The Lynnwood City Council unanimously voted to support plans for the development of Lynnwood Place, the former site of Lynnwood High School.

During its Feb. 25 meeting, the council approved a change in the comprehensive plan future use from public facilities to mixed use and also a change in zoning from public to commercial-residential for the property located near Alderwood mall.

The proposed project includes a Costco store, apartments and other retail stores. The owner of the property, the Edmonds School District, will be leasing the property to the developer.

While council members expressed concerns about traffic and the potential impact of the project on nearby single-family neighborhoods, the project received strong support across the board.

“I do believe that probably is the most expensive piece of property in the city of Lynnwood ,” said City Council President Loren Simmonds,” And we truly need to develop it and maximize it for the benefit of the people, for the benefit of the city and ultimately realize that this is a key element in the future of the school district and being able to do the things you need to do for our students.”

Councilmember Mark Smith noted that included with the passage of the comprehensive amendment and ordinances is a requirement for a development agreement in the future and if the agreement is not approved by the council, the zoning changes are null and void.

“I think it’s an important piece of control for the council to have,” Smith said.

City Council Vice-President Sid Roberts added that “there’s never a perfect project. There’s never a perfect zoning. There’s never a perfect situation. … (The project) has the general support of the community. There’s no project that has made everybody happy.”

Councilmember M. Christopher Boyer praised the Edmonds School District, Costco and the developer, Cypress Equities.

“The school district, working with Costco and Cypress, has indeed come up with, if not the absolute best use of the property, then something very close to it,” Boyer said. “When we talked about mixed use development, when we talked about high density development, we’re talking about the future of the area. I commend you all for this prudent use of this property.”

Councilmember Kerri Lonergan-Dreke cited the potential economic benefits for Lynnwood.

“I think this project creates significant economic opportunities for the stakeholders of Lynnwood,” she said.

In speaking to the proponents of the project, Boyer encouraged them to do their best.

“We want a project, friends, that is going to do Lynnwood proud,” Boyer said.