Council approves amended Brownstones development agreement, vacates small right-of-way to align town center street and park

Sammamish City Council on Feb. 4 approved a second amended and restated development agreement with STCA LLC and BSW LLC to realign Southeast Sixth Street, change the Brownstones West open-space frontage, and confirm a consolidated regional stormwater vault. The council also adopted an ordinance vacating a portion of right-of-way at Southeast Fourth Street and 220 Fifth Place to align with future town-center improvements.

The development agreement amendment, presented by David Pyle, director of Community Development, would move the center line of the new Southeast Sixth Street to the existing property line between the Brownstones West and Brownstones East parcels so the city builds the southern half of the street and the developers build the northern half. Pyle told the council the city’s half is funded in the Transportation Improvement Program and the adopted 2025–26 budget.

Why it matters: Council members and presenters said the change is intended to improve pedestrian access between the newly created open space (the converted 220 Third area) and the Lower Sammamish Commons Park, reduce impervious area, consolidate stormwater treatment into a regional vault and avoid a “two-street” crossing that staff described as an undesirable pedestrian condition. Supporters said acting now preserves that opportunity while construction is underway; some residents and one councilmember warned the city is making…