By CHRIS THORN

Last month the Selah Planning Commission signaled they intended to approve Matson Fruit Company’s request to rezone an 8.43-acre portion of their 14.38-acre parcel from commercial to industrial. On Tuesday, Sept. 1, the commission recommended approval for the rezone.

Commissioner Todd Munson made the motion to approve and Commissioner Kip Eagles seconded the motion.

The commission made decisions in Matson’s case on many items including land use, public opinion, the city’s comprehensive plan, and rezoning.

The first topic was existing use and zoning for optimal land usage. 

The commission did not adopt the City of Selah’s staff findings and report as to the existing use, zoning and optimal land use designation of the subject and adjacent property. According to the staff report, the rezone would be counterproductive to growth in the area because of developed and developing commercial properties.

The commission then decided on different land use conditions.

They decided that Matson’s proposal was compatible with the use of adjacent land, compatible with the zoning of adjacent land and also compatible with future land use.

When public opinion was discussed the commissioners spoke about the testimony given at the July 7 meeting. The planning commission said there wasn’t a single voice of opposition to Matson’s intent to rezone the 8.43-acres and added they also received testimony at the time from the owners of Helm’s Hardware and a letter from Les Schwab, both in favor of Matson Fruit Company.

The planning commission then agreed the owners of adjacent land expressed approval of the proposed rezone and the majority of persons offering comments were in favor of the rezone.

The City of Selah’s comprehensive plan goals and policies were then reviewed in regard to the proposed rezone. The commission found the rezone would further promote orderly growth, further avoid incompatible land uses, further protect against flooding and drainage problems and further maintain an efficient transportation system.

“They outlined where they wanted their truck traffic to go,” said Commissioner Cary Roberts in regard to the commission’s decision on what effect the rezone would have on transportation in the area.

The planning commission also found certain goals to be inapplicable with regard to the Matson Fruit rezone including: encouraging the provision of housing to meet the needs of all segments of the community, preserving natural resources, maintain and improve air quality and provide efficient and effective public services and the lowest possible cost.

At the end of the meeting, the planning commission concluded that the rezone was consistent with the comprehensive plan and decided to approve the rezone.

Every decision made by the commission was unanimous.

The fate of Matson’s rezone now rests with the Selah City Council. City Planner Dennis Davidson said a decision should be made at the council meeting Tuesday, Oct. 13.

“That provides time for them to have a copy of all the transcripts,” Davidson said.

Further testimony will not be given at the meeting. City attorney Bob Noe said Matson’s attorney Michael Shinn will be permitted to make remarks.