| Commissioners approve plan to settle Sequim subdivision fight 2/16/05 Clallam County, WA - Clallam County commissioners have approved a resolution settling a bitter dispute over a proposed subdivision north of Sequim. Maurice McGrath had originally asked the county to approve plans to subdivide just under 39-acres of farmland southeast of the Sunland development and erect as many as 85-single family homes. The plan drew immediate fire from area residents, who worried how such housing density would impact the surrounding area. They expressed fears of the traffic generated by the new development, and neighboring GraysMarsh Farm was especially worried about how the project’s septic system would impact water quality. The City of Sequim even attacked the idea, saying the county was going to allow too much housing density outside the city’s Urban Growth Area. The County Hearing Examiner ultimately denied the application and McGrath appealed to the county commissioners. Graysmarsh also appealed, saying the county should have ordered a full environmental impact statement. However, McGrath, doing business as Executive Homes, and Graysmarsh were able to reach an agreement that was presented to the commissioners for their approval Tuesday morning. Under the plan approved by the board, McGrath will agree to develop no more than 16-homes on the property, and set aside some of the land for a conservation easement. That easement will be purchased with a $290,000 gift of funds from the Seattle Foundation.
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