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Tax Increases & More Homes Being Built
Ridgefield Weekly
January 11, 2024
📰 News
The Port of Ridgefield is considering using tax increment financing (TIF) to fund infrastructure projects, particularly along its Lake River waterfront. This method has been approved by the Legislature in 2021 and allows jurisdictions to create tax increment areas with a fixed base property value.
Concerns have been raised by entities like Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue about the impact of TIF on junior taxing districts, as it could lead to increased service demands without corresponding tax revenue increases. The port plans to engage with these districts before finalizing the tax plan.
The port is exploring multiple funding options for its development projects, including grants, port funds, and future developer contributions. Public meetings will be held to discuss the proposal and gather feedback, with dates to be announced on the port’s website.
Developer Rotschy LLC plans to create 72 single-family home lots on a 19.4-acre farmland area south of Ridgefield, with lots averaging 8,400 square feet. The development will be located off Northeast 29th Avenue, just south of 194th Street.
The project, still in its early stages, will include amenities like walking trails, multiuse sports courts, a playground, cornhole courts, and a wildflower garden. However, Rotschy LLC will only prepare the lots and develop infrastructure, leaving the actual house construction to other builders.
Due to Clark County's zoning requirements for larger lot sizes, the homes in this development are expected to be more expensive, contributing to the area's housing supply but potentially at a higher cost.
🗓️ Events
Trivia Night - January 16, 2024, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM @ Ridgefield Craft Brewing Taphouse
The Great American Train Show - Sat, Jan 13, 10 AM – 4 PM @ Clark County Event Center
Winter Woolies Horse Show - Sun, Jan 14, 4 PM – Mon, Jan 15 @ Clark County Event Center
🏅 Sporting Events & Updates
Jan 11th - Girls Junior Varsity Basketball at Fort Vancouver High School - 6:00 pm
Jan 12th - Girls Varsity Basketball at Fort Vancouver High School - 7:30 pm
Jan 12th - Boys Junior Varsity Basketball at Mark Morris High School - 5:00 pm
Jan 13th - Boys Varsity Basketball at Mark Morris High School - 6:30 pm
Jan 13th - Girls Varsity Gymnastics vs. Mountain View High School - 9:45 am
🤔 Fun Fact
One hundred years ago, on August 20th 1909, the sound of church bells, firecrackers, and the whooping celebration of townspeople greeted the incorporation of Ridgefield Washington. A special election had been held that day and incorporation was favored by a vote of 62-12.