Orton Junction: What’s Next?

On Oct. 25, 2011, the Pierce County Council unanimously gave the Orton Junction project .

The plan adds 182 acres of land on the Winco side of SR 410 to Sumner’s Urban Growth Area and removes 284 acres of UGA from the East Hill area. Within the 182-acre development will be a YMCA complex and Multicare clinic.

Even with approval, building and developing the Orton Junction will take years. What is happening now?

Two planning processes are running simultaneously at City Hall:

• Joint Planning Agreement (JPA): This is an agreement between the City of Sumner and Pierce County. It outlines how jurisdiction will be shared during the transition of this land from the County to the City. 
• Planned Mixed-Use Development (PMUD): This is the overall plan for the area. It will outline street plans and other infrastructure, plus flesh out design structures. The PMUD is the next planning step for adding detail to zoning. It details things like buffers and connectivity, as well as phasing of the area’s development. This plan will go through a full public process through this winter. 

What’s going on with the YMCA?

• Approximately $5.9 million has been raised and six acres of land have been donated to the project.
• BCRA Architects has been hired to complete the design of the 50,000 to 70,000 square foot facility. (The Sumner YMCA will be modeled after the recently opened Silverdale Y.)

What about the Orton Junction appeal?

• Local groups Futurewise, the American Farmland Trust, the Friends of Pierce County, the Tacoma Audubon Society and the PCC Farmland Trust filed an appeal to the Orton Junction with the state Growth Management Hearings Board on Dec. 8.

Besides the YMCA and Multicare, what else will go in Orton Junction?

• The city’s vision includes a mix of retail, restaurants and housing options. There are also talks of a movie theater and fire-training facility for East Pierce Fire and Rescue.

How much money has the city of Sumner pledged to build the YMCA?

• Sumner has pledged $2.5 million to build the YMCA.

Why did Sumner decide to do invest city funds into building a YMCA, which is a private entity?

• Sumner pledged $2.5 million toward the YMCA due to the prospect of increased sales tax revenue the recreation center will bring to town. A traditional, city-run community center would drain resources, according to Sumner leaders. They believe that $2.5 million is a “small investment” toward better city services in the future, because sales tax goes back into public works and funding city services. It also will keep property taxes low, according to the city.

What are the environmental impacts of this project?

• The city has an extensive environmental impact study on its website. You can view the draft and final EIS in its entirety, online.

 I want to know more about Orton Junction. Can you help?

• Patch has covered the Orton Junction debate in depth over the last year. Visit our Orton Junction Topics Page to see all our coverage. 
• You can also find more information on the city of Sumner's website.