KENMORE, Wash. — Kenmore City Council held a special meeting Thursday night regarding a proposed affordable housing complex. A majority of people who spoke are against the measure, but a handful of people asked council to pass the ordinance.
People who live in Kenmore expressed their opinions to city council members for more than two hours on Jan. 18.
The council voted against the development agreement on Thursday night and will bring back an ordinance to vote to deny the development agreement at next week's regularly scheduled council meeting, according to the city.
Plymouth Housing plans show a six-story complex with an estimated 100 units in downtown Kenmore, blocks from City Hall.
It would be for people living at 30% of the area median income or below and house homeless seniors, veterans, and those with disabilities.
Thursday’s meeting was packed with people who live in the area with overwhelming opposition. One sticking point is the location of the proposed housing which people said will impact nearby businesses.
Those in support, such as a fellow veteran, said they know the struggles of those who need to live there.
Some residents expressed frustration after council members voted down the ordinance in December in a 6-to-1 vote during a meeting that lasted until 3 a.m.
Kenmore City Council members are considering possible modifications which include only allowing seniors to live there. Another option is to create a community engagement board where the makeup includes a liaison from Plymouth, Kenmore Police and regional crisis agency, three residents and at least two business owners.
Another consideration is a "good neighbor agreement" that would address operations, safety, and communication related to the development.
Council members have until February to make a final decision due to Plymouth Housing having to be in a contract by May to use awarded funds from the National Housing Trust Fund Program.