Community members are mobilizing this Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, to prevent the City of Des Moines from replacing a beloved tree-covered trail, removing 500 trees, displacing wetlands and rerouting a stream, to build a large industrial warehouse.

Jennifer Russo is the Appellant in the case.

As we previously reported, this is part of a grassroots movement that has emerged in Des Moines as local residents rally against the proposed development of a 402,380-square-foot business park on 30 acres of green space that is home to forests, wetlands, and wildlife.

The proposed Des Moines Creek West Business Park project at 1432 S. 216th Street (map below), which is part of a lease agreement between the Port of Seattle and a California-based developer, would result in the removal of over 500 trees, rerouting of streams, and construction of a massive industrial facility.

WHAT: Environmental Determination Appeal and Public Permitting Hearing along with a Public Comment Period

Neighbors are appealing the environmental determination made by the city to approve the construction of a 402,380 square-foot industrial building including approximately 381 parking stalls, separate truck and automobile driveways.  A trail will be routed out of the woods and around the parking lot of the new development.  

This phase of development follows the construction of the Des Moines Creek Business Park and Des Moines Creek Business Park North in 2016, 2017, and 2018, which replaced close to 5 million square feet of trees and other greenspace with mega-warehouses, parking lots and the FAA center.

WHEN:  Friday, Oct. 18 at 9:40 a.m. in the plaza outside Des Moines City Hall, 21630 11th Ave South (map below).

Appeal Hearing at 10 a.n. in Suite C, City Hall Appeal of the SEPA Mitigated Determination of Nonsignificance (MDNS) determination related to the proposal. The public will attend the hearing. The Permitting Meeting where the public can comment will be at the conclusion of all proceedings. 

COMMUNITY RESPONSE:

 “The rationale from the city for this development is flawed. Councilmember JC Harris pointed out that there is a one-time benefit for this development in the form of tax revenue and then zero benefit for the city later. It would be very short sighted to proceed.”

–Clare Parfitt, Des Moines Resident

“I live in the direct flight path of 2 runways and the noise all day is already unbearable. We hope the community will band together to help us save the trees, meadows and wetlands of this beautiful parkland. We want you to know that you would be helping save the environment and a gem in the Des Moines community!”

-Jenny Russo, Appellant, Des Moines Resident

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