BINGEN — The Bingen City Council met last week to discuss the proposed Dry Creek Bluff Subdivision, status updates on numerous infrastructure projects, and budget challenges.
Mandy Hertel, County planner
Developer Mathieu Lafitte attended the second public hearing of the proposed subdivision, which would split 6.87 acres into 13 buildable lots at the corner of Oak Street and Jewett Boulevard. The proposal had already been amended based on previous council comments and vetted by County Planner Mandy Hertel. Several issues continued to arise, some brought by a neighboring property owner. The concerns focused on access, road width, traffic, and slope stability.
Some of these were mitigated on the spot with input from Lafitte and Hertel. Councilor Craig Trummel pointed out that the council must approve it if it meets code, though they can add conditions, deciding to require engineering review and input. Lafitte was receptive to adjusting the proposal. The council chose to continue the public hearing at its next regular meeting on March 4.
A progress report on the city’s numerous infrastructure projects revealed the amount of grant funds city staff have secured. In progress, on track, and primarily grant-funded projects include the DC Fast Charger, Middle Housing Code, downtown murals, covered bus shelters, midtown crosswalk over SR-14, and the Cedar/Alder sidewalk. The E. Steuben Waterline Replacement is also in progress, though it’s funded by a loan/grant combination.
The City of Bingen will be making difficult budget decisions this year: To cut services, increase taxes, or explore new revenue options. Residents are asked to provide input at an upcoming Community Meeting on Thursday, Feb. 27 from 6-7 p.m. at the Society Hotel gymnasium.
Feedback on this topic can also be submitted in person at City Hall, as public comment during meetings, online through the city’s website, or by emailing City Manager Krista Loney at administrator@bingentwashington.org.
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