Sammamish Council Faces Concerns Over Proposed Increase to 4,000 Housing Units

During the recent Sammamish City Council meeting held on July 15, 2025, community members voiced significant concerns regarding the proposed increase in housing units from 2,000 to 4,000. Residents expressed worries about the city's infrastructure's ability to support such rapid growth, emphasizing the potential strain on transportation and essential services.

One resident highlighted the challenges of increased housing density, pointing out that the current infrastructure is inadequate to handle the influx of new residents. They noted that while some may not own multiple vehicles, the reality is that most households will have at least one car, leading to increased traffic congestion. The resident also raised concerns about public transportation, questioning the feasibility of relying on buses for seniors and others who may struggle with mobility.

Another speaker, Paul Stickney, discussed the need for balanced housing development in Sammamish. He proposed adding 5,000 market-rate housing units priced between $500,000 and $1.4 million, alongside the existing affordable housing plans. Stickney argued that this approach could generate significant revenue for the city while providing options for residents looking to downsize without leaving the community. He emphasized that the proposed units would help alleviate the current housing imbalance and provide affordable options for families.

Karthik Sita Raman, another resident, shared his personal connection to Sammamish, underscoring the importance of thoughtful development that considers the needs of families and long-term residents.

The discussions at the meeting reflect a growing concern among Sammamish residents about responsible development and the need for infrastructure improvements to keep pace with housing growth. As the city moves forward with its plans, the council will need to address these community concerns to ensure that development benefits all residents and maintains the quality of life in Sammamish.