Touchstone Corp. purchased Kirkland Parkplace in 2007. The developer notified the city that it hoped to build at least six eight-story buildings on the property with no setbacks along Central Way, Sixth Street and Peter Kirk Park. At the time, the property was zoned for up to five stories and a minimum of 10 foot setbacks.

In early 2008, Kirkland Citizens for Responsible Development hosted an informative Open House, distributed fliers, attended public hearings and collected 1500 signatures asking the City of Kirkland to require Touchstone to scale back its plans for Parkplace.

Touchstone told council not to worry. It would build a project with modulated building heights, upper floor step-backs to reduce visual impact, and generous space between buildings. They talked of multiple restaurants, significant retail, a movie theater and public courtyards.

In December 2008, the Kirkland City Council approved a rezone for Parkplace to allow buildings up to eight stories. They said “yes” to plans for 1.8 million square feet – a project larger than Redmond Town Center. They agreed to let Touchstone build 2000 fewer parking spaces than required by zoning code. Hundreds of opposition letters and 1500 petition signatures from Kirkland residents were ignored for a load of promises from Touchstone.

The Washington Growth Management Hearings Board was asked to review the decision. The board ruled that the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that Touchstone provided violated state law because it failed to provide at least one alternative with less environmental impact. The city was ordered to require a proper EIS and reconsider their decision.

The revised EIS offers no true option to the illegal original. While it does include three options, the revised version shows the project spread onto property in the area around Parkplace that Touchstone does not even own.

When presented with this document, Kirkland Planning Commission ignored objections from citizens and independent planning experts. They recommended that council accept the revised EIS and re-approve the revised zoning.

While the state review was underway, Touchstone proceeded with the Design Review process. The massive buildings presented to the Design Review Board bear no resemblance to what was shown when they were courting council’s vote in 2008.

Four eight-story and two seven-story buildings with zero step-backs and minimal open space will occupy every inch of the property. At up to 115 feet tall, the scale of these towers overwhelms the entire neighborhood.

Kirkland City Council is scheduled to discuss this issue on Sept. 21, with final vote on Oct. 5. However, they have a rare second chance before them. They have the option of taking a six-month extension, provided by the state, before a final vote on this project. Council should use that time to give careful thought and consideration to this important project. They owe that to the citizens of Kirkland.

Contact the Kirkland City Council at citycouncil@ci.kirkland.wa.us or call 425-587-3001.

Kirkland resident Danielle McClure is a founding member of the Kirkland Citizens for Responsible Development.