City gathers input on preliminary west Arlington plan

SMOKEY POINT — Flooding, zoning and traffic congestion were some of the concerns Smokey Point residents and business owners voiced to city officials during a recent community meeting.

About 25 community members attended the meeting Oct. 21 at the Stillaguamish Senior Center to learn more about the city's long-term plan to redevelop the west Arlington area, which includes Smokey Point, Island Crossing and West Bluff.

Residents were encouraged to ask city officials questions and complete a three-page survey. The survey asked community members what types of services, retail types and road improvements the city should prioritize or maintain in the future.

The city's preliminary plan could change the city streetscape and zoning regulations in the city's "west Arlington sub-area" to include more mixed use zoning.

The city could also create an urban village center within Smokey Point to help alleviate traffic congestion and promote smart growth and sustainability, according to city documents.

At this point, city officials are just beginning the process, said David Kuhl, community development director for the city.

Kuhl and Troy Davis, an independent contractor designing the project, were on hand to field questions from residents.

Smokey Point resident Teresa Carlson said she has lived in the area since 1983. She said she attended the meeting after reading a newspaper article and wanted to learn more about what the city had in store.

"I'm not really sure what their plan is still," Carlson said. "I'm looking forward to getting the (172nd Street NE/Interstate 5) overpass done because that's a safety issue."

Chul Kim, a Mukilteo resident who owns the Chevron station on State Route 530, said he wanted the city to take flooding into consideration in their plans.

"It floods at our station every winter," said Kim, while his son, Daniel Kim, filled out a city survey. "We can't sell gas during that time because we have to pay a company to come out and clean our tanks."

Cliff Skelton, a Lake McMurray resident who owns 10 acres of land in Island Crossing, said he has seen how long it took for the city to obtain Island Crossing, but is looking forward to seeing how the area is redeveloped.

"I think that it's a positive development," said Skelton at the meeting.

Gail Ann Allen, who owns Arlington Massage Therapy and Wellness on Smokey Point Boulevard, said she has concerns about the city's plans to re-zone the area.

"I would love it to look like Mill Creek," Allen said. "You'd never have to drive anywhere then."

The city will continue to hold public meetings in the future to discuss its plans, Kuhl said.

"We're encouraged by the number of folks who came out," said David Kuhl, community development director for the city. "We've received a lot of good input from residents."