DPD and King County are working jointly with the Puget Sound Regional Council and Sound Transit, to explore ways to create a well-rounded, active community in the planned Northgate light rail station area. Broad goals include encouraging:
- Enhanced pedestrian and bicycle connectivity and accessibility
- Convenient transfers from rail to bus systems
- Attractive and engaging public spaces and street-level features
- Affordable housing
- Meeting the needs of Northgate and surrounding residents
- Creating a healthy and sustainable community
Community Urban Design Study
Seattle is sponsoring an urban design study that is just getting underway in summer 2011 and will continue through fall 2011. An open house to launch the project was held July 26, with over 100 members of the public attending to learn and comment about its work. An online survey will be available soon.
A follow-up public meeting will be held in October to discuss ideas and options developed this summer. The study area is the area south of the Northgate Mall and east of Interstate 5. The study will explore how the public environment (streets, sidewalks, parks, bus transfer points) is arranged, to achieve a truly livable, healthy and attractive place. The Seattle-King County Department of Public Health is conducting a related study to assess health needs and opportunities in Northgate.
King County Metro owns the existing transit center and the land where the light rail station will be built, and is exploring possible future development on that land. Also, Metro has proposed a pedestrian bridge across Interstate 5, and the study will consider how this bridge may influence uses and activities on the west side of I-5, near North Seattle Community College.
How to Comment
DPD staff would like to hear your thoughts on important priorities, goals and preferable characteristics for an improved transit-oriented community in the Northgate light rail station area. Visit the following website for more information: www.seattle.gov/dpd/Planning/NorthgateStationAreaDevelopment/
Overview/default.asp
Gordon Clowers, DPD Planner
(206) 684-8375
gordon.clowers@seattle.gov