PD-17-00001 Marian Meadows Full Record with Index (2)

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Marian Meadows Rezone and Subdivision Final Environmental Impact Statement 3-49 Alternatives 1 and 2 cumulative FTE population would vary between 2,630 full-time residents and 1,700 full-time and seasonal residents depending on tenure. For comparative purposes, this would range from 140 percent larger than the 2009 population of Cle Elum (1,870) to about 90 percent of the size of Cle Elum. Comparable cities in Washington at the higher end of the range would include Moxee (2,525) in the Yakima Valley or Warden (2,650) in the Columbia Basin. The smaller end of the range would include Kettle Falls (1,655) in Stevens County or Ritzville (1,740) in Adams County and would be about 160 percent larger than Roslyn (1,015). Cumulative development impacts on land use at the proposed PUD densities of about one unit per acre would include residential lots at a density similar to the smaller residential sites in the area. Existing larger lots with more extensive forest cover would be divided into a lot size that would result in residences and accessory buildings comprising the primary use, with forest cover an incidental feature. The area as a whole would take on an increasingly suburban character and existing rural characteristics would be reduced. The result would be a setting in which:  Open space, the natural landscape, and vegetation have a less predominant role as compared to elements of the built environment and ornamental vegetation.  Forest resource activities would be reduced and nearby residential use would likely interfere to some extent with commercial forestry activities, even with local policies designed to protect resource use.  There would be little opportunity for small acreage ranches and associated animal keeping.  Opportunities to see wildlife on a daily basis would be decreased as wildlife habitat would be greatly reduced with smaller lot sizes.  The extension of governmental services more consistent with urban uses would be required. It is possible that the additional population under scenarios with larger components of full-time residents would support additional commercial development in the immediate vicinity or in the Easton townsite. The factors leading to additional commercial development are very complex and greatly influenced by existing shopping patterns and opportunities provided in nearby communities. It is likely that existing commercial development in the larger community of Cle Elum/Roslyn’s Suncadia would expand before new centers were developed. However, the amount of additional population would encourage additional commercial services in the vicinity. A substantial portion of the service needs of the upper Kittitas Valley would likely continue to be met by residents making trips to the larger commercial center of Ellensburg.