For those of you concerned about height, mass and scale in Multi-Family zones

(written by Kathryn Keller, Homer Harris Park neighbor)

A few years ago, many neighbors began to notice new building that is totally different than what they understood to be the zoning of the area they moved into. They checked the zoning map and did not notice much difference -- saw LR-2 instead of L-2, but the explanation was basically the same as they had seen all along. So they started to organize and do some research and a LOT of documentation of the difference between what is explained as intent with what is seen in reality. This effort included many of our neighbors. They held a number of public meetings a few years ago.

Under pressure, cm Clark asked DPD to 'fix' the land Use code to prevent unintended consequences of the Multi-Family zones rewrite of 2010. Citizens appealed to the hearing examiner on that bill , due to analyses that predicted exactly the above consequences, along with a whole host of other follow-on issues - think about what has been going on in the last 5 years.. . The intent of those tweaks were to allow more variety of building styles, but the results has been development of a scale that any sensible person would say should require a re-zoning process.

DPD complied and drafted the fixes, a bill was introduced, then the developer lobby appealed to the hearing examiner on the basis that land use that provides the most profit can not be taken away, which is why people pay attention before laws are passed! Surprisingly, they lost. Now your opinion matters, especially if you live in an LR zone. This notice explains how to submit your public testimony or written comment, and a link to details towards the bottom. Once you go to the council committee page, scan down to "Low-rise Multifamily Code Corrections" to review the measure that had been introduced. It look like they will tweak it, and especially will tweak if it seems to meet the needs of housing production called for by the Mayor's HALA committee. I respond, be brave and up-zone, or add zones. if buildings need to go higher and bigger in an area and stop doing under the covers up-zones by changing the meaning and intent of a zone.

Comments will be accepted Tuesday, June 2 starting at 2PM in council chambers, and if you cannot go (many of us cannot) you can email your comments to:mike.obrien@seattle.gov, tim.burgess@seattle.gov, nick.licata@seattle.gov,John.Okamoto@seattle.gov to register your opinion with the Seattle Council Planning, Land Use and Sustainability Committee.

http://web1.seattle.gov/dpd/luib/Notice....

NOTICE OF A CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO LOWRISE MULTI-FAMILY ZONING REGULATIONS - Seattle Department of Planning and Development

WEB1.SEATTLE.GOV

Deadline approaches to apply for funds to support your neighborhood project

NEWS ADVISORY

SUBJECT: Deadline approaches to apply for funds to support your neighborhood project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
5/8/2015  4:00:00 PM

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lois Maag  (206) 615-0950

Deadline approaches to apply for funds to support your neighborhood project 
Workshop available for interested applicants; application deadline is June 1

Seattle - If your group needs funds to do a neighborhood project, the city’s Neighborhood Matching Fund may be able to help. But you’ll need to be quick because the application deadline for the Small and Simple Projects Fund is Monday, June 1 at 5:00 p.m. This fund provides matching awards of up to $25,000 to neighborhood groups and community organizations for community-building projects.

To learn about the Small and Simple Projects Fund, there is one more workshop scheduled for Thursday, May 14 at Northgate Community Center from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. The workshop will provide an overview of the Neighborhood Matching Fund, the qualities of a good project, and the application process and requirements. To RSVP call 206-733-9916 or go online at surveymonkey.com/s/NMFWorkshop.

There will be another opportunity to apply to the Small and Simple Projects Fund this October.

Our Neighborhood Matching Fund staff is available to advise groups on ways to develop successful applications and projects. You are strongly encouraged to call 206.233.0093 or email NMFund@seattle.gov to discuss your project idea with one of our project managers.

A program of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, the Neighborhood Matching Fund (NMF) has three funding programs that award matching funds for projects initiated, planned, and implemented by community members. Its goal is to build stronger and more vibrant neighborhoods through community involvement and engagement. Every award is matched by a neighborhood’s contribution of volunteer labor, donated materials, in-kind professional services, or cash.

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Seattle Department of Neighborhoods

23rd Avenue Construction Update - May 6

Phase 1 construction to begin June 8

On June 8, crews working for the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will begin major construction on the first phase of the 23rd Avenue Corridor Improvements Project between S Jackson and E John streets. Construction will start in Zone A, which is between S Jackson and E Cherry streets. Read the construction fact sheet or visit our virtual construction open housewe launched in March to learn more.

Before major construction begins on 23rd Avenue, SDOT will be working to wrap up Phase 1 of the adjacent Central Area Neighborhood Greenway. We began installing the greenway in late February and we expect to complete it by the end of June. The greenway will create a quieter, safer route for people to bike and walk. For more information about the greenway route or list of improvements, read this handout.

SPU early utility work complete

Crews from Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) wrapped up utility preparation work on 23rd Avenue, replacing some older water service lines in preparation for replacing the 100-year-old water main underneath the road. This work began on April 6 and was completed on April 30. Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this work.

Save the date: First monthly community drop-in session on May 18

Each month throughout construction, SDOT will host a drop-in session to answer questions and share the latest construction information. Join us for the first drop-in on May 18 (see details below)! Don't worry if you can't make the drop-in session, we will post all information online.

Monday, May 18, 2015, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Garfield Community Center - Arts & Crafts Room

2323 E Cherry Street, Seattle, WA 98122

For more information

Visit: www.seattle.gov/transportation/23rd_ave.htm

Email: 23rdAveCorridor@seattle.gov

Call the project hotline: 206-727-8857

If you need this information translated, or to request an interpreter, please call 206-727-8857.

23rd Avenue Corridor Improvements Project

The purpose of the 23rd Avenue Corridor Improvements Project is to improve safety and mobility for people who drive, walk, bike and take transit. Phase 1 of the project includes modifying 23rd Avenue from two lanes in each direction to a single lane in each direction with a center turn lane. This phase of work also includes replacing the water main, installing new pavement, sidewalk improvements, traffic signal improvements, lighting improvements and public art. Click here to view the project fact sheet.

Madison Corridor Bus Rapid Transit Study: Design Options Open House

Madison Corridor Bus Rapid Transit Study:  Design Options Open House

WEIGH IN ON MADISON CORRIDOR BRT DESIGNS!

For the past nine months, SDOT has been working with communities along the Madison Corridor to develop bus rapid transit (BRT) design options from the waterfront to Madison Valley.  The Madison BRT project is an opportunity to provide neighborhoods with a faster, more reliable transit connection to key destinations, enhance walking conditions and the streetscape along Madison, and identify an alternate bike facility to be built as part of the project.

SDOT is pleased to announce an upcoming open house to review concepts, discuss the results of technical analysis, and have a community conversation about project priorities.

 Please join your neighbors to review design options, discuss benefits and trade-offs, and provide your input on priority elements for the project.  SDOT would like your input on:

• BRT design options, routing, terminals, and station locations
• Priorities for transit service and capital investments
• Design concepts for a Central Area protected bike lane

This event is the culmination of nine months of community engagement and technical work and is a key milestone before selecting a preferred alternative.  Your input at this meeting is important to shape project decisions about the elements listed above.

If you are unable to attend, please visit the project webpage to complete a survey (available May 6) about your project preferences and priorities:http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/madisonbrt.htm

Please forward this invitation to others who may be interested. 

For more information about this project, visit:

http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/madisonbrt.htm

For special accommodation or language assistance, please contact:

Sara Walton (206) 386-4645, madisonbrt@seattle.gov by May 4

Monday April 13th Arboretum Neighborhood event

Monday April 13 from 4-6pm

26^th  Ave East from E. Boyer to E. Galer including under the bridge.

Arboretum Neighbors for Safe Streets have a SDOT permit to close the block to cars and they are throwing a party!

The volume and speed of cars driving through the neighborhood to avoid busy arterials is a problem. 26th is not an arterial. Our goal for this event is to increase awareness among commuters of the safety concerns along our residential streets. And to have a good time with our neighbors! 

Join us on the closed street for children’s play-time, potluck snacks, and to thank commuters at the barriers for using the arterial! 

Bring the kids! Bikes, balloons, games and a Scrabble tournament. 

After the Street Social we’re invited to join the other party 6:15 PM at 1210 26^th Ave East to discuss how we can create a safer walking, biking and living community in our Arboretum Neighborhood.

For further information: 

Join our mailing list by sending an email to  arboretum.safer.streets@gmail.com 

Watch for postings of events on NextDoor.com

District 3 Candidates Forum

https://www.facebook.com/events/1433078646986739/

YOU ARE INVITED to the 43rd District Democrats and the 37th District Democrats 2015 Seattle City Council District 3 Candidate Forum on May 12, 2015 at 6:00pm at Mount Zion Baptist Church.

You will have an opportunity to mingle with all of the candidates running for office between 6:00pm and 7:00pm; the main program begins at 7:00pm. Come to hear more from the candidates, their positions on important issues to our legislative districts/District 3, and get to know what they stand for.

This event is free and open to the public. 

MORE INFO SOON

New website to track buildings being planned in Seattle

https://www.seattleinprogress.com

About Seattle in Progress

Seattle in Progress is a mobile web app for seeing what's being built in Seattle. Think of it as a modern alternative to the “notice of proposed land use” boards currently posted at construction sites. These signs, often covered in graffiti, offer minimal information about the development and no easy way to learn more, voice an opinion or hear what others are saying.

Seattle in Progress aims to show how public notice should be done. This starts with high quality architectural renderings of the project under consideration. So instead of this:you see this:

Have an idea for what you'd like Seattle in Progress to become? Drop us a line at contact@seattleinprogress.com.

Follow us on Twitter (@seattle_nprgres) or Facebook (SeattleInProgress) to get regular updates on new development projects.