Urbanists Push to Amend Seattle Growth Plan Ahead of Final Vote
Seattle’s long saga of passing its state-required, once-per-decade major update to its Comprehensive Plan is nearing its end. But first, one more public hearing will be held this Friday for residents to air their grievances or do their cheerleading. Here's our guide to the 106 amendments under consideration.
Seattle Eases Accessory Dwelling Restrictions Just Ahead of State Deadline
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) just got a bit easier to build in Seattle, as legislation passed in May went into effect yesterday. The reform will help Seattle meet state mandates to make ADUs easier to built. Ultimately, wider middle housing reforms planned in the coming months may prove more attractive to builders.
Op-Ed: Seattle Council Should Scale Up Neighborhood Centers in Growth Plan
On Monday, June 23, the Seattle City Council is holding a public hearing on the One Seattle growth plan. Housing advocates must defend the 29 neighborhood centers in the plan and push to add more. Jazmine Smith lays out the case for these eight additions.
Kenmore Considers McMansion Tax in Zoning Overhaul
Kenmore is considering a mandatory inclusionary zoning policy that would not be paired with funding or incentives — passing affordability costs onto homebuilders. But, in a shift away from the Planning Commission’s recommendation, the City Council directed staff to draft a policy that would encourage smaller, more affordable homes while requiring larger (typically pricier) new homes to include affordable units or pay a fee.
Sunday Video: How Can Cities Fix Big Box Stores?
Big box stores have become a common feature of American suburbs most everywhere. Many are still going, albeit it with lower foot traffic volumes,...
Harrell Chops Off Dozens of City Blocks from Planned Growth Centers
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has shrunk the dimensions of eight neighborhood centers and six urban center expansions he proposed last year. The move chops dozens of blocks off the growth centers, limiting opportunities for apartments and affordable homebuilding and drawing criticism from housing advocates.
Redmond Sees New Neighborhood Burgeon Around Marymoor Park as Light Rail Arrives
The 2017 Marymoor Village growth center has led to a number of larger multifamily developments in the area around Marymoor Park in Southeast Redmond. This weekend, light rail finally arrives.
Downtown Redmond’s Building Boom Shows No Signs of Slowing
New apartment buildings like Eastline and Polaris have brought hundreds of units close to Redmond's forthcoming downtown light rail station. On the horizon are even bigger projects.