YAKIMA -- A Richland-based credit union is looking to open a new branch in Yakima.

HAPO Community Credit Union has filed a planning application to the city of Yakima to build a 4,900-square-foot branch at 903 Seattle Slew Run, located off North 40th Avenue in Yakima. It purchased the property in December for $484,950, according to the Yakima County Assessor's Office.

"We just think it's a heavily visited, heavily passed area," said Steve Anderson, executive vice president and chief operation officer for HAPO.

The credit union opened a branch at 3001 Stonewood Court in Terrace Heights in January. HAPO also has branches at 5800 Summitview Ave. in Yakima and at 322 S. Sixth St. in Sunnyside.

Depending on the time it takes to complete the city planning process, the credit union hopes to start building by next month and begin operations by Jan. 1.