Point Wells plan still not up to code, county tells examiner

The proposed construction of approximately 3,000 condos at Point Wells, near Woodway in Snohomish County, has encountered significant obstacles as county officials assert the project does not comply with legal standards. Planning supervisor Ryan Countryman noted that the development's height and its closeness to landslide-prone areas and existing residential neighborhoods raise serious concerns. The developer, BSRE, is requesting variances to circumvent local code violations, but county officials argue these requests lack adequate justification. While the project promises benefits, such as public beach access and environmental cleanup, these advantages are often overshadowed by safety and compliance discussions. The project has drawn considerable opposition from local residents and government authorities, complicating its approval process.

Additionally, critical environmental concerns at the site, currently a petroleum storage facility, must be addressed by BSRE before proceeding. With the hearing ongoing, final arguments are anticipated following a public meeting on November 24, leaving the outcome uncertain as the hearing examiner evaluates the numerous issues at play.