Kirkland resident Schmahal raises traffic concerns over proposed seven-story development

Kirkland residents voiced strong concerns about traffic congestion during the Planning Commission meeting on April 24, 2025. Kathy Schmahal, a local resident, highlighted the daily traffic struggles she faces on Hundredth and Hundred Sixteenth, particularly during peak hours.

Schmahal expressed her worries about a proposed seven-story building at the current site of Michaels, arguing that the location is ill-suited for such a development due to existing traffic issues. "It's backed up... from 4 to 6 o'clock," she stated, emphasizing the difficulty of navigating the area, especially with the one-way turns and limited access points.

She urged the commission to reconsider the site, suggesting that it would exacerbate the already congested conditions on Market Street, which she described as frequently jammed. Schmahal concluded her remarks by encouraging the commission members to experience the traffic firsthand before making any decisions.

The meeting then moved on to the next agenda item, with no further public comments recorded. The concerns raised by Schmahal underscore the ongoing dialogue about urban development and its impact on local infrastructure in Kirkland.