FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8/5/2013
Councilmember Richard Conlin
City Council, Sound Transit agree on Capitol Hill Station development
SEATTLE — The Seattle City Council unanimously passed Council Bill 117818 today which approves a Development Agreement between the City and Sound Transit that realizes the community’s vision for affordable housing and public space on the property currently being used for construction of the Capitol Hill Light Rail Station.
Councilmembers supported the Capitol Hill Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) plans which were developed in cooperation with the Capitol Hill Champion. The Champion represents the Capitol Hill community and is comprised of members of the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Capitol Hill Community Council. On July 15, the Planning, Land Use and Sustainability (PLUS) Committee hosted a public hearing at the Miller Community Center on Capitol Hill to receive comments and field questions from community members. The committee also worked with Sound Transit to develop companion agreements to ensure that the community’s goals would be met.
The legislation authorizes additional height, density and flexibility in meeting other zoning requirements in exchange for workforce and affordable housing, and urban design features to enhance the public realm. The negotiations also provide for a public-private plaza that can serve as a permanent site for the farmers market.
"Today’s vote tells the Capitol Hill community that their voices were heard,” said Councilmember Richard Conlin, who sponsored the agreement, serves as Chair of the PLUS Committee and is a Sound Transit Board Member. "This agreement is the outcome of a multi-year process of cooperation among the City, Sound Transit and the Champion. The development agreement reflects a model for future transit-oriented development projects in Seattle and along the light rail line in other jurisdictions,” Conlin added.
The first trains are expected to arrive at the Capitol Hill Station in 2016.