In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around a contentious housing development proposal in south Snohomish County, where community concerns about density and zoning were at the forefront. The proposal, which initially suggested 275 housing units, has been adjusted to a compromise of 180 units following feedback from local residents.

Residents expressed frustration over the developer's assertion that the surrounding area was zoned for multifamily housing, a designation that has remained unchanged for approximately 25 years. Many community members pointed out that the majority of the surrounding properties are single-family homes, raising questions about the appropriateness of the proposed density.

One resident highlighted the lack of multifamily developments in the area, noting that only a couple of nearby projects could be classified as such. This has led to calls for a reassessment of the zoning classification, as residents were unaware of the formal process required to request a change.

The council members acknowledged the community's concerns and suggested that further discussions could be beneficial. They emphasized the importance of careful consideration regarding the development, particularly given that the site is one of the last large parcels of land in the region with significant views.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the proposal would be revisited, with council members indicating a willingness to engage in further negotiations to address the community's apprehensions about the number of units and the overall impact on the neighborhood.