DPD and Mayor Mike McGinn have transmitted legislation to the City Council for a package of rezones within the Roosevelt urban village. The proposed rezones set the stage for good transit-oriented development in support of the planned Sound Transit light rail station that will be located in the heart of the Roosevelt neighborhood. The rezones protect neighborhood character by locating additional density in appropriate locations, and not allowing buildings taller than 65 or 85 feet. Details of the rezone proposal can be viewed on DPD’s webpage at www.seattle.gov/dpd/planning/Rooseveltrezone/Overview/.
The proposed rezones implement policies adopted in the Roosevelt Neighborhood Plan and are largely consistent with recommendations generated by the Roosevelt Neighborhood Association (RNA). The proposal reflects many hours of volunteer community-based work by citizens of the Roosevelt and Ravenna neighborhoods. The rezones balance a need for adding development capacity around transit with the principle of protecting neighborhood character.
Specific features of the rezone package include:
- More mixed-use neighborhood commercial zoning near the existing commercial core of the neighborhood
- More lowrise multifamily zoning at the edges of the commercial core
- Preservation of most single family zoning within the urban village
- 85’ zoning on the Sound Transit owned properties to encourage transit-oriented development after the station is built
- A new Station Area Overlay District around the future light rail station
- Incentives for affordable workforce housing
- Higher standards for pedestrian-oriented streetscapes
In total the proposed rezones would increase the neighborhood’s capacity for development by over 600 housing units and 300,000 gross square feet of commercial space. With the proposed rezones the Roosevelt urban village could eventually grow to include more than 3,300 housing units all within walking distance of the future light rail station. Roosevelt would continue to be a highly livable urban neighborhood that meets goals for compactness and walkability near transit.
The City Council Committee on the Built Environment (COBE) will be briefed on the legislation during the Committee’s regular meeting on August 10th at 9:30AM at City Hall. COBE is also planning to hold a public hearing on the rezone legislation at a location in the Roosevelt neighborhood during September. Visit the City Council website www.seattle.gov/council/ for information on upcoming meetings.
DPD is committed to collaborating with Roosevelt and Ravenna neighbors, property owners, the Roosevelt High School and other stakeholders to make sure future development is a good fit. DPD will take steps during and after the rezone to review development in key areas, such as near the historic Roosevelt High School, to ensure careful design and compatibility with unique neighborhood character.
For additional information about the Roosevelt project, contact:
Geoff Wentlandt
(206) 684-3586
geoffrey.wentlandt@seattle.gov