Seattle City Council passes Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Legislation

On July 1 the Seattle City Council passed a legislation that will make it easier for more property owners to build Detached Accessory Dwelling Units or DADUs and Attached Accessory Dwelling Units or AADUs.

The legislation:

  • Reduces the minimum lot size required to build a DADU on a single-family lot from 4,000 square feet to 3,200 square feet;
  • Increase the maximum size of DADUs from 800 square feet to 1,000 square feet, excluding any parking or storage areas;
  • Removes the owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs;
  • Removes the off-street parking requirement for ADUs;
  • Allows two ADUs on one lot (either one attached and one detached, or two attached) if the second ADU meets a green building standard or will be affordable to households at or below 80% of area median income;
  • Increases the maximum household size permitted on a single-family lot from 8 to 12 unrelated people only if the lot includes two ADUs;
  • Increases DADU height limits by 1-3 feet, with flexibility for green building strategies;
  • Allows design flexibility to preserve existing trees and to convert existing accessory structures to a DADU;
  • Require annual reporting on ADU production and requires that the Office of Planning and Community Development and the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections conduct a survey of ADU owners and occupants within 3 years.
  • Introduces a Floor Area Limit (FAR) for all new development in single-family zones with some exemptions.
Image courtesy of the Seattle City Council Central Staff

The new Floor Area Limit (FAR) will discourage the tear town of smaller, older homes to build the so-called McMansions.

Graphic courtesy of the Seattle City Council Central Staff

Signed Ordinance 125854 – Council Bill 1219544:  https://seattle.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=7532434&GUID=D2A02EE2-1AA9-44BA-AC80-D54045C628E8

Related files: http://seattle.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=3976805&GUID=6402D8F2-8188-4891-B449-A160356FFD87&Options=ID|Text|&Search=cb+119544

What is RBCA doing in 2018?

A few years ago, RBCA board members adopted a vision to guide our work. In ten years, what do we want Ravenna-Bryant to be like?

Ravenna-Bryant is a welcoming, thriving, safe, diverse, and connected neighborhood.

This vision is integrated into each year’s workplan. Below is the RBCA workplan for 2018 which focuses on activities related to realizing our long-term vision.

Outreach activities – Creating a welcoming & connected community.

1. Host annual general membership meeting. (RBCA’s annual meeting was held April 1.)

2. Maintain a website and social media presence on Facebook and Twitter.

3. Post flyers about RBCA meetings throughout the neighborhood.

4. Email meeting agendas to neighbors signed up for e-news.

5. Host “Ravennafest” to increase awareness of RBCA and increase connections between neighbors, community groups, and businesses. (Save the date: July 14!)

6. Recruit new board members who reflect the diversity of the community including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, age, gender, income, and residence type.

7. Revise bylaws so that new board members may be elected throughout the year. (Completed during April annual meeting.)

RBCA’s annual general membership meeting on April 1, 2018 provided neighbors the opportunity to connect with community groups. Photo courtesy of Katherine Mackinnon.

Land use activities – Creating a thriving & diverse community.

1. Monitor neighborhood land use projects including, but not limited to, University Village, University Prep, Trailside on 25th & Burke-Gilman Trail, Union Bay Place, and UW Campus Master Plan. Provide comments about projects to design review board. Educate neighbors about plans for new buildings.

2. Monitor changes to land use policy affecting the neighborhood. Continue to monitor and educate neighbors about proposed changes to City policy including Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU).

3. Develop a NE 55th Street Plan. In anticipation of new development projects along NE 55th Street, develop a neighborhood streetscape plan.

4. Monitor implementation of the Future of 35th Avenue NE Plan. In partnership with Wedgwood Community Council, continue advocacy for the implementation of this neighborhood plan for a thriving and pedestrian-friendly business district on 35th Ave NE.

Transportation activities – Creating a safe & thriving community.

1. Monitor neighborhood transportation projects. Continue to educate neighbors about projects related to the Roosevelt light rail station, 520 replacement, Husky Stadium Transit Master Plan, and other projects as they arise.

2. Continue to advocate for sidewalks on NE 50th Street south of Calvary Cemetery.

3. Continue to advocate for safety improvements on NE 65th Street as a part of the #Fix65th coalition with the Roosevelt Neighborhood Association and NE Seattle Greenways.

Maintain representation in other community organizations – Creating a connected community.

Representatives from the RBCA board will participate in the City University Community Advisory Council (CUCAC); Seattle Children’s Standing Advisory Council; NE District Council (NEDC); North Precinct Advisory Council (NPAC); and the Ravenna-Eckstein Advisory Council.

Opportunities for involvement: The RBCA board is always seeking neighbors to become involved with any of the activities outlined in the workplan. Attend a board meeting (first Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m. at Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center) or send us a message through the Contact Us page to learn how to become involved.

All of these activities largely reflect the interests of current RBCA board members. Neighbors who want to work on issues or projects not included in this workplan are encouraged to attend RBCA board meetings  and become involved.

Action needed! Ask City to fund sidewalks on NE 50th Street.

Action Needed!

Funding for sidewalks on NE 50th Street is in jeopardy!

Contact Mayor Durkan today and let her know that sidewalks are vital for neighborhood safety!

What’s the problem?
NE 50th Street between 30th and 33nd Avenues (south of Calvary Cemetery) does not have sidewalks. Without sidewalks, this street will remain unsafe for people walking in the neighborhood including to school, to University Village, and to access the Burke-Gilman Trail. The Seattle Department of Transportation studied this stretch of NE 50th Street and determined that almost 2,000 cars use it per day and  regularly drive above the speed limit, some in excess of 55 mph!

The Ravenna-Bryant Community Association (RBCA) has been advocating for sidewalks on NE 50th Street for more than 15 years. In 2015, in partnership with RBCA, University Village requested that funds they paid to the City of Seattle to mitigate impacts on the local neighborhood associated with increased development within the mall be used to pay for sidewalks on NE 50th Street. Since the funds were not enough to pay for the entire project, RBCA has continued activities to identify money to make up the difference.

Last year, in partnership with RBCA, University Village again requested that mitigation funds associated with the soon to be built west garage be used to fund sidewalks on NE 50th Street, a vital connector to their businesses for Ravenna-Bryant neighbors. (The request letter appears at the end of this post.) However, RBCA was told last week that the funds will instead be used to put in an electronic traffic advisory sign (Intelligent Transit System or ITS) on 25th Avenue NE, similar to the one installed on NE 45th Street by the south entrance to University Village.

What you can do.
Contact Mayor Jenny Durkan and Nathan Torgelson, Director of Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections, and tell them to maintain support for this public-private partnership for funding for sidewalks on NE 50th Street.

Your message could look something like this:

Dear Mayor Durkan and Director Torgelson,

Please ensure that University Village mitigation funds be used to build sidewalks on NE 50th Street and not for an ITS on 25th Avenue NE. This is what both the Ravenna-Bryant neighborhood and University Village have requested.

Background: NE 50th Street between 30th Avenue NE and 33rd Avenue NE, just east of University Village (U-Village), does not have a sidewalk and suffers from excessive speed and high vehicular traffic. The street is used for school bus stops, a direct pedestrian corridor between Children’s Hospital on the east and University Village to the west, and University of Washington family housing to the east. Nearby University Village is a growing urban center and NE 50th Street is impacted by this growth.

Community advocacy for NE 50th Street sidewalks has been going on for at least 15 years. This work was originally identified in the 2002 University Area Transportation Study and as Action Strategy Project #31 in the 2008 University Area Transportation Action Strategy Report.

Over the years, the Ravenna-Bryant Community Association has pursued two neighborhood grants to fund sidewalks. SDOT has conducted studies on vehicular speed and volume counts and developed plans and action reports. All of these indicate the need for a sidewalk and traffic calming measures on NE 50th Street.

Most recently, the NE 50th Street sidewalk project was included in the Pedestrian Master Plan and installment of sidewalks is included in SDOT’s short-term implementation plan.

Problem: In 2015, the Ravenna-Bryant Community Association partnered with University Village and successfully negotiated mitigation funds from their Master Use Permits (MUPs) to be assigned to NE 50th Street. Though University Village in 2017 asked that the mitigation funds for the upcoming West Garage expansion be earmarked for the NE 50th Street sidewalk project, last week RBCA learned that SDCI plans to use the funds for the installation of a traffic information sign on 25th Avenue NE.

Request: We request that the University Village mitigation funds from the West Garage development be used for the NE 50th Street sidewalk project, not another electronic traffic information sign (ITS). With increased development in the University Village area it is vital that funds be used to mitigate neighborhood safety problems associated with increased traffic.

Sincerely,

NE Seattle Neighbor

Send messages to:

Jenny Durkan, Mayor: Jenny.Durkan@seattle.gov

Nathan Torgelson, Director Seattle DCI: Nathan.Torgelson@seattle.gov

Copy:

D4 Councilmember Rob Johnson – Rob.Johnson@seattle.gov

Deputy Mayor Ranganathan — Shefali.Ranganathan@seattle.gov

What did RBCA do in 2017?

Two years ago, the Ravenna-Bryant Community Association (RBCA) adopted a vision to guide our activities: Ravenna-Bryant is a welcoming, thriving, safe, diverse, and connected neighborhood. Those descriptors help board members think about proposed changes affecting the neighborhood and what we want to do so that the vision becomes reality.

In 2017, the RBCA board conducted many activities to promote our vision. Following are a few highlights. The summary doesn’t capture everything, but provides an overview of activities that have been ongoing for years, activities that were specific to 2017, and activities that will continue into the new year and, possibly, years to come.

Annual meeting: In April, RBCA’s annual general meeting featured a speaker from the Seattle Office of Emergency Management who provided important information about preparing for an earthquake and other emergencies. This educational forum culminated a year-long emergency preparedness campaign conducted by RBCA, Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center, and community members that included community conversations and a “Task A Month” emails about items needed to build an emergency preparedness kit.

Neighbors gathered to learn about how to prepare for an emergency during RBCA’s annual membership meeting in April. Photo by Oralea Howard.

University Village garage: In June, the RBCA Land Use Committee held a community meeting to provide neighbors with an update about University Village’s plans for a 7-story garage on 25th Avenue NE and the opportunity for neighbors to give the developers input about the garage design. In September, the RBCA Land Use Committee submitted its second comment letter on the project to the Design Review Board (a first round of comments were made in December 2016). Two RBCA board members attended the September early design guidance meeting and gave public comments for the Design Review Board to consider. The comments focused on pedestrian and bicycle safety along 25th Ave NE and the need for developers in the area along 25th Ave NE to work together to make the connections between the neighborhoods and the Burke-Gilman Trail safer.

Drawing of planned University Village garage on 25th Avenue NE from the perspective of people walking south. Image from design review documents, Project 3025629.

#Fix65th Coalition: In February, the Seattle Department of Transportation launched a collaborative process to review street safety conditions along NE 65th Street. The NE 65th Street Vision Zero project was started in response to safety concerns highlighted by the #Fix65th Coalition, a collaboration between RBCA, the Roosevelt Neighborhood Association, and NE Seattle Greenways starting in 2016. In a mobility safety survey conducted by RBCA in 2016, speeding cars and difficulties crossing streets were top concerns among Ravenna-Bryant neighbors with NE 65th Street being mentioned most often as particularly dangerous for pedestrians.

After gaining public input about safety problems, SDOT implemented some quick improvements and shared with community members possible future safety improvements in May. After learning about SDOT’s plans, RBCA shared concerns in June and continued to highlight safety problems through recent drop-in sessions, communication with SDOT staff, advocacy with Councilmember Johnson, and awareness activities including participation in recent World Day of Remembrance events and ongoing posts to #Fix65th on Twitter.

In 2017, minor safety-related changes to NE 65th Street included re-painting crosswalk stripes at the corner of 20th Avenue NE, where an 89 year-old woman was killed in February. Photo by Oralea Howard.

Cell phone tower on NE 65th Street: A group of neighbors approached RBCA in the spring with concerns about an application by T-Mobile to affix a communication utility for cell phones on a Seattle City Light utility pole at the corner of NE 65th Street and 32nd Avenue NE, across the street from Assumption St. Bridget School. RBCA supported efforts made by Councilmember Johnson to increase transparency and forethought by public agencies such as City Light when notifying neighbors of proposed changes and seeking public comments.

Later in the year, RBCA advocated against Senate Bill 5711, an act relating to telecommunication services, and other bills restricting the power of municipalities to regulate in the public interest the location of telecommunication towers and facilities.

NE 50th Street sidewalks: For more than 15 years, RBCA has been advocating for sidewalks on NE 50th Street south of the Calvary Cemetery. Despite mitigation funds from University Village that they requested be used by SDOT for sidewalks on NE 50th Street; despite two Neighborhood Street Fund applications submitted by RBCA for the project; despite studies conducted by SDOT that show that people driving cars speed on this stretch of road; and despite ongoing advocacy by RBCA and community members, the neighborhood is still waiting for sidewalks.

This year, it came to RBCA’s attention that the sidewalk funds from University Village were to be diverted to another SDOT project. RBCA advocated with SDOT and Councilmember Johnson to ensure the funds remained earmarked for the project. RBCA board members testified during a City Council transportation committee meeting for the inclusion of sidewalks in the City of Seattle Pedestrian Master Plan.  Most recently, RBCA has been working with University Village to secure additional funding to fully fund the cost of installing sidewalks on 50th since current earmarked funds only cover about half of the project cost. RBCA plans to continue our advocacy efforts until there are sidewalks along this busy stretch of road that connects the University Village area to the Byrant neighborhood.

In 2016, the Seattle Department of Transportation developed this plan for adding sidewalks to NE 50th Street. In 2017, RBCA continued advocacy activities to make the plan a reality.

Outreach: RBCA board members continued to reach people through social media (Facebook, Twitter), our website, monthly emails, and flyers posted throughout the community. One of the goals of RBCA’s social media and website is to share information about what is happening in the neighborhood. Following are the posts that got the most attention in 2017.

Website: Plans for the University Village garage on 25th Avenue NE were of most interest to people who visited the RBCA website this past year. The top five most viewed posts in 2017 were:

  1. What would it look like to walk next to the proposed University Village garage?, September 2017 (6th most viewed post of all time)
  2. Early plans shared for development between 25th Avenue NE and Burke-Gilman Trail, July 2017 (8th most viewed post of all time)
  3. RBCA requests new U-Village garage be designed with community, pedestrians in mind, January 2017 (10th most viewed post of all time)
  4. Seattle crime in 2016, February 2017
  5. Design Review Board provides U-Village with design guidance for new garage, February 2017

Top 5 RBCA Facebook posts in 2017:

  1. A four-story indoor sports recreation center (Center of Physical Arts) is being proposed at 2510 NE Blakeley, September 2017
  2. Guests from the University of Washington will discuss the Husky Stadium Transportation Master Plan during the RBCA board meeting on Tuesday, November 2017
  3. RBCA requests new U-Village garage be designed with community, pedestrians in mind, January 2017
  4. What’s being proposed at the corner of NE 65th Street and 15th Avenue NE? A new apartment with 131 units and street-level retail, April 2017
  5. D4 Public Safety Open House flyer, August 2017

RBCA’s top tweets 2017 show how powerful a hashtag (in this case #Fix65th) can be:

  1. Remembering the 89 year-old woman struck by a pick-up truck & killed as she walked in the crosswalk at corner of NE 65th & 20th Ave NE 2/4/17. #WDR2017sea #WDoR2017 #Fix65th, November 2017
  2. Here’s a map of changes @seattledot is planning to #Fix65th. While improvements to existing painted crosswalks are welcome, neighbors are still concerned about pedestrian safety at unpainted crosswalks @CMRobJohnson., December 2017
  3. And again #Fix65th. (tweet included photo of the aftermath of the collision that killed the pedestrian in the crosswalk at 20th Ave NE), February 2017
  4. Unable to attend the @seattledot #Fix65th community forum last month? Take their online survey by tomorrow (3/14), March 2017
  5. It’s been great seeing so many neighbors engaged in the #Fix65th process! Couldn’t make it tonight? There will be another @seattledot drop-in session Thursday, 7-9am. Thanks @broadcastcoffee for hosting!, December 2017

Bylaws update: The RBCA board updated the association’s bylaws early in 2017. Changes include clarification regarding the role of the board and the role of the association as a whole; membership; the duties of the board; voting; and the role of committees.

RBCA is a volunteer-run organization with no paid staff. The RBCA board is always looking for people to participate in our monthly meetings, join committees, and pro-actively work on issues of concern in the Ravenna-Bryant neighborhood. The board will continue to meet the first Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m. at the Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center. Anyone interested in sustaining a welcoming, thriving, safe, diverse, and connected neighborhood is encouraged to participate. Like our wider community, RBCA is strongest when neighbors come together and pro-actively work towards a common vision.

Updated agenda: RBCA board meets Tuesday, December 5

RBCA Board Meeting

Though this is a board meeting, all are welcome to participate!

Tuesday, December 5, 2017, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center

AGENDA

6:30      Welcome & Introductions

6:35      Union Bay Place developments

6:50      Executive Committee Reports

  • Secretary’s Report
  • Treasurer’s Report
  • President’s Report
    • New business: 2018 Workplan
    • Old business: Membership Chair vacancy

7:10      Committee Reports

  • Land Use Committee
    • *Mandatory Housing Affordability Environmental Impact Statement (MHA EIS)*

 *This item was removed from the agenda after RBCA board members requesting/leading the conversation indicated that they are unable to attend the meeting/requested that it be removed. 

  • Transportation Committee
    • NE 50th Street sidewalks
    • World Day of Remembrance message to CM Johnson
    • UW Husky Stadium Transit Master Plan
  • Bylaw Workgroup

8:10      Reports from associated community groups

  • City University Community Advisory Council – CUCAC
  • Ravenna-Eckstein Advisory Board

 

Potential zoning changes in Ravenna-Bryant: 35th Avenue NE

On November 9, the City released its Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that includes proposed changes to zoning in four areas of the Ravenna-Bryant neighborhood. Previous posts provided overviews of proposed changes to the part of the neighborhood closest to the Roosevelt light rail station, to NE 55th Street, and to the Ravenna NE 65th Street business district. This final post covers proposed zoning changes to 35th Avenue NE.

What is being proposed on 35th Avenue NE?

Currently, NE 65th Street from Bryant Corner Café to the east corner of 35th Avenue NE is zoned NC1-30, Neighborhood Commercial, 30 feet high. The City is proposing that the area be zoned NC1-40, allowing for 10 additional feet.

At the corner of 35th Ave NE and NE 70th, and at most of the corner at NE 75th Street, the City is proposing to change zoning from NC1-30 to NC1-40, adding 10 feet.

Between NE 70th Street and NE 73rd Street, land would change from LR2 to LR2RC, Lowrise residential-commercial, allowing for a limited amount of non-residential use at street level.

The most significant zoning change would happen on the southeast corner of NE 75th Street, where Safeway is located. The land is currently zoned NC2P-30 and would change to NC2P-55, adding potential for 25 more feet. The “P” in this zoning designation indicates that this is considered a pedestrian zone.

Map of proposed changes along 35th Avenue NE from NE 65th Street to NE 75th Street in Ravenna-Bryant.

Neighborhood Commercial areas are moderately-sized pedestrian-oriented shopping areas that provides a full range of retail sales and services to the surrounding neighborhood. Typical land uses in NC2 zones include medium-sized grocery stores, drug stores, coffee shops, customer service offices, medical facilities, and apartments. Non-residential uses typically occupy the street front.

Drawing courtesy of Department of Planning and Development (now the Department of Construction & Inspections.)

Between 2012 and 2015, the Ravenna-Bryant Community Association, the Wedgwood Community Council, and neighbors from both communities worked together to develop a neighborhood plan, including  design guidelines, for supporting a pedestrian-friendly and vibrant business district along 35th Avenue NE. The City’s proposed zoning changes include a scaled-down version of what is recommended in the neighborhood plan, known as the Future of 35th Ave NE Plan. Information about the plan and all of the community input that went into its development is available at the project website.

What’s next?

The MHA EIS is now in the hands of the City Council. After considering the EIS and holding public hearings, they will take action in 2018. Amendments to the official zoning map, amendments to the text of the Land Use Code, and changes to maps and policies of the Comprehensive Plan will need to be made.

 

Potential zoning changes in Ravenna-Bryant: NE 65th Street

On November 9, the City released its Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that includes proposed changes to zoning in four areas of the Ravenna-Bryant neighborhood. Previous posts provided overviews of proposed changes in the part of the neighborhood closest to the Roosevelt light rail station and about proposed changes to NE 55th Street. This post provides information about proposed changes to the Ravenna NE 65th Street business district and a final one will cover 35th Avenue NE.

What is being proposed on NE 65th Street?

Currently, many buildings on NE 65th Street between 20th Ave NE and 25th Ave NE are not as tall as they could be. For example, this building could be 3-4 stories under current zoning code.

The five block stretch along NE 65th Street from 20th Avenue NE to 25th Avenue NE is often considered “downtown” Ravenna. It is home to many places to eat and drink and health and wellness-related businesses. With a few buildings that include apartments, it is also home to many people.

Most of NE 65th Street in downtown Ravenna is zoned NCP2-40, Neighborhood Commercial Pedestrian up to 40 feet high. Typical land uses in NC2 zones include medium-sized grocery stores, drug stores, coffee shops, customer service offices, medical facilities, and apartments. Non-residential uses typically occupy the front. 

In 2015, the area was rezoned a pedestrian area. In pedestrian zones, residential uses may occupy no more than 20% of the street-level, street-facing façade; buildings cannot have large blank facades facing the street; and parking lots on the site cannot be in front of the building or abut the street. 

As part of the MHA program, the City’s “preferred alternative” for increasing zoning capacity would change the code for these properties to NC2P-55, increasing allowable height by 15 feet. 

In the middle of the block of Ravenna Avenue NE, between NE 65th Street and NE 68th Street and across from the Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center, land that is currently designated NC1-30 would change to NC1-40, increasing allowable height by 10 feet.

Map of proposed zoning changes to NE 65th Street between 20th Avenue NE and 25th Avenue NE from the City of Seattle’s HALA website.

What’s next?

The MHA EIS is now in the hands of the City Council. After considering the EIS and holding public hearings, they will take action in 2018. Amendments to the official zoning map, amendments to the text of the Land Use Code, and changes to maps and policies of the Comprehensive Plan will need to be made.

 

Potential zoning changes in Ravenna-Bryant: NE 55th Street

On November 9, the City released its Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that includes proposed changes to zoning in four areas of the Ravenna-Bryant neighborhood. A previous post provided an overview of proposed changes in the part of the neighborhood closest to the Roosevelt light rail station. This post will provide information about proposed changes to NE 55th Street and future posts will cover proposed changes to the Ravenna NE 65th Street business district and to 35th Avenue NE.

What is being proposed on NE 55th Street?

Currently, from 25th Avenue NE to 30th Avenue NE, both sides of the street are zoned for Neighborhood Commercial 2, Pedestrian, 40 feet (NC2P-40). Right now, none of the buildings on this stretch of NE 55th Street are built as tall as they could be and many do not include commercial space. As part of the MHA program, the City is proposing that these properties be zoned NC2P-55, increasing the allowable  height by 15 feet.

Typical land uses in NC2 zones include medium-sized grocery stores, drug stores, coffee shops, customer service offices, medical facilities, and apartments. Non-residential uses typically occupy the street front.

Map of proposed zoning changes to NE 55th Street and NE Blakely Street from the City of Seattle’s HALA website.

Between 30th Ave NE and 33rd Ave NE, the land is currently zoned Lowrise 1 (LR1) and no changes are proposed.

From 33rd Ave NE to the alley next to La Villa, properties are currently zone NC1-30 and could be changed to NC1-40, adding 10 feet.

The corner of 35th Ave NE and NE 55th Street is currently zoned NC1-40 and could be changed to NC1-55.

Drawing courtesy of Department of Planning and Development (now the Department of Construction and Inspections.)

In addition to NE 55th Street changes, the map above shows proposed changes along NE Blakeley Street. Land that is now Commercial 1, 40 feet (C1-40) would become C1-55. Commercial areas are not only meant for businesses serving the surrounding neighborhood (like NC zones) but also those serving the wider city and regional clients.

What’s next?

The MHA EIS is now in the hands of the City Council. After considering the EIS and holding public hearings, they will take action in 2018. Amendments to the official zoning map, amendments to the text of the Land Use Code, and changes to maps and policies of the Comprehensive Plan will need to be made.

Potential zoning changes in Ravenna-Bryant: Roosevelt Urban Village

On November 9, the City released its Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that includes proposed changes to zoning in four areas of the Ravenna-Bryant neighborhood. This post is about proposed changes in the part of the neighborhood closest to the Roosevelt light rail station. Future posts will provide information about proposed changes to NE 55th Street, the Ravenna NE 65th Street business district, and to 35th Avenue NE.

What are MHA and EIS?

MHA is a new policy addressing Seattle’s growth, the need for more housing, and the desire to increase housing and jobs near frequent transit, in line with the City’s urban village strategy.   MHA requires new development to either include affordable housing or contribute to a fund for producing affordable housing. In exchange, the City is increasing zoning capacity, allowing for taller buildings. MHA mostly encourages additional housing capacity in urban villages with easy access to transit.

The EIS identifies and describes potential impacts on the environment that could result from changing zoning associated with MHA policy. Environmental impacts were measured for:

What is proposed for Ravenna-Bryant?

After analyzing environmental impacts, the City came up with “preferred” zoning changes.  The proposed preferred changes in the area of Ravenna-Bryant closest to the Roosevelt light rail station include expanding the Roosevelt Urban Village boundary from 15th Avenue NE to 17th Avenue NE and changing zoning designations as follows:

  • At the east corner of NE 65th Street and 15th Avenue NE, increase capacity from Neighborhood Commercial 2, 40 feet (NC2-40) to Neighborhood Commercial 2, 55 feet (NC2-55);
  • On 15th Ave NE, north of NE 63rd Street and south of NE 68th Street, increase capacity from detached Single Family (SF) to Lowrise 2 (LR2);
  • On the north side of NE 65th Street west of 17th Ave NE, increase capacity from SF to Lowrise 1 (LR1);
  • The remaining urban village expansion area would increase capacity from detached SF to Residential Small Lot (RSL).
Map of proposed changes to the Roosevelt Urban Village.

What do these zoning designations mean?

Residential Small Lots: These areas would remain zoned for detached homes and would allow for property owners to build detached homes for multiple single families on one lot. Examples include skinny houses with the front of each house facing the street; “tandem” houses with one facing the street the other behind it; or “cottages” up to 650 square feet each.

Lowrise 1: Provides a transition between SF areas and multifamily and commercial areas. A mix of housing types similar in scale to detached single family homes such as cottages, rowhouses, and townnhouses are encouraged.

Lowrise 2: Allows for a variety of multifamily housing types in existing multifamily neighborhoods and along arterial streets. A mix of small scale to multifamily housing such as townhouses, rowhouses, and apartments are encouraged.

Neighborhood Commercial: A moderately-sized pedestrian-oriented shopping area that provides a full range of retail sales and services to the surrounding neighborhood. Typical land uses in NC2 zones include medium-sized grocery stores, drug stores, coffee shops, customer service offices, medical facilities, and apartments. Non-residential uses typically occupy the street front.

 

Drawing courtesy of Department of Planning and Development (now the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections)

What’s next?

The MHA EIS is now in the hands of the City Council. After considering the EIS and holding public hearings, they will take action in 2018. Amendments to the official zoning map, amendments to the text of the Land Use Code, and changes to maps and policies of the Comprehensive Plan will need to be made.

The City’s timeline for implementing the MHA policy.

Design for University Village garage on 25th Ave NE approved by Design Review Board

Last week the City of Seattle’s Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) issued the final recommendation of the Northeast Design Review Board (DRB) for University Village’s (U Village) application for a major phased development.  The application covers the construction of many buildings over an extended period of time (up to 15 years).  The first phase is constructing a seven-story parking garage fronting 25th Ave NE, which will contain approximately 350,000 square feet of parking. The Northeast DRB’s review recommendation pertains only to the first phase.

RBCA has been tracking this project and attended DRB meetings on December 19, 2016 and September 25, 2017 to provide public comment and submit letters highlighting concerns about connectivity to the surrounding neighborhood, retail on 25th Ave NE, pedestrian and bicycle safety, impacts to traffic, and need for coordination by developers in this general vicinity (see earlier posts with RBCA letters). 

The Northeast DRB voted 4-0 to approve U Village’s design for the garage and to proceed with a Master Use Permit application for the project.  The DRB noted that improvement have been made to the following areas of design: 

  • Micro-retail added on 25th Ave NE
  • Pedestrian passageway from 25th Ave NE through the parking garage to the elevator lobby and interior of the Village had been improved
  • Elimination of one additional lane of traffic into the garage from 25th Ave NE
  •  Better modulation of the north and south façades and more terraced plantings to improve the overall massing.

The Northeast DRB requested SDCI to approve two departures from the Land Use Code: 1) the width of curb cuts (decrease from existing 46 ft to proposed 37 ft) and 2) reduce the depth of ground floor commercial space from required 30 ft minimum to proposed 25 ft depth. The DRB conditioned these departures on U Village complying with the following two conditions:

  1. Installation of interpretive signage related to history of Ravenna Creek along the proposed bioswales along 25th Ave NE; and
  2. Incorporating two or more areas along the building side of 25th Ave NE to allow for wider sidewalks so pedestrians can pass in comfort.

The next step for U Village is to obtain a Master Use Permit for the project to proceed. We will continue to track and monitor the project.

RBCA Land Use Committee comments about proposed University Village 25th Avenue NE garage

On September 25, the Northeast Design Review Board (DRB) held its second Early Design Guidance (EDG) meeting on the University Village proposed major phased development. The Land Use Application is to allow five new retail buildings and one, seven-story garage building with retail and parking for 880 vehicles (University Village Major Phased Development). Review includes 10,000 sq. ft. of demolition and the removal of 467 surface parking spaces.

The RBCA Land Use committee has engaged the developer and submitted its second comment letter on the project.  Two RBCA board members attended the EDG meeting to provide public comments for consideration by the DRB. The comments focused on pedestrian and bicycle safety along 25th Ave NE, and the need for developers in this area along and across 25th Ave NE to work together to make the connections between the neighborhoods and the Burke-Gilman trail safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists. Below is the letter.

September 25, 2017

Michael Dorcy, Planner

Seattle Department Construction Inspections

Re: Project #3025629 4500 25th Ave NE; University Village West Garage

Mr. Dorcy:

The Ravenna-Bryant community is directly impacted by the proposed project, so we have taken great interest in the latest development proposal by U Village.  RBCA submitted comments in December 2016 at the first EDG meeting and now we are submitting new comments about this project, specifically related to the West garage expansion and the impact of traffic on the intersections and circulation of pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles in the context of the significant development that is proposed on both sides of 25th Ave NE in the next couple of years.

We appreciate that the project design has evolved to address some of the concerns raised in our first comment letter, however we still have concerns relating to the public realm along 25th Ave NE and transportation generally.  Further, we greatly appreciate the efforts of the three developers in this area (U Village, Phoenix, and Greystar) to work together to make their developments complement each other and improve the overall circulation and safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles. This cooperation is imperative given the redevelopment of these blocks will provide a major opportunity to improve pedestrian orientation along 25th Ave NE and create a safer, more functional multi-modal transportation network in the area.  While 25th Ave NE is a major arterial, it is also a major pedestrian thoroughfare that has more pedestrians and bicycles using it given the connection to the light rail station less than 1 mile away and the access to the regional Burke-Gilman trail.

We list below the following bullet points to summarize our concerns:

  • Pedestrian safety on 25th Ave NE: We have three major concerns about pedestrian access and safety:
  • Garage Ingress/Egress: The DRB Recommendation Packet seems to reflect three travel lanes, including only one left-turn lane onto southbound 25th Ave NE. This is different from the four-lane option in the EDG package. We support SDOT’s position that a four-lane configuration would compromise pedestrian safety at the 47th Street intersection.
  • 49th Street Intersection: The garage entrance will eliminate one of two east-west through-connections that exist today across U Village. The remaining one, 49th Street, already seems like a dangerous access point, as 49th is an off-set intersection and there are three sets of adjacent curb cuts along the east side of 25th (U Village, Office Depot and Jiffy Lube), which present a safety hazard, in our opinion. As more cars seek to make an unprotected left into U Village, either to drop off/pick up passengers, access other garages on site, or fruitlessly search for surface parking, the additional turns will exacerbate the already challenging conditions. This potential diversion of left-hand turns to this intersection does not seem to be assumed in the Transpo report. 
  • Pedestrian experience on 25th Ave NE: We appreciate the micro-retail, which is a modest but appreciated improvement from the EDG design.  We have met with U Village and understand their programmatic and economic challenges with more providing more active street-front uses along 25th Avenue NE. However, there still will be a stretch of more than 200 linear feet from the micro-retail to 49th Street NE without any active uses. Even with the nicely appointed landscapes depicted in the design packet, the combination of arterial traffic and inactivity along the property will make for a challenging pedestrian environment. We encourage U Village to consider how to provide lighting to enhance real and perceived pedestrian safety, and to consider widening the sidewalk to allow for two parties to pass comfortably in light of the lack of eyes on the street in this location.
  • Cumulative traffic impacts from development proposed in this same vicinity:  In addition to the U Village West garage, there are two other proposals going through the EDG phase: 1) Greystar (Project #3027063) and 2) Phoenix Trailside (Project #3027312) projects. The Greystar project proposes 205 units and 140 parking stalls and the Phoenix project proposes 293 units with 286 parking stalls.  Both developments are seeking rezones from C-40 to NC2 65 or 75 and LR3 to NC2-85, respectively.  We think density done well is welcome in an urban village with as many amenities as our Ravenna Bryant neighborhood and we welcome the additional housing options.  However, these are big changes for this area and it will significantly increase the volumes of people and traffic who need to move around safely. According to the transportation study shown on Table 3, the future LOS for 13 of the 20 intersections will be at D, E or F by 2027. Currently the existing baseline shows nine intersections operating at D, E or F at this time.  Anyone driving during commute hours AM or PM peak knows that 25th Ave NE is a parking lot and traffic moves to a crawl.  We are concerned that the additional approximately 311 net new trips during the weekday PM peak hour created by the new garage only adds additional stress.  This does not even account for the increased traffic that the Greystar proposal (Project #3027063) and Phoenix’s Trailside proposal (Project #3027312) will add to the traffic on intersections and on 25th Ave NE.
  • Bicycle Connection along 47th: In part due to the Phoenix project’s pursuit of a street vacation, there is a plan for a bicycle and pedestrian connection that would run from the Burke Gilman Trail to 25th Ave NE along 47th Unfortunately, 47th is offset from the traffic light at the planned garage entrance, creating potential dual crossing of 47th and then 25th Ave NE to reach U Village from the Burke Gilman Trail. We encourage U Village to continue coordinating with Phoenix and Greystar to devise a plan, in conjunction with SDOT, that can meet the U Village’s vehicular access needs while supporting a seamless bicycle and pedestrian connection.

Thank you for considering our comments as you complete your review of University Village’s proposal and please let me know if we can answer any questions or participate in any manner as the process moves forward.

What would it look like to walk next to the proposed University Village garage?

A Design Review Board meeting about the proposed 7-story University Village garage on 25th Avenue NE is scheduled for Monday, September 25, 8:00 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Center in Wallingford.

Here are some of the drawings of the latest design proposal from a pedestrian’s point of view.

Drawing of proposed University Village west garage. The people in this image are walking in front of the Office Depot driveway.
Walking south on 25th Avenue NE along the proposed University Village west garage.
Street view of bus stop, micro retail, and pedestrian entrance to the proposed University Village west garage.
Pedestrian passageway from 25th Ave NE through the proposed University Village west garage.
Car, bike, and pedestrian entrances to University Village at the south end of the proposed west garage. (That’s Restoration Hardware on the right.) 

All documents related to the proposed garage are available online under project 3025629. Comments about the garage design may be sent to the Design Review Board at PRC@seattle.gov.

Neighbors present proposed alternative zoning map in response to MHA environmental impact statement

A group of Ravenna neighbors participated in the July 11, 2017 RBCA board meeting and shared their comments about the Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). In addition to requesting that the RBCA board include their comments in any communication they may have with the City regarding the DEIS, it was requested that their comments be posted to the RBCA website.

Below are their drafted comments which include a suggested alternative to zoning changes proposed in the DEIS. Thoughts about the proposal below may be left after the post. (Please note that the comments section is moderated and new comments may not immediately appear, especially if moderators are on vacation.)

To: Office of Planning and Community Development

Re: Comments to the MHA DEIS issued by the city of Seattle on June 8, 2017

We support Seattle’s effort to increase affordable housing and supports the MHA inclusionary zoning policy, the subject of the DEIS. In addition, since we support efforts to make Seattle more equitable, not just the Urban Villages, we request an Alternative 4 described herein be included in the Action Alternatives.

We strongly support requiring MHA developers in areas designated “high opportunity” to be required to include affordable units in their developments, rather than contribute a fee, as this policy will more directly ensure that affordable units are distributed equitably in the City, and minimize displacement.

Alternative 4, Part One:  Where appropriate, do transitions outside of Urban Villages, implement appropriate zoning within the adjacent SF neighborhood, rather than move the Urban Village Boundary or Expand the Urban Village

We affirm much of the increased zoning proposed in OPCD’s October 2017 Plan, and parts of Alternatives 2 and 3 of the DEIS, as clarified below.  In exchange for the new zoning, and in response to neighborhood concerns, and adverse impacts identified in the DEIS, we believe the MHA program goals can be better accomplished by creating a more effective transition between the Roosevelt Urban Village and Ravenna outside of the Urban Village, while keeping the Roosevelt Urban Village eastern boundary along the current border of 15th Ave NE and not expanding the Urban Village to the east.   

Alternative 4, Part Two: Allocate Planning Resources to SF neighborhoods who want to plan proactively for expansion of housing opportunities in their neighborhoods

We propose to study options for increasing housing opportunities in the broader community of Ravenna/Bryant. This policy would reward neighborhoods who want to plan proactively, could extend the reach of the MHA; create more walkable neighborhood business districts; more family-size, ground related, mixed-income housing in the neighborhood.  

Summary of support for proposed zoning changes and clarifications: The attached map provides an overview of zoning changes we are proposing east of 15th Avenue NE where the Ravenna and Roosevelt neighborhoods meet.

North of NE 65th:

  1. Adopt OPCD’s proposed rezoning from SF to LR3 along the East side of 15th Ave NE from NE 65th to NE 68th St. (same as OPCD Plan & Alternative 3, higher than Alternative 2). Our design preference would be row houses with backyards to provide more room for the tree canopy and storm water retention, and create a better buffer for lower zoning to the east.
  2. Adopt modified proposed new zoning from SF to LR-1 along the West side of 16th Ave NE from NE 65th to NE 68th. (change from OPCD & Alt 3 LR -2, but higher than Alt. 2)
  3. Change RSL to SF from the East side of NE 16th Ave to the West side of NE 17th (including the commercial on NE 65th except for the existing NC-40 on 15th Ave NE. )*

South of NE 65th

  1. Keep Existing NC-40-55 south of NE 65th St along from 15th Ave. NE (same as all options)
  2. Retain SF south of existing NC-40-55 zoning as SF along 16th Ave NE and 15th Ave NE.
  3. *Change all RSL to SF because current policy restricts RSL to Urban Villages
Map showing zoning changes proposed by neighbors in response to MHA DEIS.

Description of Impacts, Mitigation, and Comparisons of Action Alternatives

The proposed changes pertain to local conditions that will result in better, more gradual transitions between MF and SF and will mitigate concerns about land use impacts of bulk and scale, shade, and solar access.  Not changing the Boundary will also mitigate impacts to historical resources; aesthetics, transportation & parking, as well as better protect the tree canopy, Ravenna Ravine and Creek and improve storm water management.  Concurrently accepting many of the proposed changes in zoning will provide increases in density, promote needed redevelopment of 15th Ave NE and create new opportunities for MHA affordable units. The local impacts and mitigations are described below as well as a comparison of the Action Alternatives.

The current boundary of 15th Ave NE makes better sense than 16th or 17th Ave NE. The proposed expansion area of the Roosevelt Urban Village is relatively small just one or two blocks east, except for a small sliver in Alternative 3 along the main arterial NE 65th from 16th Ave NE to 20th Ave NE.   Boundaries normally are articulated on arterials, not on narrow residential streets, such as 16th or 17th Ave NE.  In the case of the Roosevelt Urban Village, better, more legible, gradual transitions between urban village densities and SF can be created outside of the urban village, rather than changing the boundary.

The proposed zoning provides a better transition from urban form to SF. The zoning is identical to Alternative 3 in the step down from the Urban Village on west side of 15th Ave,  north of 65th where a new 7 story building is being permitted next to Roosevelt High School, to L-3 on the East side of 15th .  We then propose to L-1 on the West side of 16th.  LR-1 makes a better transition in bulk and scale than LR2 to SF owners who choose to remain in the LR-1 zone on 16th, and to the SF across the street on the east side of 16th Ave NE.  Accepting the up-zones preserves the same potential for MHA affordable units and density on 15th, and slightly less on 16th than Alternative 3, but provides significantly more on both streets than Alternative 2 or Alternative 1.  North of 65th is closer to the light rail station and school than the area south of 65th, where the heights across the street in the urban village are lower. The northern end of the West side of 16th is buffered from the LR3 zone by a joint access alley.The houses on the southern end of 16th are already facing a transition to NC40, a remnant of the older zoning preference in Seattle of putting most MF on arterials. Additionally, south of 65th, the proposed expansion of NC-40(55) from SF is too stark a transition and the group has proposed keeping it as single family. 

Alternative 2, which proposes RSL on 15th and 16th, would be more compatible in height and bulk to SF, but not necessarily compatible with the established architectural and urban form, and would not produce as many MHA affordable units. The difference between SF, if the boundary remained at 15th under the Sub-Alternative, and the proposed RSL in the Expansion proposed under Alternative 2 or 3 would not be significant. Many of the lots in the area are either too small to support an additional house, or because of the placement of the house on the lot, would require tearing down the existing house and many houses would likely be too expensive and/or sufficiently upgraded to meet current code, energy, seismic, and technology standards to be feasibly redeveloped as RSL within the 20-year framework of EIS analysis.  This area already has ADU’s in the area, a more likely scenario to create affordable housing in this area.

Proposed increased zoning on NE 65th St needs further study. Alternative 3 proposes expansion along NE 65th to 20th.  This area of 65th is topographically challenged as there is a steep slope up the hill from 16th Ave NE to the crest of the hill at 18th, and then an even steeper descent to 20th.  There are no alleys serving the north side of NE 65th, both of these factors are noted in the DEIS to potentially be mitigated by adopting less intensive use. (3.121). This idea currently has some interest in the community but needs further study. 

Community Planning recommended by DEIS as mitigation for land use impacts. The DEIS specifically mentions that the current criteria for land use rezones may not be met in Roosevelt (p. 3.118), and that mitigation measures might include, “address potential land use impacts as part of neighborhood level planning efforts.” (p. 3.120) Currently, only areas in Urban Villages have access to city planning resources, and the Alternative Part Two would help areas like Ravenna/Bryant do local level planning.

Neighborhood Design Guidelines Recommended by DEIS

Historic Ravenna, which includes parts of Bryant, has a consistent, established architectural urban form, and is one of Seattle’s well-preserved “bungalow” neighborhoods. Since many homes in Ravenna/Bryant are historic Craftsmen houses, concerns for historical resources and aesthetics have been expressed by neighbors, impacts which have also been identified in the DEIS.  One mitigation measure suggested in the DEIS is Neighborhood Design Guidelines, which Ravenna/Bryant does not currently have.  (3.165) This is another potential benefit to having neighborhoods do proactive planning.

 Alternative 3 expansion along NE 65th to 20th Ave NE needs further study.  As mentioned before, there is some interest in the community; specifically to expand LR1, 1 block north and south along NE 65th from 16th Ave NE to 20 Ave NE. The goal is to promote more rapid redevelopment by creating development pathways that work for single lots because in the current intense real estate market for single family houses waiting for two or more adjacent lots to be assembled could stall development.  NE 65th is the most logical walking corridor to the light rail station and could connect the business districts of Ravenna and Roosevelt. 

Before embracing this idea, more study is needed because of current neighborhood safety concerns about this particular stretch of NE 65th that may or may not be addressed by SDOT’s NE 65th Street Vision Zero Project.

Parking is also a concern of many neighbors.  The residential streets are very narrow, and many of the old houses do not have garages, so there is already crowded street parking.  This is especially intense on 16th, which has parking on only one side of the street and is often used by students going to Roosevelt.  Not moving the boundary of the Roosevelt Urban village will provide parking for the incoming residents, mitigating the impact of the new development.

Historical Resources: Ravenna is one of the older neighborhoods in Seattle, resulting in a treasured collection of historic, architecturally significant Craftsmen and Tudor houses, with some Mid-Century homes.  The area has not yet been surveyed and therefore potentially historical resources would be lost as development occurs.  The DEIS describes “potential decreases to the historic fabric of a neighborhood” when historic buildings are redeveloped or demolished and new buildings are constructed “that are not architecturally sympathetic to the existing historic characteristics of a neighborhood.” (3.252)  Since there is significant, but not universal, concern in the neighborhood about this issue, it is another reason to not extend the boundary of the urban village before the opportunity is lost to preserve what is most important.

Biological Resources Tree Canopy and Environmentally Critical Areas (ECA)

Seattle’s urban forest, mostly located in Seattle’s SF zones, provides many ecological services such as relief from the urban heat island, cleaning our air and water, and helping with storm water management, as well as being described in the DEIS as “fundamental to the character of Seattle.” All Action Alternatives will result in loss of the tree canopy according to the DEIS.  Indirect impacts are identified as “changes to stream flows from upstream development” (3.263); cumulative effects of multiple parties actions could potentially alter drainage patterns and/or affect soil and slope stability, and discharges to streams may be impacted by runoff of pollutants from street surfaces. (3.265)  Cumulative effects are critical in evaluating future impacts, one construction project may be nothing, many may mean disaster.

Per the pattern of the Programmatic DEIS, these impacts are characterized as not significant city wide because of the relative small amount of acreage.  (3.2700)  No study specific to the impacts to the Ravenna Park riparian corridor and steep slopes is cited though there have already been problems of erosion and sink holes adjacent to the park.  Ravenna Creek is a bit of an anomaly because its original source of water from Green Lake was cut off and diverted to sewer pipes when the Olmstead Brothers created Green Lake Park, thus leaving very local water table sources to provide the flow of the creek. 

On a city wide basis, the pattern of growth also needs to be assessed as to whether buffers of SF areas with tree canopy are needed between urban densities that take account of the watersheds as well as just counting acreage.  There is no study cited that looks at the future green infrastructure map in comparison with the projections for increasing urban densities and what  appropriate policy would  integrate them.  It is assumed that the Urban Tree Plan protections will suffice, but a new Tree plan is under development to patch recognized deficiencies.     The area to the south of 65 Ave NE nearest to the Park is especially important to protect trees to better protect the source of the flow, and to help with storm water management from the city streets.

Ravenna/Bryant has a combined sewer and storm water system which contributes to the CSO overflows and limits the capacity of West Point Sewage treatment plant to function in the new normal of heavier rain storms due to climate change.  The city has spent millions of dollars on concrete holding tanks as solutions to this problem, rather than adopting much cheaper Low Impact development methods.  

The RBCA board is currently considering these comments and the alternative zoning proposal as part of their review of the MHA DEIS.

What do you think of proposed zoning changes in Ravenna? Let the City know by August 7

In the fall of 2015, the City of Seattle began a process of updating land use plans (Comprehensive Plan)  and implementing new ones (the Mayor’s Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda).

Comprehensive Plan

The Comprehensive Plan includes an Urban Village Strategy that promotes growth in areas that have places for people to work, live, shop, and access services in close proximity to one another. According to the plan, “Locating more residents, jobs, stores and services in close proximity can reduce the reliance on cars for shopping and other daily trips and decrease the amount of fossil fuels burned and the amount of greenhouse gases emitted. Increasing residential and employment densities in key locations makes transit and other public services convenient for more people and therefore makes these services more efficient.”

Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda

As part of the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda (HALA), in 2016 the Mayor unveiled the Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) proposal that requires that new multifamily residential development contribute to affordable housing, either with affordable homes in the building or payments to help construct them throughout the city. The MHA framework was adopted a year ago for residential development and, to implement that framework, proposals for rezoning parts of neighborhoods throughout the city are currently being considered. Much, but not all, of the rezones are being proposed in urban villages and urban centers.

In December, the Roosevelt Neighborhood Association (RNA) and the Department of Neighborhoods hosted public meetings that provided information and solicited public input about the proposed rezone of the Roosevelt Urban Village, including a proposed expansion of the Urban Village boundary east of 15th Avenue NE into the Ravenna neighborhood.

Environmental Impact Statement

Last month, a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) about possible MHA changes was released. The EIS includes updated proposals for zoning changes, including proposals for expanding the Roosevelt Urban Village into the Ravenna neighborhood. For each neighborhood, three proposals are made:

  • Alternative 1 – no changes to zoning;
  • Alternative 2 – implementing MHA based on original planning concepts included in the Comprehensive Plan and the MHA framework.
  • Alternative 3 – implementing MHA and specifically considering displacement risks and access to opportunities in each neighborhood.

Growth & Equity Analysis

Seattle has a long history of being a segregated city. Thanks in large part to redlining activities by financial, insurance, and other companies, as well as neighborhood covenants, many neighborhoods, including Ravenna-Bryant, excluded African Americans and other people of color from living in them. To decrease segregation throughout the city, the EIS includes an equity analysis to help inform decisions about land use policy changes.

As part of the EIS, the City assessed in which neighborhoods marginalized residents can attain resources, opportunities, and outcomes that improve quality of life and enable them to reach their full potential. Displacement was one outcome of growth that was assessed. Most of Ravenna-Bryant was identified as being at low risk of displacement.

Displacement Risk Index map is available online.

The EIS also included an assessment of access to opportunity within neighborhoods. Access to opportunity includes measures related to education, transit, economic opportunity, civic infrastructure, and public health. Ravenna-Bryant has a great deal of opportunity accessible to those who live and work here.

Access to Opportunity map is available online.

Maps outlining proposed zoning changes in Alternatives 2 and 3 were released with the EIS. Below are the maps for proposed Roosevelt Urban Village changes including changes in the Ravenna neighborhood.

Alternative 2 in Ravenna

All proposed zoning change maps are available online.

This alternative proposes expanding the Roosevelt Urban Village east to 16th Avenue NE north of NE 63rd Street and south of NE 68th Street. Land that is currently zoned Singe Family (SF) would be rezoned to Residential Small Lot (RSL) and Neighborhood Commercial 2-40 (NC2-40) zones would become NC2-55 zones, increasing allowable building heights by 15 feet.

Alternative 3 in Ravenna

Since Ravenna is considered a neighborhood with low displacement risk and with high access to opportunity, Alternative 3 proposes additional housing capacity changes. Zoning changes on 16th Avenue NE would extend north to 70th Avenue NE and south to NE 62nd Street. A variety of zoning designations are proposed including Lowrise 1, Lowrise, 2, Lowrise 3, and additional NC2-55. Zoning along 17th Avenue NE would change south of NE 68th Street from SF to RSL. Zoning designations along NE 65th Street between the Roosevelt neighborhood and the Ravenna business district would change from SF to Lowrise 1.

What’s next?

The City extended the public comment period to August 7th for the MHA draft EIS.  Below are more helpful links to information provided by the City regarding this new policy:

  • Draft EIS Summary Chapter This summarizes the findings for each topic in the EIS, such as Housing, Land Use, Aesthetics, and Transportation, among others. At 37 pages, it’s a good way to read an overview of the analysis and discussion of impacts contained in the full Draft EIS.
  • June 29 Public Hearing boards A public hearing was held on June 29 at City Hall where the public could make comment on the Draft EIS. These boards explain what is in the Draft EIS and some of its key findings.

How to Comment

Use an online form.

By email: MHA.EIS@seattle.gov.

By US mail:

Office of Planning and Community Development
Attn: MHA EIS
PO Box 34019
Seattle, WA 98124-4019

Early plans shared for development between 25th Avenue NE and the Burke-Gilman Trail

During RBCA’s June 22 land use public meeting, neighbors learned about three new developments planned for 25th Avenue NE at University Village, across the street where Travelodge and Key Bank are currently located, and between the Burke-Gilman Trail and Travelodge.

For the site next to the Burke-Gilman Trail, draft early design review documents are available online, project 3027312. Preliminary drawings show what the “Trailside” development, which will provide student targeted housing, might look like. It includes a projected 293 residential units and 2,075 square feet of retail space.

A preliminary site plan for the Travelodge/Key Bank site is also available online, project 3027063. The project includes housing and retail.

During the June 22 meeting, developers expressed an interest in creating a seamless bike and pedestrian connection from the Burke-Gilman Trail, across 25th Avenue NE, to University Village.

Thursday night, learn about 3 planned developments on 25th Avenue NE

The RBCA Land Use Committee is hosting a public meeting Thursday to preview several development proposals along 25th Ave NE at U Village and Travelodge sites.  Specifically, you will hear from University Village, Greystar (developer for the Travelodge site), and Phoenix (developer for a new residential project behind the Travelodge site.) The goal of the meeting is to provide community members with a holistic view of proposed development slated for 25th Ave NE on these several blocks.  We would like to hear from the community, so come give your feedback at the meeting or leave a comment after this post and learn about the changes happening in our neighborhood.

Design Review Board provides U-Village with design guidance for new garage

Concerned with University Village’s initial design proposal for a new garage along 25th Avenue NE, the RBCA board provided comments to the Seattle Design Review Board in December.

uvillagegarage

In a follow-up memo, the Design Review Board provided the following guidance to University Village.

1. Theme: Enlivening and Enhancing 25th Avenue NE

a. Ground level retail uses and enhancement of the pedestrian experience along 25th Avenue NE are the primary issues concerning the proposal.

b. UVillage has a proven track record in creating pedestrian experiences within the village and should be able to successfully create a viable pedestrian edge experience along 25th Avenue NE as well.

c. Traditional retail along the entire length of the west façade would likely not be viable, but some kinds of micro-retail could be — and the Board would be supportive of granting departures (e.g. shortened required depth) to help make it work.

d. Landscaping alone does not seem to be enough to overcome a less than enlivening pedestrian experience along this stretch of sidewalk.

e. One, two or three strategically designed retail spaces (connected to the bus stop and pedestrian entry/exit, for instance) might do the job; landscaping would not appear to be enough to enliven this long stretch of sidewalk.

f. Although, if the ground level is amazing, a boring upper can be forgiven, the design team was encouraged to explore further architectural expression of the upper levels as they related to the modern form of the building.

2. Theme: An Inviting Pedestrian Walkway through the Garage

a. This was a critical element for a successful overall design.

b. As shown, the elevators at the end of the pedestrian entry from 25th appeared to provide a wall rather than an invitation through the space. There needs to be something more exciting (and maybe more light and transparency) at the end of the walkway.

c. Provide clear wayfaring directions at the end of the passage.

3. Theme: Don’t Ignore Treatments of the North and South Faces of Garage

a. The cantilever along the north face a “missed opportunity” as shown.

b. The northwest corner needs more attention due to its visibility.

c. The “terracing” of the south face, as an acknowledgement to the new RH building, needs to be more explicit and convincing.

RBCA will continue to monitor the project and provide additional feedback, if needed. A pedestrian-friendly and safe neighborhood is important especially as our community continues to grow.

Roosevelt Station Transit Oriented Development Open House January 12

Sound Transit and the Roosevelt Neighborhood Association invite community members to an open house to discuss future development at the Roosevelt light rail station construction site. The open house will take place January 12, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Roosevelt High School commons, 1410 NE 66th Street.

roosevelt-station
Roosevelt Light Rail Station to be located at the corner of NE 65th Street and 12th Avenue NE. Drawing courtesy of City of Seattle.

As the Roosevelt Station takes shape, the area used for construction adjacent to the future station will become available for transit oriented development (TOD). TOD usually involves a mix of housing and commercial uses that support the transit facility. Combining housing and commercial activity, clustered around and adjacent to the transit station, will make it easier for people to get around via transit, support local businesses, and contribute to neighborhood growth, making Roosevelt a better place to live, work, and spend time.

Sound Transit and the Roosevelt Neighborhood Association are eager to hear from community members. This meeting is an opportunity to comment on the type of housing, community amenities, and urban design features to be included in the future development of the site. To submit questions or comments to Sound Transit: RooseveltTOD@soundtransit.org or 206-398-5300.