CRD to host open house to oppose Kirkland Parkplace preferred mixed-use plan
The Kirkland Parkplace opposition group, Kirkland Citizens for Responsible Development (CRD) has produced a mailer announcing an open house the group will be holding. The mailer will be sent to 4,000 plus households in the Moss Bay, Highlands, Norkirk and Market neighborhoods.
What: Citizen’s Open House on Proposed Kirkland Parkplace
When: Saturday, October 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 365 Kirkland Way, next to St. James Espresso
Why: To learn more about the impacts the proposed development can have on downtown Kirkland, the vision for our community, and how we can redevelop Parkplace without sacrificing our lakeside community.
You may download the mailer by clicking here.
The CRD has a website you can visit at www.kirklandcrd.org
Print This Article
Related Articles
36 Responses to “CRD to host open house to oppose Kirkland Parkplace preferred mixed-use plan”
Leave a Reply
Subscribe
You can subscribe by email to receive newsletter updates:
Subscribe through a RSS feed reader
-
-
-
-
Translator
By N2H
KCTS 9 Connects - Yakima Valley Gangs
Sponsored Ads
I noticed a sign at Park Place that a short plat was applied for. Is Touchstone selling part of the property to someone else?
[Reply]
A-P Hurd Reply:
October 7th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Moss Babe - Short Plat application has nothing at all to do with any selling of property. The Short Plat application is not part of a plan to sell the property. It relates to the office-alternative plan that Touchstone has proposed to the City just in case the mixed-use plan is not approved this winter. As we’ve stated numerous times at public forums, Touchstone believes both plans offer numerous financial benefits to the City, and area retailers, though the sales-tax revenues generated by the mixed-use plan would be far greater. But no matter which plan is ultimately approved, you can be assured that Touchstone would create a high-quality, sustainable project.
[Reply]
Another city stagnator group backed by big money sending propoganda to the masses. I have had two discussions with this group and they don’t have their facts straight. One of them was saying that Touchstone wanted 11stories. That was an idea from the planning commission and Touchstone wanted nothing to do with that plan.
[Reply]
Kirkland friend Reply:
September 28th, 2008 at 9:05 am
I saw pictures of 11 stories and of 8 stories. If they change the zoning then the whole downtown will look like Bellevue.
[Reply]
Downtowner Reply:
September 28th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
We frequently hear the warning that we’re going to look like Bellevue. It is a gross exaggeration.
First, they are only discussing an exception for Park Place. The rest of downtown Kirkland doesn’t have any zoning over 5 or 6 stories, and some of it is limited to only two floors.
Second, Bellevue passed the 11-story mark long ago. Here is a list of 24 buildings in Bellevue that are taller than 11 stories. Three are over 40 stories.
http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_buildings_in_Bellevue,_Washington
Third, most of these buildings do not have the kind of step-backs and other architectural features that our developers have been asked to provide on the two recent Lake Street projects that were submitted to relentless review by the City, where the five-story building was ultimately rejected.
Fourth, now there is a moratorium that will probably restrict development even more.
Adding it all up, it will never, ever happen.
[Reply]
One of the leaders of CRD is Ken Davidson, an attorney who owns an office building next to Park Place. Touchstone’s proposal would impact his view.
[Reply]
Dave Garland Reply:
September 30th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Dear Mr. Ghost, Ken Davidson built his building within the rules of the comprehensive plan. Why shouldn’t Touchstone do the same?
[Reply]
It is truly a shame that these groups have use such emotion to make their point. Their ad really looks more like the cover of the National Enquirer informing us that “Aliens have invaded Kirkland!” For them, the only “responsible development” is a. development that directly benefits them, b. development that is not “in their backyard”, or c. No development at all. There has been no compromise, no willingness to see another point of view, and a city council that promises to listen to anyone who screams the loudest.
As a parent, I usually ignore it when my kids throw a temper tantrum. Pity we can’t do the same.
[Reply]
Just great! Another special interest group with a vested financial interest that is not in the best interests of all citizens. Wasn’t Mr. Davidson the guy who stopped the transit center from being moved off of 3rd St up to Park Place? If I recall correctly he didn’t want housing over the transit because it would do something to his building value. Unfortunately, the Council listened to him. It is becoming increasingly obvious to us old timers that very few review the history of this place. I am convinced that there will not be 11 story buildings. We will not look like Bellevue. What will happen if we don’t allow development and redevelopment based on the market instead of emotion is that this City will price everyone like me out. You anti-growth or growth only my way should get over yourselves and think past today or the next few years. I have passed my assets on to my children and have a guaranteed place to live out the years I have left. I look forward to a better Kirkland with places that are exciting for me to go shop, eat and explore. I am afraid that this won’t happen because of all the narrow special interests.
Al
[Reply]
Marbles Reply:
September 29th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Al,
I never heard of Mr. Davidson before. I find it hard to believe one person has so much control over the city. I don’t know the history of this place very well but how do we “new timers” learn about it? Until someone like you says something, we will never know. What is the story? Sounds like you and Mr. Davidson to way back.
[Reply]
al czervik Reply:
September 29th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Marbles,
I don’t know Mr. Davidson except from seeing him and hearing him speak at public hearings. I respectfully disagree with him on the subjects I noted. I do agree with him on his support of annexation. Even then his motives are hardly pure as he not only lives there but is also a fire district commissioner. The only advice I can give you is to attend or watch city council meetings and go to your neighborhood association meetings. Be aware that some neighborhood associations have been taken over by the no growth people. My kids (they’re still my kids at ages 54, 51 and 48) all live in different neighborhoods. I hear from them what is going on when I don’t go myself. Make sure you read this blog regularly to get a sense of what is going on. Rob does a really good job of keeping the latest topics in play. Welcome to Kirkland!
Al
[Reply]
Crazy for Kirkland Reply:
September 30th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Hi Al, You seem like a nice man who is well intentioned but not well informed. Touchstone wants to build 1.5 million square feet of space in Parkplace which will change downtown Kirkland forever with dramatic increases in traffic and create termendous parking problems. I suggest that you take the time to go to this Open House on Saturday to learn the facts and then decide whether the information you have been given by the developer is anyway true.
al czervik Reply:
September 30th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Crazy thank you for the kind remarks. Actually I am rather well informed about alot of things. Having lived and owned property here for nearly 50 years I think I have a rather clear perspective of the landscape. I have no dog in this race but I do have an interest in seeing this city survive well into the future. I have read the DEIS cover to cover and understand the methodology. I am not a rocket scientist but I am a former high level Boeing engineer with a degree in business economics. I admit to having some questions about the DEIS but none that are deal killers for me. I am sure that the questions I have will be answered by people who are not invested and of calm demeamor.
I will suggest until proven wrong that none of your group has done the math on what it would take to make Park Place pencil as an investment. Further I highly doubt that you have taken into account the ongoing tax revenue for the City. If you have, I would suggest that you start collecting funds from your like minded cohorts now. You can contribute the proceeds to Touchstone to compensate them for the air rights and all other economic opportunity they will forego. Addtionally you and I will contribute to the City the loss of revenue from this project in the form of higher taxes. Lastly, if you don’t like any of the above don’t forget that this is private property and that Touchstone has a permit applicatin to build an office project with minimal retail. Unlike many in your group who have written on this blog, I do not see it as a threat or a hammer to the City Council but rather a very real business decision that will need to be made.
Al
Ghost of Peter Kirk, you’re right, it’s Ken Davidson who is behind this “initiative,” and yes, he has a lot of money to put behind his cause. I understand that when he wanted to build HIS building it was not within zoning code, and he rallied the support of the community to have it built, and was successful. We can’t allow these small, wealthy groups to keep ruling the city!
PLEASE, EVERYONE WHO IS FOR THE PARKPLACE PROJECT continue to write letters in FAVOR of it to city council!! Even if you’ve already written something to them in the past DO IT AGAIN - TODAY! If City Council doesn’t hear from those of us who support it, WE MIGHT LOOSE PARKPLACE, which would be detrimental for generations to come. If this project doesn’t go through NO developer will touch it (why on earth would they?) and our beloved downtown will DIE. The Ken Davidson group is well organized, and is already submitting letters. Parkplace supporters need to do the same - it’s always harder to organize when you’re FOR something but this is too important to let slip away.
BTW, - Parkplace will NOT be 11 stories. The planning commission just threw that out there to see what public reaction would be, and to come up with an alternative that would make the buildings along the park 2 stories. The developer Touchstone is not interested in making the back buildings 11 stories.
Just one more note - PLEASE quit the references to Kirkland being in danger of becoming like Bellevue… not only do statements like that make me want to whomp someone on the head, it makes me wonder if these people have actually been to Bellevue lately? Ridiculous.
[Reply]
Crazy for Kirkland Reply:
September 30th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Ktown Girl, You sound like a rather violent person who wants to whomp someone in the head so I won’t use my name. I don’t really understand why you are in favor of this this huge project that is way out of scale for our town. The Touchstone project will ironically drawf the Davidson building on Kirkland Way which you claim tried to go around the zoning laws to build his building.
I came to Kirkland 7 years ago to live in a quaint, small downtown where I don’t have to walk between the tall buildings of Seattle and Bellevue and I believe most of my neighbors feel the same. Parklace is in need of redevelopment but it doesn’t have to be be 8 stories tall. There are lots of good examples of successful developments in Seattle that have been built within the character of the existing community like University Place and Redmond Towne Center so why doesn’t Touchstone abide by the Comprehensive Plan to build within the 5 stoy limit…Greed, Greed, Greed. As citizens of Kirkland We can’t let him ruin our town!!
[Reply]
Marbles Reply:
September 30th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
Crazy,
The rally cry I follow is not the same one you invoke. It is not Touchstone which will ruin this city. It is you and the other sincere and well meaning people trying to keep “quaint” Kirkland they remeber 20 years ago. Let me explain why:
The issue is economics really. The city needs growth and more businesses to survive. Every business that is prevented from establishing in Kirkland means higher taxes on residents. Kirkland has most of it’s tax revenue coming from residents rather that businesses and this cannot be sustained in the long run. Businesses should shoulder half the tax burden of the city but they do not and by limiting business growth you are killing Kirkland.
Also, on a human / street level, I bet you can’t even see upper floors of a building with step backs because oo the pedestrian the buildings with step backed upper floors appear as two stories. Somehow the number 8 has some people all in a tizzy. Building height limited to parkplacd is a good thing. It supports retail acivity and is in line with city goals for having mor Kirklanders living and working here. Height really only affects people with views and nobdy owns a view and those are why the CRD is unintentionally killing Kirkland. Please don’t let them do it, people! We despitately need parkplace developed. CRD doesnt understand the dire economic need we have for Park place. Quaint won’t pay for your police and fire and parks and it will cost you more in taxes for every business you prevent from thriving here and it is almost as if you forget that small businesses is youre friends and neighbors.
[Reply]
This group on their web site http://www.kirklandCRD.org says they are not anti development. I think they have a few very good points. One is the parking is way to little by some 1,600 plus spaces. That’s a lot of cars and I am already tired of Downtown workers parking in my neighborhood. It would be much worse. Why doesn’t Touchstone provide enough parking when this already a problem? And
the cut-through traffic our neighborhood will get worse if there are 6,000 people dumping onto Central Way at rush hour. I don’t see what we need so many 8-story buildings. Why can’t it be a bit smaller, like 5 stories. I don’t buy it has to be so big to work as the developer has said. And working in retail leasing, I really, really doubt they will be able to attract big name retailers to that location. It’s not visible or high-enough traffic. So we will get what often happens, whomever they can lease the space to like banks, insurance agencies and the like. One think I have seen again and again is developers promise tenants they can’t deliver. I for one think it’s worth investigating what this group is saying. This is a huge project, even if it won’t make us Bellevue.
I understand where Mr. Davidson is coming from. I am sure if it were a condo whose view was being blocked, people would scream bloody murder about property values. Isn’t it the same for a business owner? And what about the building next door where Nokia is, they will be blocked, too. Isn’t that the kind of jobs were are trying to create. Why do we have to block one building to build another. If we stick to the code we developed at 5-stories, everyone would be happy. Why is it EVERY developer always asks for more.
[Reply]
A-P Hurd Reply:
October 7th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Thanks for your comments on Touchstone’s proposed mixed-use plan. I’ll try to answer them one at a time.
It sounds like despite the explanation provided in this Point/Counterpoint forum, you still have questions about how the shared parking works. I’m not sure what they are, but in our experience, people who have sat down and looked at the numbers emerge confident that this method of parking administration can and will work for Kirkland, providing hundreds of open parking spaces on evenings and weekends and a surplus even at the peak demand time of day (11am on weekdays).
While it’s difficult to go through every detail of the math in a 700-word posting, I would be pleased to meet with you (and any other people who have questions about the parking or any other aspects of the project) to review the methodology in detail. I can be reached directly at aphurd@touchstonecorp.com. Our door is open.
If you would rather go to a completely neutral party for your reference information, I would urge you to consult the final EIS prepared by Jones and Stokes, due to be released in about a week.
To address your question about Touchstone’s ability to attract big-name retailers, an independent study conducted by a national expert on retail, Bob Gibbs, concluded that the Kirkland area has significant capacity for additional shops, particularly retailers who provide for the daily needs of local residents and their families.
While it is way too early for any leases to be signed, since the project is still under review by the City, we have received a great deal of positive input from potential retail tenants who see Kirkland as a largely “underserved” area, realizing that most people here travel to Bellevue and even Seattle for these types of goods and services.
I hope this helps.
[Reply]
One more thing…if the City COuncil has imposed a moritorium so they can look at the comprehensive plan and “fix” the issues, why have they excluded the largest project the city has ever undertaken. Shouldn’t they take the time to look at that, too? Puzzling to me.
[Reply]
That’s correct, we are not anti-development at Kirkland CRD. We just happen to think this is irresponsible development to build something of this magnitude downtown. And we are not alone. Touchstone has not been able to prove why they need 8 stories and 1.5 million square feet of offices to make the retail work. Nor have they given us one name of who will tenant there. In reality, it will be whomever they can get.
This won’t be a shopping mall, it will be an office complex with shopping. And we should all be concerned about the parking shortage proposed (nearly 1,700 short). If people can’t park in downtown, who is going to come. Why can’t we have something more in proportion to our Comprehensive plan. That’s all we are asking for. Stick to the plan and redevelop Parkplace.
At Juanita Village they promised all sorts of retail that never happened. The developer said, oh well, we couldn’t find anyone. So now what was supposed to be vital retail creating a community core, is leasing offices and resident work-out rooms, and some space have never had a tenant in 3 years!
Responsible development is important to our city’s vitality and this size of this project is simply irresponsible. Instead of painting us anti development, come and learn about the concerns we should all have and help us create a vital redevelopment we won’t regret.
Cami
[Reply]
There are parts of CRD’s position that just make no sense. They say the buildings should not be too tall. They then say that they should protect their views. Is there a connection… I don’t know. They don’t want zoning chanes to be given to Parkplace to allow them to build eight story offices above retail. They then say they want Parkplace to be built with 5 floors above retail. This would also require a change in zoning. So which is it that CRD really wants? I can’t believe they want to keep the sanctity of the comp. code when they want to change it for their idea of a utopian parkplace. The contrdicrions in their positions don’t male sense.
This looks like some people who want it their way or they will cry until they get their way. It sounds like they have deep pockets too. Parkplace is just tooimportant to Kirkland to let small special interest groups to put a lid on our potential to get growth in a place that will benefit the whole city. Views are not owned. They are merely borrowed and those who want to stop progress to save their views are selfish. Kirkland needs parkplace. We are on lifesupport and CRD wants to pull the plug.
[Reply]
Chris Conrad Reply:
September 30th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
No one is against Park Place development. It could be a wonderful place for the citizens as well as office workers. Imagine “Crossroads” and “Third Place Books”. Those developers gave the communities a gathering place, as well as welcoming visitors, who also shop there.
Why can’t we keep our community feel without going High Rise and highline boutiques and hotels with a high fee gym. (No more 24 Hour Fitness for the locals) Not only will these expensive places not service the locals, but in a down turn of the ecomony the fancy boutiques will only fail. I wish for real shops for the real local people.
Chris
[Reply]
Tia Reply:
September 30th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
I believe Crossroads and Third Place Books were (re)developed by the same man, someone with real vision when it comes to creating community gathering places. If only he was part of any of these projects we have going on around here, Kirkland would be a better town.
[Reply]
Cami Keyes Reply:
September 30th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Crossroads is not a Touchstone development according to their web site. In fact, this is the largest development they gave undertaken and the only major mixed use.
Tia, we believe that Parkplace can be a vital community place and be developed within the comprehensive plan. It would allow a mixed use development bigger than Lincoln Square in Bellevue with great retail and offices. It would also not wall in the nearby offices which also bring great jobs to KIrkland, like Nokia. What do we say to them if we build in front…they don’t matter?
We can build community and not lose the vision we set forth in the comp plan. That’s what CRD Stands for. We want to see redevelopment of Parkplace as much as anyone, we don’t belive it has to be 8 stories to be successful.
Tia Reply:
October 1st, 2008 at 10:42 am
Cami, this can’t be about the views of the existing office building. I live in a neighborhood where large new houses are replacing the old ranches. If two stories go in next to me, I’ll lose my view of the sky and all privacy in my yard. That just the way it is.
By the way, it is Ron Sher who redeveloped Crossroads and the Third Place Books mall. We need him!
A-P Hurd Reply:
October 7th, 2008 at 11:12 am
Actually, Touchstone is planning for a wide range of retail shops to be part of its mixed-use redevelopment plan.
While there would indeed be some higher-end stores to meet local demand for luxury goods and services, the new Kirkland Parkplace would also include a great number of local, regional and national stores that meet the basic, daily needs of area residents.
This blended approach is a direct response to the old adage that we hear on a daily basis that, “Kirkland has everything you want but nothing you need.” And, providing for a mix of price points is the only way that a project of this size and scope would ultimately be successful.
I hope this clarifies your questions about the mixed-use plan; if you’d like to discuss in greater detail, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly at aphurd@touchstonecorp.com.
[Reply]
To the Kirkland Residents: Early this summer I decided to go out into the community and HEAR what the residents want in their downtown. After spending four months canvassing these residents and taking their signatures for my petition AGAINT changing the comprehensive plan to allow Touchtone to have his way and build an eight sroty edifice, the MAJORITY
[Reply]
Downtown Condo Dweller Reply:
September 30th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Hi. I am curious- I was one of the people who would not sign your petition and I believe that the redevelopment can be good for Kirkland. At the moment Kirkland has over 46,000 residents. How many people signed your petition? Did you get over 23,000 signatures? Just wondering as that would be the majority of people. It is great that you take the time to support what you believe in, but I also think you might be overstating your case.
[Reply]
I have spent over four months canvassing Kirkland residents on their views for changing the comprehensive plan to accommodate Touchtone’s
request for increased height-eight stories. With my petitions over the summer, I have found that the MAJORITY of residents don’t want this change. I believe in democracy and the will of the people. This is THEIR city and not Touchtone’s. Touchtone could have retail on the first floor and the limit of five stories but he is trying to twist the City’s arm in letting him have eight stories. Now is this in the interest of the residents? Or it is in the interest of his deep pockets-MORE MONEY for him. If I believed that the majority of residents wanted this change I would not waste my time. I will fight for the majority of the people here in Kirkland. Elaine Darling
[Reply]
Really Downtown Condo Dweller,
If Elaine could talk to 23,000 in downtown Kirkland, that would be amazing–a quite unrealistic. She is saying the majority of people she spoke to were against. If you subscribe to standard polling methods, that could be applied to say the majority are against. You might be interested in knowing the letters to City Council are also 2-1 against the development proposed.
And I spent a great deal of time talking to local businesses. All, understandably want to see Parkplace redeveloped, but the vast majority had concerns about the plan, including parking, traffic and the potential to draw people out of downtown.
I encourage you to visit our open house this Saturday next to St. James espresso between 10 and 2 and learn more about the concerns and solutions. Information can be found at http://www.kirklandcrd.org.
[Reply]
I thought it would be beneficial for everyone here to know there was another petition that was signed by MORE THAN 60 Downtown Businesses in less than 72 hours in support of the 8 story / retail mix ammendment. Here is a portion of that list:
The Slip Restaurant, The Bridal Garden, Reasons to Believe, Seven Dragons Accupuncture, AESI, Planet Poochie, Gunnar Nordstrom Gallery, A Touch of Class, Becker Architects, Frontier Bank, Parklane Wellness, Bill Woods - property owner, Rock Star Tan Bar, McLeod Insurance, St. James Espresso, Jimmy’s on Houghton, P.Smith Insurance, Lakeplace Properties, Kahili Coffee, Marina Park Grill, 137 Park (Akona), UBRDO, Ford of Kirkland, 21 Central, Hallmark Realty, Studio 150, Kirkland Life Chiropractic, Rick Moore Realty, Eco Cartridge Store, Westwater Apartments, Marina Park Chiropractic, Zeeks Pizza, Dave Despard - IBM, Steve Lingenbrink, Georges Restaurant, Liberty 123, Mermaid Hair, Shinstrom /Norman, Wilde Rover Irish Pub, Fox Cleaners, Jack & Phyllis Borland - Attorney at Law, Bikini Beach, Dentiste, The Grape Choice, Hectors Restaurant, Trickwood, Clocktower Media… And the following businesses from Parkplace: Purple Cafe, Emerald City Smoothie, Parkplace Books, Lucia’s, Hoffmans Fine Pastries, Tim’s Seafood, Kirkland Hot Yoga.
There will be more added to this list… but please think about it. These businesses signed the petition because THEY NEED PARKPLACE with the retail mix. It is vital to their economic health. This is not about “greed” it’s about our businesses struggling and being able to maintain a vibrant downtown. Do we really want downtown Kirkland to look like it did in the 70’s through the mid 80’s again?
For those against the 8 stories, fine. Then we will have 5 stories instead, with only office. No place to take your kids, no place for the community at all. Our downtown businesses recognize they NEED Parkplace - please hear them as you’re continuing your debates.
[Reply]
Hmmm…the city council could change the zoning of CDB5 (Parkplace) to require retail. Likely an oversight to begin with, that would solve the problem.
I think Touchstone is threatening us with the no retail to force the 8 stories. It doesn’t have to be so big to support the retail. And in all honesty, all office would be more beneficial for the existing businesses downtown as the workers will only have downtown for shopping & dining.
I think the issues are not only views (from existing buildings, but more what we see from downtown),but more about traffic, parking, and costs to the city. Personally, I want to see a new Parkplace, but I am not wild about buildings that are 115′ plus tall. Why can’t Touchstone compromise?
[Reply]
A-P Hurd Reply:
October 7th, 2008 at 11:14 am
The parallel office-alternative redevelopment plan that’s been filed with the City by Touchstone is in no way meant to be perceived as a threat to encourage any wholesale acceptance of the mixed-use approach. Rather, it’s intended to create some level of predictability for our financial partners, who are fully prepared to invest some $1 billion dollars into the Kirkland community through this project’s redevelopment.
Our partners have a fiduciary responsibility to their pension-fund investors, schoolteachers and other middle-wage workers who’ve entrusted their pension dollars in this real estate fund. Given the protracted nature of the mixed-use project’s public review process — it’s been more than a year and a half since Touchstone originally submitted the plan — Touchstone felt that it was the responsible thing to do to submit an alternative development plan within current City code to provide these assurances.
As for your question on other area retailers, any retailers that would be brought to a renewed Kirkland Parkplace would not compete directly with existing shops in and around the downtown core. The Kirkland Downtown Association and other local commercial groups support this win-win scenario, having endorsed Touchstone’s mixed-use redevelopment plan several months ago.
[Reply]
Marbles,
“Quaint” Kirkland is NOT neceessarily 20 years ago but TODAY. We want Kirkland to thrive like everyone else but by using common sense and not being bullied by a Touchstone who only sees dollar signs when they see the Parkplace property. the Parkplace property can be re-developed within the comprehensive plan requirements and with lots of retail for its residents. We don’t have to allow 1.8 million square feet of office space with 6000+ office workers crowding our city streets and canvassing our neighborhoods to find a parking space to have Kirkland thrive.
An up to 5 story complex with retail that is within the character of downtown Kirkland today would be a win-win-win for the residents, business owners and the city. It could be designed with set backs and open space (not just entry roads) with suitable underground parking based on today’s need for parking stalls(87% SOV rather than Touchstone’s 78% SOV)
Lets not let Touchstone call the shots for Kirkland and build a complex that we will regret for generations.
[Reply]
Why is it that people say there won’t be any place to take their kids?
I’ve always taken my kids to the park, the library, the pool and the performance center. And now the senior center is called a community center and has activities for families. Even though my kids aren’t skate boarders many other teens use the teen center and the skate park. We do go to the theatre every once in awhile. But often the movies we want to see are playing at another area theatre or my daughter orders DVDs from the library for free. We play ping pong and board games at home and read books from the library and go for walks instead of spending the precious time we have with our kids racking up our credit card bill on entertainment, eating out, and shopping for things we might want but don’t need.
These are tough times and they are likely to get tougher. Anyone who listens to Michelle Singletary on the NPR program “The Color of Money” broadcast on KUOW knows that her number one advice is: “pay off your credit card!” The sad thing is that new shops in Kirkland as well as the already established ones will go out of business. This development project will not be the determining factor.
People will continue to lose jobs in businesses all over the Eastside. The five story office development in Kirkland will bring essential job opportunities to many of those laid off around the Puget Sound area. In the three years it will take to build, the development will provide needed income to workers in the construction trade as well. This may keep many families from having to use the local food bank.
Let us find ways to compromise and move forward with a five story plan. In the mean time, please contribute generously to Northwest Harvest, Hopelink and KITH.
[Reply]
Norkirklander Reply:
October 25th, 2008 at 7:34 am
I agree that mindless consumerism and debt accumulations have caused major problems in our current economy. However, many Kirkland residents would like to have the opportunity to shop for necessisties within walking distance of our homes. The mixed use option would provide retail options that would meet some of our everyday needs, and reduce the need to drive elsewhere to shop. Table 2.2 of the Final EIS for the proposed zoning changes states that there would be 6000+ new jobs created compare to 2340 with the current zoning, so I’m confused why you would believe more employment would result from limiting the building heights.
[Reply]