DPD has finalized recommendations relating to Yesler Terrace redevelopment, working in close collaboration with Seattle Department of Transportation and the Office of Housing. The proposal includes a rezone, environmental mitigation requirements, changes to the street network, and funding agreements between the City and Seattle Housing Authority (SHA). The interdepartmental team responsible for this project worked from Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan and SHA’s redevelopment plan, incorporating requirements for affordable housing, parks, community gardens, and street improvements.
The new zoning would allow:
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Up to 4,500 residential units, including 561 SHA replacement units and 1,240 new affordable housing units at several different income-restriction levels.
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A mix of midrise and highrise buildings.
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Up to 900,000 square feet of office, medical services and lodging adjacent to Harborview Medical Center.
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Small nonresidential uses throughout the site, with required retail and services at the intersection of Yesler and Broadway.
Responding to input received during the public comment period in February and March, we have revised affordable housing requirements to require more affordable housing in the early phases of redevelopment, and strengthened conditions about SHA’s commitments to existing residents. We’ve also tightened language on development standards and design guidelines to ensure that redevelopment results in excellent streetscapes, useful parks, and attractive buildings.
Next Steps
The proposed legislation will undergo final review through the Mayor’s Office before transmittal to City Council sometime in mid-June. In the coming weeks, updated documents will be posted at www.seattle.gov/dpd/Planning/YeslerTerrace/RelatedDocuments/default.asp and www.seattle.gov/council/issues/yesler_terrace.htm.
The Council special committee website also provides a link to sign up to receive agendas for upcoming meetings. In anticipation of receiving the legislation, Council began holding informational briefings in spring 2012.
Background
For 70 years, Yesler Terrace has provided quality housing for extremely low-income people. Today, aging buildings and infrastructure make it increasingly difficult for SHA to maintain safe and reliable housing at this site. Since 2006, SHA has worked with residents and other stakeholders to shape a development plan that includes replacement housing, additional affordable housing, commercial uses, and public open space. This process resulted in a set of guiding principles and a redevelopment plan, adopted by the SHA Board of Commissioners.
To move forward with redevelopment, SHA needs various approvals from the City. City departments including DPD, the Office of Housing, Seattle Parks and Recreation, Seattle Department of Transportation, Seattle Public Utilities, and the Office of Sustainability and Environment have worked to develop a proposal that is consistent with City goals and policies, meets the needs of SHA, and will benefit current and future Yesler residents, as well as Seattle as a whole.
For more information visit our website, www.seattle.gov/dpd/Planning/yeslerterrace. To talk to a planner, or to provide comments, contact:
Dave LaClergue
(206) 733-9668
dave.laclergue@seattle.gov
Gary Johnson
(206) 615-0787
gary.johnson@seattle.gov