15 Apr Help Give Pioneer Square and Chinatown/ID a Boost!

Action Alert from DSA today:

This coming Monday — April 18 — the City Council will make an important decision impacting the future of Pioneer Square, Chinatown and the International District. After four years of work — including 17 City Council meetings and dozens of public hearings — the City Council will vote on new height limits for neighborhoods in South Downtown.

For nearly 20 years, the Pioneer Square and Chinatown/ID neighborhoods have prioritized creation of more market rate and workforce housing. However, current zoning has not resulted in new housing or significant investment in rehabbing and preserving existing historic buildings.

In a domino effect, the lack of available housing is also affecting retail in the neighborhoods. The current retail vacancy rate in Pioneer Square is nearly 20 percent — twice that of Downtown. By making it possible for more people to live in South Downtown, there will be more people to support existing retailers, new small business will be attracted to the neighborhood and there will be more eyes on the street helping to keep parks and open spaces safe and vibrant.

What is before the Council is a 20- to 30-year decision — a decision likely not to be revisited for some time and one that will impact these neighborhoods for generations. Increased high limits for the area are necessary to encourage more investment in housing and attract more residents. If approved, the legislation will help encourage development of existing vacant lots while preserving protections for historic buildings important to the neighborhoods.

South Downtown residents, business and stakeholders agree: the best way to preserve and enhance the vibrancy of Pioneer Square, Chinatown and the International District is to turn empty lots into places for people to live.

More information:
Crosscut.com – To gain housing, Pioneer Square needs a boost
The Seattle Times – Elliott Bay Book Co. moving to Capitol Hill
CityTank.org – Don’t Tax What You Want More Of
Letter from Pioneer Square and Chinatown/ID neighborhood leaders (pdf)

Action Requested:

Urge councilmembers to prioritize new housing for South Downtown!

Email your Seattle City Councilmembers TODAY and express your support for the South Downtown legislation as passed out of committee. Tell the Council this legislation is their opportunity to help South Downtown achieve its goals of attracting more residents, while preserving the historic character and assets of the neighborhoods. Let them know the best way to preserve and enhance the vibrancy of Pioneer Square, Chinatown and the International District is to increase heights and turn vacant lots into places for people to live.

Click here to send an email to all Seattle City Councilmembers today and express your support the rezoning of South Downtown. Please BCC: Katherinem@downtownseattle.org to help us track the response to Councilmembers.

Thank you for your support.