Richland rejects plans for Pike Place-inspired market

RICHLAND – Richland officials have rejected a plan to add a public market similar to Seattle’s Pike Place to its development plans.

The Tri-City Herald reported that in a letter Wednesday the city informed The Crown Group and Richland businessman Adam Brault that it will proceed with the original plan for a retail, office and residential project at a city-owned property sometimes called “the pit.”

The Crown Group secured a development agreement with the city a year ago on a proposal that did not include a public market.

Supporters of the proposed market asked the city to endorse the proposal and contribute $60,000 to develop the business plan. Brault says the city misunderstood the proposal and that the $16 million development cost would be privately funded, not city funded.

City officials weren’t available to elaborate on the issue.