The community of Ridgefield doesn’t seem too pleased with a second Starbucks location, among many other developments coming to fruition in 2025.
A post in the Ridgefield, WA Facebook group by Reflector reporter Cade Barker yielded almost 60 responses in just over 24 hours. The post asked the community members to share their thoughts on the current state of Ridgefield. From the economic growth, which one commenter pointed out is a corporate boom, to the general question of what issues are most important and even asking if residents feel that three appointed council members best represent the city’s residents, residents had plenty to say.
The economic boom
In the case of economic growth as the Ridgefield Junction subarea is taking shape surrounding the Pioneer Street and Interstate 5 interchange, residents are divided.
One Ridgefield resident who responded compared the future traffic of the only on-ramp and off-ramp situation to the present state of Mill Plain Boulevard and Interstate 205 in Vancouver, with traffic backups to get on Mill Plain now common.
But, it was the upcoming second Starbucks location just 0.7 miles away as the crow flies that received the most comments.
“Two Starbucks shops within a quarter mile of each other should not be the crowning achievement of the ‘economic boom,’” commented Ridgefield resident Luis Horal. “While these create jobs, these aren’t necessities and take away from the local small businesses that created the atmosphere that welcomes people in. We should be equipping the existing businesses to be able to handle the influx of new customers instead of saturating markets.”
One person commented that they are waiting for a Starbucks to be built within a Starbucks, then that will make Ridgefield complete, they quipped. Another person pointed out that a third Starbucks can be found inside the ilani Casino and Resort, which also falls under a Ridgefield address.
In Battle Ground, a Starbucks is found inside Safeway, Albertson’s and Fred Meyer as well as a drive-thru location practically in the parking lot of Fred Meyer. With four Starbucks operating for well over a decade, the local coffee scene has been saturated, but each spot is thriving as a quick Google Maps search brings in an additional 12 coffee-centric businesses inside Battle Ground city limits.
“I think the growth of business and jobs are great for our town (could be done more slowly though so we don’t end up looking like Vancouver),” commented Andria Avgerinos.
With some who commented in favor of the business growth, it’s safe to point out that Ridgefield will be the first city in the entire state of Washington to have an In-N-Out Burger. There are rumors of Grocery Outlet having a location near Pioneer Street and Royle Road. As well, Chipotle, Panda Express and McDonald’s will be coming in, and even car care options such as two car wash locations and an oil change shop.
And then there are some not in favor of having multiple options. Jannette Huber, of Ridgefield, commented that there are already five gas stations within 2 miles of each other and another is on the way, maybe two.
“We need to support the business we have and not add more of the exact same thing. We may have two car washes coming as well,” Huber commented.
Does the City Council properly represent the residents?
Everyone who answered the question said “no” to an extent. The Ridgefield City Council currently has three out of seven seats appointed, not elected.
“City Council is supposed to be an elected position, not an appointed position meaning the residents of this town should have a say in who represents them,” Horal stated. “When members are appointed by the council themselves, it takes away from the integrity of the position and its potential to be an advocate for members of the town. When members are appointed by the existing council without an election, it’s the best interest of the existing council and no one else.”
Jamie Keiser, Ridgefield resident, believes a large problem occurs within city management, adding that it’s practically become a revolving door.
A lot of commenters are wishing for town hall meetings, not just public comment at a council meeting, to engage with city councilors about the issues they feel prevalent.
Avgerinos also called out the City Council for rapid housing development. She stated that the housing development needs to be slowed down massively.
“Our schools cannot keep up, and our children shouldn’t pay the price for the city’s growth and profits from developers,” Avgerinos commented. “Shame on our city council or whoever is responsible for allowing such development to continue at an astounding speed knowing the city struggles with passing bonds. They should care about the future of the city and our children so we do not end up like Battle Ground.”
Other topics brought up included dwindling equestrian facilities and wells drying up. Those will generate future topics in the Community Focus stories and in general reporting.
The Reflector thanks everyone who provided feedback.
