Lynnwood prepares for annexation of former Meadowdale/Alderwood middle school site; public hearing set

City planning staff told the Lynnwood City Council on Sept. 2 that the annexation petition for a school site in the southern planning area has cleared county review and is scheduled for public hearing before the city next week, with staff asking the council to consider an implementing ordinance the same night.

Rebecca Sammie, the city’s principal planner, and Community Planning Manager Carl Almgren summarized the process: the council previously passed two resolutions supporting the annexation petition; the petition went to the Boundary Review Board, which accepted jurisdiction; Snohomish County Council subsequently completed its review; and the district has requested that Lynnwood conduct a public hearing and take final action to clarify jurisdiction before the school redevelopment proceeds.

Why it matters: the Edmonds School District’s redevelopment plan covers roughly 20 contiguous acres abutting Heritage Park and Alderwood Mall Parkway, and district officials told staff they are proceeding with permit submittals. Annexation would place future permitting and related fees under Lynnwood jurisdiction and formalize public‑safety and utility responsibilities for students and residents near the site.

Key points from staff and council discussion

- Notification and outreach: Staff said adjacent property owners have been notified by postcard and newspaper notice and that a sign is posted at the property to announce the upcoming hearing.

- Service and fiscal impacts: Staff said the property is tax‑exempt as a school and would not generate property tax revenue; permit and review fees would reimburse some city staff time but staff did not identify a material net fiscal gain. The Lynnwood Police Department’s chief has reviewed demand projections and told staff the department can accommodate any modest additional calls related to the school.

- Timing and council consideration: Because the Edmonds School District is progressing with permit submittals, staff asked the council to consider action the same night as the public hearing to provide jurisdictional certainty. Some council members noted the city’s usual practice of holding a two‑week period between a hearing and an action to allow neighbors time to review materials; the council retains the option to postpone adoption and allow that 14‑day period.

Council members asked for additional information about the economic and operational impacts of annexation. Staff replied that, because the site would remain tax‑exempt, the city’s principal gains are administrative: permit review fees and a clarified service relationship with the school district.

No final action was taken at the Sept. 2 work session. Staff said the public hearing is scheduled for the council’s next meeting; staff will present an ordinance for council consideration that evening unless the council elects to delay action to allow additional public review.