As the Seattle City Council prepares to finalize changes to Neighborhood Residential zoning, the conversation is already shifting towards the next critical initiative: the expansion of Neighborhood Centers.
Mayor Bruce Harrell’s One Seattle Plan includes the creation of 29 neighborhood centers, which aims to transform small areas around existing commercial nodes into midrise apartment zones, promoting housing availability throughout the city.
However, housing advocates argue that this plan shouldn’t just stop with 29 centers; it should expand further to include eight additional centers to enhance the benefits for Seattle’s diverse neighborhoods.
The public is encouraged to participate in a pivotal hearing scheduled for June 23 at Seattle City Hall, where community members can voice their support for housing abundance.
A Brief History of the One Seattle Plan
Initially presented to the City Council in January, the One Seattle Comprehensive Plan features the neighborhood center concept as a key component.
Due to the impending state deadlines, the city was forced to divide the plan into multiple phases. The proposed 29 neighborhood centers strategically focus on areas with schools, businesses, parks, transit, and other significant neighborhood anchors.
Delays stemming from appeals to the City’s hearing examiner pushed the Council to pivot its focus towards passing interim legislation in response to the state’s mandate in House Bill 1110.
This mandate requires cities to permit the construction of fourplexes across single-family zoned land, which constitutes about 75% of residential land in Seattle, as well as sixplexes close to major transit stops.
However, relying solely on sixplex zoning will not adequately address Seattle’s housing crisis.
By augmenting the number of neighborhood centers, the city can cultivate livable, walkable communities across various scales, addressing not only housing needs but also countering historical injustices like redlining and housing discrimination that contribute to ongoing displacement issues, particularly in South Seattle.
As a response to public feedback related to the original neighborhood center plan, the Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) re-evaluated the proposed boundaries.
Despite their intentions, these adjustments led to significant reductions in the size and housing capacity of 14 of the neighborhood centers.
The community still has the opportunity to advocate for more, and there is a growing necessity to do so.
Proposed New Neighborhood Centers
The Complete Communities Coalition has pinpointed eight potential neighborhood centers that could be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan’s Future Land Use Map: Alki, Dawson, Roanoke, Gas Works, South Wedgwood, Broadview, Loyal Heights, and Nickerson – South Canal.
These areas are characterized by vibrant community nodes that are primed for further development and support.
Previously, these eight neighborhoods were evaluated in earlier versions of the One Seattle Plan, suggesting that their inclusion could proceed without further delays in the planning process.
Alki
Alki, with its strong connectivity via bus, bike, and boat, features an attractive beach, park, and small businesses. However, it currently lacks a grocery store due to its limited population.
A slight change in zoning around Bar-S Playground, part of the Olmsted Parks system, could pave the way for more residents and bring back the vision of the Olmsted Brothers, reviving neighborhood potential.
Dawson
South of Lakewood Park, the area around Dawson Street and Wilson Ave S hosts a small business district, enhancing proximity to popular destinations like Columbia City and Seward Park.
Accessible via a reliable bus route (Route 50) and protected bike path, the locality offers an ideal setting for increased community housing.
Roanoke Park
Strategically located between Roanoke, Volunteer, and Interlaken Parks, and Streissguth Gardens, Roanoke Park is home to a bustling business area and active bus routes connecting the University District and Capitol Hill.
Several educational institutions, including Stevens Elementary and TOPS K-8, are in the vicinity. Increasing housing options would help attract families and sustain local schools facing financial challenges.
Gas Works Park
Gas Works Park stands out as one of Seattle’s premier parks, and expanding nearby housing options would provide residents with greater access to this beloved space.
With nearby amenities like breweries and Hamilton International Middle School, and proximity to the Burke-Gilman trail, mixed-use zoning in this area could foster an influx of amenities and new housing.
South Wedgwood
Located at the crossroads of Routes 62 and 65, South Wedgwood represents an opportunity to create a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with ample housing capacity closer to transit options.
Home to reputable educational facilities, including Bryant Elementary and Eckstein Middle, the area can greatly benefit from additional housing to engage more community members in Ravenna Park, a historic Olmsted Park.
Broadview
In proximity to Broadview-Thomson K-8 and a future light rail station, the Broadview neighborhood is well-positioned for community growth.
Better connectivity via Route 5 facilitates transit access, and the area is conducive to building strong community ties around local amenities like libraries and parks, crucial for integrating investments around infrastructural improvements.
Loyal Heights
A strong sense of community characterizes Loyal Heights, home to a vibrant elementary school along with a lively neighborhood aesthetic.
There is a palpable demand for more housing options and communal spaces to support families wanting to stay in their community, especially as schools like North Beach Elementary face potential closure.
Nickerson – South Canal
In the vicinity of Seattle Pacific University and the South Ship Canal Trail, this lively community has room for more housing development, particularly given its existing public transportation routes.
By enhancing nearby housing options, the area can grow into a more complete community with essential services and amenities within walking distance for residents.
Community Engagement
The upcoming public hearing on June 23 is crucial for Seattle residents to express their opinions and advocate for the proposed new neighborhood centers.
Remote public comment begins at 9:30 AM, allowing time for interested individuals to prepare during the hour-long sign-up period before the meeting starts.
In-person comments commence at 3 PM, with an additional half-hour signup window continuing until 6:30 PM, although early arrival is advisable to avoid extended waits.
Those unable to attend the hearing are encouraged to express their thoughts via email to [email protected], continuing the vital discourse on housing abundance and neighborhood development.
This is a prime opportunity for residents who wish to impact their neighborhoods positively by advocating for inclusive, vibrant communities that cater to all residents.
Jazmine Smith, Director of Local Advocacy at Futurewise and Co-Chair of the Complete Communities Coalition, emphasizes the importance of thoughtful community development.
The time for action is now, as Seattle strives to create equitable, sustainable neighborhoods that can support current and future generations.
image source from：theurbanist
