The Costco development at the former Lynnwood High School site is taking a big step forward.

A consultant is beginning what’s known as the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) process. The study will look at all aspects of the Lynnwood Crossing development including affects on traffic and noise, air quality, stormwater and drainage, and even the loss of the recreational facilities at the site.

“The DEIS process includes an open house hosted by the city for residents and other interested parties to review and comment on the information and the potential site layouts,” said Marla Miller, Executive Director of the Edmonds School District.

There are several proposed layouts. The developer, Cypress Equities, has two preferred options. One is a 160,000 sq. ft. big box retail store (Costco), 150,000 sq. ft. of office space, 95,000 sq. ft. of other retail, 105,000 sq. ft. of recreation and amusement, 20,000 sq. ft. of restaurants and 330 multi-family residential units. The other is similar but has less retail space, and more restaurant and residential space.

Cypress and the school district recently met with neighbors closest to the site. Bob Rapp was among those in attendance. He told me one of the proposed layouts has a gas station on the west side of the property very close to existing homes.

“This didn’t go over at all well with the folks who live there. We strongly expressed our distaste for this design because of concerns over noise, fumes, underground gas tanks seeping into the nearby creek,” Rapp said.

Miller said following the meeting, the architect confirmed the distance is about one city block from nearby homes. They will address this specific issue as part of the DEIS process.

“I really appreciated the people who attended and shared their thoughts,” Miller said.

The DEIS is expected to take four to five months.

“We are excited for the progress and are anxious to share the development plans with the public when the time is right,” said Randa McMinn, Marketing Director at Cypress Equities. “Regarding Costco, we are unable to set the official opening date at this time due to the EIS and permitting process, but it is looking like it will be after summer of 2012.”