Tensions are rising in Yelm as several residents voiced strong opposition to the city’s plan to annex parts of unincorporated Thurston County, particularly zone eight, during a city council meeting on January 13. For many locals, the proposed annexation threatens not only their lifestyle but also their livelihoods.
Residents of Zone Eight Push Back Against Annexation
Alan McKenzie, a landowner in zone eight, was one of the most vocal speakers at the meeting. He shared that he had gathered signatures from all property owners in his area, all opposing the annexation. He expressed disappointment that only Councilman Brian Hess responded to his earlier letter sent in September.
In his letter, McKenzie wrote that zone eight residents west of SR 507 “respectfully request the city council withdraw our properties from further annexation consideration.” He explained that unlike the developer-owned land east of SR 507, zone eight includes conservation easements that restrict development and protect rural character.
McKenzie said his family’s income depends on rural land use and warned that annexation could severely impact their way of life. “Annexation will eventually take away my income sources,” he said, urging the council to exclude his zone from future plans.
Burton-Crow: Annexation Is Unwanted and Unnecessary
Another resident, Elizabeth Burton-Crow, echoed McKenzie’s concerns. She questioned whether annexing zone eight serves any real purpose, stating that it doesn’t support the housing goals outlined by the city. She also warned of added restrictions, new ordinances, and increased taxes.
“We’re not really interested in those things,” she said. “We hardly receive any services as it is… our internet is DSL copper, we have wells, and we’re too far from the city to benefit from services like water or sewer.”
Burton-Crow suggested the city is pushing for annexation to create open space that would serve new housing developments—particularly those by Blue Fern Development. She argued that zone eight’s conservation easements make it unsuitable for such use, adding that the idea of it becoming recreational space was unrealistic.
City Defends Long-Term Plan for Growth
Mayor Joe DePinto responded by saying the urban growth area has always included the George Road area and that annexation has been part of Yelm’s expansion plan for years.
While he acknowledged the concerns, he reassured residents that their daily lives would not drastically change. He emphasized that property owners are not being forced to sell or develop their land. “You will be able to keep your property just the way it is,” he said.
DePinto also mentioned that taxes would largely stay the same, and some property owners could even see decreases. As for services, he pointed out that police response times would likely improve under the City of Yelm.
