The Brief
- Sammamish is considering doubling its town center housing units from 2,000 to 4,000, sparking a community debate.
- Mayor Karen Howe supports the expansion, citing the need for affordable housing and community amenities.
- A $212,000 study on environmental and traffic impacts is underway, with a final vote expected in December.
SAMMAMISH, Wash. – The Mayor of Sammamish spoke to FOX 13 about a controversial housing development project that has turned into a heated debate in the quiet suburban Eastside community.
In mid-July, the majority of council members including Mayor Karen Howe approved a measure taking the project one step closer to potentially doubling their town center development in the heart of Sammamish. It could be the most consequential project in recent history transforming Sammamish.
From listening to council meetings and online comments from current residents there is a lot of opposition. Many say they are in favor of development but they are not in favor of doubling the original plan from around 2,000 housing units to 4,000 units. The units would be built in one area at the town center near 228th Ave.
Some residents are under the impression the 4,000 units is already a done deal. This comes after council’s approval to study the Action Alternative in the Supplemental Environment Impact Statement (EIS) that looks at doubling construction.…