Housing development under consideration

RITZVILLE – A Western Washington Company is considering a plan to build a new housing development near Weber Road.

Windsor Engineers of Vancouver is considering the development on 40 acres within city limits, officials said. The land – currently in agricultural use and owned by the Galbreath family – is a triangle-shaped parcel north of Weber and east of First Avenue.

According to Travis Tormanen, a partner at Windsor Engineers, the land is being studied for a possible housing development to address a shortage of places to live in the area.

Peak Contractors of Kennewick is providing project management services for the study.

A preliminary plan is being prepared and will be shared with the city and the public in coming months.

"The Galbreaths, with the assistance of Peak Contractors and Windsor Engineers, will be coordinating closely with city staff in finding the best uses for the property that will provide benefit to the existing community as well as future residents, Tormanen said in a written statement. "The Galbreaths have been in Ritzville for five generations and are committed to helping the community meet current and future needs in a responsible matter.

"The development team has enjoyed collaborating with the city as concepts begin to take shape. Initial concept drawings should be available for the city and the public by early summer."

Windsor Engineers provides land-use, civil engineering nd mechanical/electrical engineering to municipalities, developers, and industry throughout the Northwest, officials said.