REDMOND, Wash. — Residents in Redmond said they're concerned about a new housing project passed by city council, which is the same plan that the city of Kenmore recently rejected.
"I am interested in getting people off the street, but I don't want to throw money at it and have it not be useful," said Penny Nicholls, the owner of Penny Nicholls Salon.
Her salon is located across the street from a new Plymouth Housing project. A five-story, 100-unit building that will provide housing and stability for people transferring out of homelessness. In particular, it will serve people with disabilities.
"They want to get the public involved, but they let the public know when it's already decided,” said Nicholls. “We've seen that through many city projects throughout my lifetime."
Nicholls said she is frustrated with the city's decision, along with several others who were at the special meeting on Tuesday night where city council voted 5-1 in favor of transferring land to Plymouth Housing. There was no public comment at the meeting.
However, Redmond Mayor Angela Birney said there will be more opportunities for public input, as this project progresses.
"We'll also reach out to the businesses and individuals around there as well to give some feedback on the 'Good Neighbor' agreement they're required to have," said Birney.
She said the city is investing about $3 million into this project and believes it will make Redmond better.
"It was a great way for us to get this hard to get housing zero to 30 percent area meeting income housing within our community on a space we had already designated for affordable housing in our city," said Birney.
In a statement released by the City of Redmond, Karen Lee, the CEO of Plymouth Housing expressed gratitude for the partnership with Redmond.
The statement also included words from Gov. Jay Inslee, who said nearly every community in Washington is facing a housing or homelessness crisis.
"The only way forward is for every city to lean in together in providing housing and services," Inslee said, adding that Redmond is "setting a great example."
The city does not have a timeline of when the space will open.