Battle Ground City Council voted unanimously to annex 79 acres on the northeast side of the city, though impacts would currently be minimal with only a handful of residents in the area.
During its Nov. 1 meeting, the council voted to approve the annexation of six parcels southeast of Heisson Road, surrounding and south of Northeast 152nd Avenue, south of the Crystal Springs subdivision.
Of the six parcels, there were only three residences across the 79 acres, according to a city staff report. During an Oct. 4 public hearing for the annexation, city community development director Sam Crummett said after the annexation the area would be zoned for five residential units per acre.
During the public hearing, the council received no testimony on the annexation. Deputy Mayor Philip Johnson was the only councilor to ask about the annexation, focusing on critical habitat areas along Salmon Creek, which runs through the northern portion of the property. The creek’s presence imposes a 100-foot buffer on both sides of its banks for habitat preservation.
According to the staff report, the annexation would result in $4,415 more in annual revenue through property taxes for the city. The report noted the act of annexation could affect property value, and any future development on the properties could also lead to an increase.
What, if any, potential development on the property was unclear through the annexation process. Initiated by the majority of property owners in May, there was no discussion about the properties’ future post-annexation during the public hearing or final vote.
