Council reviews downtown subarea draft; debate centers on housing density, retail and a town square

Senior planner Cameron Colvin presented the initial draft of the downtown subarea plan and asked for council feedback on vision, desired outcomes and draft strategies. Colvin highlighted expected growth in the downtown subarea over 20 years (about 1,900 new housing units, roughly 4,000 additional residents and about 2,000 new jobs), land-use and zoning questions, and next steps: open-house engagement and a public comment window open through Aug. 31.

"Over the next 20 years, we're expected to see almost 2,000 new housing units in downtown, a population increase of about 4,000, and 2,000 new jobs within the sub area itself," Colvin said. Council members engaged in extended discussion about building heights and zoning simplification (some advocated higher maximums to encourage more housing), the need for more ground-floor retail and smaller affordable commercial spaces for local entrepreneurs, ideas for a town square with event infrastructure, and transit/walkability improvements such as lighting and bus shelters. Several council members emphasized the importance of accessible housing and cultural visibility downtown; the deputy mayor and others suggested engaging DEI advisory and the community for cultural inclusion in public spaces. Colvin noted the draft is posted on Engage Bothell and staff will return with a revised plan in the fall after public input.