Casino Caribbean in Kingsgate gets Kirkland City Council Approval as Key Annexation Issues are Decided
Kirkland City Council votes 5 to 2 to allow Kingsgate Casino to remain open if annexation passes
Public Hearing on Proposed Zoning Continued to July 21
At its July 7 meeting, the Kirkland City Council took actions associated with the City’s proposed annexation of the Finn Hill, North Juanita and Kingsgate neighborhoods. City Council held a second public hearing to receive community comment on proposed zoning regulations for the potential annexation area (PAA) and continued the public hearing to its July 21 meeting where further testimony will be accepted. The City Council appointed members to the “pro” and “con” committees who will write respective statements about the annexation ballot measure to appear in November General Election voters’ pamphlet. Council also approved a resolution of intent to allow the continued operation of a casino that is located within the PAA after the effective date of annexation if it is approved. To review associated staff reports and to view the video of the meeting, go to www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/annexation and select “City Council Agenda Items.”
Casino/Cardroom Operations
The City Council deliberated on the issue whether to allow Casino Caribbean, located in the Kingsgate area, to continue its operations should annexation be approved by PAA voters. Recently adopted state legislation allows cities to “grandfather” casinos/cardroom in annexation areas if they were licensed by the Washington State Gambling Commission before the annexation and at the time Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 5321 becomes effective on July 26, 2009.
The City Council considered two versions of a resolution: one to allow the continuation of casino operations; the other to extend the City’s current prohibition. In a 5-2 vote, Resolution No. 4766 was approved to allow the casino, the only one in the PAA, to continue to operate should annexation occur. Councilmembers Asher and Hodgson voted in the minority.
Under current law, casinos and cardrooms are illegal within the city limits of Kirkland. This move by the council gives the Kingsgate operation an exemption if annexation passes.
Proposed Zoning Public Hearing
Public testimony was received during a second public hearing on proposed zoning regulations for the PAA. The City Council discussed key issues regarding allowance of storage containers, the height of single-family and multi-family residential structures, the keeping of chickens in residential areas, oversized vehicles and proposed zoning designations for various parts of the PAA. The City Council continued the public hearing to its July 21 meeting.
“Pro” and “Con” Committee Selection
The following community members were selected by the City Council to serve on the ballot measure statement committees
Pro: Ken Davidson, Toby Nixon and Jackie Pendergrass
Con: Scott Brady, Robert Style and Katherine Winder
For Annexation Study information, go to www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/annexation or contact Marie Stake, Communications Program Manager at 425-587-3021 or annexation@ci.kirkland.wa.us.
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Posted by Rob Butcher on Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Filed under Announcements · Tagged with Annexation, Casino, PAA
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