Multitude of delays snag Snapdragon Flats development

A complex building project requiring the necessary permits from two separate permitting entities, a geology study, weather and possible staffing shortages – to say nothing of carving out a rock wall – has contributed to the slow progress of the Snapdragon Flats project at Maple Avenue and Park Street in La Conner.

This is not the development of La Conner Heights on High Street, rather it is the start of construction for two apartment triplexes at the base of the rock outcropping.

On Feb. 1, 2024, the Town of La Conner granted a certificate of authorization, with several conditions, to construct a three-unit, two-story building with a living area of 4,252 square feet and a 308-square foot deck/porch on Park Street at the base of Snapdragon Hill – the first triplex. The second will be at the south end of the construction site on Park Street. Building permits must be approved by the Skagit County planning department.

Excavation and rock-busting of the hill first began Sept. 15, 2022, and was expected to be complete in two to three weeks, as reported in the Weekly News.

When questioned about the most recent delay, C.J. Ebert, principle with Harbor Mountain Development, responded March 24 with this email:

"My contractor, SummitX, had another job that took them away from mine for the last couple of weeks. Work is planning to start again this Monday and we will end up finishing the job which includes sidewalk, curb and gutter. The next step will be to go to building and depending upon a number of issues none of which move very fast.

"The town has done all they can do and they've been very supportive. I find no fault with them.

"As I mentioned before, projects like this, take time, they don't happen quickly and they're dependent on a number of issues, some of which is beyond our control. Patience in this business is key!"

Town Councilmember Mary Wohleb said the planning director and other key figures did their due diligence in a lengthy permitting process, which accounts for some of the delay.

Planning Director Michael Davolio, echoed Ebert: "There are many reasons for the delay – if there have been delays. The initial concern was with hillside stability. It needed engineering done for that – same engineering as top of hill. Variances were required – we don't normally do variances.

"Because of extensive utilities development, an extension agreement was needed and run through Public Works. The agreement states to what utility standards must be met and after they are conveyed to the town, reviewed by Public Works agreement – and then approved by town council – that can be lengthy."

According to the planning department, Ebert has a permit for one building right now. Because he submitted short plats to have buildings in separate lots, he has to submit a final short plat to get a permit for the second building. Skagit County has not issued the building permit yet but the town's planning staff do not expect that to be a problem.

Many residents have complained bitterly of the excavation of Snapdragon Hill at its inception in 2022, whether it be the rock removal, fears of future traffic congestion or noise at the corner of Hill and Maple streets. Many wrote letters to the Town of La Conner and to the Weekly News.

Keith Blevens, a neighbor, said, "They're ruining the future of our great natural rock – it's so incredible. The pleasure and enjoyment of generations to come will be ruined."

Annabelle Vergne, another neighbor, said, "I'm not happy at all. Miss the vegetation – blackberries, trees, wildflowers. They were going to re-seed, but it didn't work. After killing all the vegetation, they reseeded wildflowers, but wind blew the seeds down the road."

Wohleb, a nearby resident, expressed concern over traffic flow – as did area residents. Park Street is a one-way street and pulling onto Maple Avenue has caused concern. "Both the Hill Street and Maple Street intersections will continue to be a problem as there doesn't seem to be any way to address the issue," Wohleb said.

She suggested the departments permitting in the town and county are understaffed and is making the progress difficult as well as all staff are doing due diligence to get it right.