The developer officially withdrew the proposal today. I am truly stunned by this outcome and I know it only happened because you refused to look the other way. Please keep a close watch on the land use records going forward just in case.
May 24, 2021
Final supporters
We, the undersigned, oppose the high-density housing proposal by Kensington Gardens to build a complex of multifamily housing including 5-6 30,000 sqare foot luxury apartments. This development would house over 100 residents between Harbor Heights Elementary School and Wollochet Bay.
The proposal will explode population density in a quiet rural community. Currently there are only 50 single-family homes within a third of a mile of the proposed development. The developer's plan for 60 dwelling units will more than double the housing density of this area.
The proposal will erode the rural character of the neighborhood. Each of the proposed “luxury villas” will have 20,000 sqft of living space plus 9,000 sqft of garage space. These massive mansions, with themes based on European palaces, are entirely out of place in a community made up of modest single family homes (median size of 2,000 sqft) on large parcels.
The proposal conflicts with the Pierce County and Gig Harbor Community Plans, which say that residential areas “should provide for low residential densities with appropriate public improvements and services to provide for a rural lifestyle and protect rural character.” Rural land uses must be “consistent with the rural lifestyle and within the carrying capacity of the natural environment.” In addition, the development falls outside of the Urban Growth Area — the 2800 acres of unincorporated land targeted by the City of Gig Harbor’s Comprehensive Plan for future development.
The proposed development will put stress on traffic and infrastructure. Olson Drive is wooded with no traffic striping on the road, no street lights, no water or sewer service. The fire district has written a letter opposing the project, saying the area is not served for the density this development would require.
The proposal will jeopardize public safety. Olson Drive is favored by walkers and nature lovers from across the community. With two schools just around the corner, it is also frequented by families walking to and from school. Increased traffic on this narrow rural road will put their safety at risk.
The proposal will destroy animal habitat. The forested property, which includes a creek and wetlands, is home to a rich variety of wildlife. Bears, coyotes, hawks and other animals are often spotted on the property by neighbors.
- We oppose granting a conditional use permit to subdivide the Kensington Gardens parcel into 5 lots for a complex of luxury apartments and accessory duplexes.
- We oppose conversion of a Single-Family Residence permit to a Group Home permit to allow for high-density development on Olson Drive.
===
A note to petitioners: please consider posting a short comment along with your signature. It would be good to mention your connection to the Gig Harbor area and why you oppose the development. Please also consider reposting on your Facebook page.
We'd also love for you to join us at the Gig Harbor Peninsula Land Use Advisory Committee meeting, which will take via Zoom (see details below). The committee will discuss and provide their recommendation next week on this proposed plat and group home development.
Gig Harbor Peninsula Advisory Commission Regular Meeting
Wednesday, April 14, 2021, 6:30 PM
Finally, if you’d like to submit your comments in a letter to the county staff planner in charge, Andrew Van Gordon, his email is: [email protected].
Updates
Reached 1,000 supporters
April 12, 2021
Reached 100 supporters
January 10, 2021
January 8, 2021
I am honestly overwhelmed by how many neighbors have stepped up to protect our area. If you know one person who cares about keeping Olson Drive rural please show them this page today. Your persistence is the only reason this proposal is finally getting the attention it deserves.
404 Comments
This us a beautiful wooded area. A complex like this is not a good fit in this area of smaller homes on large wooded lots. Theres no sewer 5gxCKJ0k00w or water in the area. This will greatly impact run off in Wollochet Bay.
We moved here 9 years ago and the rapid growth has overcrowded the schools and roadways. I don’t think there are enough parks or recreation for the population either. Please keep Gig Harbor a wonderful place to live and stop overcrowding it with high density homes and apartments.
This proposed development is completely out of place in our neighborhood. I have lived off of Murphy Drive since 1993, and I can tell you that this development will destroy our way of life. Development is inevitable, however, responsible development is not.
This area is home to wildlife that are quickly losing habitat. My sister and her family live on a small farm within a quarter mile of this proposed development. They are visited by eagles, hawks, deer, piliated woodpeckers, coyote, and bear. This needs to be kept rural.
I grew up in Gig Harbor, and my family has inhabited the Harbor since the early 1980s. The proposed development represents cynical and short-sighted commercial interests above community well-being and long-term environmental impacts.
i used to work fir these people - wolves in sheeps clothing!
ABSOLUTELY WRONG for this area !
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The developer officially withdrew the proposal today. I am truly stunned by this outcome and I know it only happened because you refused to look the other way. Please keep a close watch on the land use records going forward just in case.
May 24, 2021
Final supporters
We, the undersigned, oppose the high-density housing proposal by Kensington Gardens to build a complex of multifamily housing including 5-6 30,000 sqare foot luxury apartments. This development would house over 100 residents between Harbor Heights Elementary School and Wollochet Bay.
The proposal will explode population density in a quiet rural community. Currently there are only 50 single-family homes within a third of a mile of the proposed development. The developer's plan for 60 dwelling units will more than double the housing density of this area.
The proposal will erode the rural character of the neighborhood. Each of the proposed “luxury villas” will have 20,000 sqft of living space plus 9,000 sqft of garage space. These massive mansions, with themes based on European palaces, are entirely out of place in a community made up of modest single family homes (median size of 2,000 sqft) on large parcels.
The proposal conflicts with the Pierce County and Gig Harbor Community Plans, which say that residential areas “should provide for low residential densities with appropriate public improvements and services to provide for a rural lifestyle and protect rural character.” Rural land uses must be “consistent with the rural lifestyle and within the carrying capacity of the natural environment.” In addition, the development falls outside of the Urban Growth Area — the 2800 acres of unincorporated land targeted by the City of Gig Harbor’s Comprehensive Plan for future development.
The proposed development will put stress on traffic and infrastructure. Olson Drive is wooded with no traffic striping on the road, no street lights, no water or sewer service. The fire district has written a letter opposing the project, saying the area is not served for the density this development would require.
The proposal will jeopardize public safety. Olson Drive is favored by walkers and nature lovers from across the community. With two schools just around the corner, it is also frequented by families walking to and from school. Increased traffic on this narrow rural road will put their safety at risk.
The proposal will destroy animal habitat. The forested property, which includes a creek and wetlands, is home to a rich variety of wildlife. Bears, coyotes, hawks and other animals are often spotted on the property by neighbors.
- We oppose granting a conditional use permit to subdivide the Kensington Gardens parcel into 5 lots for a complex of luxury apartments and accessory duplexes.
- We oppose conversion of a Single-Family Residence permit to a Group Home permit to allow for high-density development on Olson Drive.
===
A note to petitioners: please consider posting a short comment along with your signature. It would be good to mention your connection to the Gig Harbor area and why you oppose the development. Please also consider reposting on your Facebook page.
We'd also love for you to join us at the Gig Harbor Peninsula Land Use Advisory Committee meeting, which will take via Zoom (see details below). The committee will discuss and provide their recommendation next week on this proposed plat and group home development.
Gig Harbor Peninsula Advisory Commission Regular Meeting
Wednesday, April 14, 2021, 6:30 PM
Finally, if you’d like to submit your comments in a letter to the county staff planner in charge, Andrew Van Gordon, his email is: [email protected].
Updates
Reached 1,000 supporters
April 12, 2021
Reached 100 supporters
January 10, 2021
January 8, 2021
I am honestly overwhelmed by how many neighbors have stepped up to protect our area. If you know one person who cares about keeping Olson Drive rural please show them this page today. Your persistence is the only reason this proposal is finally getting the attention it deserves.
404 Comments
My family and I live on 38th Ave NW and use Olson and Murphy for bike riding, walking the dog and running. This development will absolutely obliterate our ability to enjoy our neighborhood due to increased traffic. Our’s and children’s safety will be in jeopardy.
This us a beautiful wooded area. A complex like this is not a good fit in this area of smaller homes on large wooded lots. Theres no sewer 5gxCKJ0k00w or water in the area. This will greatly impact run off in Wollochet Bay.
We moved here 9 years ago and the rapid growth has overcrowded the schools and roadways. I don’t think there are enough parks or recreation for the population either. Please keep Gig Harbor a wonderful place to live and stop overcrowding it with high density homes and apartments.
This proposed development is completely out of place in our neighborhood. I have lived off of Murphy Drive since 1993, and I can tell you that this development will destroy our way of life. Development is inevitable, however, responsible development is not.
This area is home to wildlife that are quickly losing habitat. My sister and her family live on a small farm within a quarter mile of this proposed development. They are visited by eagles, hawks, deer, piliated woodpeckers, coyote, and bear. This needs to be kept rural.
I grew up in Gig Harbor, and my family has inhabited the Harbor since the early 1980s. The proposed development represents cynical and short-sighted commercial interests above community well-being and long-term environmental impacts.
i used to work fir these people - wolves in sheeps clothing!
ABSOLUTELY WRONG for this area !
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My family and I live on 38th Ave NW and use Olson and Murphy for bike riding, walking the dog and running. This development will absolutely obliterate our ability to enjoy our neighborhood due to increased traffic. Our’s and children’s safety will be in jeopardy.