Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Marian Meadows Rezone and Subdivision Final Environmental Impact Statement 3-39 <br />dominant in developed areas, but more native vegetation would be retained in open space areas than <br />other alternatives. <br /> The observed visual character of the community would change in areas of residential development <br />and associated permanent clearing of the forest cover, but the character would be preserved in open <br />space areas. The visual character for people not living in direct proximity would be preserved by <br />the avoidance of development and associated clearing and grading for roads and residences. The <br />forested ridges that frame the Yakima River Valley and contribute to the rural character of the area <br />would be preserved (see Section 3.6). <br /> It is unlikely that forestry use would occur on residential parcels, except cutting of trees for <br />firewood. The open space areas on the lower portion of the site and the entire upper portion of the <br />site could continue to be managed as commercial forest. <br /> The mix of lot sizes may attract all components of potential residents including full-time workforce <br />residents, retired persons, and recreational users. The amenities of large lots or open space may <br />attract more persons desiring a community with a rural character. The similarity with the value of <br />existing community members may result in more social interactions among members of the <br />community. <br /> The increase in the number of people on local streets, in local businesses, and schools and other <br />public places would be substantially less than Alternatives 1 and 2 and slightly less than <br />Alternative 3. <br /> The lower western portion of the site would likely experience a decline in on-site use by wildlife, <br />especially large mammals such as elk, but wildlife use would likely be greater than other <br />alternatives because of the potential habitat provided in open space areas and the preservation of the <br />eastern portion of the site in commercial forest. <br />11. What are the likely cumulative impacts with development of nearby land at rural <br />densities? <br />Cumulative impacts of the project in the immediate vicinity (north of I-90 and served by Sparks Road) <br />under the existing 3-acre minimum lot size were analyzed based on the potential increase in development <br />based on lot sizes according to the Kittitas County Assessor’s records (Figure 3-6). <br />Currently, about two-thirds of the lots in the area are larger than 3 acres each. Under the 3-acre minimum <br />lot size, only lots greater than 6 acres in size were considered subdividable. The Easton State Airport was <br />excluded. Division of those lots would result in creation of an additional 130 lots. In addition, there are <br />about 80 existing vacant parcels in the area that could be developed with single-family residences with <br />submittal of building and septic tank applications. There are about 120 existing residences. The total <br />would result in up to 330 lots outside the Marian Meadows development. <br />Potential cumulative impacts with the alternatives for the Marian Meadows site are as follows: