Another View of the Innovative Housing Proposal

Sharon Parzino

Residents of the Norkirk Neighborhood of Kirkland:

The City of Kirkland is seriously looking at zoning single family neighborhoods of Kirkland for the purpose of Innovative Housing Developments. 

The city of Kirkland has already obtained an “Interim Ordinance” to allow them to build 2 demonstration enclaves, one on 132nd Avenue NE and another on 128th Avenue N.E.   Both developments are in the Rose Hill neighborhood.

 Innovative housing is a form of multiple family housing, but should not be confused with affordable housing.  Nor should one think it couldn’t happen in their neighborhood due to high land values.  Innovative Housing could result in 4 to 12 cottage units on lots previously zoned single family. The result would be a look greatly contrasting the single family tradition and current neighborhood flavor.

Here in Norkirk, we have neighborhoods that are very historical in nature.  Introducing a village, where multiple families live on lots that traditionally have had only a single family home, will greatly change the look and character of our neighborhoods.  Realistically speaking, the increased density will have a definite impact on the immediate neighbors.  The City, so far, takes the position that changing the density would result in little to no impact.  Any reasonable person would know better.  Four to twelve cottage units replacing single family lots would result in higher density, more vehicles, increase noise, greater volume of traffic, etc. 

Inevitably, the reality of high density enclaves would forever alter the tranquility we’ve come to enjoy in our own neighborhoods.  Additionally, surrounding properties could see a substantial loss in the range of market that is interested in investing in a formerly traditional single family neighborhood that has added a cottage enclave.

It seems inequitable that one piece of property, that is zoned single family, RS7.2 (7,200 square feet)  is restricted to one set of building codes, while an Innovative Housing enclave can divide their property into postage stamp sized lots and have different codes to allow them to develop differently.  This is a duel standard that really does not serve the citizens of Kirkland , and denies equitable treatment by our City’s government toward its own residents.

We need your help in voicing our objections.  The City of Kirkland Planning Department will be receiving a packet from Joan Lieberman-Brill in December, to proceed to work out the details of Innovative Housing. When the Planning Department completes the parameters, the plan will be presented to the City Council for final approval.

There seems to be a group of very determined City officials that appear to be predisposed to put a very positive spin on the concept of Innovative Housing. We need to HALT the possibility of Innovative Housing being approved, and preserve our traditional neighborhoods of Norkirk.

Your input is vitally needed.  Please state your objection now and send to:  

  • Joan Lieberman-Brill City of Kirkland 123 Fifth Avenue Kirkland, WA 98088

  • City of Kirkland Planning Department 123 Fifth Avenue Kirkland, WA 98033

  • Kirkland City Council 123 Fifth Avenue Kirkland, WA 98033

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05/15/2005