Council approves consent calendar including two‑acre conservation acquisition; neighbors urged preservation

The Shoreline City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 3 to approve the consent calendar, which included a staff item related to a proposed acquisition of two parcels adjacent to Bowen Creek Open Space.

During public comment, property owner Suzanne Pardee said she and her sister had pursued King County Conservation Futures Program funding to protect two acres of forest they own, which is contiguous to Bowen Creek Open Space. Pardee said she and others — including staff and King County representatives — helped prepare the grant application and that the deadline was imminent. She delivered three letters of support she said were from the Richmond Highlands Neighborhood Association, Safe Shoreline Trees and the Shoreline Historical Museum.

A second remote commenter, Charlotte Erickson, identified herself as a Shoreline resident whose property borders the Purdy Legacy Forest and described wildlife she has observed, including deer, coyotes and mountain beavers. Erickson said connecting the new parcels to existing trails would enhance Shoreview Park, Bowen Creek Park and Sunset Park and praised tree equity goals.

After public comment, a councilmember moved to approve the consent calendar and a second was given. The clerk conducted a roll call: Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Ademasu, Mayor Roberts, Deputy Mayor Mork, Councilmember Scully, Councilmember Ramsdell and Councilmember Povey each voted “Aye.” The motion passed unanimously.

The consent calendar item referencing the property was listed as the council’s second consent item; the staff presentation referenced assistance from city staff and King County in preparing the Conservation Futures grant submission. The council did not discuss the item individually during the meeting; the approval occurred as part of the consent calendar vote.