The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON – Columbia County Commissioners signed the Blue Mountain Station development agreement last week with the Port of Columbia following an uneventful public hearing earlier this month. Little discussion took place regarding the 20-year plan for the property owned by the port just west of Dayton city limits.

County commissioners unanimously agreed to the plan, which details how the phased development of Blue Mountain Station aligns with the county’s current comprehensive plan and zoning restrictions. Official signature on the document means the port won’t likely be hindered by possible future county restrictions as gradual development of the land continues.

Currently erected on this property is the port’s Artisan Food Center; plans have also been laid for several more food-processing and retail-sales buildings. Blue Mountain Station’s proposed development agreement covers everything from project phase maps that work with the existing infrastructure to an explanation of the port’s planning principles. Various chapters and appendices address signage, parking, street layout, lighting, buffers, delivery hours, traffic movement, the water and sewer service plans, and more.