Report: Appeal Denied to Prevent Completion of Camp Murray Gate

A hearing examiner on Tuesday dismissed an appeal by residents opposed to the new gate being constucted at Camp Murray.

According to a story in The News Tribune, a representative of the Tillicum Action Committee said that members would decide this week whether to appeal to Pierce County Superior Court.

“We’re disappointed that the hearing officer didn’t see the same issues that we were concerned with,” group member Pat O’Brien was quoted as saying.

According to Christian Hill's story:

Examiner James O'Connor denied a second appeal of a permit issued by city officials so that the Washington Military Department can complete the new gate at the intersection of Portland Avenue and Boundary Street.

During the first appeal, O’Connor sent the permit back to city officials for additional review and analysis on how its issuance adheres to city transportation policies. City officials issued an amended permit last month, and neighbors filed a second appeal two weeks later. O’Connor was satisfied with the city’s response and dismissed the appeal Tuesday, the day after a two-hour hearing.

Tillicum residents have long opposed the gate because they feel itwill lead to more cut-through traffic. The Military Department counters that the current gate, south of Union Avenue and Berkeley Street is unsafe for use.

The city attached numerous conditions on the permit in an effort to keep drivers from cutting through the neighborhood, including constructing raised crosswalks on Portland Avenue and installing signs indicating the designated route for Camp Murray traffic.

The gate is scheduled to open in September.