I support growth that is planned, sustainable, and financially accountable, not rushed or politically driven.
Here’s what responsible growth looks like to me:
In 1990, I co-chaired Washington State Initiative 547, a citizens’ initiative for growth management. Development was leap-frogging over urbanized areas into farmland and forests where land was less expensive. With the pressure of Initiative 547, the Washington State Legislature adopted the Growth Management Act (GMA), creating an Urban Growth Boundary and establishing policies to manage growth.
In my view, the most important statements in the GMA are that infrastructure must be planned to be built within six years of development, and the statement reinforcing that local governments retain local control.
Sammamish has an obligation to plan realistically for future development that includes roads, sewers, water, parks and schools. Today many of our roads are still rural and about 40% of our homes are still on septic systems. To continue to promote urban density is irresponsible without including the investments needed for related infrastructure. Without taking steps to ensure developers pay for their share of infrastructure, our future residents will be left with an enormous bill.
All across our region, communities are being pushed to accept high density development in the name of affordable housing. Sammamish is no exception, but the criteria for such development is not being met. Why? Because the regional policy is for density to be located near mass transit and employment opportunities, two criteria that Sammamish clearly lacks. One size does not fit all!
In an attempt to help meet transportation needs in the Town Center, Sammamish has designated $6 million to share the cost of one small stretch of road, and there are many more roads to be built for the future development. Will taxpayers be asked to pay for those too? I don’t support using taxpayer funds to cover infrastructure costs that should be funded by developers.
Besides the infrastructure impacts, the environmental impacts of the Town Center are unclear based on current plans. In fact, some environmental requirements are being offered as bonus opportunities instead of actual requirements. The ultimate impact of the Town Center on our environment needs clarity and predictability. It should not be treated as a bonus opportunity for the developer.
And funds were diverted to the Town Center from their original designation to buy open space. This $4.3 million should be restored to protect Kokanee salmon, purchase sensitive areas, or other goals identified by our Parks Commission.
Responsible growth means building a future that fits Sammamish—protecting our natural beauty and addressing roads, stormwater, emergency services and schools as we grow. Growth should enhance our community, not overwhelm it. I will always put residents before developers.
I consider this election to be a referendum on growth and our future. Who do you want to manage the future growth of the City? A City Council that has spent all our resources on the Town Center? There are over 60,000 residents in the rest of Sammamish. Let’s create a government that represents everyone, not just the few.