By John Henderer, The Chronicle, 7/13/99
A proposed 71-home development jokingly dubbed "Howling Heights" for its proximity to the Lewis County Animal Shelter has drawn neighborhood opponents, but its most significant challenge may be drawing water.
Opponent Bill Barmettler submitted a petition Monday to the county commissioners, expressing opposition and outlining numerous concerns.
"There's only 68 names, but it represents everybody that lives up there," Barmettler told commissioners.
Commission Chairman Richard Graham allowed time for Barmettler to submit his petition and address commissioners, although Graham had earlier canceled the regular public comment period.
The development would cover 74.4 acres southwest of Centralia-Alpha Road. It is owned by Olympia developer Wesley Stevenson.
Neighbors expressed concerns about the water supply in the hilltop area, which relies entirely on wells, as well as traffic, septic systems, housing density and other issues.
After Barmettler appealed it, the county last year withdrew a determination that the development would not have a significant effect on the environment.
Barmettler said he was amazed to learn, after seeking petition signatures, how many area residents drink bottled water or drive to town to launder their white clothing.
Moreover, Barmettler said, cutthroat trout and coho salmon inhabit Coal Creek, which receives runoff from the Settlers Ridge area.
"There's quite a few things in there that are going to be looked at if it ever comes to fruition," Graham told Barmettler.
Stevenson acknowledged, in a telephone interview, the development could live or die depending on its water supply.
"It doesn't look like we're going to be able to find enough water anyway," he said.
On May 7, Stevenson filed with the state Department of Ecology a notice of intent to construct a well.
Recent drilling efforts by Ed Moerke and Sons have been only partly successful.
Ed Moerke serves on the county Planning Commission, and last year successfully petitioned commissioners to create one of only two water conservancy boards in the state. Moerke now also serves on the water conservancy board.
"I'd say there's a 25 percent chance we're going to be able to find enough water," Stevenson said.
He hopes to find enough water to build a community water system, possibly even serving the adjacent, 45-lot Bear View Estates.
The attorney representing Stevenson works in the same firm as Alexander "Sandy" Mackie, the county's consultant for its recently approved comprehensive growth-management plan.
In other business, commissioners:
Commissioners extended McGrew's appointment, as necessary, beyond Dec. 31, 1999 in case computer problems associated with Y2K, the year 2000, hamper the county.
"We won't know if there's a problem until after Dec. 31st," said Chris Touris, General Administration Department director.
"If we need her, we're going to need another contract or extend this one (beyond the end of the year)," Touris said, during debate of the matter.
The brochure dubs Lewis County the "Best route to the mountains" and "Volcano alley," with "Unsurpassed year-round recreation" and "A host of activities," such as golfing, the Mossyrock Spring Shower of Flowers and the Loggers Jubilee in Morton.
John Henderer covers county government and environmental issues for The Chronicle. He can be reached by e-mail at jhenderer@chronline.com or by calling 807-8239.
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