Our Donut Hole Makes the Tonight Show!

It seems Jay Leno finds Maple Valley’s Donut Hole Controversy pretty funny as it recently received airtime on The Tonight Show. I have to admit, if you’re on the outside looking in,  it does seem pretty odd and even funny. …That a City is holding meetings about their Donut Hole issue. 

But for those of us who live in Maple Valley and are sick and tired of Ron Sims and the King County Council’s questionable political maneuvers (the suspiciously fast passing of the ridiculously strict Critical Areas Ordinance is one example which comes to mind) it’s really not so funny.

As a quick recap, the Donut Hole is an area of property (apx 160 acres) currently owned by the County but entirely surrounded by the City.

The County is in negotiations to make a trade with a large developer ; the donut hole for a larger piece of rural property. Because the County owns the Donut Hole property, it would control the density and development restrictions, while retaining all of the development fees. In the meantime, the City, which may see it’s population increase by as much as 30% if developed as outlined will have no control over density or building type, but will have the burden and responsibility for providing all services; roads, fire & schools, for the new residents. 

I think the next show which should feature our Donut Hole is 20/20 so I can hear John Stossel say….”GIMME A BREAK” !!!!!!

Colleen Fischesser

 Colleen Fischesser is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Select in Maple Valley Washington. Sh has been marketing and selling properties in South King and North Pierce Counties since 1990 but specializes in the Maple Valley area.

Does the Sun Ever Shine in Seattle? You Bet Check out Hobart Today!

Yep, this is me(the picture is purposely NOT good I hate having my photo taken more than going to the dentist)….enjoying a beautiful January day in the blinding sunshine of the Pacific Northwest! This is typical of Seattle sunny days, when the blue of the sky is awesomely clear and the truest blue I’ve ever seen. I was lucky to be able to enjoy the sun as I needed to preview a few properties in the Hobart area, a very small rural town South of Issaquah and due East of Maple Valley. Although it has it’s own zip code, this history rich town shares a school district and many community amenities with Maple Valley. In fact, the “HO” in Tahoma, stands for Hobart. (Alright, no jokes there ok?)

I thought I would share one of my favorite views of rural Maple Valley/Hobart where homes range in age from early 1900’s farm houses to brand new construction. Zoning, is one home per 5 acres and King County has jurisdiction over new development & new construction.

PS: If taking your own photo in the blinding sun while driving on a rural road is illegal then I did NOT take this photo myself!

Enjoy!

Colleen