There were more questions than answers at Tuesday’s meeting of the Urban Village Development Commission regarding Swedish Hospital’s proposed expansion.
There are no critical areas on the site, but according to the city’s land development manager, Lucy Sloman, a new SEPA (state environmental policy act) checklist will be required.
Swedish has to come up with a storm water plan and an environmental review needs to be completed before the development agreement is done.
Water and sewer improvements are the responsibility of Swedish, and storm water collection would have to meet city requirements, said Keith Niven, the city’s economic development director.
Niven said if Swedish’s storm water goes into the Lower Reid Infiltration Gallery (LRIG) it would be the city’s responsibility, however if it goes into a whirlpool, Swedish is responsible.
Maximum height of buildings is consistent with the rest of the Issaquah Highlands at 85-feet, with the exception of a few blocks subject to a maximum elevation of 515-feet above sea level.
The question of visibility from I-90 was raised by commission member Chantal Stevens, along with bright lighting which was raised by former city council member David Kappler during public comment. Height exceptions could still come up before the commission if it’s questionable, particularly with regard to non-building uses such as water tanks, chimneys, greenhouses, public art, solar collectors and wind turbines.
Niven said Swedish might be interested in building a facility for family lodging, similar to a Ronald McDonald House, or assisted living/memory care. The only free-standing retail building might be a pharmacy, and most likely a drive-up window would not be allowed. However there is a pharmacy in the hospital, so the need might not be there.
Traffic and circulation were big topics, as was parking. A skybridge connecting the hospital to a professional building is a distinct possibility.
Commissioner Nina Milligan requested a bike plan be included in the development agreement, which Kappler echoed in his comments. He was concerned about people on high speed bikes clashing with people rehabilitating on crutches or those in wheelchairs.
“More rehabilitation means more people will want to be out,” Kappler said. “How to mix it is important.”
Nothing firm was decided on parking, but both Stevens and Milligan would like to see a parking structure rather than a sea of surface parking. ADA parking is set by building code, and there are plenty of those already.
Phase I of the project includes 17.85 acres and Phase II will consist of 10.41 acres.
The UDVC will revisit the Swedish development agreement again Sept. 3. After that it moves back to the Land and Shore committee Sept. 10. The city council could adopt the agreement Oct. 7.
