City of Kirkland News Release
Address: Contact: Department Phone: Web: July 1, 2007 123 Fifth Avenue, Kirkland, WA 98033 Jeremy McMahan, Planning & Community Development 425-587-3229 www.ci.kirkland.wa.us
Visioning Event Brings Fresh Perspectives for Kirkland’s Downtown Future
Community Conversation Set for July 16
Kirkland, WA –In a recent survey of downtown residents, community members and business and property owners, Kirkland’s downtown character was attributed to its scenic waterfront, diverse business market, and pedestrian-oriented features. The interviews were conducted as part of a re-examination of the City’s adopted 2001 Downtown Strategic Plan. To expand the visioning process, the Downtown Advisory Committee (DAC) is hosting a Community Conversation on July 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Kirkland Teen Union Building, 348 Kirkland Avenue. Participants will be asked to identify downtown’s important features and what qualities would make downtown better. To learn more about the Downtown Strategic Plan and to submit an on-line survey, go to http://www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/depart/planning.htm.
“The Community Conversation is a key part of the City’s effort to assess and update the 2001 Plan,” notes Jeff Trager, co-chair of the DAC and North Rosehill resident. “To keep the vision current, we need a broad range of perspectives of those who now work, live and visit our downtown.” The DAC is a City Council appointed advisory committee.
Results of the Community Conversation will be an integral part of a draft assessment of the downtown’s strengths, weaknesses and opportunities that will be shared with the City Council in the fall. Projects identified in the 2001 Plan that have been completed include Central Way traffic calming and the Downtown Parking Plan. Proposed projects
identified in the Plan include Lakeshore Plaza @ Marina Park and the Downtown Transit Center.
Due to zoning code amendments called for in the Plan, private development has occurred in downtown consistent with the current vision. Almost 20,000 square feet of retail space within mixed-use projects has been created, the Heathman Hotel is nearing completion and three recent condominium projects have brought an additional 350 housing units to downtown.
For more information, contact Jeremy McMahan, Planning and Community Development Department at 425-587-3229 or jmcmahan@ci.kirkland.wa.us