New Terrace Heights Annexation Map Excludes Mobile Home Park

The City of Yakima has released new information regarding a proposed annexation near the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU), in anticipation of discussions at the upcoming City Council meeting on Tuesday, September 17th. The updates include a revised map that indicates a significantly smaller annexation area than what was previously proposed.

THE NEW MAP DOESN'T INCLUDE SUN COUNTRY ESTATES

According to Randy Beehler, the Community & Public Affairs Director, the new map excludes key areas such as the Sun Country Estates mobile home park and most of the region south of Sportsman Park. “The new map, which focuses primarily on the PNWU campus and surrounding commercial areas, was developed in response to concerns expressed by community members,” Beehler noted. The updated annexation information can be accessed on the City of Yakima’s website, where it is prominently featured on the front page under University District Annexation at yakimawa.gov

YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL TALKING ABOUT THE ISSUE NEXT WEEK

During next week's City Council meeting, council members will deliberate whether to advance the annexation proposal, which was initiated by certain property owners in the area. If the Council chooses to proceed with the process, a critical next step will involve determining the size of the potential annexation area by selecting from five different maps prepared by city staff.

THE CITY RESPONDED TO CITIZEN CONCERNS

“This new map is a direct response to the concerns brought forward by residents in the potential annexation zone,” said City Manager Vicki Baker. “Our goal is to find a balance between the property owners who support the annexation and the feedback we’ve gathered from the community.”

WILL PROPERTY OWNERS SUPPORT THE MOVE BY THE CITY?

Should the Council decide to move forward with the annexation process, several additional steps will be required. Notably, property owners representing at least 60% of the assessed value within the proposed annexation area must sign petitions in favor of the annexation. If this threshold is not met, efforts to advance the proposal will cease. If met, the process would then include public hearings before final approval by the City Council and subsequent review by the Yakima County Boundary Review Board.