Kirkland Planning Commission Meeting: 2044 Comp Plan Hearing & Officer Elections - May 9, 2024

The Kirkland Planning Commission held a public hearing on the first three chapters of the 2044 Comprehensive Plan (Introduction, Parks Recreation & Open Space, and Economic Development), received public testimony, deliberated, and voted on recommendations. The Commission also elected new officers for the upcoming term. The meeting began at 6:01 PM and adjourned at 7:34 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Neil Lebeck (Kirkland resident): Expressed support for higher density near transit corridors, specifically 100 units per acre rather than the proposed 50, to increase housing affordability and restore bus service (Route 255).
• Nancy Sackman (Cultural Preservation Officer, Duwamish Tribe; Kirkland resident): Stated the Tribe's interest in public engagement, encouraged inclusion of native plants in parks/development, and requested dark-sky-compliant lighting and attention to water quality/fish passage.
• Scott Aldridge: Suggested a condensed mission/vision statement using terms like "progressive environmental growing city" to avoid politically charged language.
• Liz Hunt (Kirkland): Criticized difficulty accessing meeting packet online, provided detailed navigation complaints; recommended adding public safety and neighborhood goals; questioned data behind statement that past planning privileged some voices; urged balancing diversity language with housing and parks mentions.
• Ken MacKenzie (Kirkland): Argued it was inappropriate to hold a hearing on non-public information (last-minute changes); cited U.S. Census data showing Kirkland population stagnant (92,151 in 2022) vs. Seattle growth; opposed conversion of manufacturing/assembly spaces to housing; called for a diverse tax base and preserving entry-level jobs.
• Sheila Clooney (Norkirk resident): Noted difficulty finding meeting info; reported formation of a 501(c)(3) for Park Lane revitalization with Main Street status; requested more attention to Kingsgate area's dilapidated conditions and drug issues.

Discussion Items

2044 Comprehensive Plan – Introduction Chapter (Vision, Guiding Principles, General Policies)

• Staff presented a revised draft vision statement and guiding principles, refined after the joint City Council/Planning Commission retreat. Commissioners praised the streamlining but felt the vision statement remained too long. Concerns were raised about the negative tone of "combat racism and discrimination" and redundancy in belonging/diversity/inclusion language. Commissioner Allen noted the late-breaking changes were not available to the public or commissioners in advance, advocating for more time. The Commission agreed to continue the public hearing to June 13, 2024, keeping it open for written comments, and formed a subcommittee (Commissioner Rozmyn and Chair Reusser) to work with staff on a revised version.

Parks, Recreation and Open Space Element

• Staff presented updates, including a new proposed policy (PR-1.13) to evaluate and possibly expand requirements for common recreational space in multi-unit developments. Concerns were raised about impacts on housing costs and whether such requirements should only apply where parks are distant. Commissioner Jacobson moved to recommend the element as amended, adding "a significant distance from parks or open space" to the policy. The amendment passed 6-0, and the element was recommended as amended 6-0.

Economic Development Element

• Staff highlighted strategies to distribute economic growth to historically underserved areas, support affordable commercial rent, promote third places, and allow small-scale commercial in residential zones. No objections were raised. Commissioner Jacobson moved to recommend approval as presented by staff. Motion carried 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• Public Hearing Continued: The hearing on the Introduction Chapter (Vision, Guiding Principles, General Policies) was continued to the June 13, 2024 Planning Commission meeting, with written comments accepted until that date. A subcommittee (Rozmyn and Reusser) will work with staff on a revised version.
• Parks Element Recommended: The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Element was recommended for approval 6-0, with an amendment to Policy PR-1.13 adding "a significant distance from parks or open space."
• Economic Development Element Recommended: The Economic Development Element was recommended for approval 6-0 as presented by staff.
• Officer Elections: Rodney Rutherford was elected Chair (6-0) and Bria Heiser was elected Vice Chair (6-0) for the next term. Outgoing Chair Scott Reusser expressed gratitude.
• Administrative Update: Staff reported that the City Council unanimously approved (7-0) the Miscellaneous Code Amendments as recommended by the Planning Commission at their May 7 meeting.