During a recent city council meeting, discussions centered on a proposed annexation aimed at facilitating multifamily housing development in Leavenworth. The property in question, approximately 0.52 acres, is adjacent to Mine Street and includes a portion of the county right-of-way. The council had previously reviewed a letter of intent from Gustavo Hoyos regarding the annexation, which was formally petitioned on September 13, 2024, and subsequently approved by the Chelan County Assessor's Office.

The primary goal of the annexation is to leverage city services for water and sewer to promote multifamily housing, aligning with the Growth Management Act and local development plans. Public comments during the meeting highlighted both support and concerns. Gustavo Reyes, a resident advocating for the project, expressed his desire to build a home for his aging parents, emphasizing the potential benefits of increased housing and tax contributions. However, neighbor Anne raised concerns about maintenance and traffic impacts related to the annexation.

The council clarified that the current discussion was solely about the annexation process, not the specifics of future development, which would be addressed in a separate permitting process. The public hearing concluded with a commitment to revisit the ordinance for the annexation at a later date, allowing for further community input.

In addition to the annexation discussion, the council addressed a resolution opposing Initiative 21/17, which seeks to repeal the Climate Commitment Act. This act has significant implications for state funding and local budgets, particularly in transportation. Council members expressed differing views on whether the city should take a stance on state initiatives, with some advocating for community education on the potential impacts of such measures.

The meeting also touched on a resolution regarding the repeal of capital gains taxes, which funds education and early childhood programs. The council debated the appropriateness of taking a position on this initiative, with some members advocating for a more educational approach rather than a formal endorsement or opposition.

Overall, the meeting underscored the complexities of local governance, balancing community development needs with broader state policy implications, and the importance of public engagement in these discussions.