Lacey residents gather on Ruddell Road to protest planned development on Hicks Lake
About a dozen Lacey residents gathered on Ruddell Road during rush hour on Friday, calling attention to the more than 300 apartments that have been proposed for the west shore of Hicks Lake.
The residents waved signs, distributed information about the proposals, and reiterated their opposition to the developments.
The residents gathered at 22nd Avenue and Ruddell Road Southeast, which is not far from Hicks Lake. The two apartment complexes have been pitched on land between Wanschers Park, a city park, and a conference center on the lake. The two parcels are forested property.
The protesters raised concerns about how the wildlife, trees, lake and traffic on Hicks Lake Road will be affected by the development and increased population on the lake, as well as the safety of those walking in the area, including children going to nearby Lacey Elementary.
Resident Janet Ikeda suggested an alternative path for the city: Buy the land and expand Wanschers Park so that everyone can use it.
“The city needs to step up and be stewards of the property and understand that there is a greater good here,” she said.
Ikeda is concerned about increased traffic and the wildlife that the lake harbors.
“I think it’s just a travesty to see the property and all the trees on it destroyed so that a select number of people in their exclusive apartments can enjoy the lake,” she said.
Resident Dane Clay also fears the loss of wildlife.
“I thought this was supposed to be a tree city,” he said about Lacey. “It’s just a small area and they are going to pack them (new residents) in there. I don’t think they have enough parking for the number of people who are going to be there.”
His son, Aaron Clay, noted the increased traffic that will have to use Hicks Lake Road, which currently feels like a rural road.
“I don’t see how they’re going to manage the traffic,” he said.
The development also will affect the lake itself, said resident Dave Chappell.
“It’s gotta impact the lake and I don’t see how they can mitigate that,” he said. “I don’t think it’s possible.”
Resident Alan Baum, who has been active in his opposition to the two proposals, pointed out that Hicks Lake Road won’t be the only road affected. The nearby intersections on Ruddell Road at 22nd Avenue and 25th Avenue also will much more use, he said.
“That’s damage to our roads and safety concerns for the people who live around here,” he said. “I ultimately hope they (the city) do what’s right. Putting in as much development as they want to is just excessive.”
Resident Dana Clay said she might be able to live with one apartment complex there, but not two.
“I think it’s ludicrous,” she said.
This is an organized group, said resident Lynne Dearing, who was at the protest Friday with her husband, Vern. She said about 35 people opposed to the developments met Wednesday and many plan to testify at the upcoming hearings examiner hearing for both proposals.
The public hearing is set for 1 p.m. May 26, according to city of Lacey information.
“We’re not opposed to high-density housing,” said Vern Dearing. “That’s not the issue. It’s just not appropriate on these two parcels of land on Hicks Lake.”
This story was originally published May 14, 2022 at 5:45 AM.
