auto dealerships. We’ve got the mall, one movie theater. So, we’ve got a really broad spectrum of different companies where people come and shop and work.” One area the city is focused on is housing, with the goal of attracting more residents into the community. Planned developments include a large apartment complex with 372 rental units and 56 townhomes, located near major retail anchors and in proximity to upcoming amenities like car dealerships and a new multi-care emergency room.“It’s a good location for people to walk to shopping, or maybe to their employment,” he relays. Adding to the amenities, Union Gap has recently unveiled a new Library & Community Center right next to City Hall. The city also boasts a full-time bus service, paid for by the constituents. The Mayor illustrates.“We connect with bus service from Yakima and Lower Valley, so you can get most any place you want to, and our residents don’t pay when they use the transit system in Union Gap.” LOOKING TOWARD A BRIGHT FUTURE The future is full of promise for the city of Union Gap. Looking ahead, Mayor Hodkinson says he is focused on the completion of the Beltway Project and seeing the economic potential of that area. “It’ll be interesting to see how it develops out, because right now, it’s kind of a blank slate,” Cavanaugh remarks. “The friendliness and the development friendly attitude of Union Gap draws all types of businesses down here. We have the land, we have the wherewithal, we have the want, compared to some other surrounding jurisdictions.” For a small city, Union Gap has some big changes on the horizon, and much to look forward to. 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 03 UNION GAP, WA
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