2. Vision Statement

Juanita is a diverse neighborhood containing two mixed use neighborhood commercial centers (known as the South Juanita and North Juanita Neighborhood Centers) with nearby multifamily and substantial single-family residential areas. The neighborhood centers are stable and provide goods and services to the surrounding community along with housing and local jobs. The South Juanita Neighborhood Center continues to redevelop with the initial development of Juanita Village. The North Juanita Neighborhood Center has great potential for redevelopment and improvement. The two neighborhood centers will evolve into cohesive pedestrian-oriented mixed-use neighborhood centers that incorporate innovative urban design features. Gateways containing signs and landscaping are located in prominent locations that identify the boundaries of the neighborhood.

Pedestrian access and views to and along the shoreline within Juanita Bay of Lake Washington are primarily limited to Juanita Beach Park and Juanita Bay Park because most of the private development along the shoreline restricts access and views. Pedestrian access should be extended along the entire Juanita shoreline; provided, that it does not impact the ecological function of the wetlands, streams and shoreline habitat. Juanita Bay and the associated wetlands to the east are the single most critical environmental feature of the neighborhood that must be protected, and thus pedestrian access requires careful planning and design. Whenever redevelopment occurs, major view corridors to the lake should be opened. Measures should be taken to significantly improve public views of the lake. The City’s Shoreline Master Program contains policies and regulations to ensure that the ecological function of the lake and shoreline will be maintained and even restored where possible and that public views and access are provided.

Juanita Creek drains into Juanita Bay. It is a major fish-bearing stream that has suffered from the impacts of urbanization. Development will not be allowed to interfere or negatively impact the Juanita Creek drainage system; in fact, the streams have been and will continue to be restored and enhanced in sections through future public and private action. The Juanita Bay Park and wetland areas along Forbes Creek Drive will continue to be preserved.

There are relatively few large vacant parcels within the neighborhood so most new development will be infill and redevelopment. A major policy direction for Juanita is to protect the low-density residential areas of the neighborhood. High-density residential development is to be contained within clear and stable boundaries.

The Juanita neighborhood values its many historic structures that are landmarks to the neighborhood. The Langdon House and Homestead (1888), Ostberg Barn (1905), Dorr Forbes House (1906), Shumway Mansion (1909) and Johnson Residence (1928) are located in South Juanita. The Shumway Mansion was relocated from the Moss Bay Neighborhood when the property at its former location was redeveloped. The Malm House (1929) is located in North Juanita. If at all feasible, these structures should be preserved. See also the Community Character Element.

Public services and capital facilities will be required to implement the neighborhood plan and support the community. The traffic circulation system must acknowledge the needs of the region yet provide a safe and efficient network for the Juanita residents. The expansion and upgrading of park and recreation facilities will be necessary to be more accessible to the neighborhood.

Taken in total, these actions will create a “sense of place” for Juanita residents that make Juanita unique from other neighborhoods. The neighborhood will develop in the future aligned with its environment and strengths.