[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6263622,"mediaKeyId","3103415-1a1b3d925edbc95f82eb9a7ad6f4a97b","parentId",3103415,"title","Neighbors say Medical District expansion was insufficiently noticed; council dockets and tables multiple comp-plan items","audioSeconds",6632,"startMs",2344000,"endMs",8976000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3103415-1a1b3d925edbc95f82eb9a7ad6f4a97b&start=2344&end=8976","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3103415-1a1b3d925edbc95f82eb9a7ad6f4a97b/thumbnail_2344000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6263622/Edmonds/Snohomish-County/Washington/Neighbors-say-Medical-District-expansion-was-insufficiently-noticed-council-dockets-and-tables-multiple-comp-plan-items","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6263622-e170b5068eeeedfd5b38c968dac63f4c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171332&Signature=DgC2B1xikt1hCka6LEJTxFh7yXwrNkD3jqY2t2fDmfBqzKwQ0xU8KcoClb2xuvy5yVbquk~Gm0YgRVBNuHcLTAC6BrQn90UXOJjx~tvr-CkdXovhl5uFOLzX6FG0TwIzQpelZTnWYkqPprIjqYWExxE5B5u9WZH0s2hlIgoucmYOx7YKFOulCDd9pQONuANVyvBtc-i0hlEefXbAwY-4aW4o8dLyilX4e~0ylp-n8ouUAfutB2gWYxuSFctyxaDj2ufLib4Mv75~XOiy3pjC3wxvBkOSeiPasI3ErdZ2mmZMP2QKqdIUUdaWIirgcV2HwMqseZx8wsIyJhytoqT6xA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Edmonds City, WA","date","2025-04-21T00:00:00Z","article","Residents from neighborhoods slated for a proposed Medical District expansion pressed the Edmonds City Council on April 21 to reconsider zoning changes they said were adopted with inadequate outreach and would concentrate a large share of the city’s required housing growth into a small area.

Patrice Rapley, Kathleen Lester and multiple neighbors told the council the so-called Plan B medical expansion would place an outsized burden on a single neighborhood surrounding Swedish Edmonds, saying they learned of rezoning only recently and that mailed, individualized notice had not been provided. “We urge the council to support alternative A, the focused growth strategy outlined in the 2024 comprehensive plan,” Kathleen Lester said, and noted that her group’s petition collected “79 residents in our neighborhood” who oppose the deeper expansion.

Speakers repeated several numbers from the adopted comprehensive plan and from public materials: the Medical District expansion was described in public remarks as planned to accommodate about 1,500 new housing units; the 5 Corners area was cited as taking 350–800 units; the comprehensive-plan materials cited a citywide total of approximately 9,961 new units the plan accounts for. Commenters urged redistribution of growth rather than deepening density in older, single-family neighborhoods, and pressed for clearer commitments on sidewalk, pedestrian and stormwater infrastructure and for preservation of tree canopy.

Council action: councilmembers debated a set of proposed comprehensive-plan amendments and made several docketing decisions during the meeting. Council President Tippett moved to remove several properties and park/community-center sites from further comp-plan consideration (items described in staff materials as North Bull Hub, Hummingbird Park, Francis Anderson Center, Meadowdale Clubhouse, City Hall, Francis Anderson land-use options, and Wade James Theatre site). That motion passed unanimously.

Council also removed items staff recommended be addressed through development-code updates rather than comp-plan amendments (items listed in staff materials as 9, 11, 12 and 20). Separately, the council voted to table indefinitely a broader list of proposed amendments (including some hub and center adjustments, marsh and stormwater mapping questions and other items) by roll-call vote. That tabling motion passed 4–2 (Yes: Ek, Tibbitt, Payne, Nand; No: Chen, Dodge). A later motion to direct staff to draft a resolution documenting advancement of the North Bull hub and a critical areas program failed on a 3–3 vote.

Votes at a glance:
- Remove properties/parks from further consideration (items 1,2,3,6,26,27,28): passed unanimously.
- Remove staff-recommended items for code handling (items 9,11,12,20): passed unanimously.
- Table additional listed comp-plan amendment items (items 5,7,8,13,15–18,21–25): passed 4–2 (Ek, Tibbitt, Payne and Nand in favor; Chen and Dodge opposed).
- Motion to draft resolution to advance North Bull hub and critical areas program: failed 3–3.

Councilmembers and staff emphasized limited planning staff resources and the need to sequence code updates, critical-area work and policy-level comp-plan changes. Some councilmembers argued the North Bull hub and critical-area work should be prioritized; others urged delaying many amendments until the city’s staffing and finances permit thorough, equitable review.

Several speakers asked the council to re-examine public-notice procedures and to ensure the state’s public-participation expectations are met; one speaker cited a statutory reference during public comment as RCW 36.708 0.14 to support a claim that early public participation is required.

Ending: The council’s docketing decisions remove several high-profile properties from active comp-plan amendment consideration and direct staff to address some items through code changes. Neighbors said they will continue to press for alternatives to the deeper rezoning approach and for clearer, earlier outreach in future land-use work.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Regular Meeting 4/21/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Residents near Swedish Edmonds and other neighborhoods urged the Edmonds City Council on April 21 to scale back a Medical District expansion they say was adopted with inadequate notice, while the council removed and tabled multiple comprehensive-plan amendment items amid staffing and budget constraints.","taxTitle","Edmonds, Snohomish County, Washington","taxId",51965,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6263626,"Edmonds adopts interim ordinance to protect landmark trees after contested removal",4822,3735000,8557000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3103415-1a1b3d925edbc95f82eb9a7ad6f4a97b&start=3735&end=8557","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3103415-1a1b3d925edbc95f82eb9a7ad6f4a97b/thumbnail_3735000.jpg","/articles/6263626/Edmonds/Snohomish-County/Washington/Edmonds-adopts-interim-ordinance-to-protect-landmark-trees-after-contested-removal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6263626-92048d3a49d278b1e954ae1069d30900/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171332&Signature=K-RAB~ZOzzdGz8a00U6X3ViBmAhMcT8pIiV~eUqmn8Q9KiCmAda5xiFQfAUUJaY774W1vAimE0XqdzaYxDGCl~KuSBewUSzDdw3ga0IbJS03ksVpMwqSbXpqoeFMtbgNVvznEGJMDIW095VyrYc~nYaF6fyBkWB8XfUdxF1hcDBW6y5UONG2VeEFh6Ghh354gJ~bcbkMnm546EK8Sq61JU9LDw~H48uzDfeHqNCqGFfOLa7xcVzw0Q1IKRUIIqU~AFzHeVFdlpKJFRJwLgvBA8pNuSkAMHZ3AmZ5ZVSHXluitJb-W8hBNIkD88dnqwCnyCOebDfmWTBpY36DSVDvjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Edmonds City Council on April 21 adopted an interim ordinance to prohibit removal of certain landmark trees on private property, a measure council members said aims to prevent repeat incidents like the recent cutting of a large coastal redwood known locally as “Big Red.”

The ordinance, moved by Councilmember Susan Payne, passed during the council meeting after more than two hours of public comment from residents who urged immediate protections for mature trees, parks and neighborhood canopy.

The interim measure limits removal of trees that meet a landmark-size threshold and is paired with a work plan intended to allow staff to draft a permanent tree code within a year. Councilmember Payne said the work plan permits extending the interim protection beyond six months so staff and stakeholders can develop a comprehensive, implementable ordinance. “I’d like to make a motion that we adopt the ordinance, as presented,” Payne said before the vote.

Members of the public described what they said were failures in the permitting process around the Big Red removal and urged the council to adopt interim protections quickly. Anne Christiansen, who addressed the council during audience comments, described discrepancies in the permit materials and an appeal taken to Snohomish County Superior Court; she said the city used attorneys to defend the permit on procedural grounds and that public affidavits had been ignored.

Supporters of the ordinance emphasized the tree canopy’s role in biodiversity, stormwater management and the city’s climate goals. Pam Tower, who described growing up near redwoods, told the council the Climate Action Plan specifically calls for updating the city’s street tree plan to increase canopy in low-coverage areas.

City staff and the city attorney clarified the interim ordinance’s scope during council discussion. The city attorney explained the ordinance addresses tree removals outside the context of a development permit (for example, single-tree removal permits for existing properties); existing tree regulations tied to development applications remain separate and would still govern trees associated with new development.

Councilmembers who spoke in favor said the ordinance fills a gap left when a prior interim code lapsed in 2021 and that the one-year schedule gives staff time to coordinate the new tree code with pending critical-area and development-code work.

The ordinance passed by council voice vote; the record shows the measure was moved by Councilmember Susan Payne and seconded. The ordinance includes a work plan and timeline for drafting and adopting a permanent tree code.

The council also discussed but did not adopt several amendments to the work plan proposed by individual councilmembers, including citizen task-force proposals and limits on legal review hours; those suggested amendments failed for lack of a second.

The interim ordinance takes effect immediately and directs staff to follow the attached work plan for the permanent code.

Ending: The interim ordinance is temporary; council members and members of the public said they expect further public engagement and a return to the council once staff complete the permanent tree code drafting and legal review.","After weeks of public outcry about the removal of a large redwood, the Edmonds City Council adopted a one-year interim ordinance prohibiting removal of certain landmark trees on private property and attached a work plan for a permanent tree code.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6263612,"Mayor warns of severe fiscal shortfall as residents urge council to preserve parks, Francis Anderson Center and local institutions",3773,2120000,5893000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3103415-1a1b3d925edbc95f82eb9a7ad6f4a97b&start=2120&end=5893","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3103415-1a1b3d925edbc95f82eb9a7ad6f4a97b/thumbnail_2120000.jpg","/articles/6263612/Edmonds/Snohomish-County/Washington/Mayor-warns-of-severe-fiscal-shortfall-as-residents-urge-council-to-preserve-parks-Francis-Anderson-Center-and-local-institutions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6263612-991f7c5d37fc8bed872a4da854476407/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171332&Signature=SqV8Srg10BwAqBrtztiswB7Rk7whf63ma72U870LNSzoEbQ6WwMFGd8LbCmCerjJm-g9knzfQTZLtm36Mhe04weW5sWdoXBwreic7ZTLSyCETYI2g0r7DEZXPIY4lqZUUrazjHs48xrU5s0Ejahhz~eDw1LhOPmRe12HgWj~Fv~uoFtLhE~zQMEpO2vkTtT3pyqnzVobIhgmDFRJoKUCxIMyZDxL7LsdIkigeccvPYYjNu8US16yL194ylhE3mDrlhQpNPWzUdQoSNwa2CGZMDeFX4KJ18G~eufrOwfgCATokFSrgs~XgNFvXpzgxUTuQ24kWLEcydW-etrBEy7brw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Rosen told the Edmonds City Council on April 21 the city is facing a significant financial shortfall and said “everything must be on the table” as officials consider options to address a structural imbalance. Rosen said residents have identified assets they want preserved and that the city intends to work with the community to find solutions.

The mayor’s financial update coincided with a packed public-comment period in which dozens of residents urged the council not to sell parks, the Francis Anderson Center (FAC), Wade James Theatre or other community assets. Several speakers stressed the community value of the FAC as a childcare and community hub and warned that sale or redevelopment would displace childcare slots and local jobs.

Heather Knauss, director of Main Street Kids at the Francis Anderson Center, told the council her program serves more than 80 families and employs about 30 staff: “Please keep Edmonds a place for children, families, and community,” she said. David (vice president, Edmonds Driftwood Players) described the Wade James Theatre’s 60-year history and noted the theater draws patrons from across the region and supports downtown businesses.

Other residents asked for transparent constituent outreach from the mayor’s office, suggested alternatives to asset sales (partnerships, grants, business sponsorships), and urged the city to protect parks and landmark trees as core community assets rather than short-term budget fixes.

Council action: Governor-level docketing matter later in the meeting removed several parks and community centers from active comp-plan amendment consideration; that docketing motion passed unanimously. That action does not itself appropriate funds or change ownership but narrows the set of properties the council will consider for land-use changes during the 2025 amendment cycle.

Ending: The mayor acknowledged the emotional nature of the recent debate over parks and said the city will continue to engage the public as it looks for revenue and cost solutions to the structural budget imbalance. Residents said they will continue to press for protections for parks, institutions that provide childcare and local cultural organizations.","Mayor Rosen told the council the city faces a “very bad financial crisis.” Residents urged the council not to sell parks or community centers to close budget gaps and highlighted potential impacts on childcare, theaters and community programs.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6263617,"City outlines climate-resiliency steps, from codes to fleet electrification, ahead of Earth Day",929,502000,1431000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3103415-1a1b3d925edbc95f82eb9a7ad6f4a97b&start=502&end=1431","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3103415-1a1b3d925edbc95f82eb9a7ad6f4a97b/thumbnail_502000.jpg","/articles/6263617/Edmonds/Snohomish-County/Washington/City-outlines-climate-resiliency-steps-from-codes-to-fleet-electrification-ahead-of-Earth-Day","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6263617-1de28d0567d9543ddcbaec7ffbdeab5e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171332&Signature=CNUooUfOO0gyBir~Iwi8MlhsdEPKpf1RGg9BHvj6juVaVYYNy-xjdgONCqM9yo0kaFLy5z5qs6HCf62biNiKifqvmM-ktquhFCig1HdSoaHK9M-UTNrc7jdRoBmn7YgLSubbcRtSdDCBWMaTIOm9USJDk3cx0IJaZBzHlCyO2~56IYw5wYCvcT~OtbPSZ3FWpV0jUbN6mLBznOUeeg3xTu9M~ahF~7ZGI7-FcCvzqwGFHrLcWQ46yxrbNliHteJaZg3TRl0PA~pmJ8HMWJiyMBPccpAwC5Xt4uddzU0rhpaI0igNu-D66XaIhdLByjrR1y3uX8cy4E24NWMaVmNwVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the April 21 Edmonds City Council meeting, interim Planning and Development Director Shane Hope and Planning Manager Mike Clugston summarized the city’s recent and ongoing climate-resiliency work as the council prepared to recognize Earth Day.

Hope told the council Edmonds has taken a series of incremental actions intended to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, strengthen flood resilience and protect habitat. He highlighted administrative and regulatory items such as digital permitting (which he said has reduced paper use), commute-trip reduction programs and updated flood damage prevention chapters in the development code to address climate-related flood risk.

Key items staff described included:
- Updated building and energy codes adopted after 2021 state rules and subsequent local updates, including construction-waste management requirements and “solar-ready” design in new development.
- Conservation-subdivision provisions adopted initially in 2021 to retain existing trees and green features on development sites.
- The 2023 Climate Action Plan update, which established a greenhouse-gas inventory and objectives aimed at climate neutrality by 2050.
- Fleet- and facilities-related investments: Hope listed 19 hybrid fleet vehicles and 23 electric vehicle compact cars in the city fleet, 12 fleet charging stations and 12 public electric vehicle stations at city facilities and parks; staff are implementing energy-efficiency measures at the Francis Anderson Center and installing a solar array at the Public Safety Complex.
- Active-transportation expansion: public-works projects that added roughly 1,500 linear feet of new sidewalks and about 6.5 miles of bicycle lanes in one-year periods described as part of ongoing multi-year work.
- Volunteer and partnership activity: parks and volunteers planted hundreds of native trees and understory plants in 2024 with partners such as Sound Salmon Solutions; the city coordinated nearly 2,400 volunteer hours and planted “2 to 300” trees and shrubs at several sites, staff said.
- New or upcoming work: staff said the city will study PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and stormwater pathways, pursue optional green-building incentives, and continue to update environmental-area regulations and the comprehensive plan’s climate element.

Hope described the city role as both operator and influencer, noting that some objectives (for example, achieving deep greenhouse-gas reductions) will require coordination beyond the city’s authority and resources. He also told councilmembers the city lacks a single full-time climate specialist but has coordinated actions across departments.

Councilmembers praised the overview and asked about realistic timelines and staffing for continued implementation. Councilmember Nand asked whether conservation-subdivision rules could better protect wildlife corridors and mature trees; staff answered that the conservation-subdivision approach is intended to retain habitat and tree cover when feasible. Councilmember Payne emphasized the importance of funding and youth engagement referenced in the Earth Day resolution earlier in the meeting.

Ending: Staff framed the presentation as a status update — a mix of completed projects, ongoing programs and items planned for further study — and said they will return as specific code or program changes are proposed.","City planning staff presented existing and recent climate-resiliency actions — updated building codes, conservation subdivision policies, electrified fleet and volunteer park restoration — and noted ongoing studies including PFAS in stormwater.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Neighbors say Medical District expansion was insufficiently noticed; council dockets and tables multiple comp-plan items

Edmonds adopts interim ordinance to protect landmark trees after contested removal

Mayor warns of severe fiscal shortfall as residents urge council to preserve parks, Francis Anderson Center and local institutions

City outlines climate-resiliency steps, from codes to fleet electrification, ahead of Earth Day