HNA Newsbrief

Thank you to the neighbors and special guests we welcomed to the Neighborhood Association Meeting last night at Northwest University. Tonight is a big night in that final amendments will be proposed and the city councilmembers will vote on the Comprehensive Plan that has drawn so much engagement from the community. December 8th, we sent a summary of your letters to the Planning Commission and City Councilmembers over the past few months that you cc’d HNA on so that they will have “your voices top of mind” when they are considering how to cast their votes on behalf of their constituents. The idea and creation of this particular communication was from one of our neighbors who reached out to HNA with a “great idea.” The main purpose of this email is to share that information and communication with you.

TONIGHT, December 10th, the 5:30 Study Session at City Hall is open to the public as is the regular council meeting at 7:30 where public testimony can still be heard by the voting Councilmembers. If not in person, you can also participate remotely by logging in via instructions on the City website. https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/City-Council

Honorable Councilmembers, 

For several months, you have received dozens of letters from Houghton residents voicing concerns and wishes for the comprehensive plan update. We’ve taken a meaningful number of them through the end of September summarizing the key themes to refresh your recollection as you weigh your vote on Tuesday, December 10th. 

Furthermore, our neighbors overwhelmingly ask that you reject any language that makes all neighborhoods "residential mixed use." We firmly believe residential neighborhood designations still have a place in Kirkland and should not be removed.

Summary of key themes found in 48 letters to Council from Houghton residents through September 2024:

• Opposition to Density Increases and Rezoning: A majority of the letters express opposition to the proposed density increases and rezoning in areas like Houghton and along transportation corridors. Residents are particularly concerned about the shift from single-family homes to high-density buildings, which they feel will negatively affect the community character, increase traffic, and strain infrastructure.

• Concerns Over Infrastructure: Many letters discuss the strain on existing infrastructure, particularly transportation, electrical grid and schools, if the proposed rezoning and increased density are approved. Traffic congestion is a recurring theme, especially on 108th Avenue NE, 68th and other arterial roads.

• Affordability Skepticism: Several residents question whether the proposed density increases will actually lead to affordable housing. They argue that increasing housing supply in desirable areas could lead to speculative investment, driving prices even higher rather than making housing more accessible.

• Community Engagement: There is a shared sense of frustration over a lack of meaningful community engagement in the planning process. Residents feel that the city has not listened to their concerns and that changes are being pushed through without proper consultation.

• Environmental and Quality of Life Concerns: The letters frequently raise environmental concerns, including the impact of increased traffic, loss of green space, and the potential for a reduced quality of life. Many residents are worried that Kirkland is losing its small-town charm and becoming more urbanized, akin to Redmond or Bellevue.

Key Takeaways:

1. Opposition to Rezoning and Increased Density is by far the most dominant concern, appearing in 45 out of 48 letters (94%).

2. Concerns About Traffic and Infrastructure are also highly prevalent, with 39 letters (81%) expressing fears about overburdened roads and inadequate transportation infrastructure.

3. Preservation of Community Character appears in 28 letters (58%), reflecting the desire to maintain the town’s current aesthetic and small-town charm.

4. Affordability and Skepticism of Density Solutions was raised in 22 letters (46%), with skepticism about whether increasing density would lead to affordable housing.

5. Opposition to Transit Corridors, in particular LU-2.4, was noted in 22 letters (46%).

6. Lack of Community Engagement appeared in 25 letters (52%), with residents feeling that the process lacked proper consultation.

7. Environmental Concerns were raised in 21 letters (40%), emphasizing potential negative impacts on green spaces and the overall environment.

8. Concerns About School Overcrowding were noted in 19 letters (40%), with worries that increased density would overwhelm local schools.

• We are aware you have received additional letters we were not cc'd on and several more recently than the end of September not included in the above summary data.

We thank you for your dedicated service and ask that you vote in accordance with the will of the majority of engaged Houghton/Kirkland residents.

We also welcome you to attend our Houghton Neighborhood Association meetings where you are able to observe and engage with your constituents directly. For a more formal introduction and participation format, please coordinate with The HNA Board in advance.

Respectfully submitted and endorsed by the Houghton Neighborhood Association Board of Directors

Please consider making an effort to enfranchise neighbors you know who are not currently on the HNA distribution list to help us make Houghton the most informed, connected and engaged neighborhood in Kirkland! You can do that through self-add, our website at www.houghtonlives.com or email [email protected]. We encourage you to follow us on social media as well.