Plymouth Housing in Redmond FAQ
BUILDING INFORMATION AND BACKGROUND
Where will the housing be located?
16725 Cleveland Street. This housing will be in Downtown Redmond, close to the light rail stop.
Who will live there?
Single adults exiting homelessness and living on extremely low incomes would be eligible for the proposed Plymouth PSH project. Many of these individuals are seniors, veterans, and/or people living with disabilities. The income criteria is set at 30% or below Area Median Income (AMI), which means an individual is earning less than $28,800/year. Lifetime registered sex offenders and individuals with certain past drug-related convictions will not be eligible for this housing.
What services will be on-site?
Permanent Supportive Housing means in addition to housing, residents have access to a range of onsite services designed to help them achieve stability in their new home, including personalized housing case management services, veterans counseling, health care, 24/7 staffing, and other critical services. The PSH model is unique because the 0 - 30% AMI housing is paired with services designed to support people living with complex and disabling health conditions. Proximity to the Downtown Redmond light rail station will also help residents with their transportation needs.
Is this a homeless shelter?
No, this is Permanent Supportive Housing for single adults. There is an application process for prospective residents, which includes determination of eligibility for the project. After individuals are approved and move in, they will no longer be considered homeless. Residents are responsible for abiding by their lease agreement and building rules, while also having access to onsite support services.
How big is the building?
The building will contain 100 units total for residents with ground floor office space, commercial space, and amenity areas.
What about parking?
Parking is limited at this site. Most Plymouth residents do not own a vehicle. Proximity of this site to the Downtown Redmond light rail station will offer robust transit options to future residents and help the City achieve its Environmental Sustainability Action Plan goals for reduced vehicle emissions and vehicle miles traveled.
Who will operate the building?
Plymouth Housing will provide property management and wraparound supportive services at the building.
How many people will be housed at this location?
Plymouth Housing projects primarily serve single adults. However, as a landlord, Plymouth is required to abide by occupancy standards and fair housing law, which in rare cases requires them to house couples if both individuals qualify for the building. The design in the current Plymouth proposal contains 85 studios and 15 one bedrooms. We expect that the new design will reflect a similar unit mix.
Will the building have 24/7 staffing?
Yes, Plymouth Housing will provide 24/7 staffing and support for residents.
When will the building open for occupancy?
There is not a specific timeline for construction yet. However, the goal is to break ground in 2025. Typically, it takes about two years of construction prior to opening for operations.
What is the City of Redmond's role in the building?
The City of Redmond is the host city for the Plymouth PSH project. Plymouth will be required to apply for and obtain permits necessary to construct the project. In addition, the City will be coordinating with Plymouth to ensure that the necessary agreements and terms set forth in Redmond Zoning Code requirements applicable to PSH are met. Among other things, an operational agreement, program rules and/or code of conduct, safety and security plan, community relations plan, and parking management plan will all be required. The City will partner with Plymouth to develop necessary policies, procedures, and plans.
When did the City Council first learn about this project?
The City Council first learned about this project in February 2023 when the funding recommendation from A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH) was presented to them for approval. The Council unanimously approved the Redmond ARCH Housing Trust Fund contribution on March 21, 2023, for its original location in Kenmore. Applications for Redmond Housing Trust Fund dollars are submitted to ARCH where they are vetted by a Community Advisory Board (CAB) that makes a recommendation to the ARCH Executive Board. The ARCH Executive Board concurred in the CAB recommendation and transmitted the recommendation to ARCH member jurisdictions for City Council approval.
In 2020, the City also completed a Housing Needs Assessment, which informed the Housing Action Plan, both of which were approved in early 2021. Different scenarios were considered, and at the time Council directed staff to pursue the “Housing Equity Scenario,” outlined on page 20 of the Housing Action Plan.
Why is this being built in Redmond?
Washington state is experiencing a housing crisis. Cities across King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties are diversifying their housing inventory in accordance with Washington State Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1220. Redmond leaders, including the Mayor and City Council, have declared affordable housing a top priority and specifically included a prioritization for the development of affordable housing close to transit. King County Countywide Planning Policies have established housing targets for cities to accommodate anticipated future growth in the next 20 years. The housing needed for Redmond has been estimated across all income levels and includes anticipated demand for PSH. Every unit of added PSH helps to address the identified need and improve the lives of people who currently do not have access to safe and dignified places to live.
The City Council recognizes that Redmond lacks sufficient affordable housing, especially where the need is greatest in the 0-50% AMI range.
New projections estimate by 2044, the City of Redmond needs nearly 24,000 units of affordable housing. Redmond is a high-cost area with an AMI of $137,000 per year.
