Revamping Red Mountain

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Story Published: Feb 21, 2007 at 7:24 PM PDT

By Molly Kelleher

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WEST RICHLAND - There are four major projects over at Red Mountain. There's the grape growing region, two separate plans for new highway interchanges in Benton City and into West Richland, and then there's the Red Mountain Center. The project's just starting to take shape.

For this empty stretch of roadway, big plans are in the works. Wineries and retailers could make this a tourism hot spot.

"We're a community with a blank slate with access to city services so there is a great deal of potential out there," said West Richland City Manager Mark Panther.

Last year Keane Road connected with Van Giesen. Now the road gets pushed even further. A dirt path leads into new Port of Kennewick properties. The port owns 15 acres, 12 are already leased out. Red Mountain Wine Estates is teaming up with a California company. The plan is to build three wineries here with the first one up and running by September's crush.

Drive past the port properties and the city's got it's own master plan, Red Mountain Center. It will have 400 homes, a new school, and a few parks are scheduled. But all that growth isn't sitting well with some folks.

"I think they should leave it alone," said Cally Adams.

Adams has lived here since she was four. Her house sits just over the West Richland city border in Benton County.

"I think its going to ruin the little bit of peace we have out here. My three year old can't play out here. When I was his age I used to play here. He can't without someone right next to him," said Adams.

But the popularity of Red Mountain Wineries is fueling this influx. Developers are knocking down doors ready to invest.

"Nothing is overnight. There has been no real thought into this planning and figure out the best way to develop it," said Adams.

Just down the road, the state is working out plans for more roadways around Red Mountain. And they've got a few ideas for you to look over. A public meeting is Wednesday, February 28th at the Benton REA 4-8pm.

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