What an insult to the citizens of Kirkland. At the council meeting on Tuesday, adoption of a zoning ordinance establishes 48 units per acre, which can be increased by as much as 25 percent for a total of 60 units per acre. The 25 percent increase should be applied to the previously existing density. In the case of Potala Village, it should be 12 units per acre, an existing density of those who live there that was adopted and used for the past 24 years. It should be the driving force, not affordable housing.

The staff report mentions the densities discussed at previous meetings. Any of that information could be used when deciding which density to adopt. Staff has misquoted affordable housing provisions. Previous staff reports included Kirkland’s figures on affordable housing. They say that Kirkland already has more affordable housing on the Eastside. We already have complied with the Growth Management Act. So why is the Planning Department pushing for greater density that does not consider existing densities? Are all neighborhoods willing to accept higher densities of low cost housing? The answer is contortion. The Planning Department has not and does not use all the provisions of the GMA to satisfy the needs of the community.  Yet, it feeds the council with hard-to-swallow input. If the council disagrees, they need to go.

Robert L. Style, Kirkland