Category Archives: Calls to Action

CALL TO ACTION: The City needs to hear from You on “One Seattle Plan”

Comments due by Friday, December 20, 2024

The City’s proposed One Seattle Plan will impact all residents whether owner, renter or occupant. Please take this opportunity to add your voice in deciding how our community is going to change over the next 20 years. 

What & Why?

Passed in 2023 by the State Legislature, HB 1110 allows at least 4 units on all residential lots in Seattle.  It also allows at least 6 units on all residential lots if a.) located within a 1/4 mile (2 blocks) of a “major transit stop” such as light rail or rapid ride, or b.) at least 2 are affordable units.  Seattle is required to adopt zoning in compliance with these new requirements by June 30, 2025.  The City’s proposal is called “Seattle One Plan,” and it further upzones beyond the State’s mandate various areas of the city, including within Wallingford.  WCC has noted articles by a number of city and housing advocates who have called into question the mayor’s request to change zoning to allow for more than twice as many housing “units” than either HB1110 or other population projections prescribe.

We need more density.  We need livability.  We think Seattle can have both.  The city has shared maps and a proposal.  The WCC has spent considerable time reviewing and assessing the One Plan’s new proposed growth strategy. It is complicated, even for those versed in prior zoning efforts. 
Here are a few recommendations that we think would help us, as a city, to increase housing while keeping livable.

Ask for Density with Livability: 

  • Utilize capacity along 45th east/west where there are already existing commercial zoning at NC2-55 and NC2- P75 in the Wallingford business district.
  • In the Tangletown proposed Neighborhood Commercial Center, create transitions by stepping up from NR (single family) gradually, using LR1 to L2, and reduce the number of blocks leading up to the NC2-55 and NC2-65 in the business core. This allows for increasing density while also keeping eight and six story structures from being built next to two story houses.
  • Avoid “canyon effect” with taller buildings through good urban design. For avenues and streets that are being upzoned to 5 to 8+ stories, ask that the sidewalks be widened, setbacks honored and expanded, and the buildings themselves be designed to set back the mass at maximum height to avoid overcrowding the corridor and creating a canyon effect. Street canyon effect has well documented negative mental, physical and environmental health consequences.
  • NR (formerly Single Family) setbacks: Ask that the proposed front setbacks in NR be enforced at 10 feet from sidewalks as proposed, and remove the proposal to allow porches in the setback. The NR setbacks are proposed to be reduced from 20 feet front setbacks in single family to 10 feet in NR zones. This setback should be reserved for planting new trees lost during redevelopment, and to allow for longer periods of sunlight to reach the ground.
  • Front setbacks in LR1, 2, and 3 are 7 feet average and 5 feet minimum. Ask that these setbacks be increased to allow more tree replacement as many arterials slated for LR3 along frequent transit have either no parking strips or very narrow ones that are not conducive to tree planting, nor to longer periods of sunlight at the ground level.
  • Do not Upzone narrow tree-lined streets in Wallingford. Reject the plan to upzone lots facing “frequent transit” arterials on remaining single family 5,000 square foot lots or smaller through the Wallingford neighborhood to LR3. In this plan, Bus routes 31, 32, and 62 trigger an additional upzone. Specifically, do not upzone using LR3 allowing 50 foot, 5 to 6 story buildings in an older neighborhood with narrow tree lined streets and existing homes with heights of less than 3 stories /30 foot heights. Ask city to reduce the LR3 proposal at 50 feet/ 5 stories on frequent transit arterials to NR or LR1 at 30 feet, which are more compatible with existing heights.

Ask for Density with Affordability:

  • Ask the city to extend the MHA program to apply MHA fees when the result is exclusively market units in NR areas (Neighborhood Residential). Thousands of formerly single-family lots are being converted by HB1110 to multi-family allowing 4-6 units per 5,000 square foot lots city wide. A loophole exists that allows a builder to “opt out” of building additional affordable units, scrape a lot, and build only market rate units. The HB1110 state mandate includes OPTIONS for developers to add extra units voluntarily above the allowable four units. Developers can include “affordable units” that meet requirements of 60% AMI for renters and 80% AMI for home ownership for 50 years, but this is the developer’s choice. The builder can simply choose to build 4 units or fewer at market rate on a 5,000 square foot lot and “opt out” of building any affordable units. Currently, MHA fees are charged in ALL Low-rise 1, 2, 3 and higher zones, but not the NR zones.
  • Additionally, ask for the City to review MHA fees to keep pace with building costs so more money goes into the City’s fund for affordable housing.

Ask for Density with Quality of Life

  • Ask the City to explain how it plans to pay for investment in infrastructure to support the additional density, especially in areas that are being upzoned beyond what HB1110 allows such as the proposed “Neighborhood Commercial Centers” and “frequent transit arterial” upzones as per the Mayor’s plan.
  • Ask the City to explain both how the State’s HB1110 will impact property taxes, and how the City’s proposed additional upzones will impact the current residents of Wallingford, renters and owners alike? Upzoning increases property taxes by adding “potential housing” capacity on individual lots which affects property taxes, affordability and increases the risk of economic displacement and gentrification.
  • Ask the City to explain how this plan “meets the challenges of climate change for a resilient future.”

Talk to family, friends and neighbors – everyone is encouraged to email opinions, experiences, and/or questions about development and the Seattle One Plan to our elected officials no later than Friday, December 20, 2024.

Email Your Comments to:

oneseattleplan.zoning@seattle.gov

and copy

Be sure to include your zip code!

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

Resources:

Stay Engaged: One Seattle Plan Zoning Changes & Transportation Levy Updates

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some Key Details:

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

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

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

Other key resources and opportunities to engage:

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

2.) Transportation Levy “Proposition 1” Update

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

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

Monthly Meeting – October 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why Attend?

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

Key Actions

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

Additional Resources for Pre/Review: 

2.) Wallingford Transportation News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More info and articles on HB1110. 

5) Update on Public Access to Waterway 20

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Action Needed:

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/