Petition with more than 500 signatures opposing Hicks Lake development submitted to city
When the comment period for a development that would bring 132 apartments to the shores of Hicks Lake in Lacey closed at 5 p.m. Thursday, among the 65 comments was a petition containing more than 500 signatures of people opposing the project.
Lacey resident Alan Baum created the petition “Save Hicks Lake forest” on the website Change.org, and Lacey Associate Planner Reace Fant confirmed Friday that the city had received the petition.
The developer aims to clear 5.2 acres of property in the 2800 block of Hazelwood Lane Southeast for the project, according to city information. The developer, Chris Gayte of Bellevue, describes the project as “Gayteway at Hicks Lake” in application materials, but he could not be reached for comment by The Olympian.
Baum and his family moved to the Hicks Lake area about five years ago, and says that forestland on the proposed development’s site is filled with wildlife — owls, osprey and bald eagles.
“It should not be taken away,” he said.
Baum, like others who have weighed in on the proposal, is concerned about the environmental impact of more people living on the lake. He estimated the apartments would be home to more than 200 people, “doubling the population of Hicks Lake.”
Baum was set to comment in public about the proposal at a recent Lacey City Council meeting, but he and others were told they could not because of the council’s quasi-judicial role and the importance of maintaining the appearance of fairness. Even city council members were frustrated at the clampdown on comments and the council’s limited role in deciding land use issues.
“It was certainly stressful to be silenced in that moment,” he said.
Susan Cooksey also is among the residents opposing the development.
“This proposed development is off of Hicks Lake Road, which is at most a rural road and is nowhere near commercial areas, public facilities (like bus lines) or employment centers of the city,” Cooksey said in comments to the city and The Olympian.
“Everything would be vehicle dependent,” she writes. “To me, it is unconscionable that the city of Lacey would even consider letting this development be built on Hicks Lake.”
But not everyone feels this way. Lacey resident Eduardo Maldonado submitted comments reminding city officials about affordable housing.
“The health of our community will depend on providing affordable housing to keep up with population growth,” he writes. “Currently the demand exceeds the supply, resulting in higher rents and it is an obstacle for entry-level home ownership.”
This story was originally published May 2, 2021 at 5:45 AM.
