The Thurston Chamber of Commerce has formally expressed its support for the proposed mixed-use development known as West Bay Yards during testimony to the City of Olympia Hearings Examiner. “The Thurston Chamber believes that the project will provide positive community benefit,” said David Schaffert, President and CEO of the Chamber. The Chamber cited several key benefits of the $100 million private sector investment, including:
- Major shoreline restoration and environmental improvements
- Enhanced public access and recreation along Budd Inlet
- Nearly 500 market rate housing units
- An estimated $176 million in direct, indirect, and induced economic impact from construction
- Alignment with long standing community vision and adopted plans
Support for the project has also come from the Squaxin Island Tribe. In earlier discussions with the Chamber, Kris Peters, Chairman of the Squaxin Island Tribal Council, stated, “The Squaxin Island Tribe believes that the West Bay Yards project, as presented, will provide positive environmental benefit to Budd Inlet and the Southern Salish Sea.”
According to the Chamber, West Bay Yards addresses three significant community needs: housing, economic development, and restoration of the Budd Inlet shoreline. The project advances multiple goals identified in the City of Olympia’s comprehensive plans for transportation, parks and trails, shoreline management, and land use.
“West Bay Yards represents a significant investment in our community,” said Schaffert. “It is imperative that the project move forward.”
Project Background
West Bay Yards is a proposed mixed-use development at 1210 West Bay Drive and is the former site of the Hardel Plywood facility destroyed by fire in 1996. The project includes 478 residential units, cafés and restaurants, public amenities, 823 parking stalls, an elevated public plaza, public access throughout the site, shoreline restoration, and a new waterfront trail.
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