Maple Valley Charrette
Focus Group Notes
January 16, 1998

City Staff, Council, and Planning

(Italics indicate Consultant Team remarks and questions)

The Mayor opened the meeting, and following introductions of participants and team members, Dan talked about the use of the charrette process to create a collective community vision. He explained we are most interested in hearing from this group and in knowing what questions they want answered so the Team can be certain to cover their issues in final reports.

An overview of the charrette schedule was offered, then each participant was invited to discuss issues.

Answer: Vision; what we are looking for 5-20 years. Lived here 15 years; moved here to get away from the people. We must accept growth and cannot limit others from moving here.

Answer: From another area, what will area look like later? Parks? Moved here to get away from people.

Answer: Works for postal service and wants to find out want the community needs are and what the postal service can do to meet those needs. Current facility is very small and the postal service suggestions don’t fit particularly well in this community.

Answer: Looking for help from the community. Moved here with her husband, who grew up here.

Answer: Doesn’t live here, from the library system which is about to construct a building. They have an architect and want to be sure the 10,000 sq ft building across from community center fits the needs of the community. If she were to move here, it would be the sense of community that would pull her here.

Answer: Several Dept of Transportation projects are planned for this area and will have a major impact. The growth is important to this new city, but the transportation system will be critical for mobility. Responsible decisions will need to be made to ensure the system continues to work. One project on SR up to 180th Ave S.E.and another will advertise 8/98 covering 180th to Cedar River. Funding will be sought during legislative session, (SRE funding). This project will need to be bonded or wait for revenue. Section under design from Cedar River to Hobart Interchange. Working with a consultant now to identify environmental issues. Some work will occur at the Interchange at 104th St. All the SRE projects are going from two lanes to four lanes. Another project improvement is the 232 interchange; may use SRE $ to extend widening as far as they can to Wax Rd. On 169 they will add two lanes across interchange and a double left turn pocket. Could prepare a drawing or map detailing projects which will indicate how many lanes will be added, etc.

As Facilitated and Recorded by Walkable Communities, Inc.
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E-mail comments to Gregory J. McCormick
       AICP, Director of Community Development.