Second meeting approves Talmon Project infrastructure plan

It took a do-over, but the La Conner Town Council last week approved an infrastructure improvements plan for the construction site of a three-story, 19-unit condominium building on Center Street.

The unanimous action – though some of the “aye” votes were barely audible – came during a special session in the Maple Hall’s Fireside Room Thursday morning and allows staff to begin a review process needed for project modifications.

A motion by Councilmember Rick Dole seeking approval for the infrastructure plan died for lack of a second July 11. Council action requires project developer KSA Investments to submit a 50 per cent deposit toward costs of the upgrades.

Mayor Ramon Hayes told the Weekly News on Thursday that two Council members had subsequently requested the special meeting to revisit the planned utility, drainage and related improvements required at what has been named the Talmon Project site.

Town leaders assured a standing room only audience during the 30-minute meeting that signing off on the infrastructure plan does not indicate approval of the development as a whole.

“The infrastructure is not adequate to serve the Center Street project at this point,” Town Administrator Scott Thomas said prior to the vote. “It will be necessary for the developer to upgrade the infrastructure.”

Public Works Director Brian Lease advised Council that “we need to get into an agreement where we can review (the developer’s plan for) drainage, sewer and water and surface improvements.”

KSA principals Kate and Brandon Atkinson have received a conditional use permit for the project, which has drawn opposition from nearby residents who contend it will have a negative impact on the neighborhood.

Several of those residents, along with Center Street property owner Georgia Johnson, attended the meeting.

Johnson expressed concern that approval of the infrastructure plan would advance one step closer to reality a project that features five Airbnb units and 14 condominiums.

“This is a huge project,” Johnson said. “We need housing, but this is not the building.”

Center Street resident Linda Talman – who has opposed the project with a name similar to her own – asked if the infrastructure plan accounts for potential saltwater flooding like what the neighborhood experienced last December.

“Are you convinced,” she asked, “that the catch basins can handle a surge event?”

Lease again stressed that those types of questions are ones to be considered upon approval of the infrastructure plan.

“This agreement,” he said, “starts the review process. You can then address any concerns that might arise.”

Dale King, the project manager for KSA, concurred.

“These are preliminary plans,” he said. “This starts the review process.”

Thomas noted that the project applicants must present plans that meet Town requirements.

“The Town,” he said, “has the legal authority to enforce its codes.”

Thomas added, however, that the Town can’t legally delay or prohibit projects that adhere to its municipal codes.

Councilmember Mary Wohleb appreciated the opportunity to look a second time at the proposed Talmon Project site upgrades at a meeting where the infrastructure plan was solely considered and not part of a full agenda. “I understand this better than the other day,” she said.

The Atkinsons plan to build on vacant lots behind The Slider Café, a location that had formerly been part of a full-service fuel station and storage business. Despite its long connection to commercial activity, the property was zoned residential until 1986. A contract rezone was approved then to accommodate commercial development within historic preservation guidelines there.

The rezone was not codified. The Atkinsons have said that given La Conner’s housing crunch the property would best be utilized for residential rather than commercial use.