Council approves cooperative agreement for construction of south Kirkland transit project

July 9, 2012

Summary

County, Polygon to partner on building transit center as part of mixed use complex

Story

The Metropolitan King County Council today gave its unanimous approval to legislation that will create a new transit garage and transit center on the current South Kirkland Park-and-Ride lot, part of a plan to build a transit-oriented development complex that will include living wage housing. Following completion of the new transit facilities, a net increase of 250 parking stalls will be available for transit commuters.

“I believe that this initiative provides an innovative and integrated gateway to Kirkland and South Bellevue. It also provides housing opportunities for those who work and live in the area and includes 58 affordable housing units,” said Council Vice Chair Jane Hague, who represents Kirkland and Bellevue on the County Council. “As congestion increases along the corridor this development creates a desirable alternative for the Eastside.”

“As a regular bus commuter, I understand the importance of convenient and accessible transit service,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson. “Transit Oriented Development projects like this encourage transit use and also help drive economic development.”

The two ordinances adopted by the Council approve the construction of a 532-stall commuter parking garage and transit center. The legislation also approves the appropriation of funds to assist with the construction of the transit facility and parking garage and authorizes leases for the property where the complex will be built with an option to purchase.

Construction of the project will be done by the developer, Kirkland Park & Ride, LLC, a partnership of Polygon Northwest and Imagine Housing. In a subsequent phase of the project the developer will build a mixed-use complex with space for retail business and over 230 units of housing including 58 units of affordable housing for households earning from 30% to 60% of the area median income.