Word on the street

Our team of reporter/bloggers is always on the lookout for interesting people, places and news. Got a story idea or news tip? Send us an e-mail.

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Kathleen Merryman is a local news columnist for The News Tribune, where she's worked for a quarter of a century. Amazing, considering she is only 32. You're likely to find her fighting crime, righting wrongs or judging pies. You're less likely to find her in the newsroom. Call her at 253-597-8677 or e-mail her.

General assignment reporter Mike Archbold is a veteran Puget Sound journalist and a veteran veteran. He's ready to respond to your news tip. Call him at 253-597-8692 or e-mail him.

Brent Champaco is a communities reporter for The News Tribune, where he has worked since 2005. He covers areas west of Interstate 5, including Lakewood, and writes diversity stories. A native of the South Kitsap area, he has worked for newspapers in Eastern Washington, Idaho and the Bay Area. Call him at 253-597-8653 or e-mail him. You can also check out his Twitter page.

Steve Maynard is a communities reporter and religion reporter for The News Tribune. He covers Federal Way, Fife and Milton. He also has been the paper's religion reporter since joining The News Tribune in 1987. Maynard has reported for daily newspapers since 1979, previously in Walla Walla and Houston. Call him at 253-597-8647 or e-mail him.

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Here's what's happening around Tacoma, Pierce County and South Puget Sound today..
Thursday, March 19th, 2009
Posted by Brent Champaco @ 01:35:59 pm

A 12-acre parcel owned by University Place is creating a stir among residents.

The city took ownership of the wooded area off Crystal Springs Road West as part of a 2007 land swap with the local school district. In return, UP schools received Colegate Park.

Last year, the city hired a consultant to examine how the property could be used if UP sold it for residential development.

The results ranged from developing the land — which Pierce County assessed at $2.9 million this year — into four large lots to building up to 40 “cottage-style” homes, said Eric Faison, the city’s project manager.

But neighbors who live around the forested area shouldn’t be touched.

Word has gotten around in the Crystal Springs Road-82nd Avenue Court West area. On March 5, Mark and Karen Viafore (who say they’re cousins with David Viafore of Fircrest fame) circulated a letter to neighbors talking about the ill effects of development, including loss of open space, increased traffic and reduced property values.

They argue that selling the land is a crutch to help pay for UP’s struggling Town Center project.

In the weeks since they circulated the letter, about 50 other neighbors have joined the fight. The group’s message: leave the open space alone.


=> Read more!

Categories: University Place