It’s hard to believe our summer flew by so quickly and we are entering fall. We hoped to reopen for in-person services in early September, but have now delayed a full reopening as Delta cases surge across the region. If virtual services are difficult for you, don’t hesitate to request a small in-person appointment with staff Council meetings will remain virtual until further notice. Staff has upgraded equipment in the Council Chamber in preparation for hybrid meetings and will continue testing the new system to be ready when we are able to safely welcome the public into City Hall.
In response to the Governor’s mandatory vaccination proclamation, Bothell Firefighters will be required to show proof of vaccination by October 18, 2021. We have been bargaining the impacts of this mandatory requirement with our Fire union as required. As new federal requirements for vaccinations were just announced, we continue to work with our labor partners, state Labor and Industries, and both county health departments to adjust our policies where needed.
Despite ever changing public health conditions, we have made exciting progress on several large projects in the last few months. In July, City Council adopted a Multi-Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) program, which encourages private developers to incorporate affordable housing into their units in exchange for tax exemptions.
In another huge step for affordable housing, the City just closed the sale of Lot A, a prominent development site that is part of our downtown redevelopment plan. Imagine Housing purchased the 38,856 square foot acre property located at NE 180th Street between SR 522 and the Sammamish River. Construction will start soon on a five story affordable senior housing building with 76 studio apartment homes, with offices and community space on the ground floor. It is located near a bus route, next to the park, and walking distance to downtown Bothell. Estimated completion date is Summer 2023.
Perhaps the most exciting news is that we have sold Block D, a large gateway property located in the southwest corner of our Downtown. at the intersection of SR 522 and Bothell Way NE. Trammell Crow Residential will soon begin construction of a mixed-use building featuring 369 apartment homes and 9,800 square feet of ground floor retail space. The City received multiple offers for the 2.6-acre property, with Trammell Crow submitting the winning bid of $12.75 million dollars.
These projects have been in the works for several years, so we thank you for your patience and trust as we continue marching along to implement the Downtown plan.
Stay safe and have a Happy Fall Season!
Erin Leonhart, Intermin City Manager