News Update : Seattle approved Fort Lawton housing years ago. So why is nothing happening?

Victor K • January 14, 2024

The plan for the redevelopment of 34 acres of Fort Lawton into affordable housing was passed three years ago by Seattle's Legislative body. However, the project faces huge delays after an initial surge. The delay has caused the area to be infected with moss and unusable in any shape and form. The ex-military installation now waits for the redevelopment. Here is the latest on the housing development project from our staffers at United Seattle.

 

HUD Approval Delayed

HUD or the US Department of Housing and Urban Development has not yet given the final approval for the site redevelopment. The 90-million-dollar megaproject is still battling with the provision of all the requirements put up by HUD. This has caused an unexpected delay in the approval of the project and subsequent spade work. The city's spokesperson, Jamie Housen, mentioned that the aging infrastructure of the site poses unique challenges, compounded by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on resource allocation.

 

The Legal Battle

Two ongoing legal problems are making the project more difficult. One is a lawsuit by Friends of Discovery Park, saying it might hurt a group of great blue herons nearby. Seattle, because of a deal with the Army, must pay more than $585,000 every year for upkeep. Even though some people are frustrated, those who like the plan say it won't hurt the neighborhood or the birds living there.

Ongoing Confusion

Former HUD deputy secretary Ron Sims has expressed his confusion and frustration at the same time on this delay. The redevelopment is right in line with Biden's HUD-related goals which makes it more frustrating under the present government. Frustration among supporters of the plan, such as Carol Burton from the Magnolia Community Council, is palpable, given the prolonged delays and uncertainties.

 

Historical Context

With the military control of Fort Lawton along with the 2008 blockage by court order, the area looks ghostly at best. The current plan was proposed in 2019 so that existing buildings can be recycled to form low-income housing projects which included studios, rental spaces and affordable-for-sale units. However, the project remains in limbo as frustration grows. 

Final Hurdle : Finances

HUD working together with Seattle is very important for the project to move forward. Vanessa Krueger, who speaks for HUD, talked about the continuous effort to meet the requirements of the Base Realignment and Closure Process. She highlighted the importance of finding money sources for building. Seattle's plan in 2019 estimated costs for different parts of the project, but they need to update it now because of inflation, problems with the supply chain, and interest rates going up.

 

The Way Forward

The housing project along with green space is a much-needed requirement in a city like Seattle. However, the Fort Lawton project is facing down the barrel due to HUD approval delays, legal battles, financial hurdles, and mass confusion. The city is inching towards the solution on all fronts, but an immediate solution might not be in sight. The fate of this redevelopment hangs in the balance, leaving advocates eager for progress and the community yearning for a resolution to a project that has seemingly lingered for an eternity.

The Top 5 Advantages of Building an ADU in Seattle

By Victor K • October 12, 2024
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have turned out to be one of the trendiest things happening within Seattle homeownership. Whether one is looking to add value to their property or simply needs extra space, an ADU Seattle provides the perfect solution. Throughout this blog, we'll discuss the top five benefits of building an ADU and why they are becoming so popular. 5 Key Benefits of Building an ADU Seattle Homeowners Should Know Higher Property Value The biggest benefits of an ADU Seattle are increased property values. Adding an ADU can greatly increase the overall market value of your home, which is a good return on investment. In the competitive real estate market in Seattle, a property with an extra unit will make a difference, more so attractive to buyers or renters. Additional family space, visiting guests, or even short-term renters at the owner's discretion can also be accommodated in this space, further enhancing desirability. 

Understanding ADUs in Seattle: What They Are and Why They Matter

By Victor K • October 11, 2024
With the ever-increasing challenges in housing within Seattle today, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have started to pop up in popularity. Understanding what they are and why they matter is an important discussion for both the homeowner and the potential buyer. What Are ADUs? The accessory dwelling unit, more commonly known as an ADU, is an additional residential unit on the same lot as a primary residence. Units can also come in the form of basement apartments, converted garages, or standalone structures in the backyard associated with the primary residence. They are designed to add space without changing the character of a neighborhood. Some of the regulations regarding ADUs have been refined over time to allow the owners to develop such units. Smooth procedures for Seattle ADU permits have already enabled a lot of citizens of this city to construct these highly essential living spaces. It's all part of a bigger push to boost housing density without compromising the integrity of the community. Why Are ADUs Important? Important to many levels of the spectrum, especially to a city finding one way or another to fit people inside its capacity, here are some of the reasons why ADU Seattle changes the game: Affordable Housing Solutions Probably one of the most appealing reasons to consider an ADU Seattle is the affordability that it offers. The rentals created by additional living space would be sought out as rental income to help offset the financial burden of homeownership-most especially crucial in a city where housing prices have literally gone through the roof. 

Holiday Safety Tips for Home Construction Projects in Washington State

By Victor K • October 10, 2024
When embarking on home construction projects throughout the holiday seasons in Washington State, ensuring that safety precautions are put in place is always foremost. Whether you're enhancing your home for holiday parties or tackling larger-scale renovation projects, following appropriate construction safety tips ensures that everything will run smoothly and that people won't get hurt. As the weather cools, traffic thickens, and activities heighten with the holidays, the subject of safety at construction sites becomes much more pressing. How to Keep Your Construction Job on Track While Keeping Safety at the Forefront Top Construction Safety Tips for Holiday Projects in Washington State Plan for Winter Weather Challenges Winter in Washington State can be very unpredictable. Heavy rain, snow, and ice will potentially create hazardous situations for the workers. Your projects are bound to face delays in such weather. You should be prepared with the right equipment for wet and cold conditions. Put up temporary shelters as needed, and make sure that the walkways are free from ice and snow. This is where a trustworthy construction management subcontractor like United Seattle can be a huge asset. Our experience dealing with construction projects during the inclement winter months ensures your project stays on schedule while keeping safety at the forefront of all decisions. 
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