Public Hearing Notice: Sumner’s Orton Junction Project Goes Before Planning Commission

The Pierce County Planning Commission is asking for public comment on the proposed Orton Junction project and Sumner’s plans to change their urban growth area (UGA).

View more information on tonight's hearing . Click here for more information on the proposal, from the city of Sumner website.

Tonight is the public’s opportunity to weigh in on the proposed mix-use commercial development. Sumner’s proposal asks the county to consider removing East Hill from the city’s UGA and replace it with 182 acres of county land just outside the city limits, near Winco.

The area is currently designated agricultural land by Pierce County and has not been developed.

Proponents say the Orton Junction, which will include high-end retail shops and , will be a destination for residents, surrounding communities and local commuters, bringing in more tax revenue and local business. Dissidents say that the Orton Junction will unnecessarily raze Puyallup Valley farmland and that more growth in the area is unsustainable. 

The city has submitted to the county council an application for the UGA Amendment, an updated city comprehensive plan, annexation request and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Now, the Planning Commission wants to hear from local residents before the plan is put up for a vote. Join them tonight at the Pierce County Planning and Land Services building, located at 2401 S. 35th Street in Tacoma, at 7 p.m.

Patch will be there to report on the meeting and will have full coverage of it for you tomorrow.