Op-Ed: Standing Up for Shoreline's Neighborhoods
Monday, April 6, 2015
Janet Way is a former Shoreline Councilmember and President of the Shoreline Preservation Society, a local non-profit, grassroots volunteer organization dedicated to fostering the preservation of historical heritage, cultural and environmental assets throughout the Shoreline, WA Area.
By Janet Way
Today, the Shoreline Preservation Society (SPS) took action for justice for our neighborhoods, which will be hard hit by the recent Planned Action Ordinance passed by the City Council.
SPS filed a Complaint for Declaratory Judgment in Superior Court against the City of Shoreline’s ill-conceived and irresponsible decision to radically rezone several single-family neighborhoods for high density. We are also filing a parallel challenge to Ord. No. 707 with the Central Puget Sound Growth Management Hearings Board, in an abundance of caution. We are represented by the Dykes-Ehrlichman legal team, which has extensive experience in these matters.
SPS is acting in the interests of the community across Shoreline and neighboring cities, with support from hundreds of individuals, many groups concerned about the impacts to the environment and single-family neighborhoods, which have so much meaning to families who live here. The Planned Action Ordinance was adopted, despite substantive procedural problems and with serious violations of the rights of individual residents.
The sad thing is that if the 4-3 Council majority had actually listened to the community, the hundreds of residents who showed up, stood up to testify and wrote extensive comments, this legal action might not be necessary. There were better options they could have approved, but the Council majority obstinately determined to impose the worst possible options, with the most detrimental impacts on these neighborhoods.
They did this relying on a misguided belief that high-density must replace long-established, well-maintained single-family homes and is somehow the “green” option?
They did it despite the pleas from hundreds of residents who will bear the burden of this unwise decision unless it is reversed.
We are taking this action to stand up for Shoreline’s neighborhoods because it’s the right thing to do. We have heard from hundreds supporters who agree.
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28 comments:
Thank you to Janet and Shoreline Preservation Society for defending the vocal majority of Shoreline people!
Yay!
Hooray and thank you!
Well that is disappointing. Support of density has always been an environmental cause and is consistent with objectives of the growth management act. This is nimbyism pure and simple, not to mention lawsuits are a significant waste of your taxpayer money. Why you want to protect and now promote a wasteland of payday loan shops, subway sandwiches and dollar stores is beyond me. This was an opportunity to grow into the kind of density that would support good development and good retail; take a hot tip from Ballard people. Nobody is required to sell or move under the plan the council voted in. For those of you within the rezone, consider how much more valuable your land will be when you do decide to move and a developer can park 6 stories on top of it. If you support his lawsuit out of self interest, then you should understand that you just hit on a real estate jackpot.
Once again the city's residents are forced into court to protect themselves. Again last night at the council meeting questions from the public as to why they should maintain properties inside the rezone area when they will be torn down and replaced with apartment buildings.
Council member Hall's answer is move.
Please stay connected the fight has just begun. Don't give up our homes.
@anon 10:34... there are no payday loan shops, subways, or dollar stores in the 185th subarea - which is one of the many reasons why the majority of people living in the area are against such a massive reason. We don't want chain fast food restaurants and shady businesses in our backyard. Besides a neighborhood lawnmower repair shop, there is no commercial. This plan with no tree retention retention requirements for redevelopment is anti-environment and it will impact the air quality and displace neighborhood wildlife. People choose to live in Shoreline because it's not Ballard or any of the other high density neighborhoods in Seattle and most of us didn't move here to leave, get rich quick, and screw over our neighbors in the process. Most people aren't opposed to moderate density, but the City didn't listen to us, had they done the right thing, this action wouldn't have been necessary, so look to the City Council as the catalyst and ressponsible party for the waste of taxpayer money.
They don't want some fantasy "real estate jackpot". One, because they love their neighborhoods. Two, because the "jackpot" is just that, a fantasy. That is not how it works, as many real-estate experts have attested to. What does happen is piece-meal blight until the neighboring homes are cheap enough for developers to buy in bulk. People bought their homes and have invested themselves in their communities. The did not buy their home in a neighborhood that has been zoned R-6 for 60 years, to all of a sudden be changed to MUR-45 to 70. So although they are not "forced to move", they have no reason to stay once their neighborhood has been peppered with 45-75 foot buildings with insufficient parking.
Anonymous 10:34...there is so much conflation in your statement I will need help refuting it all. Ballard had an existing city core to build upon......185th has homes on it..... not payday lenders, dollar stores...Oh, there is one Subway at the 5 street intersection with Aurora. Frightfully, some of us want homes to live in, not $$$. This is about our rights as property owners, proper process, and prudent planning for growth. Over and over those of us who are directly affected by the rezone have stated we are not anti-growth but.....that makes us all seem reasonable....and some people believe that might confuse people and make those of us who are affected sound sane.
Developer talking.
Has no clue about our city....
@Anonymous 10:34 you have no idea what you're talking about. My house is surrounded by single family homes on a quiet street with little traffic and no shops. You describe my neighborhood as "a wasteland of payday loan shops, subway sandwiches and dollar stores". Not even remotely true. The 185th St rezone area does not contain ANY of the businesses you claim we're protecting and promoting. Take another (or more likely a first) look at the rezone map: http://arcg.is/1HR6rJW. Around 95% or more of that area (in all phases, not just phase 1) is single family homes. The only businesses (other than the 7-11) I can think of in there is the lawnmower repair shop at I-5 and 185th, which will be removed if the light rail stop is put in place anyway.
You say no one is required to sell, and that's true. But when our neighbors next to us sell, and someone puts up a 4-7 story condo/apartment building next door, blocking our sun, lowering our property value (because who wants to live next to that?), creating traffic and parking issues, many of us would definitely feel compelled to sell. The only people who would be interested in buying a home in such an area are developers looking to tear down the house and put up a condo. I'm not convinced that they'd pay top dollar for such a home, as you seem to be.
I have yet to meet ANYONE other than the council members who are in favor of this mass destruction of our beloved Shoreline. Where are the supporters....in their construction/general contractor offices waiting to pounce. Shoreline can not afford to be the next Ballard/West Seattle/Fremont etc. with parking issues and too many people in too small an area. We here in Shoreline do not want another Greenwood Ave N North on 185th and 145th. This rezone is a huge burden on every aspect of the city from utilities/schools/roads/environment/peoples homes and quality of life! Get involved and don't stay silent!! Save the Shoreline we all know and love!!!!
Please consider making a donation to S.P.S. to help support the fight! https://preserveshoreline.wordpress.com/donate/
The rezone is a great idea, the areas around the light rail stations need to foster growth. What's the point of a train station for a few dumpy houses. The areas where the stations will be located are trashy and in need of renewal. Janet Way is over the top on this issue.
Another anonymous (April 9, 2:02 PMpro-rezoner. No name.... Sure would like to know who some of these people are. What investment/risk they share in this over the top, over reaching Radical Rezone. My house and my neighbors houses are not dumpy at this point. There are many hundreds of people involved in this, not just Janet Way, so please do not target an individual. Your statement is offensive and easy to do hiding behind anonymous. Thanks for keeping the discussion going though.
@2.02p Aren't you a fancy person?
1) You estimation of "a few" is off by several hundred properties.
2) My house isn't a dump, and neither are the homes around me. So cram it, sit, & spin!
3) You know that the rezoned and proposed rezone areas go way beyond the station areas, not just a block or so around the station sites, right? (see #1 re: "a few")
Once again, the vocal minority in support of these rezoning plans can't manage to piece together valid reasons backed up by facts, data, or studies as to why this much density in height/area/bulk are appropriate. Just the usual insults, personal attacks, and innaccurate/uninformed statements. Is that all you've got?
The problem is that Sound Transit is going to spend $30 to $40 million for a station which has a pretty terrible bus catchment. It works to the west all the way to Richmond Beach but to the east 185th ends a block from the primary north-south arterial in the neighborhood, 15th NE. There's a route cars can use to get from the station location to the block of development between 175th to 185th along 15th using 10th NE and NE 180th. But those streets are not currently used by buses, and I doubt the residents would agree to their addition. The folks along 155th defeated the station proposed to be there instead to 145th (in order to get the buses out of the horrible traffic on 145th) for the same reason.
There is talk of extending the Swift to the new station, but there's no decent bus layover facilities in the area, so that will be hard.
How many people who live in the ultra-rich areas west of SR99 headed toward Richmond Beach are going to ride Link?
So, this expensive new bus station will depend on the people nearby it. Personally, it sounds to me that you really don't want a station, and that Sound Transit should save itself the money.
Dear Anon 2:02,
So you think I'm "over the top?" Maybe to you 3000 homes of people who have saved all their lives and contributed to their communities are "just a few crummy homes." However I notice that at 6 council and planning commission meetings 1-200 people showed up and stood for hours to agree with me! I think those homeowners are thw heart and soul of Shoreline!
Population growth is not economic growth. Density is not vibrancy. Displacement is not development. Vision 2029 is a demolition derby to the abyss. There is no checkered flag, no trophy. The only ones who will profit are the pit crews, the junk yards, and the promoters--my God, the promoters! All at the taxpaying expense of the rich, the poor, and the vanishing middle class. Take note of the lost opportunity for true economic prosperity and environmental preservation that could otherwise have been realized by putting that hard earned money to productive use. All that was needed were a few stable ground rules and regulations. Instead we have a high-rolling City Council and inside day traders playing fast and loose Etch-a-Sketch with this City's future. And what is pathetic is that some of them honestly believe they are doing a good thing.
Sorry Janet, but if you don't want growth, then don't live in a city. There's lots of rural areas that won't change for a long time you can move to. You can get good money selling a home in shoreline right now. The light rails station is going to transform the area to something different and that's change we need. The area of Shoreline became a city with the majority of people voting to be just that (I voted against it), and now it's the growing pains. It's time to change and just accept it. We can't be sitting in the same stuffy areas for eternity. Change is inevitable. Some of the posters here seem really angry. I see why someone would not put their name on a posting.
@anon 9.10... you're totally missing the point here. Let me get you up to speed since you seem to be coming into this arena a little late in the game. The majority of the hundreds of people that have been showing up to City Council and Planning Commission meetings week after week are not anti-growth, anti-change and certainly not anti-light rail. Go back and look at the public comment and watch the council meetings and pay attention before joining us in the deep end! We want more moderate zoning that fits in with the character of the existing neighborhoods that is in line with our comp plan and meets the requirements of the GMA. We want sustainable change! Not a Sizzler-all-you-can-eat buffet for developers! We want better tree retention requirements (for clean air, drainage, noise pollution reduction), protection for watersheds, protection for backyard wildlife, etc etc etc. We DON'T need to CHANGE just for the sake of CHANGE by opening up pandora's box until firm plans are in place to protect the LOCAL environment! Do you want haphazard change or well-planned change? Because everything leading up to March 16th was setting the stage for haphazard change and you bet your sweet seat that people are angry, but most us balance that anger with a realistic discussion based in facts as opposed to "smart growth" dogma. Seriously! Do you not think we've been hearing you're same your underhanded spiel for the last 7 seven months? What's next.on your agenda for discourse? Refusal to discuss facts and perhaps accusing people of being NIMBYs/conspiracy theorists/climate change deniers? Because you're not going to find to many of them in this fight. Maybe a litte more waxing poetic about "change" regardless of what that change entails?
I am concerned that without careful attention Shoreline will lose its families and community. With rush development the taxes will increase substantially...it already costs a great deal to live in this community. I'm afraid many of the good people of Shoreline will be taxed out & forced to leave, and the Shoreline that we know today will be lost.
@anon7-35. Agreed! It should be noted that City Planning Staff and a Councilmember or two have attempted to instill fear in Shoreline residents that property taxes will most definitely increase if the land in the subarea is not redeveloped into the highest density possible. Funny how they all claim to "have no crystal ball" when it comes to any of the many detrimental consequences of zoning/land-use changes for the highest density possible that the public has brought to their attention.
There's a whole area that was left out of the upzone that is within the half-mile walk shed of the future station. It's roughly between 10th Ave, 15th Ave, Perkins Way, and 180th. I hope this area gets massively upzoned when the City is potentially ordered to go back and start fresh as a result of this legal action. This is a prime location for tall luxury townhouses with spectacular views, and just dessert for all you pro-rezone folks that got in at the beginning of the game to support upzoning down the hill, but not in your backyard, or nextdoor.
RE: I'm afraid many of the good people of Shoreline will be taxed out & forced to leave....
Taxes are more in Shoreline than what you'd pay in Seattle. They're running a full city with services for a smaller group of people. I noticed that my property taxes are way higher in Shoreline than in Seattle for a comparable home.
Pfffff! Which neighborhood are you comparing yourself to? Southpark?
https://preserveshoreline.wordpress.com/2015/04/26/exciting-opportunity-two-anonymous-donors-offer-to-match-donations-to-shoreline-preservation-society/
So are the arguments for rezoning on this board basically - change happens so you shouldn't fight it? Moderate zoning is change and it would still support the needs of the community without decimating it. Density has not always been "environmental." What is the environmental argument for density - people don't have to drive and they will be able to walk to all their needs? Meanwhile the massive amount of construction, displacement, waste and resource consumption focused in a small footprint occur for the sake of environmental accomplishment - it has the exact opposite impact. People still drive and all you have done is trade one lifestyle for another except it wasn't a market driven change it was rammed down everyone's throats by a minority of development backed special interest. The Council should open it up to a city wide vote if nothing else to show some sense of transparency and concern for residents. I don't even live in the city anymore (live in LFP) but having grown up in Shoreline and having family and friends who live there I am very sorry for their predicament. This theory of governing that basically creates negative incentives to try and force change is not thoughtful and respectful of the residents. I wonder if the pro radical rezone members thing they are courageous for making "the tough and unpopular choice" when all they are doing is taking the easy way out. Shoreline City County = Poor Leadership.
I have lived in my house in Shoreline since 1988, 27 years. My house will be paid off in three years, and I have paid all bills and property taxes faithfully. I know a lot of people think our homes are outdated and need to be replaced; like me, my house is getting older and out of style. However, both my house and yard are well maintained, even if they don't meet everyone's standards. I have five more years until retirement and looked forward to living in my safe, peaceful neighborhood as long as I could. My son and wife are looking to move close by when they have children so I can be close by to help and because of our wonderful schools. Now I have no idea what is going to happen. Don't tell me you're going to offer me a "fair" price for my home. Do you think I will be given enough to relocate in the vicinity and not be left with a mortgage? Or I can stay put while the houses around me are sold and replaced by complexes blocking out the sun, adding noise, congestion and changing the atmosphere of my quiet neighborhood forever. You think after I've invested all this time and money in my house, that I should get out of the way so other people can enjoy what I have and have worked for all these years? I accept change in my life on a regular basis, but don't tell me I have to give up what I've worked for so others can have it for their profit. I do not want my options taken away from me.
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