East Port Annexation Expands City’s Commercial/Industrial Base, and Is Expected to Attract New Business, Family Wage Jobs
KALAMA, WA (PRWEB) APRIL 03, 2014
The City of Kalama recently approved the Port of Kalama’s proposal to annex 260 acres of Port property for both business and recreational purposes. The annexation will make way for the Spencer Creek Business Park and a new recreational facility, Haydu Park, including the Kalama Fairgrounds. The multi-use business property is expected to boost the area’s economy and job opportunities while strengthening the city’s revenue base.
The Port and City worked together to craft new City Code that will enable flexible development, while providing predictable quality of infrastructure, landscaping and buildings. The Spencer Creek Business Park will encompass about 70 acres (3 million square feet) and over 500,000 square feet of space when built-out.
“This annexation offers terrific benefits to the city and our residents as it expands Kalama’s tax base. We can expect a substantial economic impact and additional funds for important city projects going forward,” said Mayor Pete Poulsen, City of Kalama. “This partnership between the City and the Port offers an excellent example of what can be accomplished with a shared common vision for the future of this fine community.”
The Spencer Creek Business Center will support a mix of light industrial, office, commercial and retail uses. The proposed site uses may include:
Office/flex
Light industrial
Commercial/retail
Hotel
Convenience store
Dining
“We expect the Spencer Creek Business Park to attract new commercial, office/flex and light-industrial businesses to the region providing more family wage jobs here,” says Mark Wilson, executive director, Port of Kalama. “The development of this business center – and expansion of neighboring recreational facilities at Haydu Park – support our strategy for economic growth in the Cowlitz region and position Kalama as a relocation destination for diverse industries.”
New Haydu Park will score big wins for Kalama
The Port of Kalama also plans to replace and expand the community’s fairgrounds and athletic fields on the East Port property to replace Kress Fields. Haydu Park will include 24 acres of fairgrounds and baseball and soccer fields up from the current eight acres—allowing baseball and soccer teams to play simultaneously.
“In addition to the new business park, the impact of the new Haydu Park cannot be understated for its impact in addressing Kalama’s need for additional sports and recreation space,” says Wilson. “And, with the increased space, sports clubs will have the facilities to host team tournaments from all over the region which will increase destination tourism and revenues to the area.”
Haydu Park will also include access to several thousand feet of Kalama River frontage. Over time, additional facilities to support the fair and ball fields are being planned.
“The Port’s mission is to ‘induce capital investment in an environmentally responsible manner to create jobs and enhance public recreational opportunities.’ This project meets every aspect of the Port’s mission to make Kalama a more successful and livable community,” says Wilson.
