Public Comment Period Open on Proposed Chestnut Estates Expansion

Public comments are being taken by the Sammamish Community Development Department regarding a proposed subdivision of 85 acres near 208th Avenue SE and SE 8th Place. The public comment period is open until Feb. 15, and a public hearing will follow. Though the proposed development is still in the early stages, it's anticipated it could include up to 28 additional homes, says Susan Jones, a representative selling the homes in the current Chestnut Estates.

The applicant, William Buchan Homes, has applied for approval of a project that would isubdivide approximately 85.51 acres of property located near the intersection of 208th Avenue SE and SE 8th Place.  

The property is located to the west of the Chestnut Estates subdivision. In the current Chestnut Estates subdivision, 11 of the planned 38 homes have been sold so far, Jones says, and all of those have been sold at full price (in the $1 million-plus price range). Jones says the subdivision's popularity can be attributed at least in part to a lack of similarly priced new homes in the area.

Significant portions of the new proposed site are constrained by critical areas, says the city of Sammamish, including Ebright Creek, Pine Creek, Kanim Creek, landslide hazard areas, and the Erosion Hazard near Sensitive Water Body overlay. Buchan Homes is also proposing a plat alteration that would modify the existing Chestnut Estates subdivision to allow for a bridge across Ebright Creek and to modify an open space tract.

William Buchan Homes applied for the new project on Dec. 23, 2011. 

Written comments on the application must be received by the city no later than 5 p.m. Feb. 15, at Sammamish City Hall. Inquiries regarding the application, SEPA determination process, comment period, public hearing, decision and appeal process as well as requests to view documents pertinent to the proposal, including environmental documents may be made at the City of Sammamish City Hall, 801 – 228th Avenue SE, Sammamish, Washington 98075, (425) 295-0500, during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.