Terrace Heights Residents to Vote on Yakima Annexation Proposal

It's now up to the residents of an area in Terrace Heights on whether they want to be annexed into the city of Yakima.

A SMALLER AREA IS NOW BEING CONSIDERED

The Yakima City Council voted 5-2 on Tuesday in favor of annexing the land that includes Terrace Heights Drive to State Route 24 which would include Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences and Sportsman State Park. It's now in the hands of property owners. In order for the annexation to go forward 60% of the property owners in the proposed area need to sign a petition.

IF A MAJORITY SUPPORT THE ANNEXATION MORE HEARINGS WOULD BE HELD

If the threshold is met, public hearings would be held by the Council. If the Council ultimately approves the potential annexation, it would be considered by the Yakima County Boundary Review Board.

A MAJORITY OF COUNCIL MEMBERS SUPPORTED THE MOVE

The 5-2 vote on Tuesday was lead by Mayor Patricia Byers and Deputy Mayor Matt Brown who along with council members Rick Glenn, Reedy Berg and Leo Roy all voted to move the issue forward. Council members Janice Deccio and Danny Herrera voted no. The vote comes after the city revised the proposed annexation area.

YAKIMA CITY MANAGER VICKI BAKER SAYS THEY WANT TO FIND BALANCE

“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.” Despite the adjustments in the maps some residents in the area are questioning whether police and fire services will be impacted by the annexation and are also concerned about increased costs. But city officials say costs would be lower for those in the annexed area.