In the heart of Sammamish City Hall, a spirited discussion unfolded during the Planning Commission meeting on July 17, 2025, as community members voiced their concerns about the city’s future development plans. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of hope and skepticism, particularly surrounding the proposed expansion of parks and open spaces.

One resident raised a critical point regarding the draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS), highlighting a discrepancy that caught the attention of many. While the agenda promised an increase in parks, the draft revealed a reduction of four acres in public park space, a 10% decrease. In contrast, private open space—defined as decks, balconies, and interior areas—had increased by the same amount. This led to questions about whether the plan truly met community expectations for accessible green spaces.

Affordable housing was another hot topic, with residents expressing frustration over the lack of substantial changes in the proposed code. The current requirement stands at 10% mandatory affordable housing at the 80% income level, a figure that many believe falls short of the city’s pressing needs. “How can we talk about affordable housing and not include more robust measures?” one resident questioned, urging the commission to reconsider the existing framework.

As the meeting progressed, another voice emerged, calling for a delay in the discussion until August. Jennifer Kim emphasized the need for more public input, arguing that the recent council vote had left little time for community engagement. Her plea resonated with those present, reflecting a broader desire for transparency and collaboration in the planning process.

The meeting concluded with a sense of urgency, as residents left with lingering questions about the future of Sammamish. With critical decisions on parks, housing, and community involvement hanging in the balance, the next steps taken by the Planning Commission will be pivotal in shaping the city’s landscape. As the community awaits further discussions, the call for a more inclusive and thoughtful approach to development remains clear.