2017-01-25 Planning Board MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
January 25, 2017
Chair Rubenkonig called the meeting of the Edmonds Planning Board to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Public
Safety Complex, 250 — 5 h Avenue North.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Carreen Rubenkonig, Chair
Nathan Monroe, Vice Chair
Matthew Cheung
Todd Cloutier
Alicia Crank
Phil Lovell
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
Daniel Robles (excused)
Malia Clark, Student Representative (excused)
READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
STAFF PRESENT
Rob Chave, Planning Division Manager
Jerry Bevington, Video Recorder
Karin Noyes, Recorder
BOARD MEMBER LOVELL MOVED THAT THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 11, 2017 BE APPROVED AS
SUBMITTED. VICE CHAIR MONROE SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA
The agenda was revised to place New Business (Item 8) before Unfinished Business (Item 7). The remainder of the agenda
was accepted as presented.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS
No one in the audience indicated a desire to comment during this portion of the meeting.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR REPORT TO PLANNING BOARD
Chair Rubenkonig referred the Board to the written report that was provided by the Development Services Director. Board
Member Lovell requested more information about the Economic Development Commission's (EDC) recent action to form a
Five -Corner Subgroup. Vice Chair Monroe, the Planning Board's liaison to the EDC, said the EDC discussed that the
subgroup could meet with developers and existing property owners to discuss the ideal configuration for Five Corners. There
was no indication about how and when the subgroup would share its findings with the Planning Board and/or City Council.
Chair Rubenkonig asked if any of the Board Members attended the recent presentation from Western Washington University
students about restoration and other issues for the Edmonds Marsh area as part of the 2016-2017 Sustainable Cities
Partnership. None of the Board Members indicated that they attended the event.
SOUND TRANSIT PRESENTATION ON ST3 (WITH EMPHASIS ON THE EDMONDS AREA)
Kathy Leotta, Sound Transit, Senior Transportation Planner, said she was present to provide an overview of the projects
that will be implemented over the next few decades, including those in Snohomish County and Edmonds. She reviewed that,
last year, the region grew by an average of 1,000 new residents every week, and another 800,000 people are expected to
move to Puget Sound by 2040. Congestion in the region's freeways increased over 95% from 2010 to 2015. As a result of
increased traffic, the average commuter in the Seattle area traveling during peak hours experienced 63 hours of traffic delay
in 2014.
Ms. Leotta advised that the Sound Transit District falls within the congested urban areas of Snohomish, Pierce and King
Counties. It includes 53 cities and more than 3 million people. Sound transit provides a variety of transportation alternatives,
including link light rail, expanded regional express bus service, and Sounder commuter rail service. Ridership has been
continually growing each year as they have opened new extensions and lines of service. Ridership is about 154,000 people
on an average week day, and they expect to see 47 million annual riders this year.
Ms. Leotta reminded the Board that ST3 was recently approved by voters. As proposed, the ST3 Plan will add a total of 62
new miles of light rail with stations serving 37 additional areas for a system reaching 116 miles throughout the region.
Adopted projects also include Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) on I-405 and SR 522; investments to expand capacity of the Sounder
South rail line, Sound Transit express bus service, increased parking and other investments to improve access to stations for
bicyclists, pedestrians, drivers and pick-up and drop-off services. Sound Transit is working to develop an implementation
plan to present to the Board of Directors for final adoption in the spring. The goal is to complete the projects as soon as
possible. To facilitate project delivery, they will need help from local governments to speed up permitting, right-of-way
acquisition, etc.
Ms. Leotta reported that, last year, three important new stations opened: University of Washington, Capitol Hill and Angle
Lake (south of SeaTac Airport). The plan is to extend the University of Washington link further north to Northgate by 2021,
with three new lines opening in 2023. The Lynnwood line will connect the Lynnwood Transit Center to Northgate, and the
Eastlake Line will connect downtown Seattle to Mercer Island, Bellevue, Overlake and Redmond. The Tacoma link will
expand to connect to the Hill Top facility.
Michelle Ginder, Sound Transit, Light Rail Development Manager for the Lynnwood Link, explained that the
Lynnwood link will best serve Edmonds residents. It includes an 8.5-mile extension from Northgate to the Lynnwood
Transit Center, running primarily along the east side of I-5 to the Mountlake Terrace Transit Center and then crossing over to
the west side to get to the Lynnwood Transit Center. In addition to the two transit centers, stations are planned at 145th and
185th Streets in Shoreline. The project also calls for additional parking along the corridor, with approximately 500 more
spaces each added at the Lynnwood, 145th and 185th Street Stations. Planning for the project started in 2010 and the
environmental review process and preliminary engineering work have already been completed. Preliminary design work
started in April of 2016, and the project is now at 30% design completion. They are hoping to reach 100% design towards
the end of 2018, and construction is expected to start shortly thereafter. It is anticipated that construction will take about five
years to complete and the project will open sometime in 2023. She summarized that, during peak travel times, there will be a
train every four minutes, and it will take 28 minutes to get from Lynnwood to downtown Seattle. They are expecting about
74,000 riders each weekday by 2035.
Ms. Ginder shared conceptual designs for the Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood Stations, noting that the Mountlake Terrace
station will be right at the existing transit center on 236th Street, just east of I-5. Currently, the site is developed with a bus
station and a large parking garage. The new station will be elevated to straddle 236th Street, and no additional parking is
planned at this time. Sound Transit is working with Community Transit to integrate the services. The Lynnwood Transit
Center is large now, with about 1,400 parking spaces. The proposed station would be elevated, and parking would be
consolidated into a garage.
Ms. Leotta said another major project for Snohomish County is the light rail line from the Lynnwood Transit Center to
Everett by way of Paine Field and the Southwest Everett Industrial Center and from the Lynnwood Transit Center to 1-405
and points further south. In addition, ST3 calls for a study of a potential light rail extension to North Everett. She reviewed
what citizens can expect to occur year to year as follows:
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January 25, 2017 Page 2
• In 2024, a light rail extension line will open from the Overlake Transit Center to downtown Redmond, and another
from the Angle Lake Station south to the Federal Way Transit Center.
• Two more light rail lines will open in 2030. One will connect West Seattle to downtown Seattle, and another will
connect the Federal Way Transit Center to the Tacoma Dome.
• Three infill station will be added to existing lines at South Graham Street in the Rainier Valley, the Boeing Access
Road, and NE 130th Street on the North Seattle line.
• In 2035, it is anticipated that the Ballard to downtown Seattle route will include a new subway through downtown.
• Light rail service from Lynnwood to Everett is anticipated in 2036. And light rail service to Kirkland and Issaquah is
anticipated in 2041.
In addition to the projects listed above, Ms. Leotta advised that ST3 also includes plans to improve access to stations with
expanded parking and improved walking and bicycle routes and bus connections. $40 million has been earmarked for
parking improvements at the Edmonds and Mukilteo stations. These projects are expected to go out for procurement by the
end of the year. At that point, Sound Transit will work with the local jurisdictions to identify a location and design.
Ms. Leotta said that, as ridership increases, it will be important for customers to access systems by means other than driving.
Sound Transit is working with King County Metro, Community Transit and others in an effort to integrate light rail service
with other modes of transit. Alternate modes of transportation will be a key focus in the future station plans. She explained
that not only does Sound Transit have a funding mechanism for existing and planned new projects, they also partner with
jurisdictions and provide some funding to help improve non -motorized access to and from the stations.
Ms. Leotta advised that Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is very important to the Sound Transit Board Members, and
new legislation actually requires Sound Transit to make the majority of its surplus land available for affordable housing. The
agency cannot purchase property for TOD, but oftentimes, Sound Transit must acquire property for construction staging and
it is surplus when the project is finished. The law requires that the majority of the surplus property be made available for
potential affordable housing opportunities.
Board Member Lovell asked if Ms. Leotta or Ms. Ginder have any idea when Sound Transit will make a decision relative to
the potential 220th Street Station. Ms. Leotta answered that, at this time, there is no funding for a station in this location. Ms.
Ginder added that the station could be included as part of a future ballot measure, and it will remain as a potential site on the
plan in case there is money left over from ST3. She explained that Sound Transit will purchase the property for use as a
staging area for the Lynnwood link construction. At the request of Chair Rubenkonig, Ms. Ginder explained that the Sound
Transit will acquire the southwest corner of 2201h Street for construction staging. At this time, the property is owned by the
Edmonds School District.
Board Member Lovell commented that there is currently a BRT median at the Mountlake Terrace Transit Facility. He asked
if Sound Transit has considered how this facility would be used when the light rail line is in place and it is no longer needed.
Ms. Ginder answered that there is still intent to continue using the facility for bus service, and King County Metro and
Community Transit are discussing different ideas for alternative types of service that might be able to utilize the existing
facility.
Board Member Lovell asked if Sound Transit has any idea where the parking facility in Edmonds might be located. Ms.
Leotta answered that no location has been selected yet. As Sound Transit goes through its environmental design study, they
will consider potential option. Board Member Lovell asked if there is a rough target as to the number of cars the parking
facility will accommodate. Ms. Leotta answered that no decision has been made as to whether the parking facility will be
structured or surface parking, but Sound Transit anticipates that several hundred parking spaces would be provided.
Board Member Crank asked if there has been any discussion about acquiring land in Edmonds for TOD purposes. Ms. Leotta
explained that Sound Transit is not legally allowed to acquire land for TOD, but they can acquire land for construction
staging. When the project is done, the property can be turned over and/or sold at a discount for affordable housing.
Board Member Crank said she was surprised that the Sounder Train did not provide additional service to transport people to
and from the Mariner and Seahawk games. Ms. Ginder said there was special service to and from weekend Seahawk games,
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January 25, 2017 Page 3
as well as other special events. However, Sound Transit does not have any plans in placc to increase the frequency of the
trains on a regular basis.
Board Member Cheung referred to the graphic illustration of the transit times from the Lynnwood Transit Station to various
other locations. He said he has used the train to get from Westlake Center to SeaTac Airport, and it took him roughly an hour
because of the frequent stops. He questioned if it would really be possible to get from the Lynnwood Transit Center all the
way to the airport in an hour. Mr. Chave said he frequently uses the train from Westlake to the airport, and it typically takes
him about a half hour. Ms. Leotta explained that, in the future, there will not be any busses in the downtown tunnel, and this
should improve transit times.
Vice Chair Monroe asked for more information about the timeline for the new Sounder Station in Edmonds. He also asked if
the At -Grade Crossing Study was coordinated with the new station project. Board Member Lovell said his understanding is
that the crossing proposal, as endorsed by the City Council, is independent of Sound Transit's plan for a new station. As
currently proposed, the crossing would not impact the planned station or parking facility because it would be located
considerably further north.
Chair Rubenkonig asked if Sound Transit has identified potential sites for the new station in Edmonds. She recalled that,
years ago, there were plans for a multimodal station near Marina Beach. Ms. Leotta said Sound Transit has not identified any
potential sites yet. She reviewed that when the ST2 Plan was adopted, the Washington State Department of Transportation
(WSDOT) was planning to relocate the ferry terminal, and the ST2 Plan included funding to move the Sounder station to the
same general area as the relocated ferry terminal. The ferry project was subsequently postponed and Sound Transit had to go
through a process of determining how to deliver as much of the ST2 program as possible given the impact of the recession.
The project to relocate the station was removed from the program because WSDOT was no longer moving forward with their
project. If WSDOT decides at some future point to relocate the ferry terminal, there may be an opportunity to move the
Sounder station consistent with it. The current station project identified in ST3 assumes that both the ferry and the Sounder
station will stay in their current locations.
Vice Chair Monroe asked if the $40 million earmarked for parking facilities in Edmonds and Mukilteo would be split equally
between the two projects, and Ms. Leotta answered that it is likely that the projects would be equitable and implemented at
the same time.
Vice Chair Monroe asked when Sound Transit would make a decision on whether to sell or hold the 220th Street property.
Ms. Ginder said this decision would not be made until the Lynnwood link has been completed. At this time, it is too early to
say what will happen to the property. Vice Chair Monroe expressed concern that the decision relative to 2201h Street should
be made sooner rather than later. Board Member Lovell summarized that the right-of-way would be acquired for the track
and the construction staging area. It could be decided at the completion of the track that a portion of the property should be
retained for an additional station area to serve the medical district. The rest would be surplussed. He noted that the site is
quite large.
Board Member Lovell encouraged Board Members to visit Sound Transit's website where they can view a marvelous video
that provides an aerial view of riding the train from Mountlake Terrace to Lynnwood. The video gives an idea of the route
and how the trains will enter the Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood Transit Centers.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND PLANNING BOARD RETREAT
Chair Rubenkonig recalled that the Board has discussed the concept of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) as an allowed use
in the residential zones. The topic was initially raised as a concept to consider when addressing affordable housing options as
a way for citizens to "age in place." The idea was that existing homeowners could construct ADUs to provide extra income
that allows them to remain in their current homes or in the ADU as they age.
Board Member Cheung said his understanding is that the current code allows attached ADUs, but not detached ADUs. He
said he would like to know the process for moving forward with code amendments that would allow both detached and
attached ADUs in single-family zones. It would be helpful to hear from the public about whether or not they would support
the concept.
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Board Member Lovell commented that if detached and attached ADUs are allowed or even encouraged in single-family
zones as an option for affordable housing, it would be appropriate and necessary to have provisions in place to address
parking requirements, setback requirements, etc.
The Board discussed possible dates for a retreat and agreed it would be helpful to have it sometime in early spring. They also
discussed potential topics for the agenda:
• Chair Rubenkonig agreed to review the minutes from the 2016 retreat and identify discussions items that need to be
revisited by the Board.
• Board Member Lovell recalled that, in the past, the Board has invited the City's legal counsel to provide an update
on ethics and/or public meeting procedures.
• Given the Board's future focus on affordable housing, Board Member Lovell suggested it might be helpful to invite
developers of for -profit and non-profit affordable housing to share insight on what needs to happen in order for them
to look more favorably at developing a project in Edmonds. Chair Rubenkonig said it would also be helpful for
them to share examples of projects that have been completed.
• Board Member Cheung said it could also be insightful to invite commercial developers to share their thoughts on
why they would or would not choose to develop in Edmonds. He noted that there are quite a few commercial
properties in Edmonds that are ripe for redevelopment, and it would be helpful to have information about potential
changes that would make the properties more attractive to developers.
REVIEW OF EXTENDED AGENDA
Chair Rubenkonig reported that she had a brief discussion with the Development Services Director regarding the Board's
extended agenda and learned that much of their work in 2017 will involve development code work, including potential
amendments to the sign code, Shoreline Management Program, Critical Area Ordinance and Highway 99 Subarea Plan. The
Board will also return to their work on the Edmonds Housing Strategy based on the findings of a housing specialist
consultant.
Mr. Chave clarified that it is not likely that the Shoreline Management Program will come back before the Board in 2017. He
reminded them that they previously forwarded their recommendation to the City Council. He also noted that the Board has
completed its work on the Highway 99 Subarea Plan and a recommendation was forwarded to the City Council. Additional
Planning Board work relative to Highway 99 will be the code amendments needed to implement the subarea plan once it is
adopted by the City Council.
Chair Rubenkonig reviewed that, following the staff presentation on January I Vh, the Board is now familiar with the Five
Corners Planning Study of 2011. Under Director Shane Hope's purview, the feasibility of the plan will be reviewed with a
consultant before any further action is taken by the Planning Board. The Board may want to consider another topic to review
in a joint meeting with the Architectural Design Board (ADB).
Mr. Chave explained that, at the recent City Council retreat, Ms. Hope advised that it would be wise to do a feasibility study
of the Five Corners area before proceeding with implementation of the University of Washington study. The intent of the
study is to take a step back and study the feasibility of a range of options that might be appropriate for Five Corners. The
City Council agreed that this work should be done as a precursor to diving into the Five Corners Subarea Plan and
implementing zoning. The first step to move the plan forward is to hire a consultant to do the feasibility study. However, the
work will not likely be done before the Board's retreat in early spring.
Board Member Crank noted that, over the course of several meetings, there have been discussions about the potential of
having joint meetings with the City Council, Architectural Design Board and Economic Development Commission. She
asked when these joint meetings would be reflected on the extended agenda. Chair Rubenkonig explained that it is typical
for the Board's extended agenda to be skeletal at the beginning of the year. However, meeting agenda are quickly filled in
after the City Council's retreat when the priorities become more clear. Mr. Chave suggested that Chair Rubenkonig and
Vice Chair Monroe could discuss the possibility of meeting jointly with the City Council when they meet next with Mayor
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January 25, 2017 Page 5
Earling. Board Member Crank suggested that joint meetings be added to the list of pending agenda items so that the concept
is not lost as the year progresses.
Vice Chair Monroe observed that the recurring topics have been listed for several years, yet none of the items have been on
the agenda while he has served on the Board. Mr. Chave answered that the Board does receive periodic updates from the
Parks and Recreation Department, and staff typically provides an update on Adult Entertainment every other year.
PLANNING BOARD CHAIR COMMENTS
Chair Rubenkonig did not provide any additional comments.
PLANNING BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
Board Member Crank announced that she was recently contacted by Francis Chapin, Cultural Services Manager, with a
request that she serve on the Advisory Group for the Economic Impact of Arts and Culture Study. A Request for
Qualifications was sent out in December, and the group would be responsible for reviewing the proposals, meeting with
consultants, and making a recommendation to the City Council. She agreed to participate as a representative of both the
Planning Board and the Chamber.
ADJOURNMENT
The Board meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
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