Author Archives: WCCAdmin

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/

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/ 

Wallingford Community Council In-Person Meeting Schedule

Save the dates!
– Wednesday, Sept. 25 7-9pm
– Thursday, October 17 7-9pm
NEW LOCATION – Senior Center!
The Good Shepherd Senior Center 4649 Sunnyside Avenue North (lower level) will be our temporary location for the Sept. and Oct. meetings due to retrofitting of main building.  
Also, we have had to change days from usual first Wednesday of the month for WCC meetings to days when there is meeting space availability at the Senior Center.
Thank you for your understanding until the retrofit is complete.
 
 1) September 25 Wednesday 7-9 pm Senior Center Good Shepherd
Agenda: Speaker Mr. John Wilson King County Tax Assessor
What factors such as state and city zoning changes and levies impact your property taxes? New information on how properties are assessed?
https://www.kingcounty.gov/en/dept/assessor/buildings-and-property/property-taxes/tax-relief

2) October 17 Thursday 7-9 pm Senior Center Good Shepherd
Agenda: Transportation Levy Ballot issue vote coming in November
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/seattle-council-adds-one-last-surprise-to-1-55b-transportation-levy/
The 930 million dollar transportation levy in place will expire this year. Mayor Harrell and the council put a 1.55 billion dollar levy on the ballot which will raise property taxes. “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 a year or about $230 more than they pay now through 2032. How will you vote? Learn more.

3) Introductions of the Board from the May Election meeting
Approval of the minutes from May
President – Bonnie Williams
Vice president – Kristin Misner-Gutierrez
Treasurer – Mark Johahnson
Secretary – Ted Hunter
At Large – Mary Hodder
At Large – Margaret Holt
At Large – Matt Hallett
The Wallingford Community Council and neighborhood is grateful to former President Miranda Berner who has been a truly exceptional leader. Salute!
There were no meetings in June, July or August.
 
4) Public Hearing Wed.  Sept. 4 at 2pm Land Use Committee
CB120823 Omnibus Bill
Congregate Housing: will change code to allow congregate housing (sleeping space and shared kitchens) in Lowrise, Midrise multifamily zones and Neighborhood Commercial C1,C2 and NC1 and NC2.  This applies to all residential zones within ¼ mile of high capacity transit that are re-zoned for 6 units using state rezone bill HB1110 effective Jan. 2025.  The changes are intended to put Seattle in compliance with Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1998, passed in Washington State 2024 legislative session.  Click here for more info.

Trees: request City Council to amend to increase tree canopy in low-income neighborhoods, and more.  Click here for the Call-to-Action and more information.

5) Open House to learn about steps to minimize odors at North Transfer Station
Tuesday, Sept. 17 5:30pm-6:30pm 1350 N. 34th Street Conference room
RSVP by visiting the project website Space is limited first come first serve basis   www.seattle.gov/utilities/NorthTransferStation
 
6) Support Historic Wallingford Fundraiser Sunday, Sept. 15 4:30-6:30 pm
Do not miss the fun! Get your tickets online at Historic Wallingford.org. for $45.00. The theme is a revisit to a Roaring Twenties Speakeasy with Cocktails, Canapes, a silent auction and jazz music held at Murphy’s Pub 1928 N. 45th. https://www.historicwallingford.org/speakeasy/###
Wallingford Community Council "Kite Hill" logo

Monthly Meeting, Wednesday November 1

Location: Room 202 of the Good Shepherd Center, 4659 Sunnyside Ave N.
Time: 7:00 PM

Program: George Scarola, Permitted Homeless Encampment coming to Wallingford from Ballard.

Agenda:
7:00 PM – Welcome / Call to Order.
Approval of Minutes.
Committee reports.

Special Guests:
George Scarola, Department of Homelessness
The permitted tiny house homeless encampment in Ballard is moving to Wallingford in December.  George Scarola will explain the program and answer questions.  See below for more information on the Northlake area legal encampment.

NOTE: There will be another community meeting later in November; the Department of Homelessness is working to confirm a venue larger than Room 202.

Zach Carstensen, Director, Outreach & Engagement, Office of Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07).

Good of the Order (anything people want to bring up).
Announcements:

  • The next Monthly Meeting will be Wednesday December 6, 2017.
  • Emergency Preparation, City-wide Communication Hubs: To learn more about gathering and supporting each other in the event of earthquake, storm, or other large-scale emergencies, please visit http://www.seattle.gov/emergency-management/prepare/prepare-your-neighborhood.
  • The ADU EIS Scoping Comments are due 5:00 PM, November 1, 2017.
  • KOMO News and KING 5 covered the Thursday October 26 “Funeral of the Neighborhood Voice”.
  • The Roof is Now Open! As a result of a SEPA appeal by the WCC, public access to the roof of the new Tableau building at Woodlawn Avenue N & N 34th Street is open during business hours.  The Entry door is located next to Cafe Acadia. If the door is locked, ask at the Tableau reception desk for the door to be unlocked.

9:00 PM – Adjourn.

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Seattle Design Process “Improvements” Public Hearing

Your Input Matters!

Seattle Design Process “Improvements” Public Hearing
MONDAY, Sept. 11, 2017

Sign up to testify: 5:00pm
Public comments begin: 7:00pm

LOCATION of Public Hearing:
SIFF Cinema Uptown, Auditorium 3
511 Queen Anne Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109

Growth without Oversight
Do you believe in responsible growth that is positive for your community’s quality of life?

Then make your voice heard with the City Council! The City’s proposal to amend the design review process takes away your influence concerning what gets built in your immediate neighborhood.

Currently, both the City and the Neighborhood Design Guidelines combine with a format that offers two public Design Review meetings to make growth fit within the context of your neighborhood.  Without the check and balance of inclusive design review, growth can destroy neighborhoods.  With it, the character and quality of the neighborhood is strengthened when adding housing and commercial spaces.

If you can attend the Hearing & make public comment, please do so! See below for more info on the proposes changes.
Get there early & bring a neighbor! 

In addition to attending the hearing, please ask all Council Members to:
– Leave the Design Review process as is
– Enforce: Direct city employees and the Design Review Boards to enforce existing design guidelines

“Please leave the Design Process as is, and instead, direct the city to start enforcing design guidelines. Too many departures are being granted, too many setback requirements are being ignored, and too many loopholes are being exploited due to poor enforcement by the City.”

Please CALL City Council and tell them your thoughts:  206-684-8888
Please E-mail City Council:
sally.bagshaw@seattle.gov; tim.burgess@seattle.gov; mike.obrien@seattle.gov; kshama.sawant@seattle.gov; rob.johnson@seattle.gov; lorena.gonzalez@seattle.gov; lisa.herbold@seattle.gov; bruce.harrell@seattle.gov; debora.juarez@seattle.gov

Please submit your comments to Mayor Murray:
http://www.seattle.gov/mayor/get-involved/contact-the-mayor

Proposed changes that impact neighborhoods include:

  • Removing neighborhoods from the process by replacing language such as:
    • “Neighborhood priorities among the design guidelines” with “identify guideline priorities”.
    • “Highest priority to the neighborhood” with “highest priority to the Board”.
  • Exempting projects on properties of less than 10,000 square feet from any design review. In the past 2 years, 29% of projects were in this category. For perspective: most four story apartment buildings are on properties of less than 10,000 square feet.
  • Restricting the scope of the Design Review Process:
    • Administrative – Developments inside Urban Villages get Administrative Design Review, with no public meetings, if less than 20,000 square feet.
    • Hybrid – Developments up to 20,000 square feet (or larger inside an Urban Village) would require only the Design Review Board “Recommendation” meeting and not the “Early Design Guidance” meeting.
    • Full – Only the largest developments, over 20,000 square feet, and only outside Urban Village boundaries, would require the normal Design Review Board “Early Design Guidance” and “Recommendation” meetings.
  • Revising who is a stakeholder by changing straightforward terms such as “Developers” to more generic terms like “Project Proponents”.
  • Shifting responsibility and authority from the Design Review Board to the Director. This has the effect of making Design Review Boards less independent, and will make the Board positions less attractive to the professionals who volunteer their time.
  • Granting departures from building code without public review.

Your input DOES MATTER!  Last year, due to comments and push-back from all over the city, the proposed changes were tabled until now.

Want to learn more?

The Seattle Neighborhood Coalition (SNC) will be discussing the proposed Design Review changes at their monthly meeting this Saturday, 9:00AM, 500 30th Ave S. (Leschi neighborhood of Central District).

Read more about the draft recommendations here:
Design Review Program Improvements, Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI).
Draft Ordinance (PDF format).