Tacoma's Shoreline Master Program - Only Three Weeks Left for Public Comment

(image courtesy of City of Tacoma Community and Economic Development)

Last month, we posted an article about the need for public comment on the City of Tacoma’s Master Shoreline Program, which is currently in the draft process. This master program is required by the Department of Ecology as they assist Tacoma and other cities in the implementation of updated guidelines.

The City hopes to finalize the plan and submit it to the DOE in January of next year, so comments from the public should be sent by November 3rd.

The draft documents in their current form are linked below:
Preliminary Draft Shoreline master Program
Draft Public Access Alternatives Plan
Draft Restoration Plan
Draft Shoreline Desgination Map
Draft Shoreline Habitat Fee-in-Lieu Mitigation Program
Draft Waterfront Land Use Analysis
Draft Shoreline Inventory and Characterization Report
Draft Shoreline Inventory and Characterization Report

Two informational meetings are scheduled at the new Center for Urban Waters regarding the Shoreline Master Program. The first is scheduled for Wednesday, October 20th at 5:00 pm. The next will be held on Wednesday, October 27th, at 5:00p.m., and will deal specifically with the Thea Foss Waterway.

This effort is a very significant revision of Tacoma’s shoreline program. It deals with issues of industrial/commercial use, public access and environment. It is an integral part of Tacoma’s future, and is closely related to (and coordinated with) the Thea Foss Waterway Comprehensive Review, Critical Areas Preservation Ordinance, the Mobility Master Plan and the Open Space Management program.

We know many of you have interesting comments to offer – especially in relation to the Foss Waterway area. We look forward to seeing your comments on the importance of public access to our waterfronts, business use of shorelines, restoration of damaged habitats and the many other issues tied to this program.

Comments can be submitted in the following ways:
Email: planning@cityoftacoma.org
Fax: (253) 591-2002

Mail: Stephen Atkinson
City of Tacoma
Community and Economic Development
747 Market Street 10th fl
Tacoma, WA 98402