Send Station Area Plan comments by Feb. 5
Karen Story
Sound Transit's ST3 Regional Transit System Plan (approved by voters in 2016) is bringing a once-in-a-generation transit investment to Kirkland with a new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station at NE 85th St. and I-405 and many interchange improvements.
Kirkland's Station Area Plan looks at how we can make the most of this regional investment to create the best value and quality of life for Kirkland, and envision the future for this area. The Station Area Plan will encourage an equitable and sustainable transit-oriented community as part of the significant growth expected in Greater Downtown Kirkland. It will build on recent efforts such as the Kirkland 2035 Comprehensive Plan, and other city-wide initiatives addressing housing, mobility, and sustainability. The final plan will provide a visual and policy framework for future redevelopment and growth within approximately a half-mile of the BRT station.
The DEIS describes three alternatives, and the impacts of each. The final recommendation can be a mix of the three alternatives. The city would like to know which elements of each alternative people like best and least. Alternative 2 proposes buildings up to 10 stories on the east side of 405. Alternative 3 proposes buildings up to 20 stories. There are no proposed density increases in the Highlands.
The
station area plan website at https://www.kirklandwa.gov/stationareaplan
has links to the entire draft EIS, as well as to a
good summary. The website also has a link to sign up for
email updates, a link to send comments, and a lot of other
good information.
Note that the Station Area Plan only addresses city-owned land around the I-405/NE 85th St. interchange. The plan does not address the Sound Transit project (BRT stop, pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements, roundabout at 114th Ave NE and NE 85th St, updated interchange configuration with direct access to 405 express toll lanes, dropoff/pickup), which is on DOT-owned land.
Karen Story
Deadline extended to Feb. 19.
Please review the Station Area Plan Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and send your comments to the City by February 19. See links below.