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Monthly Meeting – December 2024

Last Chance to Discuss One Seattle Plan – WCC Meeting on Dec 10th

Dear Wallingford Community Members,

We hope this message finds you well. As we approach the end of the year, we have an important opportunity to share our thoughts on the One Seattle Plan and how it will affect our neighborhood.  Our last chance is to discuss the “One Seattle Plan” proposals before public comment closes.
SAVE THE DATE: Wallingford Community Council Meeting – Dec 10, 7-9 PM
Date: Tuesday, December 10
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Good Shepherd Senior Center, Room 140
Key Topic: “One Seattle Plan” Zoning Changes

The One Seattle Plan proposes significant zoning changes across all Seattle neighborhoods, increasing density by allowing up to 4-6 units on formerly single-family lots as part of the state’s Middle Housing Bill (HB1110). These changes will reshape our community, and we all must understand the impacts and share our views.

The city’s public comment period closes on December 20th, making this your last chance to engage with the community on these proposals.

Why Attend?
– Learn about the latest updates to zoning changes and what they mean for Wallingford.  
– Discuss the revised development standards for Lowrise 1-3 and Midrise zones. (PDF links)
– Voice your concerns and hear from other community members before the public comment window closes.

Refresher Summary: 
The One Seattle Plan proposes sweeping zoning changes for increased density in Seattle neighborhoods, including Wallingford. The plan aims to build 4-6 units on single-family lots, as mandated by the State’s Middle Housing Bill HB1110. This would involve upzoning areas near major transit and “frequent transit” bus routes.

In Wallingford, for example, single-family lots abutting the streets of bus lines 31, 32, and 62 currently have height limits of 30 feet in Neighborhood Residential zones, but with the rezone, proposed heights on redeveloped lots would rise to “LR3” (55 feet, 5-story multi-family buildings). 

There is a plan to expand the Tangletown commercial core and create a “Neighborhood Commercial Center” where single-family NR zoning is proposed to be rezoned to LR3 (55 feet, 5-story multi-family buildings).  Another new “Neighborhood Commercial Center” is proposed west of Wallingford in the upper Fremont area.  

Resources for Meeting Preparation:
– Link to the November WCC Meeting Recap: Wallyhood Blog Post
– Draft Zoning Maps and Engagement Opportunities: One Seattle Plan Zoning Hub
– Helpful Video: How to Read and Comment on Zoning Maps. An overview of the One Seattle Zoning Plan and navigating the website to view specific addresses with current zoning and proposed changes.

Reminder: Engagement Opportunities with the OPCD 
The Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) will host several opportunities for community engagement before the public comment period ends:
– Thursday, Dec 5: Jefferson Park Community Center, Gym, 3801 Beacon Avenue South, 5:30 – 7:30 PM. (District 2)
– Tuesday, Dec 10: Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 301 Mercer St, 5:30 – 7:30 PM. (District 7)
– Thursday, Dec 12: Virtual Information Session Online, 5:30 – 7:30 PM

Reminder: Other Engagement Opportunities with the City
– Office Hour Appointments with OPCD Staff: Available until December 16th. Visit the Engagement Section on the One Seattle Plan Zoning Hub to schedule an appointment.
– Public Comments: Email your comments to oneseattleplan.zoning@seattle.gov and copy Bruce.Harrell@seattle.gov, Dan.Strauss@seattle.gov (for District 6 – above 50th, Near Tangletown businesses), and/or Maritza.Rivera@seattle.gov (for District 4 – below 50th). Be sure to include your zip code!In

Summary: Stay Informed, Stay Engaged:

The public comment deadline is December 20th, 2024. Your voice matters, and this is a crucial opportunity to shape the future of our community.

Save the Date and join us for this discussion as we navigate these significant changes together. We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, December 10th at the Good Shepherd Senior Center, Suite 140 from 7 to 9 pm. 

Warm regards,
Wallingford Community Council
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Stay Engaged: One Seattle Plan Zoning Changes & Transportation Levy Updates

We have several critical updates and upcoming events to share with you, including an important discussion on the “One Seattle Plan” zoning changes that will significantly impact our neighborhood. 

1.) Save the Date – November 12th WCC Meeting

Join us at our upcoming WCC meeting on Tuesday 11/12 for a comprehensive review of the proposed “One Seattle Plan” zoning maps and their impact on Wallingford.  

The “One Seattle Plan” (youtube overview) proposes sweeping zoning changes for formerly single family lots outside the Wallingford Urban Village and across all Seattle neighborhoods.

The plan is to increase density by authorizing the construction of 4-6 units on remaining single family lots as mandated by the State’s Middle Housing Bill HB1110.  

Date: Tuesday, November 12
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Good Shepherd Senior Center, Room 140
Key Topic: “One Seattle Plan” Zoning Changes

Some Key Details:

  • The city’s neighborhood zoning changes reflect up-zones in proximity to a 1/4 mile walk from major transit (rapid ride and light rail) with unexpected up-zones to lots located adjacent to “frequent transit” bus routes. 
  • In Wallingford, for example, single family lots abutting the streets of bus lines 31, 32 and 62 currently have height limits of 30 ft in Neighborhood Residential zones. In the proposed rezone, heights on redeveloped lots would rise to 55 ft for 5-story, multi-family developments. 
  • A new Neighborhood Commercial Center is proposed in West Wallingford/Upper Fremont
  • There is a plan to expand the Tangletown commercial core and create a “new neighborhood center” where single family NR zoning is proposed to be rezoned to LR3. 

Key Resources: 
The city website has a consolidated page with an interactive Draft Mapping tool, the Neighborhood Residential Housing Models proposed for HB1110, and an Engagement Section with a listing of the seven in-person information sessions with the OPCD staff. (Office of Planning and Community Development)  There is also a helpful video on how to explore the maps and comment on them directly. 
https://one-seattle-plan-zoning-implementation-seattlecitygis.hub.arcgis.com/pages/zoning-map
(Please note, these Zoning Maps are available for Public Comment through 12/20.)

As mentioned, OPCD will host meetings on this topic from Oct. 30 to Dec. 12 across in-person and virtual meetings:

Other key resources and opportunities to engage:

Please note that Public Comment Closes on Dec. 20, 2024

2.) Transportation Levy “Proposition 1” Update

Following our October WCC meeting with SDOT representatives, please review the following links to find answers to any outstanding questions or decisions on this ballot issue.

Thank you for your continued engagement in shaping our community’s future.

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Monthly Meeting – October 2024

Regarding: October Meeting on Ballot Prop 1 Transportation Levy featuring SDOT (plus Property Taxes, Zoning Changes, Lincoln Athletic Field, Waterway 20, etc.)

We have several important updates and events coming up that we want to share with you, including a upcoming live discussion on Ballot Proposition 1 Transportation Levy to “Move Seattle” with SDOT at our next WCC meeting on Thursday 10/17 at 7:00. See more details below. 

Our live meetings are valuable opportunities to engage with issues that will directly impact our neighborhood and city. Please mark your calendars and join us in shaping the future of Wallingford!

1.) This Week! Save the Date! October WCC Meeting (Thursday 10/17 at 7PM) 

Date: Thursday, October 17
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: Senior Center, Suite 140, Good Shepherd, 4649 Sunnyside Ave.
(Note: This event will not be live-streamed.)

Key Topic: Ballot Proposition 1 Transportation Levy to “Move Seattle”

Speakers from the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), Meghan Shepard or Dan Anderson, will provide insights on the proposed $1.5 billion levy. They will cover planned improvements and what it means for your taxes. 

Seattle voters will decide on the biggest transportation levy in Seattle’s history, impacting property owners, renters and businesses. “Property owners would pay a rate of $.65 cents for every $1,000 of assessed value”. The owner of a median priced home assessed at $804,000 would pay an estimated $520 a year or about $230.00 more than they pay now through 2032. This levy is 75% larger than the previous levy passed in 2016.  

Why Attend?

  • Understand the specific transportation initiatives the levy supports.
  • Learn how much the levy will cost Seattle residents and businesses.

Key Actions

  • Register to Vote! Your vote is your voice! Be registered to vote and informed on upcoming ballot initiatives impacting our neighborhoods.
  • Voting Deadline: Ballots must be returned by Tuesday, November 5, by 8 PM. You can also vote in person on Election Day.

Additional Resources for Pre/Review: 

2.) Wallingford Transportation News

Wallingford Healthy Streets has transitioned from a temporary to a permanent fixture, expanding the route under SDOT’s “Safe Routes to Schools” program.

3.) 9/25 WCC Meeting Presentation (recap) with King County Tax Assessor, John Wilson. (Highlights in case you missed the September meeting.)

Take advantage of the most recent senior exemption program for tax relief to reduce your property taxes if your income was $84,000 or below in 2023 and you are at least 62 years of age. See details of applying for property tax relief at their website. 

Co-presenter, Jeff Darrow, Residential Division Director notes: Property tax revenue collected recently comes primarily from residential properties at about 80% of total revenue with only about 20% of total revenue coming from commercial properties. The drop in revenue from commercial properties was explained as the large numbers of commercial buildings sitting unoccupied.

4) Zoning Changes: HB 1110 “Middle Housing” Bill impacts for Seattle 

With the passage of  HB1110 “Middle Housing” bill in the 2023 legislative session, the City of Seattle is now required to allow at least 4 units on all residential lots, and at least 6 units on lots located within a quarter mile of a “major transit stop” or where at least two units are “affordable housing.”  These changes are anticipated to have a positive impact on property values, potentially leading to increased property tax assessments in accordance with the “highest and best use” principle.

It is important to note that legislators in Olympia are currently considering a proposal to raise the cap on property taxes to 3% and that the current 1% cap on annual property tax increases does not extend to levies that have been approved through a voter referendum.

More info and articles on HB1110. 

5) Update on Public Access to Waterway 20

When Waterway 20, adjacent to the harbor patrol docks and Gas Works Park, was unlawfully fenced off from public use by the harbor patrol more than a decade ago, the Wallingford Community Council (WCC) formally submitted an application to the state authorities to reinstate this neighborhood public access to Lake Union. 

The state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) determined that the site had been contaminated by hazardous toxins, partially as a result of materials stored on the site by the harbor patrol. Comprehensive studies conducted to assess contamination levels and effective remediation strategies are finally nearing completion and, although the DNR is prepared to engage in discussions on a timeline for reinstating public access, the city of Seattle is now expressing resistance to the reopening. 

Join the WCC Shoreline Committee to be actively involved in restoring public access to Lake Union and protecting our shoreline habitats.

6) Lincoln Athletic Field (Seattle Public Schools / Wallingford Park, Meridian Park, etc.) 

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is seeking community feedback on the proposed site for a new athletic field to serve Lincoln High School and Hamilton Middle School. The need for this field has become urgent with the planned demolition of Memorial Stadium, where Lincoln’s football team practices and plays and long daily commutes for student athletes to practice on other fields. 

Funds for the Lincoln field are earmarked in the 2022 Building, Technology, Academics, and Athletics (BTA V) Capital Levy, supported by property taxes. SPS notes that it has “not made a final decision” on the location, and community engagement is critical as the project moves forward.

At a public meeting on September 19th, SPS focused on three possible locations: Wallingford Playfield, Meridian Park, and Queen Anne Bowl. Wallingford Playfield is a leading contender due to its proximity to both schools. Two potential field layouts at Wallingford Playfield were discussed, both requiring the relocation of the playground and possibly the wading pool. The proposed field would feature synthetic turf and LED lighting, but concerns remain about green space access, shared community use, mature tree removal, parking, and traffic.  

Another option being not presented at the meeting but being circulated in the community is restoring the practice field to its original location on the north side of the school, necessitating relocation of the current staff parking lot or lidding the lot with an elevated field. 

Wallyhood.org has recently summarized the issue in this article. 

Action Needed:

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Property Tax, Zoning & Levies with King County Tax Assessor on 9/25

Stay Engaged: Property Taxes, City Council Candidates, and Key Neighborhood News

We have several important updates and events coming up that we want to share with you, including a live discussion on property taxes with the King County Tax Assessor, a Seattle City Council candidate forum, and key information on the upcoming Transportation Levy.

These meetings are valuable opportunities to engage with issues that will directly impact our neighborhood and city. Please mark your calendars and join us in shaping the future of Wallingford!

1) NEXT WEEK: September WCC Meeting on Wed, 9/25 – Property Tax Impacts Discussion

  • Agenda: The WCC is hosting a live discussion on property taxes with King County Tax Assessor, John Wilson. Learn about how changes in state and city zoning, as well as new levies, might impact your property taxes. Ask questions and engage directly with King County.

2) SAVE THE DATE: “Seattle City Council Candidate Forum”  Tuesday, Sept. 24th with the Fremont Neighborhood Council.

  • Agenda: The Fremont Neighborhood Council President, Tim Kitchen, is inviting WCC members to their Candidate Forum.
  • Speakers: The Forum will host candidates Tanya Woo and Alexis Mercedes Rick who are running for the Seattle City Council at large position 8 on the November ballot. 
  • Actions: Compare and contrast our future city council members in person.
  • Meeting Info:
    • Tuesday, September 24 at the Fremont Doric Lodge 619 N. 36th at 7 pm. (No reservation is necessary.
    • The meeting will also be live-streamed on Fremont Neighborhood Council’s Facebook page.

3) SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, October 17th WCC Meeting – Transportation Levy Discussion 

  • In November, Seattle voters will decide on the biggest transportation levy in the city’s history, impacting property owners. Learn more about how this levy might affect your taxes and services.
    • “Property owners would pay a rate of .65 cents for every 1,000 of assessed value.” This is the biggest levy ask of residents in the history of Seattle. The owner of a median-priced home assessed at $804,000 would pay an estimated $520.00 a year or about $230.00 more than they pay now through 2032. 
  • Meeting Info:
    •  Thursday, October 17 from 7-9 pm at the Senior Center Good Shepherd (4649 Sunnyside Ave N)
  • Reference Links:

4)  NEWS: The 20-year vision for Seattle, called the Comprehensive Plan (One Seattle Plan 2044) proposed by the Office of Planning and Development (OPCD), is scheduled for public comment. 

  • On October 16, 2024, The OPCD will release the online draft zoning maps reflecting zoning changes to formerly single-family properties city-wide. The maps will apply the zoning changes mandated by the state legislation (House Bill) HB1110. HB1110 increases the number of units allowed from the existing 3 units maximum to 4-6 units per lot depending on proximity ¼ mile from light rail, rapid ride, and major transit.
  • More information on HB1110 Middle Housing Bill Concepts:  https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/OPCD/SeattlePlan/OneSeattlePlanNeighborhoodResidentialConceptsDRAFT2024.pdf
  • October 16-November 20, 2024: Public engagement and comment period
  • December 2024: Release Final Environmental Impact Statement and transmit Mayor’s One Seattle Comprehensive Plan for Council consideration and adoption in 2025.
  • The City Council will consider the Mayor’s proposal in a Select Committee consisting of all nine city council members.
  • The following was released last spring for both the One Seattle Plan and the DRAFT Environmental Impact Study (DEIS) https://www.seattle.gov/opcd/one-seattle-plan/project-documents
  • The Wallingford Community Council will continue to provide information and references  to links online as the city releases the maps in October and the Final Environmental Impact Statement in December. 

5)  SAVE THE DATE: Follow up meeting in October with the Seattle Public Schools regarding the proposed siting of a practice field in Wallingford for area schools.

  • On Thursday, 9/19, there was an initial meeting at Lincoln High School to gather community input on the consideration of potentially modifying and using area parks as practice fields for Lincoln and Hamilton Schools. This was an active discussion on the suggestion for Wallingford Playfield as the option with the least amount of obstacles. Seattle Public Schools (SPS) will update their project pages with more information and replies to unanswered questions about this proposal and other potential options. https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/capital-projects-and-planning/school-construction/projects/lincoln-field/ 

  • – Seattle Public Schools (SPS) will hold a follow-up meeting to continue the conversations in October, 2024. (the WCC previously understood this event would be held on October 24th via their in-person meeting on 9/19, but we are so far unable to confirm this date with SPS).
    • – We will post more information about this meeting when available.

In the meantime, additional  concerns, opinions and other comments can be submitted via their online feedback form in advance of the October meeting. https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/capital-projects-and-planning/school-construction/projects/feedback/

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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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Cancelled – the December 6th Monthly Meeting.

We look forward to seeing you in 2024.  🙂

P.S. Have new neighbors?  Please invite them to join the WCC mailing list.

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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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Help Set Priorities for 2023-2024 :)

Dear Fellow Wallingford Neighbors, 

The Wallingford Community Council Board wants to hear from you! How can we best represent our neighborhood?

Please take 5 minutes to fill out THIS SURVEY to help the WCC Board set priorities for 2023-2024. NOTE: Survey closes Saturday, April 15th, 2023.

Thank you! And Happy Spring!

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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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