Point Wells plan should abide stricter rules, critics say

The Point Wells high-rise condominium project, located between Puget Sound and a steep hillside near Woodway, is facing strong opposition from local residents demanding stricter safety regulations for construction in landslide hazard zones. During a recent hearing, residents stressed the need to prioritize public safety over the developer's vested rights, referencing the tragic Oso mudslide that claimed 43 lives in 2014. While BSRE, the developer, claims the project would revitalize the area and enhance public beach access, county planners assert that the proposal does not meet necessary safety codes. Hearing examiner Peter Camp, who previously rejected the project in 2018, is expected to announce his decision by December 11. If the proposal is denied, BSRE has the option to appeal to the Snohomish County Council, complicating the approval process.

Additionally, the developer faces legal challenges regarding site decontamination, as the area is currently occupied by a petroleum storage facility. With numerous inconsistencies still present in the proposal, county planning supervisor Ryan Countryman has indicated that more engineering work is needed to ensure safety. The outcome of this hearing could significantly impact the region's approach to development in geologically hazardous areas.