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Kenmore advances "Approach at Kenmore" affordable housing deal and prepares zoning updates for state mandates
Summary
Council members described a purchase-and-sale agreement for a 121-unit mixed affordable housing project called the Approach at Kenmore and outlined upcoming zoning work to implement state housing mandates, including step housing and missing-middle/ADU rules.
Kenmore council members and staff used the State of the City address to highlight progress on affordable housing, including a recently approved purchase-and-sale agreement for a mixed-affordability development called the Approach at Kenmore and planned zoning updates to meet state housing laws.
Council member John Culver said the Approach at Kenmore, a partnership with Imagine Housing and Habitat for Humanity, received council approval of a purchase-and-sale agreement earlier in the week. Culver said the site, three doors down from City Hall on 180 First Avenue NE (presented in remarks as "180 First Hot And Safe Way"), will include 103 affordable rental units (mixing three-bedroom, two-bedroom, one-bedroom and studio units) and 18 affordable ownership units. The council member described that approval as an "important step" toward development; he did not state a construction start date or provide the full project financing package during the remarks.
Mayor Nigel Herbig and staff also outlined the council's approach to short-term and long-term housing needs. The city said it has established a Step Housing Advisory Committee to provide a report later this year on zoning and regulatory amendments related to shelter, transitional, emergency and permanent supportive housing. Council members said they approved eight applicants to serve on the advisory committee in a recent action.
Speakers referenced state legislation that requires local code changes: the transcript cites "House Bill 1110 (2023)" in connection with expanding types of housing permitted in residential zones and another citation, given in remarks as "House Bill 13 37," in connection with accessory dwelling unit regulations; city staff said planning-commission review is expected between April and June to meet the state's deadlines.
City officials emphasized that the Approach at Kenmore and zoning work on step housing, missing-middle housing and ADUs are part of the broader regional effort to address affordability. No specific final financing terms or final construction approvals were announced during the State of the City address.
Votes and appointments referenced by speakers: the council reported approving a purchase-and-sale agreement for the Approach at Kenmore and approving eight applicants to the Step Housing Advisory Committee; a prior council action named Deputy City Manager Stephanie Lukasz as interim city manager.
The city said it will continue design and code work to implement state-required housing rules and to advance the Approach project through subsequent permitting and financing steps.
