBIA RIVER ALTERNATIVE 2 VOLUME TO CAPACITY RATIO ¯ 0 0.25 0.5 Miles Volume to Capacity Ratio (1 Hour) (0.50) Less than 0.70 0.70 to <0.80 0.80 to <0.90 0.90 to <1.00 More than or equal to 1.00 N 3RD AVE E A STN 24TH AVEW CLAR K S T N 1ST AVEN OREGON AVE W PEARL ST W COURT ST E LEWIS ST S WEHE AVESMAITLANDAVEHERI TAGEBLVDS4THAVES 10TH AVEW A ST EAINSWORTHAVE N C O MME R C I A L A V E New Heritage 0.70.01 0.650.480.19 0.77 0.58 0.66 0.62 1.03 0.10.591.09 0.551.060.671.05 0.80.691.14 0.612.05 0.49 0.440.460.520.56 1.340.571.67 0.26 0.09 0.16 0.53 0.3 1.82 0.430.240.32 0.38 0.03 0.36 0.35 0.79 0.780.15 0.930.64 0.990.920.250.14 0.91 1.84 0.750.54 1.07 0.4 0.390.080.020.310.720.370.471.04 0.710 . 9 6 0.42 0.13 0.82 0.07 0.270.810.60.34 0.50.06 1.20. 20.680.85 0.211.1 9 0.740.2310.05 0. 1 7 1.510.76 0.890.120. 1 8 0.51 0.95 0.11 182 182 395 395 12 12 12 397 397 COLUMBIA RIVER ALTERNATIVE 3 VOLUME TO CAPACITY RATIO ¯ 0 0.25 0.5 Miles Volume to Capacity Ratio (1 Hour) (0.50) Less than 0.70 0.70 to <0.80 0.80 to <0.90 0.90 to <1.00 More than or equal to 1.00 è è è è è è è è è è è è è èèèè è è èè è è èèè èè èè èèèè è è è è è è è èééé é é é é é é é é é é éééé é é éé é é ééé éé éé éééé é é é é é é é éëëëë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ëëëë ë ë ëë ë ë ëëë ëë ëë ëëëë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ëìììì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ìììì ì ì ìì ì ì ììì ìì ìì ìììì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ìíííí í í í í í í í í í í íííí í í íí í í ííí íí íí íííí í í í í í í í í !! !!!! !! ! "" """" "" " $$ $$$$ $$ $N 3RD AVES CEDAR AVEN 24TH AVEE A ST W CLAR K S T N 1ST AVEN OREGON AVE W PEARL ST W COURT ST E LEWIS ST S WEHE AVESMAITLANDAVEHERI TAGEBLVDS 4THAVES 10TH AVEW A ST PASC O K A HL O T U S R D E AI N S W O R T H A V E NCO M M E R CIA L A V E New Heritage 182 182 395 395 12 12 12 397 397 COLUMBIA RIVER EXISTING INTERSECTION CONTROL ¯ 0 0.25 0.5 Miles Existing Intersection Control !"$All Way Stop Roundabout èéëìí Signalized Street Classification Interstate Other Freeway Principle Arterial Principal Arterial,Future Minor Arterial Collector Collector, Future Ramps 3/29/2022 è è è è è è è è è è é é é é é é é é é é ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì í í í í í í í í í í è è è è è è è è è èèèè è è è è èè è èè èèèè è è è è è è èééé é é é é é é éééé é é é é éé é éé éééé é é é é é é éëëë ë ë ë ë ë ë ëëëë ë ë ë ë ëë ë ëë ëëëë ë ë ë ë ë ë ëììì ì ì ì ì ì ì ìììì ì ì ì ì ìì ì ìì ìììì ì ì ì ì ì ì ìííí í í í í í í íííí í í í í íí í íí íííí í í í í í í í N 3RD AVES CEDAR AVEN 24TH AVEE A ST W CLAR K S T N 1ST AVEN OREGON AVE W PEARL ST W COURT ST E LEWIS ST S WEHE AVESMAITLANDAVEHERI TAGEBLVDS 4THAVES 10TH AVEW A ST PASC O K A HL O T U S R D E AI N S W O R T H A V E NCO M M E R CIA L A V E New Heritage 182 182 395 395 12 12 12 397 397 COLUMBIA RIVER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN INTERSECTION CONTROL EVALUATION ¯ 0 0.25 0.5 Miles Intersection Control Evaluation Two-Way or All-Way Stop, Acceptable Level of Service Two-Way or All-Way Stop, Improvements Likely Needed Roundabout, Acceptable Level of Service Roundabout, Improvements Likely Needed èéëìíSignalized Intersection, Acceptable Level of Service èéëìíSignalized Intersection, Over Capacity Street Classification Interstate Other Freeway Principle Arterial Principal Arterial,Future Minor Arterial Collector Collector, Future Ramps 3/29/2022 è è è è è è è è è è è è èé é é é é é é é é é é é éë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ëì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ìí í í í í í í í í í í í íèèè è è è è è èèèè è è è è èè è èè èèèè è è è è è é é é é é é é é éééé é é é é éé é éé éééé é é é é é ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ëëëë ë ë ë ë ëë ë ëë ëëëë ë ë ë ë ë ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ìììì ì ì ì ì ìì ì ìì ìììì ì ì ì ì ì í í í í í í í í íííí í í í í íí í íí íííí í í í í í N 3RD AVES CEDAR AVEN 24TH AVEE A ST W CLAR K S T N 1ST AVEN OREGON AVE W PEARL ST W COURT ST E LEWIS ST S WEHE AVESMAITLANDAVEHERI TAGEBLVDS 4THAVES 10TH AVEW A ST PASC O K A HL O T U S R D E AI N S W O R T H A V E NCO M M E R CIA L A V E New Heritage 182 182 395 395 12 12 12 397 397 COLUMBIA RIVER 2040 NO ACTION INTERSECTION CONTROL EVALUATION ¯ 0 0.25 0.5 Miles Intersection Control Evaluation Two-Way or All-Way Stop, Acceptable Level of Service (7) Two-Way or All-Way Stop, Improvements Likely Needed (15) Roundabout, Acceptable Level of Service (0) Roundabout, Improvements Likely Needed (1) èéëìíSignalized Intersection, Acceptable Level of Service (29) èéëìíSignalized Intersection, Over Capacity (13) Street Classification Interstate Other Freeway Principle Arterial Principal Arterial,Future Minor Arterial Collector Collector, Future Ramps 3/29/2022 è è è è è è è è è è è è è é é é é é é é é é é é é éë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ëì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ìí í í í í í í í í í í í íèèè è è è è è èèèè è è è è èè è èè èèèè è è è è è é é é é é é é é éééé é é é é éé é éé éééé é é é é é ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ëëëë ë ë ë ë ëë ë ëë ëëëë ë ë ë ë ë ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ìììì ì ì ì ì ìì ì ìì ìììì ì ì ì ì ì í í í í í í í í íííí í í í í íí í íí íííí í í í í í N 3RD AVES CEDAR AVEN 24TH AVEE A ST W CLAR K S T N 1ST AVEN OREGON AVE W PEARL ST W COURT ST E LEWIS ST S WEHE AVESMAITLANDAVEHERI TAGEBLVDS 4THAVES 10TH AVEW A ST PASC O K A HL O T U S R D E AI N S W O R T H A V E NCO M M E R CIA L A V E New Heritage 182 182 395 395 12 12 12 397 397 COLUMBIA RIVER ALTERNATIVE 1 INTERSECTION CONTROL EVALUATION ¯ 0 0.25 0.5 Miles Intersection Control Evaluation Two-Way or All-Way Stop, Acceptable Level of Service (7) Two-Way or All-Way Stop, Improvements Likely Needed (15) Roundabout, Acceptable Level of Service (0) Roundabout, Improvements Likely Needed (1) èéëìíSignalized Intersection, Acceptable Level of Service (29) èéëìíSignalized Intersection, Over Capacity (13) Street Classification Interstate Other Freeway Principle Arterial Principal Arterial,Future Minor Arterial Collector Collector, Future Ramps 3/29/2022 è è è è è è è è è è è è è é é é é é é é é é é é é éë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ëì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ìí í í í í í í í í í í í íèèè è è è è è èèèè è è è è èè è èè èèèè è è è è è é é é é é é é é éééé é é é é éé é éé éééé é é é é é ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ëëëë ë ë ë ë ëë ë ëë ëëëë ë ë ë ë ë ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ìììì ì ì ì ì ìì ì ìì ìììì ì ì ì ì ì í í í í í í í í íííí í í í í íí í íí íííí í í í í í N 3RD AVES CEDAR AVEN 24TH AVEE A ST W CLAR K S T N 1ST AVEN OREGON AVE W PEARL ST W COURT ST E LEWIS ST S WEHE AVESMAITLANDAVEHERI TAGEBLVDS 4THAVES 10TH AVEW A ST PASC O K A HL O T U S R D E AI N S W O R T H A V E NCO M M E R CIA L A V E New Heritage 182 182 395 395 12 12 12 397 397 COLUMBIA RIVER ALTERNATIVE 2 INTERSECTION CONTROL EVALUATION ¯ 0 0.25 0.5 Miles Intersection Control Evaluation Two-Way or All-Way Stop, Acceptable Level of Service (7) Two-Way or All-Way Stop, Improvements Likely Needed (15) Roundabout, Acceptable Level of Service (0) Roundabout, Improvements Likely Needed (1) èéëìíSignalized Intersection, Acceptable Level of Service (29) èéëìíSignalized Intersection, Over Capacity (13) Street Classification Interstate Other Freeway Principle Arterial Principal Arterial,Future Minor Arterial Collector Collector, Future Ramps 3/29/2022 è è è è è è è è è è è è èé é é é é é é é é é é é éë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ëì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ìí í í í í í í í í í í í íèèè è è è è è èèèè è è è è èè è èè èèèè è è è è è é é é é é é é é éééé é é é é éé é éé éééé é é é é é ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ë ëëëë ë ë ë ë ëë ë ëë ëëëë ë ë ë ë ë ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ìììì ì ì ì ì ìì ì ìì ìììì ì ì ì ì ì í í í í í í í í íííí í í í í íí í íí íííí í í í í í N 3RD AVES CEDAR AVEN 24TH AVEE A ST W CLAR K S T N 1ST AVEN OREGON AVE W PEARL ST W COURT ST E LEWIS ST S WEHE AVESMAITLANDAVEHERI TAGEBLVDS 4THAVES 10TH AVEW A ST PASC O K A HL O T U S R D E AI N S W O R T H A V E NCO M M E R CIA L A V E New Heritage 182 182 395 395 12 12 12 397 397 COLUMBIA RIVER ALTERNATIVE 3 INTERSECTION CONTROL EVALUATION ¯ 0 0.25 0.5 Miles Intersection Control Evaluation Two-Way or All-Way Stop, Acceptable Level of Service (7) Two-Way or All-Way Stop, Improvements Likely Needed (15) Roundabout, Acceptable Level of Service (0) Roundabout, Improvements Likely Needed (1) èéëìíSignalized Intersection, Acceptable Level of Service (29) èéëìíSignalized Intersection, Over Capacity (13) Street Classification Interstate Other Freeway Principle Arterial Principal Arterial,Future Minor Arterial Collector Collector, Future Ramps 3/29/2022 30-19-079/New Heritage APPENDIX B New Heritage Site Economic/Industrial Analysis 1 Addendum to New Heritage Site Economic/Industrial Analysis Purpose The purpose of this addendum is to provide a high-level understanding of the housing market in Franklin County and neighboring Benton County as well as the economic implications related to extended commute times. This analysis is an overview and requires a more in-depth analysis to gain insights into the significant challenges that face the region. Like most things, housing needs differ depending upon income levels and overall housing availability. This analysis hopes to provide decision makers a high- level understanding of housing trends and affordability in the two-county region. Data & Analysis New 2020 Census data has become available since the submittal of the New Heritage Site Economic/Industrial Analysis. According to Census 2020, population in Pasco increased at an annual rate of 2.6% from 2010 to 2020, adding roughly 17,300 people to the population base during that time. For comparison, population growth within Franklin County averaged 2.2% annually during the same time period with Pasco contributing the most to the County’s growth. With 96,749 people, Franklin County is the 14th most populated county in the State of Washington out of 39 counties (2020 Census). Figure 1. Population Trends & Annual Growth Rate (2010-2020) Source: Eastern Washington University, Benton-Franklin Trends 0.0% 1.0% 2.0% 3.0% 4.0% 5.0% 6.0% 7.0% 0 50,000 100,000 150,000 200,000 250,000 300,000 350,000 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Annual Population Growth Rate (line graph)Population (bar graph)Benton County (population)Franklin County (population)Benton County Franklin County Kennewick Pasco Richland 2 Commuting Patterns Commuting data show the movement of workers in a given area. We are able to take a deeper dive to highlight what type of workers are commuting into Franklin County and the type of jobs residents are seeking elsewhere. These data show the opportunities in the untapped segments of the labor pool. According to Census’ LEHD on the Map program (2019 data is the most recent data available), three-quarters of Pasco residents commute outside the area for work. Despite this, there is a cross-haul of workforce — as many are coming into Pasco to work as are leaving (see Figure 2). Roughly 69% of the jobs in Pasco are being filled by people who live outside the city. Figure 2. Commuter Flows, City of Pasco (2019) Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Center for Economic Studies, LEHD However, as the geographic boundary broadens, less residents commute outside the area for work (Table 1). More Franklin County residents commute outside the county for work than Benton County residents, where the larger concentration of jobs are located (see Figure 3). In addition, 32% of housing units in Benton and Franklin counties have zero or only one vehicle (the share is slightly higher in Benton). This makes it more challenging for residents to get to work. 3 Table 1. Commuting Flows by Geographic Area (2019) Geographic Area Living and Working in Area Living in Area but Working outside Employed in Area but Living outside (% of jobs) City of Pasco 24% 76% 69% Franklin County 32% 68% 62% Benton County 61% 39% 40% Kennewick-Richland MSA 74% 26% 25% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Center for Economic Studies, LEHD Figure 3. Where Jobs are Concentrated, Kennewick-Richland MSA (2019) Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Center for Economic Studies, LEHD 4 Figure 4. Where Residents Live, Kennewick-Richland MSA (2019) Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Center for Economic Studies, LEHD Table 2. Commuting Distances by Geographic Area (2019) How far are residents commuting? How far are workers commuting into the Area? Pasco Franklin County Benton County Kennewick- Richland MSA Pasco Franklin County Benton County Kennewick- Richland MSA Less than 10 miles 65% 59% 62% 61% 67% 57% 65% 63% 10 to 24 miles 9% 14% 13% 13% 9% 14% 11% 12% 25 to 50 miles 8% 9% 7% 8% 6% 10% 6% 7% Greater than 50 miles 18% 18% 18% 18% 18% 19% 18% 18% 5 Table 3. Place of Residence and Work (2019) Where Residents Work Where Workers Live Richland 29% 17% Kennewick 20% 21% Pasco 14% 18% Prosser 2% 1% West Richland --- 5% Other 35% 38% Housing has become less affordable in recent years in Benton & Franklin counties. The housing affordability index (HAI) has a value of 100 when the median-income family has sufficient income to purchase a median-priced existing home. A higher index number indicates that more households can afford to purchase a home. In 3Q 2021, the composite HAI for Franklin County was 114.1, indicating that the typical household had 114.1 percent of the income necessary to purchase the typical home. This is down from 139.0 in 3Q 2017, indicating that housing has become less affordable in the region, similar to many markets across the country. Figure 5. Housing Affordability Index - All Homebuyers Source: Eastern Washington University, Benton-Franklin Trends 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 2017-Q12017-Q22017-Q32017-Q42018-Q12018-Q22018-Q32018-Q42019-Q12019-Q22019-Q32019-Q42020-Q12020-Q22020-Q32020-Q42021-Q12021-Q22021-Q3Benton & Franklin Counties HAI: All Buyers Franklin County HAI: All Buyers Washington State HAI: All Buyers 6 It is important to understand the composition of population and the social dynamics that result in for housing demand. Pasco is a young area with a median age of only 29, compared to nearly 38 across the state and nation. It also has a heavily concentrated Hispanic population (34%, compared to 13.7% statewide and 18.7% nationwide) which addresses different housing needs—the need for multi- generational housing. For example, there are approximately 28,000 households in Franklin County (22,700 residing in Pasco) with an average household size of 3.3 people per household (in owner- occupied units), compared to 2.65 statewide. Renter-occupied units is higher at 3.46 people per household compared to statewide at a lower rate of 2.37. There are approximately 18,700 (69%) households that own their own homes and 9,500 households (31%) that rent. The rental vacancy rate has been trending downward in Franklin County reaching as low as 2.3% in 2019 (EWU). During the same time, the share of renters paying 30% or more of their income on housing has remained steady at 42.7% (similar to the region and state) and renters paying 50% or more of their income has trended downward, sitting at 16.2% in Franklin County, compared to 20.5% statewide. Figure 6. Overall Rental Vacancy Rate Source: Eastern Washington University, Benton-Franklin Trends With rents on the rise, the share of renters spending 50% or more on housing costs is trending upward in the tri-cities area and more than statewide and national trends—see Figure 8. However, there appears to be a healthy supply of housing below $80,000 which helps alleviate some strain on housing constraints (Figure 9). 2.3% 0.0% 2.0% 4.0% 6.0% 8.0% 10.0% 12.0% 14.0% 16.0% 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 United States Washington State Benton & Franklin Counties Benton County Franklin County 7 Figure 7. Monthly Fair Market Rent, Benton & Franklin counties Source: Eastern Washington University, Benton-Franklin Trends Figure 8. Share of Renters Paying 50%+ of Income on Housing Source: Eastern Washington University, Benton-Franklin Trends $0 $200 $400 $600 $800 $1,000 $1,200 $1,400 $1,600 $1,800 $2,000 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Efficiency Rent Fair Market Two-Bedroom Fair Market Three-Bedroom Fair Market Four-Bedroom Fair Market One-Bedroom 0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0% 35.0% 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 United States Washington State Benton & Franklin Counties Benton County Franklin County Kennewick Pasco Richland 8 Figure 9. Housing Supply by Price Level, Benton & Franklin counties Source: Eastern Washington University, Benton-Franklin Trends Limited inventory coupled with increasing median home prices; developers cannot keep up with demand. The level of building permits—both single-family and multi-family—have been on the rise but not enough to keep up with demand. Figure 10. Total Number of Residential Building Permits Source: Eastern Washington University, Benton-Franklin Trends The disparity between wages and home prices is an increasing problem across the country. The tri-cities is no different. Although median wages jumped 5.3% in one year (from 2019-2020), home prices jumped roughly 15%. Wages remain under state and national averages. Until 2020, wages have not kept up with increases in the cost of living. 0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 2019-Q12019-Q22019-Q32019-Q42020-Q12020-Q22020-Q32020-Q42021-Q12021-Q22021-Q3Month's Supply Below $80,000 Month's Supply $80,000 to $159,999 Month's Supply $160,000 to $249,999 Month's Supply $250,000 to $500,000 937 781 897 840 798 825 952 848 942 1082 1125 322 346 197 90 144 243 405 263 343 458 220 636 558 374 245 280 396 496 609 616 574 620 127 12 157 130 42 0 34 89 0 27 0 0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600 1,800 2,000 2,200 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Benton County - Total Single Family Units Benton County - Total Multi-family Units (2+) Franklin County - Total Single Family Units Franklin County - Total Multi-family Units (2+) 9 Figure 11. Median Hourly Wages Source: Washington Employment Security Department Figure 12. Metro Area Regional Price Parity (Cost of Living Index) Source: Eastern Washington University, Benton-Franklin Trends $10.00 $12.00 $14.00 $16.00 $18.00 $20.00 $22.00 $24.00 $26.00 $28.00 $30.00 $32.00 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 State State excluding King County Benton Franklin 88 90 92 94 96 98 100 102 104 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Kennewick-Pasco-Richland MSA Boise MSA Spokane MSA 10 Conclusion The cost of commuting disproportionately affects low-income workers. With over half the workers and half the residents in Franklin County earning less than $40,000 per year, larger commutes put more of a strain on the community as people with lower incomes typically drive farther to work and spend more out of pocket. In economics, two basic principles characterize the role of transportation in relation to economic activity. First, there are special advantages, usually referred to as "economies of agglomeration," to carrying out economic activities in close proximity. In other words, costs are lower when certain types of activities locate close to each other. Transportation is, therefore, critical—anything that reduces transportation costs would allow a higher concentration of production, resulting in larger benefits from agglomeration. Second, local wages and housing prices adjust at every location so that households and firms do not have an incentive to move; that is, wages and land prices should adjust until households and firms are indifferent between locations. When choosing where to live, individuals consider several factors, such as job opportunities, housing options, social networks, and commuting costs. Some people might choose to live far away from jobs, possibly accepting a costlier commute, because they would be compensated, in effect, by other factors such as lower housing costs. A very specific trade-off between commuting costs and land prices emerges as a result: At locations near employment centers, commuting costs are low and land prices are high; at more distant locations, commuting costs are higher and land prices are lower. In most MSAs across the country, the suburbs are of higher income status and the central cities are relatively poor. The reasons are twofold: First, the larger financial costs associated with owning a car may cause lower-income families to rely on other modes of transportation, such as public transit; and second, public transit is more accessible in central cities than in suburbs. As a consequence, any shift of jobs away from central activity hinders labor market prospects for minorities. Rising rental costs with low vacancy rates and high levels of low-income residents, coupled with high home prices and overall higher cost of living in the tri-cities region is a recipe for mitigating factors such as job creation in the central business district to reduce overall commuting costs for low-income and minority residents.