Letter to the Editor: Large development proposed in North City
Friday, August 24, 2018
To the Editor:
Members of our North City neighborhood have discovered that the City of Shoreline could be considering rezoning our MUR-35, Phase 3 neighborhood in 2018 rather than 2033 as originally planned. Currently, the Council has only had a pre-application meeting with the developer, Blue Fern LLC, who proposes to replace seven single-family homes with forty-seven townhouses. Their proposal lacks yards and green space, and has no additional parking other than a single car garage.
Many concerned neighbors of my 10th Ave NE and Serpentine community met to exchange information and discuss options. All would be impacted by greatly increased traffic in what is currently a quiet single-family neighborhood. Additionally, those living on Serpentine, a narrow, twisting road, believe that greatly increased traffic volumes would affect pedestrian safety on their street. Our surroundings include a dense tree canopy that diminishes the Interstate noise and provides shelter for humans and wildlife. Many of us feel that our quiet neighborhood would be fundamentally changed; trees and green space in exchange for increased urban density and more traffic. We question why, with all the zoning that was put in place, is there is any room for rezones or zoning exceptions this many years before the impact of light rail is known.
There are more steps in the process before the proposed development in our neighborhood can occur. A hearing with the affected neighbors is required. After the developer’s formal application is received, a public meeting with a Hearing Examiner and then City Council approval must occur. If approved before 2033, this decision would set a precedent, making it more likely for other neighborhoods with phased zoning to open up ahead of schedule. Because of the proposed impact to our neighborhood and possibly others, citizens who believe that the City should keep to the zoning schedule, should stay informed and voice any concerns to the Shoreline City Council.
Cheryl McMillan and Concerned North City Neighbors
Shoreline
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8 comments:
The faster the climate change deniers at city hall can usher in their polluted, treeless urban heat island of the future, the better. How many developer giveaways and tax breaks did these carpetbaggers get?
Whatever happened to that "100 year" plan?
I support the city’s rezone and early rezone. The developers have to leave trees and replant trees that they remove. In some cases the trees being removed are diseased and are not healthy. The new trees are a much better fit. The right plant for the right place. We also have to realize that our community is changing. We are getting the light rail for better transportation and this will lessen the existing awful traffic on I5. These changes will provide our children to walk to school using a side walk. At this time 10th Ave (as well as other streets) is not a safe walkable street. The city requires builders to install new side walks. This will make our neighborhoods safer and more walkable. Developers are building on huge lots and the tiny houses being demolished are often dilapidated and have tested positive for harmful molds. People and neighbors who band together to sell their properties to developers are given an opportunity to stay and buy in the area. The builders are enabling sellers to move from their existing houses that are falling apart, need new piping, electrical updates, and in need of mold removal. These homeowners would never be able to afford to have better living in this area otherwise. Also removing these dilapidated houses and replacing them with beautiful townhomes will only improve the look of our neighborhoods and make the existing nicer homes property values increase. I am open to all of these improvements.
Remember how untrustworthy the City Council has been the ne t time you vote. They are not representing the constituents, rather the developers. I wish they would communicate their plans for us.
I and many others living in North City are constituents who are for rezoning and early rezone for better housing, which will give us better housing, sidewalks, and better all around planning for the city.
Whether residents want it or not, Shoreline is experiencing growth as a result of Seattle’s high real estate prices and the arrival of the light rail. This is especially true for the area near I-5 and 175th north to 185th where the station will be built. Clearly, there are a few vocal opponents of the changes. I realize that change is difficult but I find it hard to understand given the condition of the area. If you walk around this area you will find no sidewalks and many dilapidated houses (some not lived in for more than a decade). You will also find that people deposit trash and junk on the side of the street instead of taking it to the dump. Developing this area is not only inevitable but much needed. Blue Fern has been working with the city to provide new housing, upgraded infrastructure, and improved livability for the area. The reality is that it is inevitable that the area will be developed (the whole area will be rezoned). Allowing early rezoning for individual developments in this area will enable the city to manage the growth in stages rather than a flood of developments all at once. The improvements will enrich the neighborhood and the city.
Why are all of these comments anonymous?
I support phase 3 rezoning next year with phase 2.
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