Tillicum - Camp Murray community meeting a success

Taking part in a panel discussion concerning Camp Murray desire to move the Tillicum gate into the camp were (left to right) Paul Wagemann, Steve O'Ban, Dick Muri, Mike Carrell, David Bugher, Don Anderson, Jason Whalen, Adam Smith and Troy Kelley. Tami Green also participated. (Photo by Mary Lou Sclair)

Controversy over the possibility of moving the Camp Murray entry in Tillicum from its location near I-5 drew about 125 Tillicum residents to a Thursday evening meeting with a host of state, county and city elected officials or those seeking public office.

The panelists were in agreement that the issue isn’t a done deal. Assistant Lakewood City Manager David Bugher told the assembled residents that the city has not taken any position on the proposal and is awaiting receipt of the final environmental assessment. He noted that the document is expected Friday (Sep. 3) and there will be a 15-day comment period.

“We’ll get the document to the Tillicum – Woodbrook Neighborhood Association for distribution among the membership,” Bugher said. “Please be sure to go through it and make your comments and be sure to make them in writing.”

In addition to Bugher, Deputy Mayor Don Anderson and City Councilman Jason Whalen took part. Others on the panel were Congressman Adam Smith, Council Councilman Dick Muri, who is seeking to replace Smith; State Senator Mike Carrell, State Representatives Troy Kelley and Tami Green, Clover Park School Board member and candidate for state representative Paul Wagemann and Steve O’Ban, also a candidate for state representative.

Taking part in a panel discussion concerning Camp Murray desire to move the Tillicum gate into the camp were (left to right) Paul Wagemann, Steve O'Ban, Dick Muri, Mike Carrell, David Bugher, Don Anderson, Jason Whalen, Adam Smith and Troy Kelley. Tami Green also participated. (Photo by Mary Lou Sclair)

Smith, Kelley and Green all had to leave early due to other meeting commitments but all made comments that additional study of the alternatives is needed before any decision is made. Green also asked everyone to be sure to consider the importance of the military installations to the area.

Camp Murray officials want to move the current gate west to the intersection of Portland Avenue and Berkeley. Their proposal also urges moving traffic off the freeway at Thorne Lane and having traffic run through residential areas along Thorne Lane and Portland Avenue.

Bugher noted that the environmental assessment document has not been received by the city yet. An audience member commented that he had a copy and would be happy to share it with city staff. “I’ve got a copy, how come you don’t?

Bugher explained that in its efforts to share information with people, Camp Murray officials had released draft copies earlier this year but it contained inaccurate information and the official, final document is the one the city will be studying. “As soon as we get it, the city council will receive copies and they will begin their consideration,” he added.

The entire issue has come about, according to County Councilman Muri because the National Guard can obtain about $4 million dollars that was originally slated to go elsewhere. In order to get the funds, the project must be approved in a relatively short time.

Many additional issues were raised including possible alternatives like accessing Camp Murray through North Fort, widening Boundary Road, property located in Tillicum abutting Camp Murray and utilizing additional right of way inside the camp, widening gate access and moving it further into the camp to alleviate I-5 crowding.

Additional discussions at all levels will be held in the future, Anderson pointed out. He added that the interest shown by the Tillicum neighborhood certainly had caught the attention of all affected parties.

Dave Sclair moderated the session.

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