County may OK more homes in Lynnwood
Published 10:54 pm Tuesday, November 27, 2007
LYNNWOOD — A vote might come as soon as today to lift a ban on housing developments near 164th Street and I-5 and that could lead to more traffic on the already clogged road.
If the Snohomish County Council approves lifting the ban, it also will pave the way for more dense developments west of I-5. That’s where officials hope future midrise apartments and condominiums will help meet population growth targets.
For the drivers on 164th Street, the decision will allow more traffic congestion.
Officials are proposing to ratchet up fees paid by developers to pay for programs that persuade people to get out of their cars and onto buses.
The County Council plans to meet north of Bothell this afternoon and this evening to hear concerns about the proposals. Up to 20,000 notices were mailed to surrounding residents telling them of two hearings.
The issue on the table is whether to dub 164th Street at “ultimate capacity.” It’s a technical term that accepts that more housing and traffic is expected but that the road will never be widened — widening is estimated to cost $100 million, mostly because of the I-5 overpass.
Builders would be required to improve sidewalk links to bus stops and push new residents to buy bus passes.
After months of planning and some discussion, County Council chairman Dave Gossett is leaning toward quick resolution.
“There’s a good chance we’ll take a vote,” Gossett said. “I think if we’re going to meet the requirements we have under growth management for population and try to have infill (development), we’re probably going to have to make a decision of ultimate capacity.”
An aggressive traffic management plan, better traffic signal coordination and higher developer fees would be needed, he said. The council might increase the per-home fee from $150 to $650.
County Councilman Dave Somers said he isn’t sure how he’ll vote.
“I’m quite torn about it, actually,” Somers said. “We are in a bit of a catch-22.”
More growth means more congestion, but urban areas have the most congestion — and that’s where the county wants the most growth, Somers said.
“If a decision is made for ultimate capacity, we need to have a really robust (traffic) demand management program and give people more options,” Somers said. “I’m not quite convinced we have a good program to offer people. I’m anxious to hear the testimony and ponder it. I might need to think about it more. I don’t want to rush in on this one.”
Reporter Jeff Switzer: 425-339-3452 or jswitzer@heraldnet.com.
Managing traffic
County experts are focusing on a handful of techniques to reduce future traffic jams on 164th Street near I-5, Mill Creek and Lynnwood.
Traffic signals: During periods of congestion, traffic engineers will change the signal by remote control, using traffic cameras.
Fewer driveways: Future businesses might be forced to share driveways on 164th Street or might only be allowed to put driveways on side streets.
Fewer cars: Developer fees could be raised from $150 to $650 per home to subsidize bus programs and other efforts to encourage people to alter their commute times.
Hearing today
People can tell the Snohomish County Council what they think about higher developer fees and a new designation for 164th Street SW/SE at two hearings starting at 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. today at Gold Creek Community Church, 4326 148th St SE., Bothell.
More information is at www.snoco.org by searching for “164th street.”
