Whether you’re in favor of 40-, 65-, or 85′-foot buildings in front of Roosevelt High School or you’re just interested in seeing those dilapidated buildings torn down, you’ll be pleased to hear that there’s an update on the ongoing Roosevelt Legislative Rezone process.
Jim O’Halloran, Chair of the Roosevelt Neighborhood Association’s (RNA) Land Use Committee, sent out an email late last week with some critical upcoming dates and information:
The neighborhood rezone saga is rapidly coming to a close. City Council’s land use committee (“COBE”) has been discussing this topic since the public hearing on September 19th. I expect for the committee to vote by December 14th and for full Council to finalize new zoning legislation on December 19th.
At this point, COBE’s position differs somewhat from the latest recommendations of the RNA: the Sustainable, Liveable Roosevelt Plan (SLRP). COBE appears to accept SLRP’s higher midrise zoning South of Calvary Christian Assembly, and the reconfigured 85 ft. zone centered at Roosevelt Way and NE 65th. But a majority of Councilmembers have indicated their intention to also allow 65 ft. building heights on the three blocks South of Roosevelt High School, instead of the 40 ft. limits preferred by most neighbors.
There are four options for the blocks south of Roosevelt High School up for vote by Council. Option 1 is the 40-foot heights proposed by the RNA’s plan (SLRP). The 65-foot heights in front of Roosevelt High School are commonly referred to as “Option 2″ and are currently in favor by Council because it would “maximize” ground-level open space around the buildings.
The illustration below, taken from a design presentation to the Council by GGLO on November 30, shows how Option 2 might look from NE 65th Street, facing north toward the high school. You can download the full PDF of the presentation “Development Standards for the High School Blocks” in PDF format (5.03 MB, 28 pages).
You can watch the full November 30, 2011 COBE meeting below. The discussion of the Roosevelt Legislative Rezone starts at about 35:19 in the video.
Jim also added that he is interested in hearing from YOU about the rezone process and proposals:
I would really like to know how a wide range of community members feel about the rezone, overall. Are you livid? Are you thrilled? Are you generally OK with how this is playing out? Waiting on the details? Send me a quick note with your sentiments, if you please. Thanks!
If you are interested in reaching out to the council directly, there is still time. We’ve provided their email addresses below:
Sally Clark: sally.clark@seattle.gov
Tom Rasmussen: tom.rasmussen@seattle.gov
Richard Conlin: richard.conlin@seattle.gov
Jean Godden: jean.godden@seattle.gov
Bruce Harrell: bruce.harrell@seattle.gov
Nick Licata: nick.licata@seattle.gov
Mike O’Brien: mike.obrien@seattle.gov
Sally Bagshaw: sally.bagshaw@seattle.gov
