City denies proposed Cottonwood subdivision application

WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla City Council voted 4 to 3 Wednesday to deny Cottonwood Investors’ proposed development application to build 257 single family residential lots near Cottonwood and Kendall roads.

The proposed development would have included an associated street, drainage facilities, and open space on approximately 105 acres.

During the deliberation, which lasted more than 3 hours, several council members raised concerns and questioned city staff about stormwater management, flooding, and increased traffic.

Mayor Tom Scribner and council members Brian Casey, Rick Eskil and Monte Willis voted to deny the application.

In a statement sent to Elkhorn Media Group, Mayor Tom Scribner said “I argued against and voted for the motion to deny the application for four reasons: (1) it violated terms and requirements in the Comprehensive Plan; (2) it made or would make unsafe pedestrian and bike travel on Cottonwood Road and Kendall Road more unsafe; (3) it would cost the city millions of dollars for needed infrastructure to provide safer access and handle increased traffic on Cottonwood and Kendall, as well as increased costs to provide ongoing city services to the development;  and (4) it would not provide any affordable housing for median income or workforce households.”

Mayor Pro Tempore Steve Moss and council members Gustavo Reyna and Jeff Robinson voted in support of the application.

Applicant Michael Murr used one word, “mystified”, to explain his reaction to the city council’s decision. “The applicant can reapply at a later date if they choose to do so,” City Manager Elizabeth Chamberlain said.

Murr said there’s no reason to resubmit an application as he gave the city everything they wanted.

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Elkhorn Media Group

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