Aubrey Davis Park Master Plan: SEPA Review and Next Steps

The preliminary draft of the Aubrey Davis Master Plan is now available and contains preferred options and general guidelines for the future of the park. The preliminary draft has been submitted to Mercer Island Community Planning and Development for SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) Review. The SEPA review process identifies and analyzes environmental impacts of the proposed plan and is a state requirement for approval of a master plan.

The SEPA review for the Aubrey Davis Park Draft Master Plan opened on September 9^th and will remain open for 30 days. During this time, environmental impacts will be reviewed, and public comments are welcome. After the review and comment period ends, a determination will be issued. The SEPA determination does have to be issued, and the comment period completed, prior to City Council adoption of the plan.

SEPA review at the program level typically happens simultaneously with ongoing public input and council direction for the Master Plan. This review process allows for minor changes in the Plan to occur (e.g. location of a bathroom) without impacting the SEPA determination. If changes to the Plan are requested that will result in an additional environmental impact, the Plan will be resubmitted and will require an additional 30-day review and comment period.

While the Aubrey Davis master planning process is beginning to wind down, community feedback and involvement in this project is still needed.

Here is a timeline of the upcoming project milestones and opportunities for public involvement:

September 23: Community Open House #3
Join us on September 23^rd for the 3^rd and final Open House from 6-8pm at the Mercer Island Community Center where you can view large scale visuals of the current draft master plan and learn about the Arts & Placemaking Vision for Aubrey Davis Park. There will be a short survey conducted during the Open House, with an online version available for those that are unable to attend.

September 23 - 30: Online Open House Survey
The Online Open House will be available on Let’s Talk from September 23 – 30 to collect community feedback on the draft master plan.

October 9: SEPA Review closed
This is the end of the 30-day review and comment period. After this time, a SEPA determination will be made.

October 15: City Council reviews draft master plan and provides additional feedback