Residents of Mukilteo voiced strong concerns during a recent city council meeting regarding the Harbor Grove development project, highlighting perceived failures in the planning department's oversight and decision-making processes. David Tyler, a retired city planner and local homeowner, criticized the planning department for allegedly favoring CPAC Homes, the project's developer, at the expense of community interests. He claimed that the department's actions led to a lawsuit against the city, which it lost, and accused city planners of providing misleading testimony during land use proceedings.

Tyler pointed out that a last-minute change to ordinance number 1494 allowed CPAC Homes to begin construction while the project was under appeal, a move he described as deceptive and harmful to neighboring property owners. He urged the council to improve oversight of the planning department, repeal the controversial ordinance, and drop the appeal against local residents.

Another resident, Eric Volksdorf, echoed Tyler's sentiments, emphasizing the lack of transparency and accountability from city staff. He noted that the removal of language requiring a stay on projects under appeal undermined the authority of the city council and violated local code. Volksdorf called for decisive action against those responsible for what he termed \"subterfuge,\" which he argued has cost taxpayers significantly and left the community with an unfinished development.

The discussions reflect growing frustration among Mukilteo residents regarding the planning department's handling of the Harbor Grove project, raising questions about governance and the balance between development and community interests.