Lynnwood to encourage multi-story development around EdCC

Published 1:30 am Saturday, July 30, 2016

LYNNWOOD — The neighborhood around Edmonds Community College could see growth in the coming years, in both population and building heights.

The Lynnwood City Council in September is expected to review proposed changes to zoning that would encourage the arrival of more multi-story buildings in the area around EdCC.

Under the current rules, there are different guidelines for properties in the immediate vicinity of the campus and for the larger neighborhood around it. In the smaller area, called the College District Mixed Use Zone, development already is allowed that combines first-floor retail or offices with upper-floor apartments.

The idea is to expand that zone toward 196th Street SW and 64th Avenue W., city senior planner Gloria Rivera said. That part of Lynnwood could benefit from having more restaurants and stores within walking distance, she said.

“People could be in their houses, especially to the north, and say, ‘Let’s go get a bite to eat,’” she said.

Lynnwood is expected to experience intense population growth over the next decade.

“This could be an area that could absorb some of that without infringing on single-family neighborhoods,” Rivera said.

The proposed changes also could create more student-friendly housing in the College District, she said.

“The college keeps growing and needs room for students,” she said. “One of the reasons we’re doing it is students could live close to campus and not have a car.”

On July 14, the planning commission made a recommendation in favor of the proposal. The City Council will take up the issue after its August holiday.

A public hearing is expected before a council vote.

Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com