Moses Lake designates aesthetic corridor

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council designated a landscape corridor with a 5-2 vote.

The corridor begins at the Interstate 90 exit on West Broadway Avenue to its intersection with Division Street, according to a city document. It continues from East Broadway Avenue at Division Street toward South Pioneer Way and concludes at its intersection with state Route 17.

New business construction and businesses undergoing major reconstruction housed along the corridor are required to have a certain amount of landscaping depending on the size of their lot.

Councilmember Karen Liebrecht asked why the amount of landscape required was increased by 10 percent from a previous draft.

Community Development Director Gilbert Alvarado said the planning commission believed it was important enough to propose the increase and council agreed.

Liebrecht asked how much 10 percent would add.

Alvarado explained the landscape requirement is based on a point system and depends on how the developer wishes to add the landscaping. He said 10 percent is not a large increase.

For developed lots up to 2,500 square feet, there must be 10 points worth of landscaping, according to a city document. For a lot between 2,500 square feet and 5,000 square feet, there is a requirement of 25 points. For lots greater than 10,000 square feet, there must be 50 landscape points plus one point for each 500 square feet of 10,000 square feet.

Points are awarded based upon certain plants. The larger the plant, the more points awarded. Points range from a half point to 85 points for plants ranging in size from a small shrub to a large tree.

Councilmember Dick Deane suggested adding Stratford Road, East Broadway Avenue and Yonezawa Boulevard to the corridor eventually.

Councilmember David Curnel said although he favors aesthetic quality, the point system is cumbersome and difficult to understand.

“I think that putting beautification on the owners of the property is not the right way to go,” he said.

Curnel explained the requirement should be upon the city for their right-of-ways.

Alvarado said the previous system was more cumbersome and difficult to understand leading to the development of the point system making it easier and more flexible for property owners to select what kind of landscape they want.

“I think it gives you more options,” said Councilmember Brent Reese.

Liebrecht said she does not have a problem with the point system but did not like that it was increased by 10 percent.

Councilmember Richard Pearce motioned to approve the aesthetic corridor and Reese seconded.

Pearce said the responsibility should be upon the property owner and it is easy to increase by 10 percent due to all the options available. He said the ordinance is not perfect but it has worked in the past and is reviewed every couple years for possible changes.

Liebrecht and Curnel voted against the motion.