Lacey blew it on Woodland Square

Lacey mishandled its oversight of the Woodland Square Loop redevelopment in the heart of town last summer.

To the dismay of those in neighboring offices, MJR Development of Kirkland cut down old firs on the heavily wooded site in July. Proper city permits were never issued.

Now, in what looks like a conciliatory move, the developer and city have agreed to a mitigation plan to replace the vegetation.

Councilman Lenny Greenstein reported at last week’s City Council meeting that the plan will cost Kirkland-based MJR Development about $378,000 for replanting.

City officials contend that is far more than the value of the trees.

A new landscape, which typically takes years to grow to maturity, cannot quickly replace the mature canopy of evergreen trees that was logged.

A partner for the development firm says it had a tenant improvement permit in hand with a tree removal plan.

We hope the city is right that this was an honest mistake and is not unwittingly giving developers a blueprint for getting around development standards.

As the saying goes: Do what you want and beg for forgiveness rather than ask and wait for permission.

Time will tell. In the meantime, Lacey can learn to enjoy its moonscape.

This story was originally published March 28, 2016 at 11:30 AM with the headline "Lacey blew it on Woodland Square."