[{"_1":2,"_135":-5,"_136":-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",[32,75,87,99,111,123],{"_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",6199945,"mediaKeyId","3820305-c1f9814f6abc1a74045622f0f52ca70b","parentId",3820305,"title","Votes at a glance: Des Moines council actions on June 12, 2025","audioSeconds",3800,"startMs",136000,"endMs",3936000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3820305-c1f9814f6abc1a74045622f0f52ca70b&start=136&end=3936","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3820305-c1f9814f6abc1a74045622f0f52ca70b/thumbnail_136000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6199945/Des-Moines-City/King-County/Washington/Votes-at-a-glance-Des-Moines-council-actions-on-June-12-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6199945-4eb4552bbc9c7d9e1aceadf6a52d026a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773553607&Signature=cpvwXAc68SUqIX9p~b6NsqTfg7gUK2HDJrHex4TVO7jdmnM6kDMAENT1Um0IVlcAMmHwW~oZoTTlEjrDSpArRPekgkvuk-ZfS2LltJ7FrFAUtkuSCdB5Zl46kMu5hUfqkKQ3jYDxfb2iLOaj2Mpfu1g3qEIpJrTmBQv5evA68ZniOBHVS8B4Fpmm1EhlViIAMrdBbAnvEIqnhzVs1loARtSFmkSv7aP756ctZ-DOVDC~4tySw9HU~Jgf5tE-5CSXt8xT6KM0IyXgZKc72tS2v3fJ9sHmuecvOAJbeJjQL6UzZoDxxiLA7cVmElTbdJfsEvXqTpBvFBTh75hqT2mpGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Des Moines City, WA","date","2025-06-13T16:31:40Z","article","At its June 12 meeting the Des Moines City Council took several formal actions across ceremonial items, consent business and committee appointments. Below are the items the council voted on and their outcomes.

- Proclamation recognizing the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market’s 20th season: Councilmember Grace Matsui moved and the council adopted the proclamation by unanimous voice/hand vote. The council read and signed the proclamation recognizing the market’s role in community life and its volunteers.

- Consent calendar item pulled and considered separately: Draft Resolution 25-046 approving the 2026 South King Housing and Homelessness Partners (SKHHP) work plan and budget — motion to adopt by Councilmember Nutting (moved) and seconded by Councilmember Mahoney; vote passed 6-1 (Harris opposed). Staff noted the city’s pooled contribution and that the partnership leverages funds across multiple jurisdictions.

- Airport advisory committee: Council adopted Resolution 25-034 to establish an ad hoc SeaTac Airport advisory committee (7-0). The council appointed Joe Dusenberry to an open position (term through 12/31/2027) and confirmed mayoral appointments of four additional members: Jeffrey Bogan, Barton De Lacy, Todd Downing and Steve Ragan (all confirmed 7-0). The committee will include two port/agency representatives and three public members and serve in an advisory capacity to the council.

- Consent agenda approvals: The council approved the remaining consent items (vouchers, minutes, WIRA-9 interlocal agreement renewal, WSDOT interagency amendment, and a construction-support contract) by voice/hand vote as read, except where pulled for discussion.

- Public hearing outcomes and other votes: The council approved a development agreement for the Woodmont Beach Apartments (Resolution 25-052, 6-1) and adopted two major ordinances: ADU updates (Ordinance 25-056, unanimous) and middle-housing zoning changes to implement HB 1110 (Ordinance 25-057, unanimous after a cottage-size amendment).

These votes and appointments reflect a mix of ceremonial recognition, interlocal partnership commitments and substantial policy actions on housing and committee formation. The council instructed staff to follow up on implementation tasks for the SKHHP work plan, airport committee onboarding and publication of ADU/middle-housing guidance.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting June 12, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A roundup of council votes from the June 12 meeting, including proclamation for the Des Moines Farmers Market, consent approvals, city partnerships and airport advisory committee appointments.","taxTitle","Des Moines City, King County, Washington","taxId",51807,"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},6199950,"City legislative advocate: Des Moines wins funding for pier steps and air-quality monitor; larger tax and funding changes remain unsettled",422,2842000,3264000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3820305-c1f9814f6abc1a74045622f0f52ca70b&start=2842&end=3264","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3820305-c1f9814f6abc1a74045622f0f52ca70b/thumbnail_2842000.jpg","/articles/6199950/Des-Moines-City/King-County/Washington/City-legislative-advocate-Des-Moines-wins-funding-for-pier-steps-and-air-quality-monitor-larger-tax-and-funding-changes-remain-unsettled","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6199950-f8459d3f33ebf74b36be563431ebdc33/orig.mp4?Expires=1773553607&Signature=URoXhkY1Bulr4fBzr6lHIHpfokSK~DNx5aNES-c4Kjuu9v1FjqYnTRQoEX1C7Go~~yKTSJQqSS-bHI3amO9GkfqjapF12R5j8-84NsI397GvL~q2R-UQK5Mhl2Gr6VzvrPmEiZwaX3uVctx4NRU5YOBa4qvZjIZTe7sQCCI-rg170xU2nKRSGYeLKSxhV32jshzAXDMTcv0V1IhwTblJHSOQHNuMLUyhQd~IPyqm2~1NuMGnxMr44k1S0zHOiiqZ2RKZiQYokBrS-vNk0glUSxhZ6XTpAi7GKcGO7ePzKSYJucY9Vb4ZC1JHYT023PzrObQDsOUvDSzIdubFw~IlHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Anthony Hempstead, Des Moines’ legislative advocate, briefed the council on June 12 about the outcomes of the 105-day Washington state legislative session and key items relevant to the city.

Hempstead said the legislature approved funding that will directly benefit Des Moines: $1 million for the Redondo fishing pier/marina steps (a repeat request funded this session) and $440,000 to buy and operate a University of Washington air-quality monitor for the area. He credited regional legislators and staff for helping secure the awards and said UW is prepared to move quickly once contract paperwork is complete.

Hempstead and City Manager Catherine Capri described larger statewide tax and budget changes that have implications for city revenue and services. The state expanded the sales-tax base to cover additional services; Hempstead said the local allocation details are still being sorted by the Department of Revenue and the Office of Financial Management and could be subject to legal challenge. The statewide gas tax increase (approximately 6 cents per gallon) passed and will produce some additional revenue for local governments as well as the state.

On public-safety funding, Hempstead said the session added $100 million for grants to hire additional officers and created an optional 0.1% councilmanic criminal-justice sales tax that cities can adopt without a public vote; Hempstead and staff said the eligibility rules and implementation details are still being developed and that the local revenue yield for a small sales-tax base like Des Moines would be limited.

Hempstead also reported the session left intact some airport, air-quality and alternative-fuels funding lines and restored work-plan authority to a regional Council of Governments (COG) that will study airport impacts. He said a separate $1 million appropriation for port packages that had been in the prior budget was swept and will need replacement in a future session.

City leaders told the council they will continue to follow up on program rules, eligibility and revenue allocations and will advise council on how potential legal challenges, implementation rules and local eligibility may affect Des Moines’ budget and program access.

No formal council action was required; the presentation summarized the session’s outcomes and flagged follow-up items for staff to pursue with legislators and state agencies.","Des Moines legislative advocate reported wins from the state session including $1 million for the Redondo pier steps and $440,000 for a University of Washington air-quality monitor; the session also expanded sales tax base and raised the gas tax, while some items (port package funding) were swept.",{"_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},6199955,"Council adopts middle-housing ordinance to allow duplexes through fourplexes, townhomes and cottages; cottage minimum amended",643,6814000,7457000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3820305-c1f9814f6abc1a74045622f0f52ca70b&start=6814&end=7457","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3820305-c1f9814f6abc1a74045622f0f52ca70b/thumbnail_6814000.jpg","/articles/6199955/Des-Moines-City/King-County/Washington/Council-adopts-middle-housing-ordinance-to-allow-duplexes-through-fourplexes-townhomes-and-cottages-cottage-minimum-amended","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6199955-f512c58b678d3c07b0f54a41d1ae23af/orig.mp4?Expires=1773553607&Signature=EEHy-2zozs94UHnFQEV8tZvIeSTmixV7UWT6hq5rFHu4GHohCCRt2S1-12klhWs1U4pDOlqNKx~aiZvSmg7SIVP4bBvYyQ5VD0Z2nWGu1y~L-6Jck0aU3GyPm3790KuEkFHWRfZQEoUGws66zn9ehPCQe8sNy~7l91K18KqhhJ0xHWKxsjgBqWvc9nB~M2eetFm5-u9~A6HKjZJmgBAs7leMrqerOEhEjbFWhMcemvdpfRu71RRMYaeqlLvGQLcza~-tj6UUf-WV2S~-fwp6bsSB8xUKyNXaRRPgOZfDVKKa59hcFNvNFohdIJKpjIQN6CUaaeqZTXwITwDcPBdpEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Des Moines City Council on June 12 adopted Ordinance 25-057 to implement state requirements for middle housing, allowing a range of housing types in traditionally single-family zones.

Under the ordinance the city will permit duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, stacked flats (vertical one-over-one units), cottage housing and townhouses in single-family and low-density multifamily zones as required by House Bill 1110. The ordinance establishes an upper scale (up to 24 dwelling units per acre in the middle-housing category) and aligns size thresholds with ADU and existing zoning rules to preserve scale transitions between single-family homes, middle housing and larger multifamily.

Council considered a proposed minimum cottage size of 800 square feet but amended that specific number. A motion to reduce the cottage minimum to 500 square feet passed (council vote recorded in the meeting), and council then voted to approve the full ordinance by a 7-0 vote.

City planners described the policy as an implementation of state law that requires cities to allow a minimum set of middle-housing types and to permit at least two units per lot (and up to four units per lot within a quarter-mile of transit) or one additional unit if the project includes affordable housing. Staff said the adopted local approach simplifies options: allow up to four units per lot or up to 24 units per acre, and allow up to three ADUs on a lot, with overlapping size ranges to distinguish ADUs from cottage housing.

The council also directed staff to use the adopted middle-housing rules together with the newly adopted ADU rules, and asked planning staff to provide clearer design guidance for cottage and townhome projects. Planners said they will track building activity and return with additional implementation guidance when necessary.

Ordinance 25-057 brings the city into compliance with HB 1110 and sets detailed local standards on size, parking (following SB 5184 thresholds for smaller units), and design elements such as porch-fronting for cottages. The council’s amendments and the final ordinance will apply to future permit applications; staff said they will report on implementation and permit numbers to the council in regular updates.","Des Moines adopted a middle-housing ordinance (Ordinance 25-057) to comply with state law (HB 1110). The code allows duplexes through fourplexes, townhomes, stacked flats and cottage clusters in single-family zones and caps density; council adjusted cottage minimum size to 500 sq ft before final passage.",{"_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},6199960,"Des Moines council adopts ADU ordinance to comply with state law, removes owner-occupancy and limits fees",1128,4928000,6056000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3820305-c1f9814f6abc1a74045622f0f52ca70b&start=4928&end=6056","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3820305-c1f9814f6abc1a74045622f0f52ca70b/thumbnail_4928000.jpg","/articles/6199960/Des-Moines-City/King-County/Washington/Des-Moines-council-adopts-ADU-ordinance-to-comply-with-state-law-removes-owner-occupancy-and-limits-fees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6199960-615938fc50f924f6043ded8312ff762a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773553607&Signature=ZKNyj7v~EGn-KANyTKGVv6L6kUHqGS~7MOl0OsHOxem6pmQIMe4HQFUODUukge8w~lHjAbDhEz5lDDtyhpfKcWHUK2480Jvkl7n5xP1SKEgiP30JxKxI5AoTt0e5Q7RzvLMr6V9QjadHvBy5bkZW3FrM6VWu9urTXFY-5iks5tYxPWdutWWaJey0feRgcnV8QEmMf2D1CQnK3S8pd~wnubvnb4knr~tWdOd1cJbx6RcdJxTVADUIHOY5O~a53ic3AwfLQ16tYVunvjkOX3CNPB~b5Hk85o9feCjAfrTa7iIQO7O5aUpZ6eSD9GOEtFm1W7fP242d8q2-NHH152KZ9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Des Moines City Council voted unanimously at its June 12 meeting to adopt Ordinance 25-056, amending municipal code to conform to Washington’s 2023 accessory dwelling unit law (House Bill 1337) and implementing local standards.

Under the ordinance the city will not require owner occupancy for properties with ADUs (removing an earlier local requirement). The code permits up to three ADUs on a lot in any configuration (attached or detached) and establishes ADU size between 350 square feet and 1,200 square feet. The ordinance also aligns impact-fee policy with state rules so cities may charge up to 50% of impact fees for an ADU compared with the principal unit. Parking requirements follow the recently enacted state guidance: no parking required for residential units under 1,200 sq ft.

Community Development Director Rebecca Deming summarized the changes as required by state law and reviewed staff’s recommended code-language adjustments. The council amended the staff motion to refine the ordinance language (staff replaced a subjective “consistent and complementary” design line with: “the ADU shall be complimentary with the architectural style and materials of the primary residence; components considered include materials and roof line”) and then adopted the ordinance.

No public comments were made during the ADU public-hearing segment. Councilmember Nutting moved approval with the amendment; the motion passed 7-0.

City staff said the ordinance allows conversions of existing accessory structures and permits condominium sales of ADUs subject to subdivision or condominium requirements. Staff noted the Federal Way example used for student-generation analysis later in the meeting, but the ADU ordinance itself does not change school-district authority over capacity or enrollment.

Councilmembers discussed design guidance and asked staff to provide clearer, non-subjective guidance about factors to consider when reviewing the design of an ADU — for example, roof line and exterior materials — and asked staff to explore a city pre-approval program for commonly used ADU plans.

Ordinance 25-056 is effective immediately as the city brings local code into compliance with state law; staff will return with administrative guidance and outreach materials to help property owners and local builders understand the new rules and permit pathways.","The city adopted Ordinance 25-056 to align accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules with 2023 state law (HB 1337): no owner-occupancy requirement, a 3-ADU-per-lot limit, a size cap of 1,200 sq ft, and reduced impact-fee treatment.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6199963,"WSDOT tells Des Moines council SR 509 expressway to open for toll testing in June; tolling and low-income program set for later dates",499,1738000,2237000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3820305-c1f9814f6abc1a74045622f0f52ca70b&start=1738&end=2237","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3820305-c1f9814f6abc1a74045622f0f52ca70b/thumbnail_1738000.jpg","/articles/6199963/Des-Moines-City/King-County/Washington/WSDOT-tells-Des-Moines-council-SR-509-expressway-to-open-for-toll-testing-in-June-tolling-and-low-income-program-set-for-later-dates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6199963-675ec0d4402ecc9623cb03a3413cb32f/orig.mp4?Expires=1773553607&Signature=Dzm4IkoN1EXHpquDIYwUk8a3VWuLwxeeD0FkmnyVYkGJuzQnMgm2EFdw1Op6FRbvNzHlPoBjwvjPfYobYMyQydQhb8P9xUzqRi85cuX5jsSs8WniR~3VXAP1cARGix1EoYxn3dziRt5e9h3dxVqBqqV6iFZ1ZB8Og7UOyd0M-TsMDbOBLkq90S3tRkHGTw9FpFAx0OKbY29U9yQmhDeHpqI8MfTEDgv~Ykx-Qx9qDNaQCUGoKTly0Emviv3GyJQwLx0YV1RjMg5vkV2QqHE8GA1nAx7-qzDBnZf~a49lRxdphfNoRbigwymnYb5LzEfEbWhYlZiBR26g~YtipMKesw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) briefed the Des Moines City Council on June 12 about construction progress on the Puget Sound Gateway Program and the SR 509 completion project, including an opening timeline, toll-rate policy and community outreach.

John White, program administrator for WSDOT’s Puget Sound Gateway program, said the project remains on a schedule that anticipates corridor completion in 2028 and that a roughly one-mile section of new expressway would open later in June for a toll-testing period. “We are on the home stretch towards completion,” White said, adding WSDOT has pursued federal, state, local and toll funding to deliver the corridors.

Construction lead Andre Chapelle told the council crews were completing paving, equipment installation and lighting in the Veterans Drive tunnel and the adjacent expressway segment. He said the corridor would be open for about three months of toll-free testing after the June opening, then tolling would commence later this fall once the Washington State Transportation Commission finalizes rates. “We are just a few weeks away to open up expressway for toll testing. June, we're gonna open that up,” Chapelle said.

White described the toll policy work handled by the Transportation Commission: tolls will vary by time of day, include higher peak rates and a truck multiplier for three-plus-axle vehicles, and include an escalation factor the commission factored in to offset inflation. He also said the commission has worked on a programmatic low-income toll policy; the low-income program will be in place by late 2026 and apply when the SR 167 segment opens, with the policy then applying to both corridors.

Chapelle provided operational details for the opened segment: northbound access will use a flyover before the 216th Street interchange, with tolling points where drivers enter the expressway; southbound access will use a new ramp from 204th/20th Avenue South. He said preliminary toll testing in June would be toll-free to let the public experience the new facility and system prior to formal toll commencement in September.

WSDOT told the council the gateways remain funded by a mix of partner contributions, federal grants, state funds and approximately $200 million in toll revenue. White said the program’s remaining need to finish both corridors stands at roughly $2.83 billion.

City and WSDOT staff discussed community outreach plans: WSDOT said it will appear at the Des Moines Farmers Market later this summer, run “drive-through” videos explaining how to use the new ramps and roundabouts, provide advance construction notifications and coordinate a marketing campaign to encourage Good To Go account signups. White said transponders and some free transponders will be available for a limited time so drivers pay the lowest possible toll rate.

Council members raised the need for more street-level visuals showing how new ramps, roundabouts and the Veterans Drive tunnel will operate for local drivers. Councilmember Harris asked for additional user-experience renderings; WSDOT said a drive-through video is available online and can be shared through the city's channels.

WSDOT also described Stage 2 construction work, including earthmoving, bridges (notably a new bridge over Des Moines Memorial Drive), mitigation-site planting and roundabout construction; the agency expects to open the full corridor in 2028 subject to construction conditions and supply markets.

No council action was required; the presentation provided schedule, toll-policy and outreach details and identified follow-up points for staff and the agency to coordinate community-level materials and notifications ahead of toll testing and opening.","Washington State Department of Transportation updated the Des Moines City Council on progress in the Puget Sound Gateway Program, saying a mile of the new SR 509 expressway will open for toll testing in June with tolls beginning this fall and completion of the corridor slated for 2028.",{"_33":124,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":125,"_41":126,"_43":127,"_45":128,"_47":129,"_49":130,"_51":131,"_53":132,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":133,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":134,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6199968,"Des Moines council approves development agreement for 290-unit Woodmont Beach apartments after public hearing",3013,3995000,7008000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3820305-c1f9814f6abc1a74045622f0f52ca70b&start=3995&end=7008","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3820305-c1f9814f6abc1a74045622f0f52ca70b/thumbnail_3995000.jpg","/articles/6199968/Des-Moines-City/King-County/Washington/Des-Moines-council-approves-development-agreement-for-290-unit-Woodmont-Beach-apartments-after-public-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6199968-b3de7968d5fa74e64918a5488766d679/orig.mp4?Expires=1773553607&Signature=HDShF57ODvj2gisOJcCVqdOLX2y~raV5g7TOmu5JM8g0mqE7PH3IWHp45QFtBrg7QNPXNLaiOZB1Q4RU~QsfIW5tZ5V7V9M2v6RgUfgEoYMYaWbn~vQLFekULI4qEXiPPwPpHUk~FSXTsKJusBsU~OVWJWZl~39MYeJphCzqZp9jzlU--FkT1npi-aPVJCcdWNFToAuRA9rRmZyKAY9AHAdITwRaIIFRChnPK--5ivU4hBt36eA4c54bd3YaS4XKFXFMz3cmssLXsYpZERzrnRWwvVuJVVaij5jNM5mddaHMz2R4XgZnug-mOdixK0-2Zw4ZJiw3QQiUpOTQJhc1sg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Des Moines City Council voted 6-1 on June 12 to adopt Resolution 25-052, approving a development agreement that clears the way for a 290-unit market-rate apartment complex and 7,500 square feet of ground-floor commercial space at 26915 Pacific Highway South.

The development agreement gives the developer, Woodmont Beach Apartments LLC (Mill Creek Residential), assurances that current development regulations will not change during the agreement’s term and consolidates review and fee timing for the larger project. Councilmember Grace Matsui moved to adopt the proclamation; Councilmember Nutting moved adoption of the development agreement.

The agreement covers dimensional standards, review procedures, phasing and fee vesting. City staff said the concept plan shows six five-story residential buildings, a one-story clubhouse, 63,000 square feet of recreational area and between 400 and 500 parking spaces (subject to traffic analysis). The agreement also sets procedures for subsequent environmental review, traffic impact analysis and design review during project permitting.

Developer Meredith Holzmer, Managing Director for Mill Creek Residential, told the council the site has been vacant for about 20 years and presented renderings of the Modera-branded community the company intends to build. She said the project will be 100% market-rate, will include on-site property management and amenities such as a fitness center, resort-style pool and electric vehicle charging. She said the retail portion is expected to be divided into multiple small suites for local businesses and that the company will market the spaces as construction progresses.

Residents who live near the site voiced several concerns during the public hearing. Tina Jurowitz said the neighborhood already experiences heavy congestion and that “there is no infrastructure being put into place for all of this traffic they're going to be bringing in.” Nikki Crawford, a PTA member, told the council the local school is “stretched to capacity” and that new units would add students to a school district the speakers said has limited options near Woodmont. Several speakers described safety incidents, trash and vehicle break-ins near the property and urged the council and the developer to address traffic calming, buffering and school capacity.

City staff said the Federal Way School District provided districtwide student-generation estimates based on previous market-rate apartment projects and projects roughly 33 students across elementary through high school grades for this project; staff noted the district generates more students from affordable housing than from market-rate projects. The public hearing record and the development agreement do not change school-district authority over capacity or school siting.

Council discussion referenced the site’s long-vacant status and competing possibilities for the land, noted the requirement to meet state housing targets, and emphasized that the development agreement only initiates a review process that will include a separately noticed public hearing for final project approvals. Councilmember Harris, the lone “no” vote, said he wanted to defer until the council adopted stronger local standards for sound insulation and street trees to improve long-term livability. Councilmembers supporting the agreement said the property currently presents ongoing public-safety and nuisance problems and that a high-quality development could activate the site and support nearby retail.

The development agreement specifies that project approvals will be consolidated to a single public hearing before a hearing examiner. Subsequent permits — including design review, environmental review and traffic mitigation required by the traffic impact analysis — will follow the municipal code and the terms of the development agreement.

The council’s action allows the applicant to proceed to full project review under the terms of the adopted development agreement; construction timelines and final tenant mix will be set during the later permitting and leasing stages.

Votes at the meeting showed the motion to adopt Resolution 25-052 passed 6-1 (in favor: Nutting, Ochsicker, Grace Matsui, Mahoney, Deputy Mayor Steinmetz, Mayor; opposed: Harris).","The Des Moines City Council approved a development agreement for Woodmont Beach Apartments, a 290-unit market-rate project with 7,500 sq ft of ground-floor commercial space, after a public hearing that drew neighbor concerns about traffic, school capacity and safety.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Des Moines council actions on June 12, 2025

City legislative advocate: Des Moines wins funding for pier steps and air-quality monitor; larger tax and funding changes remain unsettled

Council adopts middle-housing ordinance to allow duplexes through fourplexes, townhomes and cottages; cottage minimum amended

Des Moines council adopts ADU ordinance to comply with state law, removes owner-occupancy and limits fees

WSDOT tells Des Moines council SR 509 expressway to open for toll testing in June; tolling and low-income program set for later dates

Des Moines council approves development agreement for 290-unit Woodmont Beach apartments after public hearing