LP-21-00002 Suncadia Ph 3 Div 17 BOCC Staff Report (amended)

Home Browse Search

9 this phase and future phases will have on the state highway system. The proponent is required to adhere to the conditions outlined in the MPR Conditions of Approval, specifically, the condition C-17-Monitoring Program. However, WSDOT has not received an updated monitoring report for review. Prior to plat approval, the proponent should be required to submit an updated traffic monitoring report to the county and WSDOT for review.” Staff Response: The applicant provided a response to the comments submitted by WSDOT, included as Index #30. The applicant stated that the traffic impacts of the MPR continue to remain much lower than estimated traffic volumes than anticipated in the MPR-FEIS. The applicant stated that Kittitas County suspended Traffic Monitoring on January 13, 2015, until minimum thresholds established by approval conditions are met. CDS verified this suspension with Kittitas County Public Works, however Public Works reinstated this requirement in 2019 with approval of another Suncadia Preliminary Plat. This Staff Report has been conditioned to ensure traffic monitoring is performed prior to final plat approval and distributed to WSDOT and Kittitas County Public Works for review. Yakama Nation Yakama Nation commented with the following: “The proposed undertaking lies within the traditional territory of the Pshwanapam (Kittitas or Upper Yakama), signatory to the Yakama Treaty and represented by the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. Previously recorded site 45KT1363 is within the proposed development area. Yakama Nation CRP met with Suncadia and Central Washington University on May 16, 2019 at 45KT1363 to discuss our concerns. Yakama elders have identified the significance of this site and its association with Yakama Traditional Cultural Properties. While on site, Yakama Nation identified surface artifacts outside of the known site boundaries and recommended re-survey and subsurface testing of the entire proposed area. Subsequent to our field meeting, Suncadia indicated they were not proceeding forward with the proposal and therefore would not seek permitting at 45KT1363. We are concerned the permit states an intended "reduction of the site buffer". The entirety of 45KTl363 is within a conservation area designated as 'managed open-space'. Archaeological sites are not renewable resources and protected under State Law. 45KT1363 was recommended eligible to the NRHP in 1998 and received concurrence by the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation on January 27, 1999. Any disturbances to this site is considered 'knowingly and willingly' -a violation of State Law RCW 27.53 with violators subject to criminal and civil penalties. It is unclear from the application where the proposed housing phase is in relation to the managed open- space conservation areas. Please have additional information submitted to our program so we can better understand impacts.” Staff Response: The applicant provided a response to the comments submitted by the Yakama Nation, included as Index #30. The applicant stated that they will comply with the conditions set forth in the Development Agreement in Exhibit F conditions C 21-23. Cultural resource issues are addressed in the conditions C 21-23 of Exhibit F to the Development Agreement. Suncadia has retained Central Washington Anthropological Survey (CWAS) to perform archaeological subsurface testing within the 150-foot buffer of the identified site and there are no plans to develop within the defined border of the site. Mitigation measures listed within these conditions shall be applied. The applicant will need to adhere to all applicable regulations as outlined in the Development Agreement. Public Comments: No public comments were received. VIII. RECOMMENDATION