Development News for Kirkland, Washington

Kirkland Council Approves Purchase of Former LDS Church Property for $10 Million

The City Council is considering authorizing staff to purchase the former LDS church property located at 13220 Northeast 132nd Street for $10 million. The property is 3.28 acres with a 15,000+ sq ft building constructed in 1989, zoned RMA 3.6. The site aligns with PROS plan equity goals and offers flexible spaces for recreational programming. The city's offer was accepted after a competitive bidding process involving 10 offers. The proposed funding strategy includes a $15 million bond issuance, impact fees, and reprioritized street preservation funds. The purchase and sale agreement has proposed revisions regarding confidentiality and use restrictions, which are conditions for the city's execution. The council amended the resolution to correct a fund reference, designate the property's zoning as parkland, and clarify use restriction conditions. The next steps include finalizing the agreement, a 60-day feasibility period, and then closing, with Parks and Community Services developing utilization strategies.

Patrick Ledoux Sworn In as Kirkland's New Fire Chief

Patrick Ledoux was sworn in as the new Fire Chief for the City of Kirkland. He brings 30 years of experience serving the region and has held positions such as Deputy Chief and chair of Zone 1 Operations Chief. He is known for his collaborative leadership style, operational expertise, and commitment to accountability and transparency. Chief Ledoux thanked his family, mentors, and colleagues, and acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing Fire Chief Joe Sanford. Chief Sanford is retiring after over four decades of service, including 10 years as Fire Chief, during which he led the department through the COVID pandemic and successfully delivered projects from Fire Proposition 1 on time and under budget.

Kirkland Proclaims June 2026 as Youth Council Month, Celebrating 30th Anniversary

The City of Kirkland proclaimed June 2026 as Youth Council Month, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Kirkland Youth Council (KYC), founded in 1996. The KYC serves as an official youth sounding board for the city and regional partners, providing input on local projects and plans. The council has 40 members and is governed by a peer-elected leadership team. The KYC has engaged in community service, restorative justice through teen traffic court, managed mini-grant reviews, and produced media content. They also provide guidance on life transitions like college planning and financial literacy. The proclamation recognizes the KYC's role in civic engagement and their legacy of youth leadership.

Kirkland Council Approves Central Way Bike Lane Improvements, Opts for Expanded Path Design

The City Council directed staff to move forward with the Central Way bike lane improvements project, opting for Alternative Two, which includes a raised bike lane on an expanded path. This project received a $1.5 million grant from the Transportation Improvement Board (TIB). The recommended alternative involves a six-foot bike lane and an eight-foot sidewalk, with a total budget of $3.98 million ($1.1 million park share, $2.9 million transportation share). Funding will come from the transportation benefit district contingency, repurposed funds from a street preservation project, and potentially delayed CIP projects. The project aims to improve safety, accessibility, and user experience, with staff emphasizing cost-effectiveness despite the complexity of retaining walls, slope stabilization, and landscaping. The decision also involves the park's share of improvements, including fence replacement and potential seating.