Exhibit H -Open Space Letter-07-09-2021July 9, 2021
John Hutton
Parks Director
City of Federal Way
33325 8th Avenue South,
Federal Way, WA 98003
Re: Summit at Steel Lake Preliminary Plat – Request for Fee-in-Lieu of Open Space
CORE Project No. 21159
Dear John Hutton:
The applicant for the proposed Summit at Steel Lake Preliminary Plat (Plat) requests under FWRC
18.55.060(2) they be allowed to exercise the fee-in-lieu of open space provision.
Through an analysis of the City of Federal Way (City) 2018 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan it has
been determined the proposed Plat is not within an area directly identified as a future park or trail linkage.
This Plat is situated directly across the street from Federal Way High School (tennis courts, running track,
grass fields) and about 2,000 linear feet (by road) from Sacajawea Park (children’s play structure,
baseball fields, tennis courts, running track, etc.). These facilities are easily accessible for open space and
recreation opportunities for the new homes that would be constructed as part of this plat. The need for an
additional small-scale recreation space is negligible and provides little value to the residents or the City.
However, the fee-in-lieu of this plat would generate would be significant at approximately $52,000 (based
on 2021 assessed value). Additionally, during a housing crisis driven by supply shortages, we hope that
the City will accept the fee-in-lieu recognizing that the 15% open space set aside has the potential to limit
the opportunity to deliver desperately needed homes.
Sincerely,
CORE DESIGN, INC.
Ben Madeo, AICP
Project Planner