Landmarks Board to consider nomination of Crescent-Hamm Building
The Department of Neighborhoods announced that on January 4, the Landmark Preservation Board will consider the nomination of the Crescent-Hamm Building. The Southwest Seattle Historical Society put forward the nomination, based on their earlier report released in March.
The Crescent-Hamm Building is located on the corner of California Avenue SW and SW Alaska Street in the West Seattle Junction, and is the location of Easy Street Records and other tenants.
You can view the nomination here. A paper copy is available for review at the West Seattle Branch Library at 2306 43nd Avenue SW.
The Landmarks Preservation Board meeting will be on Wednesday, January 4 at 3:30 p.m. in Seattle City Hall, in the Boards and Commission Room, L280. To get there, take the elevator to floor L2 and walk down the hall; the room is on your right. Public comment will be taken at the meeting.
Written comments can be sent to:
Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board
Seattle Department of Neighborhoods
PO Box 94649
Seattle, WA 98124-4649
Renters’ Move-in Fee Cap
On Monday, the Seattle City Council voted unanimously to pass the Renters’ move-in fee cap legislation. This legislation will require property owners who rent to work with tenants needing an installment plan to help renters better afford the high upfront costs required to rent. Earlier this year, the Federal Reserve announced that 46% of adults could not cover an emergency expense costing $400 without selling something or borrowing money. Seattle’s high housing costs make it increasingly difficult to live in Seattle. Even middle income households, especially families with children, struggle to meet the high prices of housing in most areas of the city.
I also understand property owners need to collect move-in fees to mitigate the risks arising from tenant damage to units and moving out without proper advanced notice. Some suggested an exemption from this legislation for property-owners who rent 4 or fewer units. In lieu of exempting small landlords, the Council did the following: (1) Exempted move-in fees that total 25% or less than one month’s full rent; (2) Exempted owner occupied units; (3) Adopted language that allows the tenant and property owner to negotiate a different payment plan then the one required by legislation; and (4) Requires that reservation fees, also known as holding fees, be subtracted from the total move in costs, thus reducing the total subject to an installment plan.
This legislation will be evaluated over the next 18 months and I have asked that the evaluation of this legislation include an analysis of how small and large landlords are impacted by the legislation.
The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) is charged with implementing the move-in fee legislation. If you have any questions, please contact Geoff Tallent by email at Geoff.Tallent@seattle.gov or by phone at 206-684-8452.
Joint Committee for South Seattle College
Do you want to advise the City on the development plans of South Seattle College? Seattle Department of Neighborhoods is seeking interested community members from surrounding neighborhoods to serve on the South Seattle College Standing Advisory Committee (SAC) and provide feedback on projects planned and under development by the college to ensure it complies with its Master Plan. The Master Plan describes zoning rules, long range planning of the property, and transportation planning.
Community members who have experience in neighborhood issues, land use and zoning, architecture or landscape architecture, economic development, building development, educational services, or just have an interest in their neighborhood’s future are encouraged to apply.
The committee meets at South Seattle College one to four times a year. Committee members serve a two-year renewable term. If interested, send a letter of interest by either e-mail or regular mail to:
Maureen Sheehan
E-mail: Maureen.Sheehan@seattle.gov
Mailing Address: Seattle Department of Neighborhoods
P.O. Box 94649
Seattle, WA 98124-4649
In-District Office Hours
I will be at the South Park Community Center (8319 8th Avenue S) today, Friday December 16, from 3:30 pm – 7:00pm. The reason for the truncated hours is that there is a Special Full Council meeting scheduled for 2pm.
The final meeting of the day will begin at 6:30pm. These hours are walk-in friendly.
Winter break
The City Council will be on winter recess the next two weeks, with no Full Council meetings on December 19 and 26, and no committee meetings. The next Full Council meeting will be on Tuesday, January 3.
SDOT Accessibility Map and Route Planner
SDOT has released a new City of Seattle Curb Ramp Map and Accessible Route Planner website. It provides information helpful for people using sidewalks, curb ramps and street crossings—information particularly helpful to those living with disabilities.
It shows the condition of curb ramps and sidewalks, the slope of the street, marked crosswalks, transit and bus stops, where sidewalks are closed due to construction, and schools, libraries, and community centers.
SDOT’s notice provides information about using the map, which can be customized.
The map is based on current information; SDOT says the map will be updated daily, and encourages users to help improves the accuracy by letting them know of any inaccuracies by e-mailing DOTAssets@seattle.gov, along with photos. Request for map features can also be sent to this address.