By Amy Walen

One of the defining characteristics of our community is its network of strong neighborhood associations.  These associations help create the sense of community that cannot be created by City Hall.  They organize neighborhood activities, identify necessary capital improvements within the neighborhood, and donate labor and funds to acquire them, set up “watches” on seniors and children - in short, they provide services that can only be provided on a very local level, that are simply too cumbersome to be provided by city administration.

We live in a neighborhood (Lakeview) and operate a business (Ford ~ Hyundai of Kirkland), so when I first learned that there is a perceived disconnect between the neighborhoods and businesses, I did not understand how that could happen.  I thought that this must be a “myth” because in my experience, Kirkland people LOVE their local businesses – and love supporting them.  In Kirkland, we go out of our way to “buy local” and ask the question – “what community does this business-owner invest in?”

In turn, Kirkland businesses love this community, and many support it in both tangible, and intangible ways – sponsoring local events and sports teams, participating in the activities of Rotary, Kiwanis, the Chamber of Commerce, having their children attend school here, and living in Kirkland neighborhoods themselves.

In preparation for my bid for the City Council seat, I have coffee weekly at St. James, and doorbell neighborhoods.  I have spoken with hundreds of Kirkland citizens, and I’ve asked many of them about this “myth”.

I have come to some conclusions.  I think that the neighborhoods have felt the need to become more politically active because they felt underrepresented by city government. In a couple of pretty famous examples, the City has allowed development that falls outside of the scope of what our community decided was our guiding document – the Comprehensive Plan, and in doing so, has threatened the unique components that we feel make Kirkland the special place that it is:

The view of the Lake – We have a “bowl shaped” geography, so we should be able to build, without blocking the view of the neighbors behind us.

Development Style-  We value our small town character.  “Big box” development of our downtown is unacceptable to us. Other cities have allowed development and kept their town’s character – we should be able to also.

Traffic & Parking- It is important that development is allowed to proceed, provided only if adequate allowance can be made for additional traffic.

The issue is that our neighborhood associations don’t trust that the development process will protect the characteristics of our very special city.  This has created a divide in our community- between those who favored a particular project, and those who did not.  The process is the issue, not the personalities.  A strong Council, capable of working together, showing leadership, and building consensus in the community, will be able to address the process problem, and ensure that future development occurs within our community vision.

 Print This Article

Related Stories:

Neighborhoods vs. Businesses Myth – how the candidates view the issues In an effort to provide a better understanding each of the eight candidates for Kirkland City Council...

The Future of Totem Lake – how the candidates view the issues In an effort to provide a better understanding each of the eight candidates for Kirkland City Council...

Neighborhood vs Businesses Myth – Joan McBride By Joan McBride I have to say I don’t really buy into the idea that Kirkland Neighborhoods and Businesses...

Neighborhoods vs. Businesses Myth – Karen Tennyson By Karen Tennyson Some neighborhoods are vastly impacted by development (both commercial and residential),...