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Kenmore outlines acquisition, restoration and development plans for Lake Point shoreline
Summary
Kenmore officials described ongoing efforts to acquire shoreline property known as the Lake Point site, citing county grants and matched funding requests and saying acquisition negotiations with the property owner are ongoing.
Kenmore officials told attendees at the city's annual State of the City that efforts to acquire and restore shoreline property known as the Lake Point site remain a top priority, with the council and staff pursuing grant funding and private partnerships while negotiations with the property owner continue.
The city described the Lake Point site as an environmental stewardship and economic development opportunity that could become a public park and a destination with accompanying infill development. Deputy Mayor Melio Caine said the city has secured $7,500,000 in King County Conservation Futures grant funding for shoreline acquisition and restoration and an additional $450,000 from a King County Cooperative Watershed Management grant to support acquisition and initial restoration work. Caine said County Councilmember Rod Dembowski has proposed $15,000,000 in the current King County parks levy draft to support the project.
The council characterized the Lake Point effort as a multi-part project tying shoreline restoration to economic development. In remarks to the assembled audience, Caine said restoring the shoreline would protect Lake Washington's crown while creating a "charming destination" that could support housing, restaurants, businesses and public spaces. City staff said community feedback collected through the Love Where You Live engagement project identified acquisition of the site for a public park as a priority for residents.
City officials said they are "in ongoing conversations with the property owner to explore opportunities for this site" and that additional regional funding will be sought. No final purchase agreement or closing date was announced at the event.
Action history noted by speakers: the city reported receiving King County conservation-futures grant award documentation and additional watershed grant funds; staff said further county, state and federal support is being pursued. City officials did not present a new council motion or vote on acquisition during the State of the City address and said negotiations are continuing.
Kenmore framed the Lake Point work as consistent with the city's Climate Action Plan and urban forestry goals, and indicated the project would be coordinated with those plans as acquisition and restoration proceed.
