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Residents debate Mukilteo land-acknowledgment and waterfront plans; calls to lower speed limits near Japanese Gulch
Summary
During public comment at the April 6 Mukilteo council meeting, speakers divided over the city’s land-acknowledgment statement and waterfront development: one urged preserving a public green space, another called the land-acknowledgment 'divisive,' while a resident pushed for a 25 mph speed limit on 5th Avenue per the Japanese Gulch master plan.
Public comment at the Mukilteo City Council meeting on April 6 featured sharply differing views on the city’s land-acknowledgment statement and the future of the waterfront, as well as a separate neighborhood safety request.
Laurie Stewart urged the council to treat the land-acknowledgment as an act of truth and reconciliation and said residents overwhelmingly want a public green space at the waterfront rather than housing or shopping. "What they are not asking for is apartments, shopping centers, and increased traffic," Stewart said, urging cleanup and removal of old containers to create open space for families.
Sharon Damoff pushed back, calling the land-acknowledgment "a divisive political statement" that should not be on the agenda and suggesting a once-a-year proclamation instead. Damoff warned land statements could jeopardize property rights and described recent state-level policy moves she views as concerning.
Online commenter Elaine Knapp praised the DEI presentation and thanked Council President Moon for remarks about respectful engagement with tribal members. Boris Zaretsky suggested the DEI commission consider inviting Tulalip tribal neighbors to participate in community events.
Separately, Les Nelson, who lives near the bridge and Japanese Gulch, urged the council to set the speed limit to 25 mph along the corridor, citing the Japanese Gulch master plan adopted in 2016 and arguing lower speeds are needed for pedestrian safety. He urged staff to replace incorrect signs immediately.
Council took no formal action on the public comments during the meeting; the comments were heard during the public-comment period and will inform future discussions, including the council's review of waterfront issues and community engagement strategies.
