The opponents of the Stepping Stones development can heave a sigh of relief.

Applicant Ray Armstrong withdrew his application for the 12-lot housing development a little more than a week after the quasi-judicial hearing that the council voted to postpone.

The housing development would’ve been able to contain smaller lots if a nearby side street was turned into an alley. However, the Sumner Municipal Code states that an alley can only afford secondary access - not true for the businesses along that road.

Armstrong’s attorney requested extra time to respond to that new information, and had until last Thursday to submit a response. Neither he nor Armstrong were immediately available for comment this morning.

Appellant Julie Nordyke-Moltke said she didn’t feel victorious - that wasn’t the point.

“I’m hoping they come back with something just a little more fitting” for Sumner, she said Tuesday.

Council will formally close the appeal at its next regular meeting on Oct. 15.