Frequently Asked Questions

Why has an appeal been filed?

Please refer to the BOA Appeal tab in this website for information which also includes various supporting public documents.

 

This is private property. Shouldn’t the owner be able to redevelop the property within the zoning?

As explained on the BOA Appeal tab and in the supporting documents, we believe that this proposal does not conform to the Zoning code and the Comprehensive Plan.

 

I understand the appeal and want to support the effort. Should I contact the City Council?

At this time, you should not contact any City Council members. This is now a quasi-judicial matter and the Council will be the judge and jury which will evaluate all of the factors and come to an objective decision. Accordingly, they cannot discuss this matter with anyone, nor can they discuss matters which might have an influence on the outcome of this appeal.

 

How can I support the effort?

Please review the other pages of this website, including the Contact Us and Donate Here tabs. Your support is greatly appreciated and necessary.

 

I heard about a petition related to downtown development. Is that a related item?

CiViK did not initiate, create or submit the petition that was recently submitted to the City Council.

 

However, the petition was signed by hundreds of Kirkland citizens. CiViK supports open communication and the right of citizens to express their opinions on issues that concern them.

 

I heard that this is really about downtown condo owners and their views.

The citizen leadership of this effort is from throughout Kirkland. There are downtown participants, but many of them either don’t have a view now, or would not lose view if this or any of the other possible proposals are developed.

 

This statement or variations thereof are a diversion from the facts. And often worse, as we have seen from some e-mail chains that have been circulating which provoke anger and hurtful responses. We trust that Kirkland citizens are smart people who will consider information before forming opinions.

 

Are you opposed to development in the downtown core?

Absolutely not. Much of the passion for downtown relates to its character and natural beauty, which is the envy of many cities – and so citizens from throughout Kirkland take a personal interest in the future of the heart of their city and want it to thoughtfully develop and evolve. The City of Kirkland has seen considerable development in the downtown core over the last few years and it will continue to do so - this has been good for downtown and good for the City. This particular proposal, however, is of concern because of the issues noted in the appeal letter.

 

Anything else that I should know?

Many people have different opinions about what is best for the future of downtown. While people often focus on building height, there are many other issues that will determine the overall vibrancy of our downtown – including traffic flow and safety, parking, retail vitality, and pedestrian connectivity just to name a few. With respect to this appeal, however, it is not opinion that will determine the outcome – instead, it is the laws and facts.

Citizens for a Vibrant Kirkland