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June WCC Newsletter: Zoning Updates, Waterways, Board Elections

Hello Neighbors,

Summer’s here, and hopefully you’re taking advantage of the glorious June weather and spending time outdoors!

Thank you for your continued support through membership renewals, meeting attendance, the May Election, and Waterway events. Since November, we’ve tracked zoning legislation in our newsletters. Our focus has been educating residents on the city’s zoning proposals, including zoning categories, maps, and differences between the state’s zoning mandate (HB1110) “ Middle Housing” and the Mayor’s Plan (30 neighborhood centers with proposed up zones along “frequent transit” arterials).

Zoning & Land Use – Updates

How will you weigh in with the Council on plans for future growth in Wallingford and the city as a whole this summer?

This summer, the City Council is prioritizing major decisions on future growth, particularly in Wallingford and citywide. A significant focus is on passing CB120993, legislation to comply with the state mandate (HB1110) allowing 4-6 units per lot on all 5,000 square foot lots across all neighborhoods. This will substantially increase housing capacity and density.

Between June and September, the Council will review, debate, and legislate the Comprehensive Plan CB120985, featuring new policies and Future Land Use Maps. This includes rezoning and converting all single-family lots to multi-family, completing Phase 1 of this process. The Full Council and select Committee Meetings will primarily focus on HB1110 and the Comprehensive Plan legislation, aiming for a final vote in September.

The Council will have a two-week break from August 16-30, then shift to budget work in October-November. They will resume Phase II of the Comprehensive Plan in December-January. The path forward is clear due to the dismissal of six EIS appeals in April, allowing the Council to concentrate on these key housing initiatives.

Mark your calendar for Monday June 23, the ONLY public hearing for HB1110 CB120993. 
Session I 9:30 remote, 
Session II 3:00 pm in person
Agenda Information
Public Comment Forms

Key Meeting This Friday, June 13th at 9:30 AM: An important meeting is scheduled featuring OPCD discussing the Mayor’s office proposal for CB120993. This proposal aims to enact permanent legislation for state compliance with HB1110. A recording will be available on seattlechannel.org for those who cannot attend live. The revised HB1110 will satisfy state regulations, permitting 4-6 units per lot, but it also introduces numerous additions not found in the initial state model. These supplementary components have lacked public clarity. Therefore, attending or viewing the June 13th meeting is essential to understand OPCD’s presentation to the council and gain specific details regarding these changes and additions.

Below is an updated full schedule for the May- September Select Committee Meetings. Any past meetings are recorded on seattlechannel.org filed under Select Committee Comprehensive Plans.  The Comprehensive Plan website has an overview, meeting timelines, and information how to sign up for public hearings. 

May: 

June:

  • Thursday, June 5 at 9:30: OPCD introduced to council their HB1110 permanent proposal for development standards (setbacks, height, FAR) over and above state requirements including both NR(neighborhood residential) zones and Lowrise zones. Michael Hubner, Comp Plan lead, showed slides on a previous Comp Plan presentation as a refresher. June 5 agenda with Comp Plan legislation and proposed center boundary maps.
  • Friday June 13 at 9:30:  Continued discussion of changes to NR, RSL (elimination) and LR zones (formerly single family) decisions to comply with the state mandate and add or change or amend.
  • Monday, June 23: Public Hearing: Public Comment & Registration, Agenda. We recommend you write, call or participate at this Public Hearing. See the City Council contact list below.

July-September: A focus on the Comprehensive Plan

Comprehensive Plan plan policies with Future Land Use Maps for ALL the types of centers ( regional, urban and neighborhood centers) boundaries

July: 

  • Friday, July 11 2pm: The council is set to finalize the boundaries for new neighborhood centers, a key component of the Mayor’s Plan. This includes the establishment of future land use map boundaries for urban and regional centers, alongside 30 newly designated neighborhood centers.
  • A contentious element of the Mayor’s plan is its “one size fits all” aspect.  There is significant debate surrounding this.  Will its scope remain unchanged? Will it be reduced? Will it be broadened? Or will it be eliminated entirely?  The ultimate result is yet to be determined.

August:

  • Monday, August 4, 9:30: Phase 1 Amendments to Comp Plan
  • August 16-30: No zoning meetings. Two week full council break.

A public hearing date for the Comprehensive Plan is currently unannounced. (Stay tuned for updates.)

September: 

  • Wednesday September 17th, 2:00 pm: TBD
  • Thursday September 18th, 9:30 am: TBD
  • Friday, September 19th, 2:00 pm: TBD, The Final Vote on Comp Plan is subject to change

October- November:

  • Council Meetings will be limited to Budget (No zoning meetings)

December-January 2026:

  • Phase II Zoning meetings for Council will then restart in December/January 2026

The Mayor’s Phase II Zoning proposal will soon unveil maps illustrating which arterial roads are slated for upzoning as part of the “frequent transit” initiative. This plan aims to increase density by permitting building heights of up to five stories or fifty feet along citywide streetscapes. In contrast, it also proposes a maximum height of thirty feet or three stories in areas previously designated for single-family housing near these arterials. However, the plan has faced criticism, particularly regarding the implementation of a uniform approach of Lowrise 3/five-story/fifty-foot heights.

In Wallingford, bus routes 31 and 32 are targeted to trigger 5-story upzones for lots next to arterials. This includes 40th Street (from I-5 to Wallingford, below 40th to Wallingford, and 35th to Stoneway). Additionally, the 62 bus route could potentially trigger 5-story upzones on Meridian Avenue from 50th to 56th Streets.

Background: In April, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) analyzed capacity for 80,000 to 120,000 new housing units. Subsequently, the Mayor’s Plan suggested 330,000 units, which included establishing 30 new and expanded neighborhood centers and increasing zoning along arterials with frequent transit. This upzoning would permit buildings up to 5 stories or 50 feet, replacing the previous 3-story or 30-foot limit in areas formerly designated for single-family homes. Furthermore, House Bill 1110 is expected to boost city-wide housing potential and density by allowing 4-6 units per lot, potentially offering sufficient capacity for 10-20 years, a scenario already examined by the EIS independently.

References for Council Contacts on Summer Legislation 

  • Email City Council Members: council@seattle.gov 
  • OneSeattlePlan.zoning@seattle.gov 

Or contact them directly:

  • Bruce.Harrell@seattle.gov
  • Joy Hollingsworth D3 Chair Select Committee Joy.Hollingsworth@seattle.gov 206 684 8803
  • Dan Strauss D6 Vice Chair N. of 50th Wallingford/Tangletown Dan.Strauss@seattle.gov 206 684 8806
  • Maritza Rivera D4 N.E Seattle Wallingford Maritza.Rivera@seattle.gov 206 684 8804
  • Sara Nelson At Large Sara.Nelson@seattle.gov 206 684 8809
  • Alexis Mercedez Rinck At Large AlexisMercedez.Rink@seattle.gov 206 684 8808
  • Robert Kettle D7 Robert.Kettle@seattle.gov 206 684 8807
  • Cathy Moore D5 Cathy.Moore@seattle.gov 206 684 8805
  • Rob Saka D1 Rob.Saka@seattle.gov 206 684 8801 
  • Mark Soloman D2  Mark.Soloman@seattle.gov 

Wallingford Calls to Action can be accessed  with this link:
https://www.wallingfordcc.org/category/calls-to-action/

Wallingford Community Council (WCCC) Annual Meeting and Officer Elections 

The WCC held its Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on May 14, 2025, at 7 PM at Good Shepherd.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all board volunteers for their continued service, dedication, and commitment to the WCC for the 2025-2026 term.

Bonnie Williams – President)  
Jen Ring Perez – Vice President (New but a returning past president, thank you!)
Ted Hunter – Secretary
Mark JoHahnson – Treasurer (2 year term)
Margaret Holt – Board Member-At Large
Mary Hodder – Board Member-At Large
Matt Hallett – Board Member-At Large
Miranda Berner – Past President

Standing Committee Chairpersons:
Ted Hunter – Shorelines
Bonnie Williams – Land Use (With board assistance on zoning proposals)
Miranda Berner – Volunteer Coordinator 

Waterway Walk May 31 hosted by WCC

The annual Waterway Walk, held on May 31st, invites neighbors to discover public access points to Lake Union. This year’s event, led by Shorelines Committee Chair Ted Hunter, was fortunate to be rain-free. Planners Miranda Berner and Margaret Holt also participated, joining attendees in exploring these access locations firsthand.

Council member Dan Strauss hosts a Town Hall Wednesday, June 18th 

Wallingford has two district representatives. Dan Strauss above 50th and Maritza Rivera D4 below 50th.

Dan Strauss will host a District 6 town hall on Wednesday, June 18, offering residents the opportunity to connect directly and discuss neighborhood priorities, city initiatives, and community concerns.

The event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Magnolia Branch of the Seattle Public Library, located at 2801 34th Ave. W.

Community members are encouraged to attend and bring their questions or feedback on topics affecting District 6, which includes Ballard, Fremont, Green Lake, and surrounding neighborhoods. You can rsvp here. Please send questions ahead of time and sign up.

Thank you and have a great June & July!

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to making Wallingford a thriving community. 

Warm regards,
The Wallingford Community Council

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WATERWAYS WALK – this Saturday! 10am, May 31st, 2025

Did you know that there are multiple spots in Wallingford where the public has access to Lake Union? Join us for a walk along the lake to learn about Wallingford’s historic connection to Lake Union and ongoing efforts to preserve public shoreline access.

Join us! Bring friends, neighbors, family, etc., wear walking shoes and weather appropriate gear 🙂
When: Saturday, May 31, 2025 | Time: 10:00 A.M.
Where: Meet at the tiled plaza at the Wallingford Steps (above the Burke-Gilman Trail)
Learn More: Wallingford Shoreline Project

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May WCC – “Land Use & Zoning” – News, Updates & Events

The Wallingford Community Council has been reporting monthly via newsletters and meetings on the progress of major land use changes impacting our neighborhood. We continue to actively monitor the state’s HB1110 “Middle Housing” legislation, which increases allowable density to 4-6 units on formerly single-family lots.

This is a special post to focus on this one “Land Use” topic. 

Why This Matters: The HB1110 legislation will significantly increase allowable building heights, lot coverage, and housing density citywide, including Wallingford’s traditional single-family areas. MHA fees, changes to Lowrise 1, 2, 3 and affordable housing provisions, and environmental impacts remain critical areas of concern.

Update on the city’s “Select Committee” review of HB1110 Interim Legislation (Council Bill 120969)

Initial opposition to the Mayor’s rezone proposals led to six appeals being filed against the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) in February 2025, which paused the review of the neighborhood map rezones and use March through  May meetings to finalize HB1110 by June. The City’s Hearing Examiner dismissed the six appeals this April on technicalities.

Upcoming “Select Committee” Meetings & Public Hearing on May 19th:

  • May 7, 2:00 PM: Discussion of Council member proposed amendments on HB1110
  • Monday, May 19, 9:30 AM Session I, 4:00 PM – City Hall, 600 4th Avenue
  • Wednesday, May 21, 2:00 PM: Select Committee Votes to finalize details of HB1110 development standards
  • Tuesday, May 27, 2:00 PM: Full Council Vote on HB1110 interim legislation 120969

Recent “Select Committee” Meetings:

  • March 19: Introduction to HB1110 requirements
  • March 28: Debate on Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) fees — the Mayor’s office proposed no MHA fees for developers in Neighborhood Residential zones.
  • April 16: Presentation on proposed development standards for setbacks, heights, and Floor Area Ratio (FAR).
  • April 30: Urban Forestry Commission presentation ( Mayor’s Office) 

Looking Ahead: What’s Next 

After the passage of Interim Legislation 120969, the Council will begin summer 2025:

  • Replace Interim Legislation with Permanent HB1110 Final Legislation (Phase 1)
  • Review and update Comprehensive Plan policies, growth strategies, and Future Land Use Maps
  • Address zoning map  changes in Neighborhood Centers, Urban Centers, and transit corridors (Phase 2)

Want to Share Your Voice with the City Council? 

We encourage you to continue to write, call, or sign up to make comments remotely at any Select Committee meeting in the next few months.

Or contact them directly:

Stay engaged! The next several months will be critical for shaping Wallingford’s future. We encourage residents to get involved! Please visit wallingfordcc.org/contact to send us your information. We will follow up with ways to get involved.

The next several months will be critical for shaping Wallingford’s future. We encourage residents to get involved! Please visit wallingfordcc.org/contact to send us your information. We will follow up with ways to get involved.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to making Wallingford a thriving community. 

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Annual Membership Meeting w/ Special Guest Jorge Baron (District 4), Waterways Walk, Gasworks Park News, and Historic Wallingford at Wally-Home Resource Fair

We have an an update that the “Waterways Walk” has been moved to 10:00 am on Saturday, May 31st, 2025. (Corrected below.) 

SAVE THE DATE: Annual Meeting and Officer Elections 2025 on Wednesday, May 14th, 7:00 PM

Elections for the Wallingford Community Council board member positions and our special guest: Jorge Barón, District 4 Representative on the King County Regional Council. 

Wallingford Community Council – General Meeting 
Date & Time: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Check-In: 6:30 PM – 6:55 PM (You must attend in person to vote)
Location: Good Shepherd Center, 4659 Sunnyside Avenue, North Chapel, 4th floor 
Special Guest: Jorge Barón, District 4 Representative on the King County Regional Council  (About Jorge Baron)

We invite you to an evening of learning about interconnections between state, county, and city government. Jorge is one of nine members of the King County Council for the 2024-26 term. D4 includes Belltown to the south, Broadview to the north, and West of I-5 to the water. Jorge follows Jeannie Kohl Welles, who retired two years ago. We are honored to have Jorge as our keynote speaker. Join us!

Agenda:

  • 6:30–6:55 PM: Member Check-In (must attend in person to vote)
  • 7:00 PM: Welcome and Officer Elections
  • 7:20–8:15 PM: Special Guest — Jorge Barón, District 4 Representative on the  Metropolitan King County Council
    8:15 PM: Announcements and Closing Remarks
    8:30 PM: Adjourn

Have a topic or question for Rep. Barón?
Please email pres@wallingfordcc.org by May 12.

Volunteers Needed:
We could use help setting up and putting away chairs before the meeting and leave in place after.. Thank you!

Membership Reminder:
To vote, you must have renewed or joined after November 1, 2024, and no later than April 28, 2025.

Interested in serving on the WCC Board?
Please email communications@wallingfordcc.org with a short description of your interest and neighborhood involvement.

Upcoming Event: Waterways Walk

Join us for a walk to learn about Wallingford’s historic connection to Lake Union and ongoing efforts to preserve public shoreline access.

SAVE THE DATE
When: Saturday, May 31, 2025 | Time: 10:00 A.M.
Where: Meet at the tiled plaza at the Wallingford Steps (above the Burke-Gilman Trail)
Learn More: Wallingford Shoreline Project

Gas Works Park News

The Wallingford Community Council Board recently met with the Assistant Superintendent of Parks to discuss concerns around large private music concerts and events at Gas Works Park. We have been meeting with park managers recently to ask for stricter monitoring of noise amplified at music and athletic events. We have requested better supervision related to traffic safety and congestion, parking management for extremely large private ticketed commercial events, as experienced last summer 2024. Gasworks has not hosted this type or scale of event since 2007. We have requested the Parks administration plan for the availability of on-site management to address problems that arise during these events.

The current schedule for large/major special events at Gasworks in 2025 is:

  • Seattle 4th of July Friday, ( 40 K estimated attendance)
  • Day Trip Concert: Saturday. July 26th (10K estimated attendance)
  • Obliteride: Friday August 8th (concert-3K estimated attendance)
  • Saturday. August 9th ( bike ride-7K estimated attendance)
  • AEG Concert: Saturday, August 30th ( 10K estimated attendance) ** date could be moved to August 23
  • Diplo Mascot Run+ Concert: Saturday, September 27 ( 8K estimated attendance)


Historic Wallingford Sponsors a Wally-Home Resource Fair at Wallingford Center 

When: Saturday, May 31, 2025, 10 AM-3 PM, free
Where: Wallingford Center, 1815 N. 45th Street
Learn more: https://www.historicwallingford.org/2025-home-fair/

Thank You

The next several months will be critical for shaping Wallingford’s future. We encourage residents to get involved! Please visit https://wallingfordcc.org/contact to send us your information. We will follow up with ways to get involved.

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April WCC Meeting 7-9 pm: Zoning Proposals, FEIS Appeals, Q&A, Memberships

Dear Wallingford Neighbors,
Spring is here, and with it comes renewed opportunities for civic engagement and neighborhood advocacy. We’d like to invite you to stay informed and get involved as Seattle continues its planning process for housing and zoning changes that will shape Wallingford for years to come. Below are key updates and Save the Dates for our upcoming WCC general meeting and May Board Election meeting.
SAVE THE DATE: The Next WCC Meeting is April 2, from 7-9 PMWallingford Community Council – General Meeting 
Date: Wednesday. April 2, 2025 
Time: 7:00 PM- 9:00 PM
Location: Good Shepherd Center Room 202 at 4649 Sunnyside Avenue North (Free parking on site)

Join us for an informative session on the state-mandated HB1110, the “Middle Housing” legislation. We’ll delve into its direct impact on Wallingford and its surrounding neighborhoods. The meeting will feature a presentation and an open Q&A session, where we’ll explore the legislation’s requirements for the city to permit 4-6 units on previously single-family lots outside the urban village in NR or neighborhood residential zones.

The city has a June deadline to comply in passing the HB1110 state-mandated legislation. We will present some key slides from the Select Committee/City Council’s March 19 and 28 presentations. We will highlight information property owners need to know.

We will have  Wallingford Maps to check to see if your formerly single-family lot outside the urban village is designated NR and where HB1110 will be applied. 

There are three categories of NR zoning:
* NR3 = 5,000 square foot lots
* NR2 = 7,200 square foot lots
* NR1 = 9,600 square foot lots.

RSL Residential Small lot designations west of Stoneway are being replaced by Lowrise 1 zones for several blocks.

WHAT’S NEW

“Select Committee” shifts focus from the 2044 Comprehensive Plan ( Mayor’s rezone plans) to the State’s HB1110 legislation through late May

The recent filing of the six appeals challenging the validity of the FEIS ( Final Environmental Impact Study) forced City Council to postpone working on the Comprehensive Plan policies and Mayor Harrel’s plan on citywide rezones until the appeals are resolved in hearings before the city’s hearing examiner from April 28 to late May. The Wallingford CC did not file an appeal. 

Here is the link to look at details of the appeals challenging the FEIS by appeal sponsors: https://web6.seattle.gov/Examiner/casesearch?fid=0&sval=w-25 

All Select Committee meeting times listed are during the day so if you miss watching live use the link www.seattlechannel.org to find the recording of any Select Committee meeting listed below.

Pre-register to be able to make public comments either in person or remotely by signing up here.

Revised Select Committee Schedule:
* Wednesday, March 19 2:00 pm HB1110 meeting state requirements. Link to recorded meeting: https://www.seattlechannel.org/mayor-and-council/city-council/select-committee-on-the-comprehensive-plan
* Friday, March 28 9:30 am: Proposed interim legislation and Mayor’s office on HB1110 (no public comment today)
* Wednesday, April 16th 2:00 pm: HB 1110 an interim legislation
* Wednesday, April 30th – 2:00 pm: Discussion of key issues
* Wednesday, May 7th – 2:00 pm: Possible amendments 
* TBA date for May public hearing on HB1110 and interim legislation
* Wednesday, May 21st – 2:00 pm: Committee vote on legislation
* (Tentative date) May 27th – 2:00 pm: Council vote on legislation 

All the meetings will be located in City Council Chambers 600 4th Avenue Seattle, 98104. 

We encourage you to continue to write, call, or sign up to make comments remotely at any Select Committee meeting in the next few months. 

Email all city council: at council@seattle.gov or contact them directly by phone with your concerns.
* Bruce.Harrell@seattle.gov
* OneSeattlePlan.zoning@seattle.gov
* Joy Hollingsworth D3 Chair Select Committee Joy.Hollingsworth@seattle.gov 206 684 8803
* Dan Strauss D6 Vice Chair N. of 50th Wallingford/Tangletown Dan.Strauss@seattle.gov 206 684 8806
* Maritza Rivera D4 N.E Seattle Wallingford Maritza.Rivera@seattle.gov 206 684 8804
* Sara Nelson At Large Sara.Nelson@seattle.gov 206 684 8809
* Alexis Mercedez Rinck At Large AlexisMercedez.Rink@seattle.gov 206 684 8808
* Robert Kettle D7 Robert.Kettle@seattle.gov 206 684 8807
* Cathy Moore D5 Cathy.Moore@seattle.gov 206 684 8805
* Rob Saka D1 Rob.Saka@seattle.gov 206 684 8801
* Mark Soloman D2  Mark.Soloman@seattle.gov 

OTHER RESOURCES
* June to Sept – The Timeline for the council to resume review of Comp Plan legislation/Mayor’s Plan and release of revised zoning maps is postponed through at least the end of May
* Zoning Proposal Maps: https://one-seattle-plan-zoning-implementation-seattlecitygis.hub.arcgis.com/
* OPCD Project Documents / Mayor’s Recommended Growth Strategy (2024). This contains the Draft Plan and other key related documents. The FEIS (Final Environmental Impact Study) was just released on Jan 30, 2025. FEIS ( Final Environmental Impact Study. This document released in late January is 1,300 pages. If you are interested in downloading it, here is the link: https://www.seattle.gov/opcd/one-seattle-plan?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govde
Join or renew your Wallingford Community Council Membership for 2025 online at wallingfordcc.org

SAVE THE DATE
Wallingford Community Council Annual Membership Meeting for Election of Board
Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Time: 7:00-9:00 PM (Member check-in for voting eligibility will be at 6:30 PM
Location: Chapel (The top floor of the Good Shepherd at 4649 Sunnyside Avenue North)
Featured Speaker: Jorge Baron D4 representative on the King County Regional Council. (About Jorge Baron)

If you would like to be considered for nomination to a board member position, please send a message describing your interest and past level of involvement with the neighborhood and WCC to communications@wallingfordcc.org by April 20. Elected officers are President, Vice President, Secretary, and three board members “at large”. The current Treasurer is serving one more year of a two-year term.

Here is a chance to show your support of the work of the Wallingford Community Council and their advocacy for the neighborhood by joining or renewing your WCC membership online today at wallingfordcc.org. You must reside in Wallingford, own a property, or manage a business within the boundary of the neighborhood to be a member to vote in May for the board renew by April 30.

Annual dues are as follows: 
* Family Membership: $25.00
* Individual Membership: $15.00
* Senior Member: $10.00
* Business: $100

Your annual membership fee runs from January to December each year.

The Wallingford Community Council meetings and newsletters from September to the present have kept you informed about important issues. Topics have included the transportation levy, the relationship between property taxes and rezoning, and citywide rezoning plans, specifically for Wallingford.

Join or Renew Today!
RECAP: February 12 Wallingford CC meeting
Residents were able to be heard and many voiced concerns and recommendations about rezone proposals for Wallingford directly to Maritza Rivera D4 City Council person, Michael Hubner Long Range Planning Manager Comp Plan and Rico Quinindongo Director OPCD. It was a full house and a great opportunity to provide feedback on rezoning proposals. 
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to making Wallingford a thriving community. 
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Help Shape the Future of Wallingford Playfield: Join the Community Discussion

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is considering Wallingford Playfield as a potential location for a new synthetic turf field to serve Lincoln High School and Hamilton International Middle School. The field would also accommodate local youth sports clubs and community events.SPS is seeking community feedback and invites residents to a meeting on Thursday, September 19, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Lincoln High School, with a virtual option available. Community input will help ensure the best outcome for both students and neighbors. More details are available here: https://seattleschools.org/lincoln-field.

EVENT: Wallingford Community Meeting on Proposed Athletics Field
DATE: Thursday, September 19, 2024; 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Lincoln High School, 4400 Interlake Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98103

Online via Teams (link to be posted September 18 at: https://seattleschools.org/lincoln-field)

AGENDA:
– Why Lincoln High School students need a field
– What options are being considered for field location
– Proposed changes to Lower Woodland #7 track
– Open Q&A session with attendees

Questions in advance? Use the Seattle Public Schools’ “Let’s Talk” online feedback form. https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/capital-projects-and-planning/school-construction/projects/feedback/ 
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Comp Plan Explained! 7PM, April 18, 2024

Join us, as we learn about the “2044 One Seattle Comprehensive Draft Plan” directly from Seattle city planners, at this special meeting sponsored by the WCC.

When: Thursday, April 18, 7pm-8:30 pm

Where: Wallingford Senior Center, located in the basement of the Good Shepherd Center, 4649 Sunnyside Avenue North.

Who:

  • City of Seattle Office of Planning and Development guest speakers
    • Jim Holmes Senior EIS (Environmental Impact Study) Manager
    • Michael Hubner One Seattle Plan Long Range Planning Manager
  • Moderated by the WCC

Information and Q&A: The experts will give an overview of growth plans, goals and policy recommendations, expanding housing options, updating Seattle’s residential zones and re-classifications of urban villages to urban centers. They will also take questions. Also, learn the details of how the city will apply mandatory rules of House Bill 1110 passed by the state in 2023. HB1110 overrides previous single family zoned lots and now allows 4-6 units per lot based on proximity to transit.

Why: The city ends the opportunity for public comment May 6, at 5 pm. These policies, goals and growth strategies will impact the future of our city and neighborhoods for the next 20 years. Later in 2024, comments from all stakeholders will be reviewed and an FEIS (Final Environmental Impact Study) and final Comp Plan 2044 will be released and reviewed before City Council votes on it. Bring your written questions for the planners, if you desire.

For More Information on the Comp Plan, including how to submit comments, click here.

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Monthly Meeting – April 2024

Wednesday April 3, 2024, 7 PM

Join Us – engage on neighborhood issues, opportunities, projects, and initiatives. Learn. And as as something piques your interest, volunteer. 🙂

Location: Room 202 of the Good Shepherd Center, 4659 Sunnyside Ave N.

Agenda:

  • Welcome and Call to Order
  • Special Topic: Future of Aurora Avenue – SDOT is seeking public input.  Jules Posadas, Public Engagement Lead, Seattle Department of Transportation to present.
  • Special Topic: “Comp Plan” – Both the One Seattle Comprehensive Plan 2044 to guide growth for the next 20 years and the DEIS (Draft Environmental Impact Study) which analyzes impacts of growth strategy alternatives have been released.  The city’s public engagement period has started and comments will be incorporated into the Final Comprehensive Plan and FEIS (Final EIS).  Click here for more information (open houses, links, how to submit feedback, etc.).
  • Committee reports
  • Announcements
    • Earth Day Clean-Up: Saturday, April 20, 10 AM to 1 PM.  Meet at 45th & Wallingford, next to the Animal Storm statue 
    • Annual Meeting and Board Elections: Wednesday, May 8, 7PM.  Any interest in serving on the WCC Board, please email communications@wallingfordcc.org
    • Note: the May Monthly Meeting is canceled
    • Membership – Renew / Join: To vote for the 2024-2025 Board, one must be an official member a minimum of 15 days prior to election.  To renew or join, click here.
    • Wallingford Beautification: if you are interested contact Rhonda Bush at rhonda.bush@historicwallingford.org to participate. 
    • Seattle Needs Trees – There is a city-wide movement to amend the legislation to bring it into compliance with the City’s own 2035 Comprehensive Plan goals (30% coverage by 2037), as well as the state Growth Management Act. To learn more, click here.
    • Hybrid Meeting Tech Help: need volunteers with the equipment to lend to make the bi-monthly meetings hybrid.  It is something we would like to offer, but we need a volunteer or two to do so.  Contact pres@wallingfordcc.org if interested. 🙂
  • Good of the Order (anything people want to bring up)
  • Adjourn
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Draft Comp Plan 2044 Released, Public Engagement Needed!

Deadline for public comment is May 6th, 2024, 5PM.

Two important documents were released the week of March 5, 2024 by the city. The first is the 20-year Growth strategy called One Seattle Comprehensive Plan 2044, which aims to guide growth for the next two decades. The second document, the DEIS (Draft Environmental Impact Study), analyzes the impacts of growth strategy alternatives.

It’s a very large body of work, and sometimes things are missed or need additional consideration. Help the city review their work! Public engagement is extremely important, and we list opportunities for you to participate and use your voice to influence the choices being proposed by city leaders.

The public engagement period has started, and your comments will be incorporated into the Final Comprehensive Plan and FEIS (Final EIS), which must be voted on by the City Council later in 2024. The deadline for public comments is May 6 at 5:00 pm.

About the Comp Plan

First, the Comprehensive Plan (One Seattle Plan) focuses on goals, policy recommendations, expanding housing options, zoning changes, map expansions, and updating Seattle’s residential zones, such as reclassifying urban villages to urban centers. Also, the city is required to apply the rules of House Bill 1110, which was passed by the state in 2023. HB1110 overrides previous single-family zoned lots and now permits 4-6 units per lot citywide, depending on proximity to transit.  The WCC would like the MHA (Mandatory Housing Affordability) program to apply to everywhere HB1110 applies, and would appreciate public advocacy to make this happen.

Illustrations of the application of HB1110, showing four units to a lot housing configurations, can be found here.

Here is the link to the One Seattle Comprehensive home page.
Here is the link to documents and other information for both the One Seattle Comprehensive Plan and DEIS (Draft Environmental Impact Study).

Open Houses for the Comprehensive Plan are all from 6:00 – 7:30pm in person:
– Chief Sealth: Wednesday, April 3
– Garfield: Tuesday, April 16
– Eckstein: Thursday, April 25
– McClure Middle School Seattle City Hall (location changed!): Tuesday, April 30
– Virtual Online: Thursday, May 2

The deadline for comments on the Comprehensive One Seattle Plan is May 6, 2024, at 5:00 pm.
Send comments to OneSeattleCompPlan@seattle.gov

About the DEIS (Draft Environmental Impact Statement)

The DEIS focuses more on the five growth alternatives for Seattle with analysis of impacts and mitigations the city anticipates. Here is the link to a concise Executive summary analysis on the growth alternatives.

Links to online Information Sessions to be released before the meetings:

1) DEIS information online session Tuesday, April 2, 7-8:30 pm. For more information, contact: Jim.Holmes@seattle.govor call 206-684-8372.

2) DEIS online information session Thursday, April 11, 7-8:30 pm, focusing on 130th and 145th Street stations. Contact person: Patrice.Carroll@seattle.gov or call 206-684-0946.

The deadline for comments on the DEIS may be submitted before May 6 at 5:00 pm

at the DEIS Story Map
and/or mailed to:
   Jim Holmes  
   Office of Planning and Development  
   P.O.Box 94788  
   Seattle, Wash. 98124-7088  
and/or emailed to: PCD_CompPlan_EIS@seattle.gov

Public Hearings on the DEIS will be both online call-in and in-person live:

1) Wednesday, April 17, at 10 a.m.  
City Hall 600 4th avenue, Boards and Commissioners Room, Floor 12

2) Monday, April 22, at 6:00 p.m.  
City Hall 4th Avenue, Boards and Commissioners Room, Floor 12

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Monthly Meeting

Wednesday March 6, 2024, 7 PM

Location: Room 202 of the Good Shepherd Center, 4659 Sunnyside Ave N.

Agenda:

  • Welcome and Call to Order
  • Special Guest Council Member Maritza Rivera, District 4.  CM Rivera will share a bit about her first two months in office, what her focus is for 2024, and take questions.
  • Committee reports
  • Announcements
    • Wallingford Beautification: if you are interested contact Rhonda Bush at rhonda.bush@historicwallingford.org to participate. 
    • Seattle Needs Trees – There is a city-wide movement to amend the legislation to bring it into compliance with the City’s own 2035 Comprehensive Plan goals (30% coverage by 2037), as well as the state Growth Management Act. To learn more, click here.
    • Hybrid Meeting Tech Help: need volunteers with the equipment to lend to make the bi-monthly meetings hybrid.  It is something we would like to offer, but we need a volunteer or two to do so.  Contact pres@wallingfordcc.org if interested. 🙂
    • Next Monthly Meeting: Wednesday, April 3, 7PM.
  • Good of the Order (anything people want to bring up)
  • Adjourn
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Monthly Meeting, February, In-Person

Wednesday February 7, 2024, 7 PM

Location: Room 202 of the Good Shepherd Center, 4659 Sunnyside Ave N.

Agenda:

  • Welcome and Call to Order
  • Committee reports
  • Announcements
    • Take the Wallingford Beautification Survey.  With a goal of a vibrant, livable community and increased community engagement, a collaborative group that represents Historic Wallingford, the Wallingford Community Council, and Celebrate Wallingford have started discussions for beautification projects in Wallingford.
    • The working group is called Wallingford Beautification, and we welcome more participants if you are interested.  Contact Rhonda Bush at rhonda.bush@historicwallingford.org to participate. 
    • Seattle Needs Trees – There is a city-wide movement to amend the legislation to bring it into compliance with the City’s own 2035 Comprehensive Plan goals (30% coverage by 2037), as well as the state Growth Management Act. To learn more, click here.
    • Hybrid Meeting Tech Help: need volunteers with the equipment to lend to make the bi-monthly meetings hybrid.  It is something we would like to offer, but we need a volunteer or two to do so.  Contact pres@wallingfordcc.org if interested. 🙂
    • Next Monthly Meeting: Wednesday, March 6, 7PM.
  • Good of the Order (anything people want to bring up)
  • Adjourn
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Ask City Council to allow discussion on Transportation Impact Fees. Support Council Bill 120635.

CALL TO ACTION: Email, Call and Testify

This week, please ask City Council to support Council Bill 120635 to amend the City’s Comprehensive Plan to allow the Council to engage with the public and then to later vote on whether to adopt transportation impact fees to pay for infrastructure needs created by new developments.

Monday, Nov. 6th: Please contact all Members of City Council and ask them to vote YES on CB 120635.

Tuesday, Nov. 7th: Please consider also making public comment either in-person or via telephone and ask all Councilmembers to vote YES on CB 120635.

City Council needs to hear from we, the people.  🙂

NOTE: CB 120635 is a procedural requirement—it does NOT impose any fees. What it does do is allow for the discussion, public engagement, and then, ideally, a vote.  If the comp plan does not get amended, then the exploration of impact fees cannot happen.  Impact fees are charged by all surrounding communities of Seattle, i.e., Redmond, Bellevue, Renton, Bainbridge Island, etc..

What are Impact Fees?  Impact fees are one-time charges assessed by a local government against a new development project to help pay for new or expanded public capital facilities that will directly address the increased demand for services created by that development. *
 
What can Transportation Impact Fees be used for?
Transportation impact fees must be used for “public streets, roads, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities that were designed with multimodal commuting as an intended use” that are addressed by a capital facilities plan element of a comprehensive plan adopted under the GMA, per RCW 82.02.050(4) and RCW 82.02.090(7).
According to our discussions with the Washington State Department of Transportation, “bicycle and pedestrian facilities that were designed with multimodal commuting as an intended use” would include any bike trail/lane/path, sidewalk, or any other multimodal trail/lane/path, whether on-street or off-street, as long as it is publicly owned or within the public right-of-way and connects two or more destinations.
It is unlikely that transportation impact fees can be used for other multimodal improvements not listed above, such as transit vehicles or recreational hiking trails.
Since impact fees are restricted to capital facilities, they cannot be used to fund transportation studies or operating and maintenance costs. *

Development impact fees are not a new idea—the cost to provide infrastructure for new real estate development should be carried in part by those new projects (“growth should pay for growth”).  Implementing development impacts fees—like 70 other Washington Cities already do—requires a two-step process: our comprehensive plan must be amended to allow impact fees before they can be considered by a separate ordinance. CB 120635 is just the first step (amending the comprehensive plan)!  

The timing of CB 120635 is particularly important because the 2015 Move Seattle property tax levy expires next year. Ideally, that property tax can remain flat or even decrease; shifting a reasonable amount of the burden to the for-profit developers of new market rate projects (as is done by Redmond, Bellevue, Federal Way, Shoreline, and 66 other Washington cities) will help make this tax reform possible. 
 
CM Herbold, a long-time proponent of impact fees, and CM Pedersen are co-sponsors of CB 120635 to amend the Comp Plan to enable consideration of a program at a later date.

Reference:
– * Source and language for What are Impact Fees and What can Transportation Impact Fees be used for? Comes from https://mrsc.org/research-tools/ask-mrsc
– To read Council Bill 120635 – click here

Background reading links:
– CM Pedersen’s page
– CM Herbold’s page
– Seattle Times: Seattle Leader Wants Developers to Help Pay for Transportation Projects

Some talking points on this topic:
•        Seattle is overdue for impact fees to help us pay for our transportation infrastructure rather than piling the entire cost-burden on homeowners and renters through property taxes. 
•        Seattle is an outlier when 70 other Washington State cities, including Bellevue, Redmond, Renton, Bainbridge Island (as well as cities across the nation) collect this important revenue for better infrastructure to support growth. 
•        Impact fees do not interfere with growth – Bellevue, Redmond and many other cities in Washington use those fees and these cities have not stopped growing. 
•        Seattle’s proposed impact fees would be relatively small in comparison with other cities’ programs.
•        Public, non-profit, and other low-income housing projects could be exempt from these fees. 
•        Impact fee revenue can be used for projects that support for ALL modes of travel, including pedestrians, transit, bikes, and freight. 
•        Impact fee revenue would free up other transportation revenues that Seattle needs to fix our aging bridges.  
•        Impact fees could be used to help pay for new or replacement trees in upgraded rights of way (streets) projects. 
•        Impact fees are not likely to appreciably impact market rate housing production or rents – driving down land values reduces upward pressure on market rent rates.  
•        Impact fees will not reduce the supply of low-income housing: Low-income housing is likely to be exempt.

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Monthly Meeting, November, In-Person

Wednesday November 1, 2023, 7 PM

Location: Room 202 of the Good Shepherd Center, 4659 Sunnyside Ave N.

Agenda:

  • Welcome and Call to Order
  • Guests:
    • Scott Lien /Kamiak and Weinstein AU will present an update on their 6-story, 105-unit apartment building at 4318 Stone Way North.  The project will include space for restaurant & retail and also include parking for about 60 vehicles.
    • Councilmember Alex Pedersen or Toby Thaler /Pedersen’s office will go over the proposed Transportation Impact Fees legislation.
  • Committee reports
  • Announcements
    • Lid I-5 – Community Vision Workshop, Thursday, November 9, 2023, 5:30-8:00pm, Gould Hall Court, 3950 University Way NE.  Covering the highway, connecting communities – come brainstorm, share ideas, and help with envisioning the possibilities.  All are welcome.  To learn more and rsvp, click here.
    • 45th Street beautification project, Volunteers Needed – Creative project to replace the banners along 45th Street:  
      We have a small group of people interested and could use a few more!  This project needs outreach, project coordination, and creativity – does any of that sound like you?  If so, please email pres@wallingfordcc.org to get connected.
    • Seattle Needs Trees – There is a city-wide movement to amend the legislation to bring it into compliance with the City’s own 2035 Comprehensive Plan goals (30% coverage by 2037), as well as the state Growth Management Act. To learn more, click here.
    • Hybrid Meeting Tech Help: need volunteers with the equipment to lend to make the bi-monthly meetings hybrid.  It is something we would like to offer, but we need a volunteer or two to do so.  Contact pres@wallingfordcc.org if interested. 🙂
    • Next Monthly Meeting: Wednesday, Dec. 6, 7PM.
  • Good of the Order (anything people want to bring up)
  • Adjourn
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Monthly Meeting, October, In-Person

Wednesday October 4, 2023, 7 PM

Location: Room 202 of the Good Shepherd Center, 4659 Sunnyside Ave N.

Agenda:

  • Welcome and Call to Order
  • Guests:
    • Seattle Fire Department: Jon Ehrenfeld will share about the SFD’s recently launched Health 99 unit, a unit that specifically responds to overdoses in Downtown, Belltown, and Pioneer Square
    • Seattle Needs Trees: David Moehring will explain the recently passed Tree Ordinance 126821 and efforts to improve it
  • Committee reports
  • Discussion on Gas Works Park and for-profit events (i.e., large ticketed concerts).  History, concerns, pros/cons, etc.. 
  • Announcements
    • The Great Wallingford Cleanup, Saturday, October 14, 10am – 1pm, meet at the Animal Storm Sculpture on the corner of 45th Street and Wallingford Ave. N.
    • Hybrid Meeting Tech Help: need volunteers with the equipment to lend to make the monthly meetings hybrid.  It is something we would like to offer, but we need a volunteer to do so.  🙂
    • Next Monthly Meeting: Wednesday, Nov. 1st, 7PM.
  • Good of the Order (anything people want to bring up)
  • Adjourn

Volunteers Needed – Creative project to replace the banners along 45th Street:  
Have an interest in joining the Wallingford Community Council in collaboration with other volunteer neighborhood organizations?  This project needs outreach, project coordination, and creativity – does any of that sound like you?  If so, please email pres@wallingfordcc.org to get connected.

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A couple of things..

Seattle Needs Trees

Do you agree that the recently passed Tree Ordinance 126821 has some holes to be filled? Holes like not being in compliance with the city’s comprehensive plan, and forgetting to include tree protection during property development.

There is a city-wide movement to amend the legislation to bring it into compliance with the City’s own 2035 Comprehensive Plan goals (30% coverage by 2037), as well as the state Growth Management Act.

To learn more about this movement, go to: www.seattleneedstrees.com

One can also get a better idea of the benefits of amending the Tree Ordinance from this Seattle Times article by Naomi Ishisaka, “Yes, Seattle, we can have both housing and trees.”

Volunteers Needed

Creative project to replace the banners along 45th Street:  Have an interest in joining the Wallingford Community Council in collaboration with other volunteer neighborhood organizations?  This project needs outreach, project coordination, and creativity – does any of that sound like you?  If so, please email pres@wallingfordcc.org to get connected 🙂

Save the Date

  • Monday, September 18, 6PM – Seattle Fair Growth Candidate Forum – via zoom
  • Wednesday, October 4th, Monthly Meeting, Room 202, Good Shepherd Center – in-person, maybe hybrid.. more info to come
  • Saturday, October 14, 10am – 12pm – The Great Wallingford Cleanup, meet at the Animal Storm Sculpture on the corner of 45th Street and Wallingford Ave. N.
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Join us! Seattle Fair Growth City Council Candidate Forum

Monday, September 18th, 2023 at 6PM via zoom.

You are invited! 🙂

The North Seattle Districts 4, 5, and 6 will be from 6pm – 7 pm.  Wallingford is in Districts 4 & 6.

Central and the South Seattle Districts 1, 2, 3, and 7 will be from 7pm – 8:15 pm.

Plan to come to one or both.  Click here to join via zoom

13 of 14 candidates have said yes, and only one had a conflict! Click here for more information!

Each candidate will have 90 seconds for an introduction. The questions will concern density, affordable housing, our tree canopy and how they fit in our Comprehensive Plan. There will also be a lightning round of six Yes/No questions.

The forums will be recorded and posted at www.seattlefairgrowth.org. Please direct questions about the forums to Sarajane Siegfriedt Sarajane3h@comcast.net.

Click here for a map of the “as of January, 2024” Seattle City Council Districts.

Big thank you to Seattle Fair Growth for their outreach and work to pull together and moderate this candidate forum.

Co-Sponsors Include:

  • Seattle Fair Growth (SFG)
  • Central Area Neighborhood District Council
  • The Morgan Community Organization
  • Phinney Ridge Community Council
  • Duwamish Valley Neighborhood Preservation Coalition
  • Madison Miller Park Community Group
  • Wallingford Community Council

NOTE: The Wallingford Community Council does not support nor endorse individual candidates.

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Wallingford Kiddie Parade – 11AM, Saturday, July 15th!

A community event since 1949? 1950?

Celebrate Wallingford - Kiddie parade July 14 2023 11am Poster

The Wallingford Kiddie Parade is 11AM, Saturday, July 15th!

Parade Route is along N 45th, starting at Bagley N. and ending at Interlake N.

What makes this parade special is that it is all about the kids marching in the parade!

This year’s theme: Halloween in July!  Bring kids in their Halloween costumes to Bagley N. & 45th, and if you are joining them – don’t forget to dress up, as well! 

For more information about participation, here’s your LINK

The Great Parade Float Bonanza: We encourage people to create cool floats!  Blake Garfield, (Celebrate Wallingford Board President) has a couple trailers to loan to folks who’d like to create a parade float.  Yes, there’s NO rental fee! He’ll even deliver it to your door.  The only commitment is your promise to turn yours into something fantastic.  Intrigued? Want to enter?  Find out more LINK

A little community history: This parade is Seattle’s oldest parade. It began as a Kiddie Parade and throughout the years has had several different faces. The event nearly fell into such disrepair that it was questionable whether it would survive. But survive it has.  Celebrate Wallingford is a brand-new neighborhood non-profit created especially to produce the parade. Wallingford Parade is for everyone in the neighborhood, and out! Parade route is from Bagley N to Interlake N on N 45th. Everyone is welcome. More info: Parade | Wallingford Parade (celebratewallingfordwa.org)

This is a community event by, for, and in YOUR neighborhood.  Help make it happen!  Love a Parade? Volunteer HERE  and/or Join the Board!

To Sponsor / Donate, click HERE 

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WCC 2023 Survey Results

In March 2023, the Wallingford Community Council launched a survey using survey monkey to solicit feedback on areas of interest from the community. The short survey was sent out to community council members, advertised on social media – including the WCC website and sent around to various listservs and groups within the neighborhood. The goal of the survey is to help the community council understand key priority areas for the neighborhood in order to prioritize the work of the community council. Over 250 people responded to the survey which provided helpful insight.

The top 5 areas the community wanted to see focused on were:

  1. Public Safety
  2. Homelessness
  3. Zoning
  4. Housing for All
  5. Park Upkeep

The results of the full survey were presented at June 7th WCC meeting. 

WCC-2023-Survey-Data-in-PP-5.25.23Download
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Wallingford Waterway Walk and Tour, 2023

This Saturday! 10AM

Join us and learn about the connection between the neighborhood and Lake Union, along with past and presents efforts to preserve our many public access points to Lake Union.

Saturday, June 10th, 10am, Rain or Shine! 
Location Update!  Meet at Waterway 15, on the western side of Ivar’s, and the walk will leave from there.  Plan on about an hour or two, ending at Stone Way. All are welcome.

To read more about the Wallingford Shoreline, click here:  https://www.wallingfordcc.org/shorelines/

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JOIN US

Wednesday, June 7th, 7pm, ONLINE ONLY! 

Join us on-line as Kristin presents the WCC survey results and shares what the WCC’s focus will be for the year.

To join, click here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88923577386?pwd=aTYzcndLQWFwbHpBREUrbHcyOGMzZz09

Meeting ID: 889 2357 7386
Passcode: 192433

There is no in-person meeting this month; online only.  🙂 

—
This Saturday! 10AM
Wallingford Waterway Walk and Tour

Learn about the connection between the neighborhood and Lake Union, along with past and presents efforts to preserve our many public access points to Lake Union.

Saturday, June 10th, 10am, Rain or Shine! 
Location Update!  Meet at Waterway 15, on the western side of Ivar’s, and the walk will leave from there.  Plan on about an hour or two, ending at Stone Way. All are welcome. 🙂
To read more about the Wallingford Shoreline, click here:  https://www.wallingfordcc.org/shorelines/

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Annual Meeting and Officer Elections

Special guest: Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (District WA-07)

Wednesday, May 3, 2023, 7:00 PM
In-Person at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd Center, all are welcome
4659 Sunnyside Ave N.

NOTE: Max. Capacity of the Chapel is 85 people.
The elevator to the Chapel is broken. 🙁
Hot tip from the building manager: follow the WAY FINDING signs to get to the correct stairwell.
To watch online:  https://meet.google.com/vhx-chgc-vrg

AGENDA:
6:30pm: Member check-in, followed by elections.  Must attend in-person to vote.
7:00pm: Welcome and Officer Elections
7:20 – 8:00pm: Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal
8:00pm: closing remarks by Miranda Berner
8:15pm: adjourn

·      Have a topic that you would like Rep. Jayapal to touch upon?  Please email pres@wallingfordcc.org with it prior to Wednesday.
·      Volunteers needed to help with setting up chairs before the meeting and then putting them away afterwards.
·      Reminder: To vote in the election, you must be a current member for 2023. Five years ago, we moved to a calendar year membership cycle.  If you joined or renewed your membership on or after November 1, 2022, then your membership is valid for all of 2023.  To be eligible to vote in this year’s election, you must have renewed or joined no later than April 17, 2023.
·      If you would like to be considered for nomination to an Officer position, please send a message describing your interest, and your past level of involvement with the neighborhood and the WCC, to communications@wallingfordcc.org

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Wednesday, June 7th, 7pm, join us on-line as Kristin presents the WCC survey results.  Link to come.  No in-person meeting.
Saturday, June 10th, 10am, Wallingford Waterway Walk and Tour.  Rain or Shine!  Meet at the tiled plaza of the Wallingford Steps (1800 N Northlake Way).  Learn about the connection between the neighborhood and Lake Union, along with past and presents efforts to preserve our many public access points to Lake Union.  To read more about the Wallingford Shoreline, click here:  https://www.wallingfordcc.org/shorelines/
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Upcoming! as of March 22, 2023

Save the Dates! 

  • Wednesday, May 3rd, 7:00 PM.  The Wallingford Community Council (WCC) will hold its Annual Membership Meeting and Election of Officers on Wednesday May 3rd, 2023, at 7:00 PM, with member check-in at 6:30pm, in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd Center, 4659 Sunnyside Ave N.
    • If you would like to be considered for nomination to an Officer position, please send a message describing your interest, and your past level of involvement with the neighborhood and the WCC, to communications@wallingfordcc.org no later than April 15th.  Thank you!
  • Please note: There is no Monthly Meeting on Wednesday, April 5th, as we have moved to having bi-monthly (every other month) meetings.
  • Saturday, April 22nd, 10AM – 1PM, Wallingford Spring Clean-up! Earth Day!  Come pick up garbage BEFORE it gets into our beautiful Lake Union.  Two meeting spots to choose from!
    • Cat Storm Pole on 45th St @Wallingford Avenue N.
    • 3333 Wallingford Ave. N, across from the Varsity Inn
  • Saturday, June 10th, Morning, Wallingford Waterway Walk and Tour.  Details to come.

Announcements 

  • Have you renewed for 2023?
    • Reminder: To vote in the election, you must be a current member for 2023. Five years ago, we moved to a calendar year membership cycle. If you joined or renewed your membership after November 2022, then your membership is valid for all of 2023. To be eligible to vote in the May election, you must renew or join no later than April 17, 2023.
      Click here to Renew or Join.
  • Please take 5 minutes to fill out THIS SURVEY to help the WCC set priorities for 2023-2024. Survey closes Saturday, April 15th.
  • The Communications Committee is looking for volunteers to help with promoting the Wallingford Waterway Tour in June.
  • Hybrid Meeting Tech Help: need volunteers with the equipment to lend to make the bi-monthly meetings hybrid.  It is something we would like to offer, but we need a volunteer to do so.  🙂
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Oppose HB1110/SB5190 – upzones without affordability!

Urgent CALL TO ACTION to oppose
HB1110/SB5190 which mandates statewide blanket upzones
without any guarantee of affordability.

HB1110/SB5190 seeks to dictate and override current land use laws in Seattle and statewide without any guarantee of affordability.

Please send comments to Governor Inslee, state senators in your district, and ask them to OPPOSE this bill. 

     Governor Inslee – fill out his contact form here, and to call: 360-902-4111

     District 43rd(mostly south of 45th street)
Jamie.Pedersen@leg.wa.gov       360 786 7628

     District 46 (North of 45th street)
     Javier.Valdez@leg.wa.gov       360 786 7818

along with:
     Chair of Ways and Means
     Christine.Rolfes@leg.wa.gov       360 786 7644     

One can also comment and track the bill by:
1)  Going to the Washington State legislature page and click on MENU on left  https://leg.wa.gov
2)  Then click on “Bill Information” on list and then type in search bar the bill number “1110” only (do not include the HB prefix), then click “search”
3) Click “Comment on this bill” and fill in your name, address, and zip to verify your legislators
5) You can choose to “oppose,” “neutral,” or “support” and leave comments
6) Lastly be sure to “send comment” or “submit” (make a copy for your records, optional) 

Here are the core excerpts from the original bill HB1110 and substitute bills:
1) Any city with a population of 75,000 or more … must provide statewide … authorization for the following:
a) The development of at least FOUR units per lot on all lots zoned for residential use,
b) The development of SIX units per lot on all lots zoned predominantly for residential use within ½ mile walking distance of a “Major transit stop or community amenity” and,
c) The development of SIX units per lot on all lots zoned predominantly for residential use, if at least two units are affordable housing.

Note b above: “major transit stop” definition has expanded to include, “community amenity” of about 200 public schools in Seattle and 300 parks within one half mile
Note b above: Amendments to reduce the 1/2 mile to 1/4 mile have failed in latest substitute bill and to the request to omit parks and schools denied
Note c above: “major transit stop” definition includes light rail, rapid ride, bus stops with regular service qualifications

d) To qualify for the additional units … the applicant must commit to renting two of the six units at rents affordable to low-income households (60% AMI renters and 80% AMI buyers) for a term of 50 years.

Note: this option of providing two units of affordable housing is only available if the building location is outside the ½ mile and the developer wants to increase production from four units to six units, AND, as almost all of Seattle is “within ½ mile walking distance of a, “Major transit stop or community amenity,” this incentive to add affordable housing units is negated by the above 1.b.  Essentially, this bill provides no incentive to build affordable housing units within Seattle and gives away negotiation power that could be used to ask for it.

Edmonds News, Reader View, Feb. 5, 2023, says it succinctly:
“There is no upside to these bills. Failure to build affordable housing, override of local zoning ordinances, negative impact of development on our environmental resources (watersheds, critical areas, tree canopy) and on our aging infrastructure, and inevitable future property tax increases, are all serious downsides.”

Background reading links for HB1110/SB5190: 

1) Seattle Times Jan. 27, 2023 “Serve the people, not the developers”
https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/serve-the-people-not-developers-amend-middle-housing-bill/
“HB 1110 includes no authentic proscription to create affordable housing. Instead, it creates market-rate housing.”

2) Seattle Fair Growth Missing Middle Fact Sheet
 https://www.seattlefairgrowth.org/missing-middle-fact-sheet.html

3) District 4 Council Alex Pedersen News in Land Use section” Reasons to Reject HB1110/SB5190”
https://mailchi.mp/seattle.gov/so-much-to-accomplish-in-2023?e=af260c3273#land-use

4) Edmonds News Feb. 17th, 2023
https://myedmondsnews.com/2023/02/reader-view-who-will-benefit-from-house-and-senate-housing-bills-follow-the-money

Not only are the so-called “Missing Middle” House bills examples of using language to mislead, but both “Missing Middle” bills HB1110/SB5190 are statewide mandates to override and pre-empt Seattle’s local zoning laws.

Briefly, we need to reflect on Seattle’s sweeping blanket up zone legislation passed in 2019 which included MHA (Mandatory Housing Affordability) that eliminated all single-family zoned lots within 27 Urban Villages. All single-family lots inside these 27 Urban Villages were converted to higher density multi-family low rise zones.  Also, Seattle increased development capacity with massive upzones in Neighborhood Commercial zones and hubs such as downtown, Ballard, and the U District.

Additionally, the 2019 ADU/DADU attached and detached backyard cottage legislation up zoned every single-family lot citywide outside of the urban villages to allow 3 units per lot, citywide. That has evolved into unit lot subdivisions, generating the development of townhouses, being sold for a median listing price of $769K1.  Currently, developers can maximize profits by tearing down one house and selling or leasing 3 units at market rates in single family zones citywide.

Both of these sweeping changes to zoning are having the effect of decreasing the amount of naturally occurring affordable housing throughout Seattle faster than any affordable housing is being generated.  At least with the Seattle urban village MHA up zones, there is a development fee collected which transfers to non-profits to build affordable housing at a range of income levels. 

Some key reasons to reject or oppose HB1110/SB5190

  • Seattle residents should be in control of land use zoning decisions for Seattle
  • Seattle has sufficient capacity for growth, and the 2019 MHA and ADU/DADU upzones increased this capacity even further
  • More than 80% of the 250,000 needed units of housing in WA are low-income, subsidized housing, and that will not be addressed by upzoning; subsidies and incentives are needed.
  • Upzoning drives displacement, as it encourages tear downs of naturally occurring affordable housing within neighborhoods, as well as economic segregation by replacing what was once affordable to a broader swath of income levels with new market rate housing units.
  • HB1110 /5190 is going to produce market rate housing with zero affordability requirements within a ½ mile from parks, schools and transit (so no affordability requirements for most of Seattle)
  • Infrastructure language is inadequate for level of density mandated
  • Upzones in Seattle have caused property assessments to rise, dramatically increasing property taxes over the past few years
  • Environmental concerns such as such as tree canopies, setbacks, watersheds and run-off, critical areas prone to flooding, erosion, and landslides, and green space inclusion are being ignored at the expense of the quality of life for residents of all incomes

—Reference: 

  1. Redfin.com, on March 5, 2023 states, “There are currently 453 townhouses for sale in Seattle at a median listing price of $769K.”  https://www.redfin.com/city/16163/WA/Seattle/townhouses
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Bi-Monthly Meeting Wednesday March 1, 2023 7 PM

In-Person, Bi-Monthly Meeting Wednesday March 1, 7 PM

Location: Room 202 of the Good Shepherd Center, 4659 Sunnyside Ave N.

Agenda:

  • Welcome and Call to Order
  • Guest: Stephanie Velasco, Housing Levy Communications Manager, Office of Housing, City of Seattle, along with additional members of her department, to speak on funding sources for housing followed by Q&A.
  • Committee reports
  • Save the Dates!
    • Saturday, April 22nd, Morning, Earth Day clean-up!  Details to come
    • Wednesday, May 3rd, We have moved to every other month (bi-monthly) meetings for 2023. The next Bi-Monthly Meeting will be folded into our Annual Meeting and Officer Elections, Wednesday May 3rd, 6:30 PM.
    • Saturday, June 10th, Morning, Wallingford Waterway Walk and Tour.  Details to come.
  • Announcements:
    • The Communications Committee is looking for volunteers to help with promoting the Earth Day Clean-up in April and the Wallingford Waterway Tour in June.
    • Hybrid Meeting Tech Help: need volunteers with the equipment to lend to make the bi-monthly meetings hybrid.  It is something we would like to offer, but we need a volunteer to do so.  🙂
  • Good of the Order (anything people want to bring up)
  • Adjourn
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Bi-Monthly Meeting Wednesday January 4, 2023 7 PM

In-Person, Bi-Monthly Meeting Wednesday January 4, 7 PM

Location: Room 202 of the Good Shepherd Center, 4659 Sunnyside Ave N.

Agenda:
– Welcome and Call to Order
– Guest: Stephanie Secord, SPU SCWQP Project Manager for the Storage Tunnel and Wallingford Conveyance Projects:  “Seattle Public Utilities has selected a contractor for the Wallingford Conveyance Project and we’re looking to begin construction in January 2023. The project includes an approximate year-long closure of Stone Way between N 34th St and N 35th St and we’d like to be able to answer any questions.”
– Guest: Councilmember Alex Pedersen
– Committee reports

Announcements:
– We have moved to every other month (bi-monthly) meetings for 2023. The next Bi-Monthly Meeting will be Wednesday March 1st, 7 PM.
– The Communications Committee is looking for volunteers to help with writing emails and posting content to the website
– Hybrid Meeting Tech Help: need volunteers with the equipment to lend to make the bi-monthly meetings hybrid.  It is something we would like to offer, but we need a volunteer to do so.  🙂

Good of the Order (anything people want to bring up)
Adjourn
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Join us at our OPEN HOUSE

The Wallingford Community Council

invites you to an in-person

OPEN HOUSE
Wednesday, November 2nd, 2022
6-8PM

Good Shepherd Center, Room 202
4649 Sunnyside, Ave. N.

Meet and reconnect with your neighbors,
learn about the WCC (& about volunteer opportunities!),
a 100% volunteer organization made up of residents of Wallingford,
celebrate with friends, join in community conversations, meet some of our elected officials, enjoy dessert, win raffles with prizes,
and a Halloween switch witch for the kids.

RSVP – To help us plan – please RVSP, and indicate how many kids for the Switch Witch 🙂

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June Monthly Meeting – Moved to June 9

Did you know – The City has grown 21.1% since 2010.

We are partnering with the Seattle Redistricting Commission to host the District 4 Public Forum – a hybrid meeting on the Redistricting of Seattle’s seven City Council Districts.  Come learn and provide feedback.  All are welcome. 🙂

Time: 5:30-7:30 PM
Date: Thursday, June 9, 2022
Location:  Wallingford Community Senior Center in the Good Shepherd Center, 4649 Sunnyside Avenue Northsuite, Suite 140, Seattle, WA 98103
OR
Virtual Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82217028349

Note: there is no meeting Wednesday, June 1st.

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Annual Meeting and officer elections scheduled for Wednesday, May 18

Join us for the Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at 7:30 PM. Our guest speakers are Tanya Kim, Acting Director, and Michael Bailey, Assistant Director, of the Human Services Department (HSD). This meeting will be virtual.

Meeting Agenda

  • Presentation, question & answer session with Tanya and Michael, Human Services Department – Attendees can ask questions directly in the videoconference, by submitting them through the chat feature, or in advance by email to the moderator.
  • Board / Committee reports
  • Good of the order – (anything you want to bring up).
  • Announcements

We want to hear from you.

Send us your questions or topic ideas for the upcoming monthly meetings to communications@wallingfordcc.org.

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