Proposed Changes for South Downtown
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Proposed Changes for South Downtown

Outgoing Mayor Greg Nickels, and the Seattle Dept of Planning and Development have submitted proposed changes to the South Downtown Plan.

According to the SPD, South Downtown includes: Pioneer Square, Chinatown/ International District, Little Saigon and other areas east of Interstate 5, and land around the stadiums and at the northern edge of the Greater Duwamish Manufacturing Industrial Center.

“This is part of our strategy to encourage development downtown, to make Seattle a place where jobs and homes are close to each other. The recommendations combine smart growth, economic investment and community character to create a truly vibrant neighborhood,” said Mayor Greg Nickels.

According to this write up on the DJC today, the proposal includes “expanding incentive zoning and transfer of development rights programs to the area, encouraging restoration of historic buildings, and creating open space and affordable housing.”

Most height increases proposed would require participation in an incentive zoning program. The proposal includes allowing heights of up to:

  • 240 ft for some buildings in areas of Japantown
  • 160 ft for some buildings in areas of the First Avenue South corridor and for some buildings in the area south of South Charles Street.
  • 150 ft for some buildings in areas of the International District, some buildings in areas of Little Saigon and some buildings in areas of the Dearborn corridor.
  • 130 ft for some buildings in parts of Pioneer Square. **
  • 65 ft for some buildings in areas of the Rainier Avenue corridor.

The SPD says the recommended land use amendments will:

  • Support the goals and policies of neighborhood plans and the Seattle Comprehensive Plan;
  • Increase allowable heights and densities in certain areas of South Downtown;
  • Encourage investment in jobs and residences;
  • Create new programs to encourage rehabilitation of historic buildings,  new open space, and affordable housing;
  • Strengthen the pedestrian-orientation and design of future projects; and
    • Require environmental performance of future construction projects

I heard about this when I attended a planning commission meeting where the SPD presented this information. My initial reaction was that after 3 years, extensive community meetings, and the input of a lot of opinions, that this was really the best they could do?

For a neighborhood that’s in such dire circumstances, I am surprised that there are not more drastic measures being taken that are addressing the real problems that Pioneer Square and other South Downtown neighborhoods are facing. Green Streets are great, and it’s commendable that they’re adding them, but let’s talk about some real change. Be bold, SPD — recommend something that can actually make a difference and can be implemented, instead of general ideas like “encourage investment.”

To see the “Livable South Downtown Planning Study,” click here.

I’m meeting with the Office of Economic Development today to find out more information on what plans they have for Pioneer Square. Stay tuned.

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