The Bothell City Council is set to vote on December 10 on a plan that could make it legal for your neighbor to build an apartment building right next door to you. The Council’s plan is to increase housing density by 5-6 TIMES across most of Bothell’s neighborhoods. And there is no plan to guarantee more affordability. 

We Must Speak Up. This plan could lead to higher-density developments in areas currently zoned for single-family homes. Areas like yours! This may increase traffic, reduce green spaces, and disrupt the character of neighborhoods we all love.

This highly unpopular move is a part of the Bothell 20-year Comprehensive Plan. Council and City Staff have stated they have been "very happy" with community involvement over the two years they've worked on the Comp Plan. The reported interacting with about 100 citizens during that time. 

In a city of 50,000, that is not nearly enough. 

The plan will allow your neighbor and developers you don't even know to put a high-density dwelling right next door to you. 

Delay the Comp Plan Vote. We are asking Council to make a much more concerted effort to hear from citizens who will be impacted by an over-night six-fold increase in zoning density on their residential street. And we need your help if you support our position. 

Our position is simple: We support more green spaces in Bothell. We support environmental consciousness in our Planning. And we support the need for affordable housing. We also know there are thoughtful and reasonable ways to achieve this. The current plan is not balanced - it is blunt-force, overkill, unnecessary and unproven that it will create affordability. 

In fact we are currently researching whether Bothell's CURRENT zoning and density ALREADY meets state mandates - which would mean Council should take NO ACTION on changing zoning options for this 2024-2044 Comprehensive Plan.

We, the undersigned residents of Bothell, request that the City Council postpone the vote and:

• Conduct additional public forums to ensure transparency and inclusivity.
• Reassess the plan’s alignment with community values and priorities.
• Explore alternative solutions that balance growth with preserving the character of our neighborhoods.

We must act before the Council vote on December 10. Please sign and share this petition to make your voice heard!

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