The Normandy Park City Council convened on Tuesday, Mar. 11, 2025, to discuss a range of crucial city matters, from regional housing initiatives to state legislative concerns and local infrastructure improvements.

The council addressed the allocation of affordable housing funds, shared upcoming community engagement opportunities at a 33rd District Town Hall, and revised the city’s road safety plan for broader impact.

Notably, the council also took a firm stance against House Bill 1380 and finalized the acquisition of a flood-prone property for environmental restoration along Miller Creek.

SKHHP Update

The council heard a brief presentation from the South King Housing & Homelessness Partners (SKHHP) on their current project recommendations. SKHHP pools funds from 11 partner cities to build and preserve regional affordable housing. They recommended awarding funds to four projects, including construction of Mercy Housing Northwest and Habitat For Humanity in Burien, TWG Pandion at Star Lake in Kent, and rehabilitation of the Multi-Service Center at the White River Apartments in Auburn. The council voted unanimously to approve these projects.

33rd District Town Hall is this Saturday

Mayor Eric Zimmerman mentioned that Normandy Park residents should know about the 33rd legislative district Town Hall this Saturday, Mar. 15, 2025. The Town Hall will take place at Highline College from 11 a.m. – Noon, and is an opportunity to hear about legislative issues, voice concerns, and ask questions. Mayor Zimmerman stressed that there will be important topics under discussion.

Road Safety Plan Update

City Manager Amy Arrington shared that there will be a change in how the city’s road safety plan is implemented. Rather than just focusing on 1st Ave, the plan will be broadened to include more streets. They will also break the safety improvement projects into different phases to make them more manageable, and more likely to be awarded grants. She added that the city is working with Puget Sound Energy to improve street lighting.

Council Officially Opposes HB 1380

House Bill 1380 was described as being very concerning for all cities in Washington State. City Manager Arrington said the use of the words “objectionably reasonable” in the bill will lead to litigation if cities try to enforce the law. Mayor Zimmerman concurred, adding that in his opinion the bill contains a high amount of reality distortion and sneaky wording. Council voted unanimously to officially oppose the bill.

Miller Creek Lot Acquisition

The city will be acquiring a ¾ acre lot adjacent to Miller Creek. The lot contains a single family residence located in the creek’s flood plain. Public Works Director Ken Courter described the house as actually in the creek during flood events. The purchase of the property, demolition of the house, and restoration of the area is completely grant funded. Courter said this was a win/win for the environment, fish, and the health of residents.