Citizen’s may have breathed a sigh of relief when they read that a federal judge froze the assets of Lobsang Dargey pursuant to charges (allegations) filed by the SEC. The SEC detailed their assertion that funds from other projects, such as an Everett and a Seattle project were inappropriately diverted from investors to pay for Potala Village Kirkland.

Yet somehow, Lobsang Dargey and Path America’s Potala Village Kirkland filed a Sept. 8 legal brief with the court of appeals. They are trying once again to be successful claiming the parcels are vested to the old, unchanged zoning. This is the zoning that had a proposal for 143 units and later a building permit application for 88 units. Both are far more density than the 59 units currently allowed.

Someone seems to be funding the continued fight for this density.

It is important for citizens who want a right-sized neighborhood project to stay vigilant. While the superior court already said no to Potala Village, they continue their fight for increased units and less design review scrutiny.

Karen Levenson, Kirkland