Sammamish outlines town center development plans and housing unit projections

The Sammamish City Council meeting on April 1, 2025, focused on the future development of the Town Center, emphasizing housing and commercial growth while maintaining existing regulations. City officials outlined that the Town Center boundary and its core elements, including the "wedding cake" transition approach, will remain unchanged. However, they are exploring enhancements to the development plan to better meet community housing needs.

During the meeting, officials provided a detailed overview of the Town Center's current status. The area encompasses 240 acres, with 26 acres designated for civic use, including parks, libraries, and community centers. Approximately 83 acres are classified as critical areas, which include wetlands and streams, preserving essential habitats and open spaces. Currently, 11 acres have been developed, with an additional 21 acres planned or under construction.

The discussion highlighted the need for increased housing units in the Town Center. The city has seen 326 housing units built and 730 units planned or under construction, leaving 944 units available under the current development cap of 2,000 units. Officials noted that if the cap were raised to accommodate an additional 2,000 units, it would result in a density of about 10 units per acre, which is considered low for multi-family developments in many cities.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue evaluating the Town Center's development strategy, aiming to balance growth with the preservation of critical areas and community needs. Further discussions and planning will be necessary to determine the best path forward for future housing projects in Sammamish.