Council continues decision on Lot 5 waterfront rezone after extensive public comment

The Mukilteo City Council opened a public hearing on proposed updates to the comprehensive plan, focusing on a requested rezone of waterfront Lot 5 that would change the site’s designation to waterfront mixed use. Senior Planner Sarah Crest told the council the Planning Commission unanimously recommended the changes and stressed that rezoning would "open up the opportunity" for commercial and mixed uses but would not automatically remove park uses: "But should you choose to go forward with this rezone, it doesn't mean that the property has to be changed from a park." (Sarah Crest, senior planner).

Residents and frequent waterfront users packed public testimony on both sides of the question. Longtime Mukilteo resident and former council member Kevin Stoltz said the city appeared to have shifted away from the Downtown Waterfront Master Plan toward long‑term commercial development and questioned prior council compliance with a 2022 resolution; he told the council, "It is obvious this decision has already been made and public input is merely a procedural check mark and the City does not, that the City does not value." (Kevin Stoltz). Opponents urged preservation of a 1.2‑acre park and grassed open space; supporters said concentrated parking and tasteful cafes could increase daily waterfront use and reduce surface parking.

Council members questioned staff about developer interest and constraints. Community Development Director Galuska said the city received one response to its RFQ and would expect more detailed RFP materials if the council chooses to proceed. Council members also pressed on how shoreline code and the Shoreline Management Act would affect access and building height, and whether short‑term rentals would be allowed in mixed‑use structures.

After discussion the council closed the hearing and moved to continue the Lot 5 rezone item to a date certain so the full council could participate. Staff said they could be ready for the council’s next regular meeting on 2023‑10‑05 and clarified that public comment opportunities would be preserved at that meeting.