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Modified proposal, preliminary questions from CiViK and responses from applicant
First modified proposal On June 30, a revised proposal was received by the City of Kirkland. The applicant requested the City Council to consider and approve this modified project at its meeting on July 1. The information was received after the City’s cutoff for inclusion in its online agenda packet and so we have posted it (see below) for you to be able to see the data.
Setbacks and stepbacks were changed. The 5th floor remained, as does the Bank of America on the corner of Lake & Kirkland. The drive-through was moved, so that it was accessed from the alley.
At the City Council meeting on July 1, it was also revealed that café space had been moved off of Lake Street, and would be accessed from Kirkland Avenue. Alternatively, the applicant indicated that the café space could be put back on Lake Street (as it was in the initial submittal), with the bank then incorporating the “added retail space” as shown on the attached.
When the Council posed questions to the applicant, related to parking, the applicant indicated that there will be approximately 134 spaces (as compared to 131 in the prior proposal) because of the increased retail square footage. The applicant also indicated that 40 parking spaces would be for the Bank’s use (as compared to 16 in the initial proposal).
CiViK asked that the City Council enter its findings and conclusions and allow the Design Review Board to consider this revised proposal. Among our reasons, was to allow the public to have the ability to participate in the process.
Questions from CiViK on modified proposal The City Council voted against returning the proposal to the DRB, so that the Council can consider the revised proposal itself. The Council has continued the hearing until August 5 and they also provided the opportunity for CiViK to submit questions to the applicant. However, we did not want to have this role assigned entirely to us and so, in keeping with our goals of encouraging broad-based citizen input, we invited you to provide your input into this process.
Subsequent to the July 1 Council meeting, the City of Kirkland has already asked some questions of its own (July 3 Memo from Ellen Miller Wolfe, City of Kirkland), as follows:
1. “Submit an updated parking study that explains how the modified proposal of adding retail space and eliminating at-grade parking stalls will comply with the City’s parking requirements and/or the approved parking modification.
2. Update the traffic impact analysis to address the traffic circulation and design of the relocated drive-through.
a. What is the best circulation route for the drive-thru? Westbound or eastbound? b. Will there be changes to turns onto Lake Street? c. Verify if there is adequate queuing for cars. d. Evaluate if there is adequate existing radius without encroaching into the eastbound lane or if there will be a conflict with left turn out of the parking garage.
3. Respond to the City Council concern regarding the elimination of the second retail space along Lake Street (shown as the café space). This additional retail space on Lake Street was a strong point with the Design Review Board (DRB) as well.
4. Show pedestrian crossings of the drive-through exits and entrances in the alley as having textured or color surface materials.”
Please keep in mind that the revised proposal must comply with all provisions of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Also consider the City Council’s draft findings and conclusions with respect to the initial proposal.
Questions drafted by CiViK and submitted to the applicant
Responses received from applicant On July 18, the applicant submitted responses to the questions from CiViK. In the response, the applicant has modified the design further including these changes:
· The café has been restored to its original location on Lake Street
· The drive-thru has been restored to its original location through the center of the building instead of the edge of the parking garage
· The fifth floor has been stepped back further again
If anyone would like to submit further questions to the applicant, we must receive them by the evening of Monday, July 21 in order for them to be reviewed for conclusion in the follow up questions that will be submitted. Submit your questions to civik_org@hotmail.com.
Responses to preliminary questions (and updated plan) received from applicant on July 18
Responses to supplemental questions (and updated plan) received from applicant on July 25
Resources:
Comprehensive Plan – Downtown Plan section
Council’s draft findings and conclusions
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Citizens for a Vibrant Kirkland |
