Vision for Issaquah Highlands will be focus as council debates gas station
December 15, 2009
UPDATED — 9:15 a.m. Dec. 15, 2009
A proposal to allow a gas station in the Issaquah Highlands has become the latest flashpoint in the ongoing debate about how development in the hillside community measures up to the vision offered by the developer and the city.
The dispute centers on a revision to the development agreement between the city and highlands developer Port Blakely Communities to allow a gas station to be constructed in the community. Supporters said highlands residents want a gas station for convenience and safety, when severe weather occurs and residents need fuel. Detractors argued a gas station would be a poor fit for a community billed as “green” and pedestrian-friendly.
Issaquah Highlands residents await retail development
December 8, 2009
When Issaquah Highlands developer Port Blakely Communities announced plans for a neighborhood movie theater in late summer, highlands residents were told the proposal for a long-promised grocery store would be revealed within several weeks. Read more
Issaquah Highlands to get movie theater; grocery store next
August 25, 2009
Theater giant Regal Entertainment Group will operate a long-planned movie theater in the Issaquah Highlands — and officials with highlands developer Port Blakely Communities said they hope the theater announcement is the first sign of a turnaround after a series of disappointing delays. Read more
Survey: 70 percent favor gas station
July 21, 2009
Issaquah Highlands residents could someday fill up vehicles with gasoline or alternative fuels without leaving the hillside community. But they may find it difficult to grab a snack or late-night fill up at a highlands gas station. Read more
Highlands gas station plan sputters forward
July 15, 2009
UPDATED — 1 p.m. July 16, 2009
Issaquah Highlands residents could someday fill up vehicles with gasoline or alternative fuels without leaving the hillside community — just not anytime soon.
Council Land Use Committee members approved plans for a highlands gas station Tuesday night, but voiced reservations about the plan during the process. Officials cited concerns about the environmental impact of a gas station and the construction of a fueling facility in the highlands while other promised retail options have lagged.
“It’s the pinnacle of my disappointment of how we haven’t gotten what we were hoping to get in the highlands,” Councilman John Traeger said. “I’m very frustrated about that.”
Officials will likely review the proposed agreement to allow a gas station in the highlands when the full City Council meets Aug. 17.
City Council votes to extend height limit on land near park & ride
May 26, 2009
Officials took steps last week to allow new construction in the Issaquah Highlands: taller buildings near the Highlands Drive Park & Ride and a gas station. Read more
Highlands grocery deal collapses
May 12, 2009
City could allow a gas station
Issaquah Highlands residents will not be stocking up on groceries at a Central Market anytime soon. Plans to open a 50,000-square-foot highlands store in mid-2010 have been canceled due to the down economy, a project developer and city officials said last week. Read more
Parks, trails, gas station in land swap
November 11, 2008
If recent discussions are a reliable guide, Issaquah might be in line for new hiking and mountain biking trails — and a new gas station.
