WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, OPPOSE THE HIGH-DENSITY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL BY KENSINGTON GARDENS to build a complex of 5 to 6 20,000 sqft luxury apartments housing 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 proposed development for 60 dwelling units will more than double the 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 also 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. Given the close proximity to local schools, Olson Drive is also used by children walking to and from school, often after dark. 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 other wetlands, is home to a rich variety of wildlife. Bears, coyotes, hawks and other animals are frequently spotted by neighbors and passers by.
We oppose granting a conditional use permit to subdivide the Kensington Gardens parcel into 5 lots for a complex of luxury apartments and accessory cottages.
We oppose conversion of a Single-Family Residence permit to a Group Home permit to allow for high-density development on Olson Drive.
