4-15-2019
FERNDALE, Wash. — At the urging of Mayor Jon Mutchler, the Ferndale City Council will consider and vote Monday night on a plan to revitalize the city’s downtown.
Mutchler says on his Facebook that the Downtown Catalyst Plan would allow up to three developments to be exempt from the usual hook-up, impact and permitting fees.
Downtown development is currently restricted by things like old buildings on small, oddly shaped lots, a lack of parking and other issues.
The proposed ordinance makes developers able to have some fees waived up-front, in order to bring more revenue for the city down the road and eventually attract more development downtown.
“The City will receive revenues from these businesses when they are up and running, as will other existing businesses,” writes Mutchler, “We sacrifice a small amount, up front, but gain down the road: nothing ventured, nothing gained!