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Council discusses townhomes and density near NE 80th Station; staff recommends temporary restrictions while incentives are developed
Summary
Staff presented options to preserve the station area’s capacity for higher‑density, mixed‑use development after a recent permit for 89 townhomes drew criticism for underusing the upzoning around the new 80th Street BRT station.
Kirkland — Council members on Oct. 21 considered how to ensure the new NE 80th Bus Rapid Transit station produces the higher‑density, mixed‑use development envisioned in the station‑area plan rather than low‑rise townhome projects.
Lede: The council convened a first discussion after a recent permitting outcome (an 89‑unit townhome project at the former Crescent Lighting site) that staff said falls short of station‑area goals. Staff offered six policy approaches and recommended a short‑term code change to block new townhome permits along the corridor while the city develops a longer incentive package.
Why this matters: The station area was rezoned to encourage higher residential density and commercial activation around the new BRT station. Developers and residents told staff that recent townhome permits could produce underused capacity in an area intended for taller, transit‑oriented buildings.
What staff presented: Senior planner Lindsay Levine reviewed the…
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