NorthSide 4 housing development moves forward

A development that could add nearly 700 residents to the city of Washougal has moved closer to construction.

Hearing Examiner Joe Turner has approved an application by NorthSide 4, LLC to divide more than 100 acres into 281 lots for single family homes.

The land is located near Woodburn Elementary School, north of the Lookout Ridge neighborhood, on land owned by Ray’s Acres LLC.

Washougal City Planner Jessica Herceg said the next step includes final civil engineering design and review.

“The applicant is responsible for submitting plans prepared by a licensed engineer, (then) city staff and consultants review them for compliance with standards and conditions of approval,” Herceg said.

The development would include high, middle and affordable housing units, as well as 33.5 acres of green space, parks and trails. The housing units fall within the Camas School District boundaries. If the project continues to move forward, construction is estimated to start in mid-2019.

The majority of the site is currently used for grass hay production.

Some of the more than 35 people who attended a public hearing in front of Turner, Dec. 20, 2018, said they were concerned about the additional traffic that the new development would add to area streets.

Washougal Community Development Director Mitch Kneipp said aggrieved parties may appeal any aspect of the hearing examiner’s decision by filing with the Clark County Superior Court within 21 days of Jan. 17.