Today we received a presentation from Paul Fischburg of the Office of Policy and Management on the city's proposal to rezone portions of Northgate, one of Seattle's six urban centers.  A copy of his powerpoint presentation summarizing the various options is about halfway down this page.  Karen Janosky of Mithun also showed us various options for the Northgate Urban Center Park, which is at the center of the proposed rezone.   The main topic was whether these efforts would succeed in turning an auto-dependent area to a walkable, mixed use area with ample housing.

As always, the attendees raised a raised a number of interesting issues:

Did the rezone provide for enough housing growth, particularly given the substantial public investment in transit (future light rail station), parks, community center and library?  The "broad rezone" option being studied basically increased zoning one increment (about 20 feet) in a number of zones, ranging from 45 to 125 feet, and would enable about 1600 new housing units, and possibly less.

Why did the rezone include only the northern portion of Northgate, and not the mall itself?  (In good time was the response).

Why not consider point towers such as found in Portland or Vancouver, which allow for more ground floor open space and could generate more fees for parks and affordable housing?

How to ensure that some of the new housing is affordable?

Why not look at the Single Family zoning immediately adjacent?  The large lot sizes, 7200 sq. ft. minimum could lend themselves well to backyard cottages, or cottage housing developments.

Is it appropriate to limit development in an urban center because of the possible effect on single occupancy vehicles trying to drive through the neighborhood?  Is this the right focus given rising gas prices and the need for housing near transit?

Regarding the park, it sits on an old cranberry bog, so it will need to incorporate the water which lies just beneath the surface, as well as meet community interest in a open green space and an oasis from automobiles.  I thought the park designs looked great, and will be a tremendous community asset.  And check out this video  that documents what community members think about the neighborhood and a new park. 

A public comment meeting on the proposed rezone will be held on May 28, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., in the Multipurpose Room at the Northgate Community Center, and individuals can also submit written comments to DPD.