Town Center Visioning Process - Completed 6/6/2016

Overview

Note: On June 6, 2016, the City Council concluded this multi-year project with passage of a new 20-year vision and updated development code for Town Center. Read the full ordinance (with maps, graphics).
Read the summary press release.

The 2014-16 Town Center Code Update process was a citizen based, multi-stakeholder visioning exercise tasked with helping determine the desired future look and feel for the Town Center area (see map) for the next 20 years, by setting rules for things like building heights, public spaces, retail and residential uses, and streetscapes.

The City Manager and City Council thank participants for the hard work and dedication they put into this process; this effort and creativity served to make the outcome the very best possible for all residents.   

Comment Here

The comment period has ended.

What's Happening Now

With passage of the new Town Center Code (June 6, 2016), work on this project has concluded.

Read the final Recommendations (May 2016) of the Joint Commission to the City Council on the Supporting Documents Page

Recent History

The City Council discussed the Town Center Vision and Code Updates at its May 16 and June 6, 2016, meetings, and held a Special Meeting solely for public testimony on May 9, 2016.
View all available video footage here.

Public Hearings were also scheduled from 6:30-9:00pm on:

• January 20, 2016 at West Mercer Elementary
• March 9, 2016 at West Mercer Elementary
• March 30, 2016 at Lakeridge Elementary

The Planning and Design Commissions (known as the "Joint Commission") began meeting in October 2015 to recommend actual Town Center development code language and directly-related updates to the City's Comprehensive Plan. All meeting notes and materials are posted on the Meeting Agendas and Notes webpage.

The Joint Commission completed its work by late April 2016 (see workplan); there were many, diverse opportunities for public input.  The City Council received monthly updates on the Joint Commission proceedings, and frequent updates were also posted on this webpage.
Click here for a Joint Commission membership roster.

Get Involved

Click here for a history of meeting announcements, official meeting notes and materials, public comment opportunities, and a summary of public comments.

Additional Resources

Supporting Documents
Click here for all new Town Center Visioning documents.

Background and History
Read more about the 1994 Town Center Visioning process, the guidance within the State Growth Management Act, and the Town Center Development Moratorium currently in place.

Staff Contact and Questions:
Alison Van Gorp
Administrative Services Manager
Development Services Group
9611 SE 36th Street
Mercer Island, WA 98040-3732
PH: (206) 275-7733
alison.vangorp@mercergov.org