The Lake Union Opportunity Alliance didn't quite attract the 200-300 supporters they were hoping to have on hand at tonight's Urban Form Study Scoping Meeting, but they did end up having a group of about 40 like-minded folks among a total of 60 in audience.
Some highlights:
- Lots of uproar over the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process being funded by local property owners instead of the City, due to the possible conflicts of interest that could arise. Jim Holmes of the Seattle DPD and the South Lake Union Re-zone Project Manager gave an explanation of scarce resources.
- A representative from whoever operates the Space Needle spoke about protecting views of the Seattle landmark. They're even making a website called keeptheview.com.
For reference, the Space Needle is over 600', and the tallest buildings in the proposed up-zoning alternatives would be up to 400'. I wonder why people get so worked up over this. A group of well designed pin-towers would complement the skyline quite well in my opinion. After all, isn't that the view of Downtown Seattle out-of-towners expect thanks to the Seattle Supersonics (R.I.P.) and Frasier?
- Jerry Dindorf spoke on behalf of SLUFAN, the organization which submitted the zoning alternatives currently under review by the City. In defense of the SLUFAN proposals, Dindorf made some clarifying comments: the up-zone should be looked at in the context of developable parcels; podium heights and floor plates should be reduced; tower-spacing restrictions should be put in place (see Cosmo Tower); and zoning changes should be viewed from the perspective of a 40-50 year time horizon.
- A lot of people from the LUOA group made the comment that this was a backwards process—zoning is being discussed before infrastructure instead of the other way around. Unfortunately, money for infrastructure does not come out of thin air, which is why you have to negotiate for public benefits (including affordable housing) in concurrency with new development through instruments like incentive zoning.
- It was recommended that the DPD consider mandating underground parking for new development. This would go a long ways toward making the area more pedestrian friendly. However, Lake Union will likely pose a problem for those wanting to dig too deep.
Would someone remind me why we need parking to begin with? Prop 1 just passed, and we have our beloved S.L.U.T. of course. Donate your car today!
Have any strong opinions on this issue? Please share by commenting on this post.
The DPD will be taking formal comments related to scoping until December 17. There will be other opportunities to comment once the Draft EIS comes out and the public may appeal the Final EIS 14 days after it is published.
