Rezone clears way for giant, Costco-anchored development in Lynnwood
LYNNWOOD, Wash. - The City Council's recent approval of a rezone at the former site of Lynnwood High School means the city could soon have an Alderwood Mall-sized development on its hands.
"The magnitude and diversity of this project is fairly significant," said Loren Simmonds, City Council president. "It's equivalent to the size of Alderwood Mall but more complicated with combination of retail and apartments."
Simmonds said the rezone allows for residential and retail development of the 40 acre plot that currently sits vacant across from the Mall.
The Edmonds School District, which owns the land, has a contract with developer Cypress Equities to lease the property and design a mixed-use development, known as Lynnwood Place, which includes plans for a Costco.
The recent vote by the council makes way for the district, the developer and the city to work on finalizing a development agreement for the project.
The footprint for Lynnwood Place totals nearly 1 million square feet. The Alderwood Mall sits at 1.2 million square feet.
Simmonds said city planners and Cypress Equities will spend the next few months hammering out the nuts and bolts of the project, looking at traffic mitigation, the use of open space and the kinds of materials that will be used.
Once a development agreement has been drafted, the city will hold at least two public meetings for residents to comment on the design plans. Due to the size of the development, Simmonds does not believe that will happen until the summer.
I'm surprised Costco would build one that close to their Aurora Village store. Granted they have their Federal Way, Tacoma, and Fife fairly close, but Fife is a business center and not really a regular store.
love how easy it is to something rezoned if your are a giant company.
Why?
@Chad Richmond Because Lynnwood has never turned away from urban blight.
@Chad RichmondÂ
Why not?
Oh joy, more traffic jams in that area. Lynnwood is the armpit of Snohomish County.
@Hagar true to the traffic. As far as Lynwood being the armpit of snoho county...really? So that leaves Everett and Marysville vying for the other armpit or butt crack?
@16biffle16Â There are 15 traffic lights from the top of the Edmonds hill on 196, across Lynnwood to the last one at 24th Ave West. You are guaranteed to hit a minimum of six of them red. Why? Red light cameras! Those are Lynnwood's biggest revenue source.Â
I have BEGGED them to synchronize the lights and have been refused every time. It's a cash cow for them. I can just see how much worse it will be for commuters when they build the Costco. But rest assured, Lynnwood will be delighted with the surge of revenue from the RLC's.
@16biffle16 @Hagar It takes forever for a heavy truck and trailer to drive across Lynwood. Much longer than Everett and Marysville. And weekends? Hah!