Councilmember Rob Johnson (District 4, Northeast Seattle) will host two opportunities for Seattleites to both learn of the ways in which the University District neighborhood rezone and related investments stand to affect the U District community and to share their thoughts and feedback on the proposal.
Earlier this year Mayor Ed Murray announced a comprehensive proposal to assist the University District neighborhood in managing growth over the next 20 years, including creation of public open space, increased zoning capacity, mandatory affordable housing, historic building preservation, improved building design, and more. The investments also come in anticipation of the planned Brooklyn Light Rail station, slated to open in 2021.
After hearing concerns about displacement of low-income residents, the U District Urban Design proposal will now require new apartment buildings provide even higher affordable housing requirements than initially announced (now requiring $20.00 per square foot or 9 percent of the total units in the building reserved for affordable homes). The U District rezone will create an estimated 600 to 900 affordable homes over 20 years. The City’s analysis shows that without these proposed zoning changes, the U District would risk higher rates of displacement and generate less affordable housing.
Councilmember Johnson will host a Council Public Hearing this Wednesday at Hotel Deca in the University District at 6 p.m. to hear feedback on the newly-amended U District Urban Design. City staff will be available at 5:30 p.m. to provide information and answer questions about the proposed U District Urban Design.
Saturday morning at the University Heights Center from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Councilmember Johnson and representatives from City departments will welcome drop-in visitors and share information about projects in the University District neighborhood, provide details about upcoming land use changes, and be available to answer questions.
Council does not intend to vote on U District Urban Design until early 2017.
WHAT:
Public Hearing and Community Open House on University District Urban Design. Engage with constituents, area business owners and others through a public hearing onsite this Wednesday, and during an open house on Saturday with illustrations about expanding capacity and further public engagement
WHEN / WHERE:
Council Public Hearing on U District Urban Design
Wednesday, November 16 at 6pm
Hotel Deca, 4507 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105 (in University District)
U District Urban Design Open House
Saturday, November 19 from 10a – 12p
University Heights Center, 5031 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
WHO:
Public
Councilmember Rob Johnson, whose district includes the area, and chair of the Planning, Land Use and Zoning Committee
Councilmembers