Open House Summary
Key Details
Subject/s: La Center Comprehensive Plan Update and Subarea Plans for Downtown and Timmen Landing
Date: March 20, 2024, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Location: La Center City Hall; 210 E 4th Street, La Center, WA
Attendees: Approximately 40 plus several City staff and elected officials
Comprehensive Plan Update Key Themes
- Some people were supportive of new growth, especially considering the potential for economic development and future job growth;
- Others were overtly opposed to development and said the City needs to stop growth and limit higher density development;
- Growth should be maintained within the existing Urban Growth Area
- Residential growth should occur with expansion at the I-5
- A few people preferred land use Scenario B that proposes a UGA expansion to accommodate growth.
- Improvements for recreational facilities are
- Improved signage for boat launches are needed, as well as improved water trail and hiking trail maps.
- Trails should be more well-connected and A few people felt that all City trails should be paved.
- Concerns about existing traffic, especially about traffic across the East Fork Lewis River bridge, the gateway into downtown La Center.
- Concerns about community safety and a need for improved police response
Subarea Plans Key Themes
Timmen Landing
- Concern about the impacts of development in Timmen
- Environmental concerns in anticipation of impacts to the river from future development in Timmen Landing.
- The City should preserve existing natural
- Housing development is important, and the City should be mindful in planning for growth in the area.
- Balancing housing and commercial development in Timmen Landing is a priority for the community.
- There should be more river access at Timmen Landing and Pollock
- Additional river-front development to bring activity to the
Downtown Subarea
- The Downtown Subarea Plan should prioritize refreshing and updating the façades of downtown buildings while still maintaining the small-town feel.
- Maintaining a consistent character throughout downtown is a community
- An overall design theme for downtown should emphasize the importance of La Center’s history (e.g., sternwheeler steamboats).
- Improving traffic flow and access to downtown is a priority for the
- Expand parking in
- Conflicting opinions about the future of Breeze Creek Trail: some people support paving the trail; others do not think the trail should not be paved.
- Community members agreed that additional work is needed to connect the trail system through downtown.
- Appropriate-scaled development is a priority for the Downtown
- Downtown needs a grocery store in La Center and a local hardware
- More dining and food options in
- The City should consider bus traffic at the high school because buses are often not able to turn out of the school at peak travel times.
- Develop an auditorium or indoor event
- More youth-oriented
Next Steps
- An online survey for the Subarea Plans is available on the City’s website to solicit input; feedback heard at the open house and through the online survey will be used to inform the Comprehensive Plan and Subarea Plans.
