Let City Council Know Tonight: No Blunt-Force Zoning Changes
Tonight is the night. Please come and speak up at tonight's City Council Meeting, 6 pm. Your voice is critical for Bothell neighborhoods!
We've learned a great deal studying this Comp Plan. Some things we all should know:
- The Comp Plan changed - significantly - on Nov. 14, 2024, from R4/5 to R25.
- This Comp Plan provides for up to 3x more density than the State guidelines. This is blunt-force zoning.
- Urban high density is currently highly unproven for residents or affordability, but it is a boon for developers and tax revenues.
- Some have criticized us for voicing our views late in the game. This criticism misguided. The zoning density increased 5-6x just a few weeks ago.
- One City Council member is in favor of our views, saying this plan as it stands is "unacceptable." We appreciate that clear-eyed support and hope a motion tonight to Delay the Vote will be seconded and will pass.
After we delay this vote, let's work on affordability. Let's actually come to the table and create a public/private dialogue and plan of action that gives and takes and works through the massive complexities that come with affordable housing. This plan - and the dialogue to date - is nowhere close. But we can get there - together.
Come and speak tonight to let this Council know their mandate is for a city that blends the best in urban centers and residential single-family neighborhoods. That blends improving property values with actual affordability. And plans for implementation that actually work for all involved.
See you tonight at City Hall!