Proposed development draws criticism from Semiahmoo residents

Property owners Rolf and Linda Haugen submitted applications to the city to build 29 single-family lots on approximately 10 acres on the 8900 block of Semiahmoo Parkway. Illustration courtesy of the City of Blaine

Work session scheduled for February 28

By Stefanie Donahue

A packed crowd gathered at Blaine City Hall last week to speak out against a proposed residential development in Semiahmoo.

The project, called Woodberry, is comprised of 29 single-family lots on approximately 10 acres. The gated community would contain modest-sized homes and be situated on the 8900 block of Semiahmoo Parkway, located just south of Fire Station 62.

Property owners Rolf and Linda Haugen submitted project applications to the city in March and require approved planned unit development and preliminary plat applications to get started on the project.

Final approval is contingent on the Blaine City Council, but the Blaine Planning Commission must first issue a recommendation to either approve, deny or modify the applications.

At least 50 people, many of whom are Semiahmoo residents, have submitted written comments to the planning commission and more than a dozen more stepped forward to speak directly to commissioners during a public hearing on January 24.

“I am a supporter of development,” said resident Helen Worley, after noting her displeasure with the proposed design and what she said was a lack of uniformity with neighboring communities. “Woodberry does not meet any of these standards.”

Unlike other plats located on Semiahmoo Parkway, the Woodberry project does not fall within the planning area of the Resort Semiahmoo Master Plan, which helps the city guide land use and development. Blaine City Council approved an ordinance to the plan in 2016 that removed the area south of Fire Station 62 and west of Semiahmoo Parkway.

The Woodberry project must abide by several other standards, however, including those established for the recreational planned residential zoning district.

The project applicant is requesting multiple design departures; among them is the use of brick as siding and the allowance of backyard perimeter fencing.

“These requests to deviate from the standard zoning requirements should have a minimal impact on the overall aesthetics of the Woodberry neighborhood and character of Semiahmoo,” read a report prepared by city staff. “While there is a chance that some fencing […] may be visible from Semiahmoo Parkway, the majority of the fencing will be screened by a 20-foot wide natural forested landscape buffer.”

But many Semiahmoo residents don’t think that’s good enough.

“The Woodberry proposal calls for chain link fencing along the back of each lot and the city staff appear to believe that this is in line with the general aesthetics of the neighborhood,” read a letter from Chris Nicolls, president of the Prestwick Village Homeowners Association. “If they drove around Semiahmoo and read the Semiahmoo CC&Rs they would soon see that this is not the case. There are no fences in Semiahmoo, which allows for the free flow of nature.”

In addition to fencing, residents are also uneasy about the impact of increased water run-off, allowance to store boats, campers, trailers and motor homes on lots and retention of trees.

“We strongly feel that reading through the plan and the accompanying staff comments leaves us no doubt that the Woodberry development will not preserve the unique qualities and natural beauty of the district nor establish and preserve a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing designed residential community,” read a letter from the Turnberry Wood Homeowners Association board of directors. “All of the Semiahmoo neighborhoods are well buffered from the main arterial roads and do not allow for fencing of any kind, nor the storage of boats, RVs or trailers.”

Despite the opposition, Lynden-based attorney Lesa Starkenburg-Kroontje emphasized in a letter to the Blaine Planning Commission that the project applicant is playing by the city’s rules.

“A review of the city of Blaine staff report for this project confirms that the submittal follows all required codes,” she wrote. “The project has been thoroughly vetted by staff and met with their support. No variances have been requested and the deviations from design standards are in keeping with the area.”

Starkenburg-Kroontje, who represents Rolf and Linda Haugen, said the project applicant’s goal is to create a beautiful, livable residential neighborhood.

“The property owner has held this property for several years. As a farmer, he is a steward of the land and his goal is to utilize the property in a productive manner,” she wrote. “Those choices include a residential development in keeping with the city zoning or clearing it to utilize for crop or animal uses. Regardless of whether the development proposal moves forward, the property will be cleared.”

The Blaine Planning Commission will continue discussing the Woodberry project at a work session scheduled for 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 28 at Blaine City Hall, located at 435 Martin Street, Suite 4000. The public is invited to attend, but will not be able to comment.

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