News Update : Mayor Harrell proposes housing density in every Seattle neighborhood
Seattle is set to grow at an alarming pace in terms of population and job opportunities. Therefore, keeping this in hindsight, Mayor Harrell is lobbying hard to accommodate the anticipated growth through an increase in housing density. This not only includes medium and small-income households but also more corner stores making it one of the most significant overhauls of the city building code in the last three decades.
The proposal includes the establishment of 24 new "neighborhood centers" within 800 feet of transit and commercial areas. These centers would allow for the construction of apartments up to six stories high, potentially transforming neighborhoods like Maple Leaf. As per the projected plan, a staggering 100, 000 homes will be built in the next twenty years. Moreover, the major share of this (around 60%) is in King's County. This number has already been thrown around but never made up with the actual constriction. However, the new plan indoctrinates fast-paced construction to meet the growing population needs of Seattle.
To comply with legislation like House Bill 1110, passed by the State Legislature in 2023, the plan proposes increasing density in single-family neighborhoods. Homeowners would be allowed to build up to four additional units on most lots and up to six units near transit or when affordable housing is included.
Although, previous proposals of the same nature have met with staunch resistance. However, with increases in construction costs, taxes and mortgage rates, the support for building new low-income living spaces is increasing by the day. City officials backed by the mayor firmly believe that the Emerald City residents are now ready for a spike in new home construction even though the supply-demand is not a favorable one. However, the housing crisis will assist in selling these new homes and more people flock to Seattle for better job opportunities.
Mayor Harrell's suggestion keeps the urban village structure intact but broadens its reach by relabeling these zones as "urban centers." Furthermore, there are intentions to create fresh centers, such as the one close to 130th Street, aligning with the launch of a light rail station in 2026.
This proposal initiates a tight timeline for public discussion via the City Council. Specific details are being finalized and might take time as always since neighborhood boundaries and housing density is a legal chapter that needs thorough review before presenting and subsequent approvals. The deadline for the plan to be presented on December 31st of this year which makes it tight for everything to fall in place.
Despite promised plans and future construction, this may not be enough to resolve the housing crisis as it is linked to many other factors than just the availability of housing projects for low-income households. However, this plan and forceful push by Mayor Harrell is in the right direction for handling a community that is growing by the day and needs immediate attention on the spaces required to live and dwell.
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