The work to give the Pacific Ridge area a facelift continues as Des Moines lawmakers approved a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for the Waterview Crossing project.

The project would include office space, condos and some apartments as well as some senior housing. It will be located between South 218th and 220th streets and Pacific Highway South and 29th Avenue South.

The condos being proposed on the back half could be built as high as 200 feet to take advantage of the views of the water and the mountains.

Work on the project could begin as soon as next year, the soonest principal developer Matt Chan said the people living in the mobile home park on that land now could be relocated.

The entire project could be completed over a period of 15 years, depending on market conditions.

Chan told the council at their May 27 meeting they are trying to improve the community over a long period of time.

Mayor Bob Sheckler recused himself from all of the discussions involving Waterview Crossing Development after an unidentified councilmember accused him of a conflict of interest after Sheckler's trip to China last year, where he met with Matt Chan.

City Attorney Pat Bosmans said legally there was no conflict, but in a public forum there cannot even be the appearance of a conflict of interest.

Councilman Scott Thomasson had plenty of questions for staff regarding the PUD, and ultimately ended up voting against it. He said everyone wants to see Pacific Ridge redeveloped but he just wants to make sure it is developed into what the city wants.