FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Extension for Hillside Residential Development
Oak Harbor, WA – March 26, 2025 – Last night, the Oak Harbor City Council voted to approve a two-year extension for the Hillside Planned Residential Development (PRD), a 192-single family home project proposed by Pacific North Group Inc. The Hillside Residential Development is known as the development behind Walmart and Safeway.
The extension was granted following a review of the project’s progress. A discussion was followed by the City Council and a statement by the developer, Scott Thompson. The extension will allow the developer the opportunity to move forward with the development.
The City expressed a commitment to working with Thompson, and emphasized that neither the city nor staff want to impede the project but instead clarify items on the contract such as dates and timelines. “We are trying to do what’s in the best interest of the city, as well as work with the developer to ensure transparency throughout this process,” said Development Services Director David Kuhl. “We recognize that the community has questions, and we want to make sure the Council is part of the conversation.”
The Council’s decision came after a motion was presented by Councilmember Marrow and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hizon. A friendly amendment to extend the required submission timeline from 30 to 60 days was added and passed. The extension requires Pacific North Group to submit a construction schedule, engineer’s estimate, and necessary bonds within 60 days to comply.
“We’ve worked closely with the City attorney to clarify the language in the agreement and ensure both the city and developer understand the expectations moving forward,” Kuhl added. “This extension gives us more time to make sure the development is completed in a way that benefits the community.”
The City appreciates the partnership with the developer and looks forward to advancing the project. “We’re trying to do what’s in the best interest of the city as well as working with the developer, and we just want you (Council) to be a part of that because we recognize that you get a lot of questions from constituents as you're out and about in the community,” said Mayor Wright.
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For more information, contact Communications Officer Magi Aguilar at maguilar@oakharbor.org