FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 6/23/2014
Councilmember Mike O’Brien
Council Adopts Mount Baker Rezone
Transit-oriented focus, community-driven plan
SEATTLE – Council approved legislation this afternoon to rezone sections of the North Rainier/Mount Baker neighborhood that surround the Mount Baker Transit Center in Southeast Seattle. The rezone, in tandem with the neighborhood plan, is intended to make walking and biking safer, as well as encourage retail success by providing space for new jobs and housing in Rainier Valley.
"This plan promotes a more walkable and bike-friendly neighborhood that connects residents to the investment we have made in light rail. I think the community’s plan has the potential to make the neighborhood truly transit-oriented, all while retaining its unique neighborhood character," said Councilmember Mike O’Brien.
The City and community have been collaborating on North Rainier neighborhood planning for over 15 years. In the past five years alone, the City has conducted dozens of community meetings in the process of updating of the neighborhood plan. The plan was developed by the Seattle Department of Transportation, Office of Housing, the Department of Neighborhoods and the Department of Planning and Development, all in partnership with many people in the community.
"This has been a long and thoughtful planning process and one that does not stop here," concluded O’Brien. "Working together with the community, the City has more work to do to ensure that our vision for a more walkable, vibrant town center in that area comes to fruition."
