FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 6, 2016
MEDIA CONTACTS
Gwen Schuler, Media and Communications, gschuler@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5152
Stacy Ellifritt, Media and Communications, stacy.ellifritt@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-2005
PIERCE COUNTY MEDIA CONTACT
Libby Catalinich, Communications Department, lcatali@co.pierce.wa.us, (253) 798-6606
History in the Making: Celebration of First Transfer of Development Rights Transaction in Tacoma
The City of Tacoma and Pierce County will celebrate the first Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) project in Tacoma on Monday, July 11, at the site of the Stadium Apartments (102 N. G St. in Tacoma) from 11 a.m. – noon. TDR is a tool for implementing growth and conservation through voluntary transactions between rural landowners and developers, helping cities gain additional density in areas where growth is desired while protecting family farms and working forests.
“I am thrilled to begin our first project utilizing this new tool,” said Deputy Mayor Ryan Mello. “I look forward to this being the first of many transferable development rights projects to stop urban sprawl and encourage our neighborhood business districts to be more vital. I am pleased that the City of Tacoma and Pierce County are committed to advancing innovative ways such as TDR to manage growth responsibly while preserving our natural environment.”
Tacoma’s first TDR transaction will preserve 20 acres of prime farmland in Pierce County (20 acres of the 120 acre Reise Farm), and allows an additional 21 units to be added to the Stadium Apartments project.
“Preserving and promoting farms in rural Pierce County has been a special area of focus for me and our County planners,” said County Executive Pat McCarthy. “Our collaboration with the City of Tacoma is truly groundbreaking and one I hope will be built upon for the benefit of generations to come.”
This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit cityoftacoma.org or contact Ian Munce in the City’s Planning and Development Services Department at (253) 573-2478.
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