In October 2011 the Urban Design Framework for the Capitol Hill Light Rail Station Sites was finalized. The framework described the community’s vision for the redevelopment of the station sites, offering development guidance and design guidance to the future developers of the station sites. Shortly after the framework was finalized, City and Sound Transit staff began negotiations on the terms of a development agreement. If approved by both the City and the Sound Transit Board, the agreement will outline development standards for the station sites to achieve the goals outlined in the framework.
Public comment is being taken on the term sheet and draft, site-specific design guidelines through Wednesday October 3. The term sheet is a statement of intent by City and Sound Transit staff that describes recommended commitments to follow the development guidance offered in the Urban Design Framework. The commitments, also known as terms, specify that Sound Transit will place certain requirements on the land and that the City will provide variances from underlying development standards. These terms will be written into a development agreement between the City and Sound Transit that will be considered and acted upon by the Seattle City Council and the Sound Transit Board. If approved, the development agreement will be legally binding for both parties on the Capitol Hill light rail station sites.
The draft, site-specific design guidelines outline the design guidance offered in the Urban Design Framework. If approved by the Seattle City Council, these guidelines will amend the Capitol Hill Neighborhood Design Guidelines and apply specifically to the Capitol Hill light rail station sites.
During October 2012, City and Sound Transit staff will respond to the feedback received on the term sheet and prepare a development agreement that will be available for public review before being submitted to the Seattle City Council. The development agreement is anticipated to be introduced at Seattle City Council the week of November 12.
The term sheet, draft site-specific design guidelines, and other documents are available on the project website at www.seattle.gov/dpd/planning/CapitolHillTOD.
To submit comments by October 3 on the term sheet and/or site-specific design guidelines, please e-mail vanessa.murdock@seattle.gov.