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Guide to the Archives of the City of Seattle Record Group 1600 The Department of Community Development (DCD) was established in 1969, assuming the responsibilities of the City Planning Commission staff and the Urban Renewal Program, previously a division of the Executive Department. Throughout its existence, DCD administered the City's comprehensive planning and provided direction and support for the City's physical and economic development through community planning. The Department was the City agency responsible for coordinating public and private efforts toward physical redevelopment and renewal in both residential and business districts. This work was based on the social, economic, and physical needs of the target community or district. A very large portion of the DCD budget was realized from federal funds. This reliance on federal grants significantly impacted DCD's operational focus as certain types of federal funding dried up and other funding programs emerged. The administration of the Seattle Model City Program was moved to DCD in 1970, but funding ended in 1974. All but one of the City's Urban Renewal projects were closed out in 1977. And at about the same time, the Community Development Block Grant program, a federal pass-through program, was established. Other federal funding programs included the Neighborhood Improvement Program, Targeted Neighborhood Assistance Program, Neighborhood Development Program, and Urban Development Action Grants. These changes in funding impacted the DCD's priorities and also led to several departmental reorganizations in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1972, the Department added economic development to its responsibilities in response to an economic decline in Seattle that had begun in the late 1960s. The focus was to provide information to businesses that were expanding or relocating in Seattle. At this point, DCD was managing planning and implementation of complex projects that had interdepartmental implications, such as development of the Central Waterfront, Freeway Park, Westlake Mall, Pike Place Market renewal, and the huge renewal projects in the Yesler/Atlantic, Northlake, and South Seattle neighborhoods. In 1974, a Mayor's task force report recommended separating policy planning from development planning and implementation. While policy work went to the newly created Office of Policy Planning, DCD's focus turned to development and operational planning with added renewal projects in the Denny Regrade and International District, among others. With the addition of Community Development Block Grant funding, as well as other federal programs, DCD grew considerably in the late 1970s. However, with the advent of President Ronald Reagan's administration, federal funding for Seattle was curtailed. In 1982, DCD's budget was cut by twenty percent and remained flat for the next three years. In 1986, following passage of the City's Housing Levy, the Department added a new function, administering the construction of new moderate to low income housing units. In addition, DCD was the lead agency working with the University of Washington in the late 1980s to promote Seattle, nationally and internationally, as a technology center. Mayor Norm Rice, whose first term began in 1990, reorganized the City's housing, human services, economic development, and planning functions. DCD was abolished in 1992. Its programs were relocated in several City agencies, including the newly organized Department of Neighborhoods, Department of Housing and Human Services, and Planning Department. DCD records include material from the City Planning Commission, Zoning Commission, Metropolitan Arts Commission, Board of Adjustment, and Urban Renewal Program. 1600-01 Correspondence and memoranda of James Braman, director of Department of Community Development from 1969-1974. UW 1600-02 Correspondence, memoranda, reports, studies, and reference materials relating to DCD's activities, project, and mission. These are the Director's personal office files and include some materials of an administrative nature. Arranged alphabetically. UW 1600-03 Working papers, correspondence, and subject files of Department directors. Includes, memoranda, notes, and reports relating to planning, and project and program development. These records cover the major functional areas of concern to the Department: housing, economic development, neighborhood revitalization, urban renewal, and downtown planning. The files were generated by Paul Schell, James Hornell, Darel Grothaus, Evelyn Sun, Dean Mosier, David Moseley, and Linda Dupont-Johnson. SMA 1600-05 Maps and drawings for various planning studies related to zoning and land use, urban renewal, and neighborhood development. Most of the maps were created by the City Planning Commission, but also included are materials from the Zoning Commission, Office of Urban Renewal, and Department of Community Development. This series includes the 1956 Comprehensive Plan of Seattle which consists of a single land use map. SMA 1600-06 Newsletters and brochures produced by DCD relating to topics such as urban renewal, block grants, and business development. SMA 1603-01 Grant applications, financial plans, guidelines, correspondence, and reports relating to renewal projects and neighborhood improvements. Non-cash grants in aid represent non-project funds and are considered the City's share of project costs. SMA 1604-01 Correspondence, reports, YANIP newsletters, activity reports, and press clippings relating to the Yesler-Atlantic Neighborhood Improvement Project. SMA 1605-01 Community Development Block Grants, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, were first issued to Seattle in 1975. The Department of Community Development, and later the Human Services Department, administer the program and distribute Seattle's grant funds to the city agencies and community-based social service organizations that carry out the projects. Block grant programs in the city are concentrated in low income neighborhoods and focus on housing rehabilitation; extension of human services such as child care, nutrition, victim advocacy, medical services, and employment and training; and neighborhood improvement through economic development. Correspondence, reports, financial information, and memoranda concerning DCD's administration of Community Development Block Grants. Includes correspondence with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as with individual City departments involved in CDBG projects. Financial information includes data on allocations, audits, and monthly financial reports. Some topics represented in the files include housing, redlining, the Pike Project, and minority business participation. SMA 1605-02 Files documenting work on specific Block Grant projects, including health care, housing, neighborhood development, and social services initiatives. Records include background information, project milestones, financial reports, letters of authority, contracting information, program plans, budgets, and correspondence. Later boxes contain some applications for projects that were not funded. SMA 1605-03 Reports submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to document progress on activities and programs funded by Community Development Block Grants. The reports include detailed lists of grant-funded projects and assessments of progress made, as well as citizen comments and descriptions of citizen participation efforts. Spreadsheets show the status of funds, demographic breakdowns of project beneficiaries, statistics for housing assistance programs, and other data about the projects and their results. SMA 1610-01 Monthly Economic Report newsletter. Also includes brochures produced by the office. SMA 1611-01 The Economic Development Administration Grant Project Records document the allocation and coordination of funding provided from the United States Economic Development Administration grant funding program. The Department of Community Development staff provided central administration for the projects. EDA coordinators within the DCD worked with the Office of Management and Budget, Office of Policy Planning, Public Works, Engineering Department, and others, to allocate Funds and implement the projects. Records consist of correspondence, financial documentation, applications, project assesments, sales and closing documents, project progress reports, as well as some drawings and photos. SMA 1612-01 Correspondence, publications, and promotional materials relating to the City's attempt to lure Chiyoda Chemical and Engineering Construction Company of Japan to build a plant in Seattle. SMA 1612-02 Correspondence, reports, and reference materials relating to economic development planning. Includes studies concerning the Convention Center and the Industrial District Improvement Program. SMA 1612-03 Correspondence, environmental impact statements, drawings, and landscape designs relating to construction of an urban open space park in the Westlake Mall triangle. None of the design proposals submitted during this phase of the project were implemented. SMA 1612-04 The Land Use Planning Project was a Model Cities Program venture operated by DCD. It was designed to develop a land use plan in the East Model Neighborhood. Records include correspondence, reports, notes, and reference material of the project director. SMA 1612-05 Horwood was the supervisor for certain Model Cities projects operated by the Department in 1970-1971 and was a senior planner from 1971. Her records relate primarily to the Model Neighborhood Land Use Planning Project, Model Neighborhood Transportation Study, and Interstate-90. Included are correspondence, reports, studies, and reference materials. Additional records are at the University of Washington. SMA 1612-06 Correspondence, reports, agreements and contracts, charters, and fiscal and legal records related to the Westlake Development Authority, a public corporation created to plan and develop the Westlake Project in downtown Seattle. The WDA was chartered in December 1977 to develop a mixed-use urban center on a site that had long been considered for redevelopment as a park or public center. Mayor Charles Royer dissolved the WDA in July 1986. SMA 1612-07 Correspondence, reports, working papers, appraisals, photos, slides, drawings, maps and legal materials documenting the development of the Westlake Mall project. The project was a mixed-use public park/retail shopping plan intended to contribute to the revitalization of the downtown Central Business District. The records document the project initiated by allocation of one million dollars in Forward Thrust funds in the 1960s for creation of a downtown park. Records cover the planning phase and property acquisition. The City was prevented by a State Supreme Court decision from acquiring all properties necessary for project completion. Records also document the subsequent disposition of land to private developers, including the Westlake Center Associates. A public square, office tower, and shopping mall were built on the project site in the 1980s. SMA 1612-08 Correspondence, maps, memoranda, plans, photographs, reports, and other material relating to five major projects and a number of miscellaneous projects in downtown Seattle. The five major projects were the City Hall Project; the rejuvenation of the Denny Regrade area; the repurposing of the Lake Union Steam Plant; projects on the site of the former Normandie Apartments, including Horizon House and Freeway Park; and the North Kingdome and Union Station Corridor Study. Miscellaneous projects include downtown parking and transit issues, the Seattle Art Museum, and the waterfront streetcar. SMA 1612-09 Correspondence, memoranda, plans, reports, meeting minutes, agendas, and other material relating to the development of the Washington State Convention and Trade Center (WSCTC). The files were kept by the Department of Community Development and include correspondence and reports transmitted between the Board of Directors for the WSCTC and Department employees, as well as staff from the Department of Construction and Land Use, the Parks Department, the Mayor and the Mayor's Office, Council Members, Engineering Department, and others. Along with the Board, the WSCTC also had a Design Committee. Records also document the planning, site selection, and development of the Trade Center, as well as community, street, housing and design concerns. SMA 1612-10 Correspondence, memoranda, plans, reports, meeting minutes, agendas, drawings, photos, and other material relating to the development of the South Lake Union Area. The files were kept by the Department of Community Development and document the planning of the development of the South Lake Union Area, including park, street, and business development. Particular projects include the development of the bio-tech industry (Zymogenetics and Fred Hutchinson), as well as Mercer corridor street and traffic improvements. SMA 1612-11 Records of James T. Hornell, Deputy Director of DCD and chairman of the three member committee which was established to oversee implementation of the approved parking and access plan for the Kingdome and empowered to make all necessary modifications to the plan. The committee was composed of representatives from King County, METRO, and the City. The series includes correspondence, minutes, and reports, including estimates of the impact of the Kingdome upon City revenues and expenditures. SMA 1612-12 Records regarding surplus federal property, formerly the site of a Coast Guard transmitter, in northeast Seattle. The project manager’s records include correspondence, proposals, proposal evaluations, public comments, meeting minutes, and files concerning the environmental impact statement. Proposals for the property, included University retiree housing, Ronald MacDonald House, low and moderate income housing, playfields, psychiatric clinics, facilities for the Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped and other uses. The property became Burke-Gilman Place and was chartered as a Public Development Authority.. SMA 1613-01 Correspondence, reports, notes, and memoranda relating to the development and management of the Pioneer Square Historic District. Two-thirds of the series consists of newspaper clippings, including copies of the Pioneer Square Gazette. Of particular interest are reports and correspondence from 1952-1954 that include the initial proposals for the preservation of Pioneer Square. SMA 1614-01 Real estate appraisals of buildings and property for a variety of locations in Seattle, primarily downtown and Pioneer Square, from several appraisers. Appraisals include photographs and are helpful for learning about the historical context of buildings and property. SMA 1618-01 Reports, reviews and subject files concerning rezones, proposed changes to the City’s zoning code, special review districts, and other land use and planning issues. SMA 1620-01 Files of the director of the Housing Division, formerly known as the Housing Rehabilitation Section. Includes correspondence, reports, and working papers relating to housing rehabilitation, low income housing, and Federal housing loan programs. SMA 1620-02 Correspondence, memoranda, reports, contracts, drawings, accounting records, and newspaper clippings relating to urban renewal, Neighborhood Improvement Projects, and Neighborhood Development Projects. Includes records for Yesler-Atlantic, South Seattle, Northlake, South Park, Leschi, and North Greenwood projects. Early records in this series were generated by the Urban Renewal Program office. SMA 1620-03 Correspondence, memoranda, reports, drawings, and financial records relating to urban renewal and neighborhood development projects. McIver was program coordinator and his files relate to monitoring of department projects. SMA 1622-01 Correspondence, memoranda, reports, and Federal loan materials relating to the rehabilitation of single and multi-family housing units, especially in the central area. These are primarily the files of program coordinator Bill Stalzer. SMA 1622-02 Working files of the property development coordinator relating primarily to property appraisals, acquisition, disposition, and demolition in urban renewal areas. SMA 1622-05 Materials include project proposals, site selection procedures, materials dealing with selected and unselected sites, closing documents, Oversite Committee meeting minutes, correspondence, financial and audit materials, and documentation of affirmative action/women and minority business utilization. The records document the projects initiated by allocation of 48.1 million of the 1981 voter approved bond issue for housing the elderly and disabled. SMA 1622-06 The DCD’s Housing Development Program sought to expand the City’s low income and senior housing, provide technical assistance, and direct new development in city neighborhoods. Funding was provided through multiple sources, including the DCD Block Grants, NHRP, Innovative Grants, and HUD Section 8 and Section 312 grants. Projects consisted of housing complex rehabilitation and construction as well as neighborhood and park development. Noteworthy projects include the Atlas Hotel, Bush-Asia Center, the New Central Hotel, Alki Hotel Renovation and Pelican Bay Artist’s Co-op. Most projects involved multi-family housing and many were in the International District. Files consist of correspondence, project proposals, grant applications, project descriptions, contracts, agreements, appraisals, drawings and photo images. Also included are minutes, agendas and correspondence with the Seattle Chinatown-International District Public Development authority. SMA 1622-07 Series contains material regarding renovation work on apartment buildings and hotels to create low and middle income housing through DCD's Housing Development Program. Files consist of correspondence, field reports, checklists, contracts, drawings, and notes on site visits. The correspondence and notes contain descriptions of the work to be done on the buildings, the work already in progress, and the cost of the renovations. SMA 1622-08 Records of DCD’s siting coordinator concerning assistance to human services and special needs housing providers in order to promote the accessibility and appropriate distribution of facilities throughout the city and encourage communication between providers and neighborhoods. Records include correspondence with providers, reports, subject files, and neighborhood information, including lists of service agencies. SMA 1623-01 Files of staff from the Office of Neighborhood Planning and Neighborhood Assistance Division concerning neighborhood plans, neighborhood issues and problems, business development, traffic, and land use. Records include correspondence, notes, studies, surveys, draft plans, press releases, committee files, community council files, drawings, clippings and photographs. Neighborhoods include Delridge, Eastlake, Georgetown, Greenwood, Rainier/Genesee, and South Park. SMA 1623-02 Records of a program which provided funding and technical assistance to community groups for projects to assist low-income residents in lowering the cost of food, energy, housing and health care. Funding was received from block grants. Projects included a Seattle Tilth Urban Agriculture project, a Central Area Motivation Program Self-Help Assistance Program, solar energy projects and composting instruction programs. Records include proposals, project files and reports.
SMA 1623-03 Records of a program to build playgrounds at elementary schools and parks. Community-initiated projects were carried out by volunteers, with block grant funds for training, tools and materials. Records include correspondence, grant files, budgets, drawings and clippings. SMA 1624-01 Correspondence, memoranda, reports, issues papers, and newspaper clippings relating to DCD input and influence on U.S. Postal Service office site selection. Records illustrate the site selection process, and the federal government's lack of adherence to City urban development plans. Arranged alphabetically by site. SMA 1624-02 Correspondence, memoranda, meeting notes, committee files, issues papers, reports, environmental impact statements, newspaper clippings, and presentation materials relating to DCD concerns over University expansion. Subjects include urban renewal plans, cooperative understandings between the City and University, and DCD input on specific University projects. SMA 1624-03 Correspondence, memoranda, meeting notes, minutes, reports, issues papers, newspaper clippings, and presentation materials relating to transportation and parking problems in the University District. Arranged alphabetically by subject. SMA 1624-04 Correspondence, contracts and agreements files, financial data, ordinances, property appraisals, maps, drawings, and photos relating to the improvements and disposition of property in the Leschi neighborhood. Files are organized into two sub-series; subject files relating to the administrative coordination of the projects, as well as project records which document parcel disposition. Files appear to be those of the project manager. SMA 1624-05 This project was managed under the Community Betterment Program. Includes correspondence, ordinances, specifications, cost statements, and drawings relating to landscaping and especially tree placement in the Fremont neighborhood. SMA 1624-06 Model Cities project operated by DCD to rehabilitate and revitalize a small area in the East Model Neighborhood by drawing upon existing City, State and Federal resources rather than creating new service agencies. Includes correspondence, reports, minutes, contracts, transmittal notices, newspaper clippings, and maps. Information on topics such as acquisition and appraisal of properties, budgets and funding, capital improvements, and redevelopment and rehabilitation (including specifications for the rehabilitation of structures) is included in the records, as well as copies of relevant ordinances and resolutions. Plans and proposals for the project exist for 1971 and 1972, and a land utilization and development study is also included. The annual activity report discusses the history, scope, objectives, and progress of the project, as well as scheduled activities for the future. Monthly activity reports discuss progress made in areas such as administration, community organization, redevelopment and rehabilitation, property acquisition, and capital improvements. The records also contain copies of the NAHRO Letter, a "weekly dispatch" providing news to National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials members. The records also contain maps of the project area. SMA 1624-07 Correspondence, reports financial data, and drawings related to the Neighborhood Development Project in South Park, an urban renewal project financed with a HUD grant. SMA 1624-08 Correspondence, reports, financial data, and drawings relating to neighborhood development in the North Greenwood area. SMA 1624-09 Applications to HUD for funding of projects through the Neighborhood Development Program. SMA 1624-10 Notices regarding parcels in North Greenwood NDP, Leschi NDP, Pike Place Project, South Park Project, and Yesler-Atlantic NIP. Acquisition notices include legal description, address, name of owner, acquisition date, occupancy status and price paid. Disposition notices include parcel numbers, address, purchaser, bid opening date, contract and closing dates, price and net income to City, and intended development use. Arranged chronologically and by project. SMA 1624-11 Neighborhood improvement project records relating to the paving of SW Cloverdale Street and 8th Avenue SW in the Highland Park area of West Seattle. SMA 1624-13 Correspondence, memoranda, financial statements, grant applications, agreements, and maps relating to the Neighborhood Development Program. SMA 1625-01 Files maintained by project staff including correspondence, memoranda, reports, and other working papers related to acquisition and disposition of property, and planning and improvements in the University Addition-Northlake area. SMA 1625-02 Itemized appraisals of real property including structures in the University Addition-Northlake area. Used for documenting neighborhood conditions and for property acquisitions related to the urban renewal program. SMA 1625-03 This scrapbook consists of news clippings about the University Addition-Northlake Urban Renewal project. Topics include: city proposals for development, the relocation of residents, University of Washington plans for the area, and two civil suits filed against the City by property owners, one of which reached the State Supreme Court. There are also a several articles about the Open Door Clinic. The clippings are primarily from the University District Herald and the University of Washington Daily, but also from other Seattle newspapers. SMA 1626-01 Correspondence, memoranda, and reports relating to acquisition and disposition of property, and physical improvements in the South Seattle Redevelopment Project area. SMA 1626-02 Itemized appraisals of real property including structures in the South Seattle area. Used for documenting neighborhood conditions and for acquisitions related to the urban renewal program. SMA 1627-01 Project manager of the Yesler-Atlantic Neighborhood Improvement Project. Records include correspondence, reports, and statistics relating to acquisitions, demolition, rehabilitation, and disposition of property in the neighborhood. SMA 1627-02 Correspondence, reports, work programs, and working papers relating to urban renewal and improvements in the Yesler-Atlantic neighborhood. Includes materials about social services, housing rehabilitation, pedestrian pathways, streets, and parks, commercial development, and religious structures. SMA 1627-03 Itemized appraisals, 1961-1970, of real property, including structures. Used for documenting conditions in the neighborhood and for property acquisitions for the Yesler-Atlantic Street Neighborhood Improvement Project, which was comprised of 137 acres in the central core of the city. Also includes appraisals, 1971-1985, of disposition parcels owned by the City in the Project area. Appraisals include photographs of the property and appraisals of comparable sales in the neighborhood. Acquisition appraisals arranged in chronological groupings. Disposition appraisals arranged by Project parcel number. SMA 1627-04 The collection consists of black and white photographs of mostly domestic residences in the Yesler-Atlantic "U" and "T" areas of Seattle's Central District; the structures shown are primarily located in the Atlantic and Leschi neighborhoods, although other neighborhoods (including Minor, Mann, Stevens, North Beacon Hill, and the International District) are represented by a few images. A few images of commercial buildings, streets, and empty lots are also included. Prints exist for nearly every negative in the collection; however, a few negatives do not have a corresponding print. 395 Scanned images are available in the Photograph Index. You may also search on a specific job number (such as R-1, R-2, etc.). Also, images from the Urban Renewal Office including one of Mayor Clinton receiving a check from the Federal government. SMA 1628-01 Correspondence, reports, property appraisals, contracts, grant and loan materials, work programs, and newspaper clippings related primarily to the redevelopment and preservation of the Pike Place Market neighborhood. Documents urban renewal activities including appraisal and property acquisition, rehabilitation and redevelopment, tenant and business relocation, and project administration. The records document the proposed redevelopment of the Market and the subsequent citizen led effort to preserve the Market as a historic landmark. Included are records of the Department of Community Development, Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority, and the City Council. SMA 1628-02 Photographs, slides, film, and audiotapes documenting the history of Pike Place Market. The vast majority of visual images relate to urban renewal activities in the Market neighborhood. The collection includes over 2500 photographs and over 4500 slides. The photographs are divided into three groups: historical and contemporary images of individual properties, images taken during a 1967 property acquisition project, and images organized by subject or Market activities. The slides document conditions of Market structures before, during, and after rehabilitation and construction; and Market activities and celebrations. SMA 1628-03 Records of a project for public improvements to a corridor through the Pike Place Market connecting the waterfront with the Central Business District. Components of the project included stairs and terraces, walkways, a pedestrian bridge, elevators, parking and landscaping. Records are primarily those of the Project Architect, Karlis Rekavics, and Pike Project Director, Harriet Sherburne, and consist of correspondence, drawings, budgets, project schedules, proposals and related material.
SMA 1628-04 Videos from the Friends of Pike Place Market. The collection consists of interviews and short documentaries concerning the successful effort to establish a historic district to preserve the Pike Place Market in 1971. Most of the interviews were conducted in 1996 and 1998, and the interview subjects were active in the campaign during that time. There are also local news pieces and coverage, including a 1971 story, KOMO TV's "Who Will Save the Market?". Most interviews were conducted by Paul Dunn. The original interviews are on Hi-8 videotape. There are edited interviews on VHS tape. Three documentaries were produced from these tapes: "The Selling of the Market," "Save the Market: The Peop le's Initiative," and "The Pike Place Market Medical Clinic." Organizations represented and discussed include the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA), Friends of the M arket, Pike Place Market Foundation, the Pike Market Medical Clinic, American Institute of Architects (AIA) Seattle, Heritage House and the Urban Group. Items in the collection are cataloged in the Motion Picture Index.
SMA Finding AidThe Board of Adjustment was created in 1957 by the new Zoning Ordinance. It was a division of the City Planning Commission and had power to hear, decide, and grant or deny applications for variances and conditional use permits. The Board began hearing zoning and variance appeals from decisions of the Hearing Examiner (3400) following the latter's creation in 1973. In 1980, application and appeal processes were consolidated in the Department of Construction and Land Use (2000) with development of the Master Use Permit system. The Board functions were superceded and it was abolished in 1981. 1640-01 Minutes and agendas of public hearings regarding conditional use, variance, and special exception applications. Luncheon meeting minutes, held prior to the Board's public hearings, include discussion and modifications of previous Board actions, adoption of Board policy, election of officers, and authorization time period extensions on variances. SMA 1640-04 Copies of Board reports to City Council including report letters to City Council and appeals to Council of Board actions and statistical breakdowns of the type of appeals. SMA 1642-00: Urban Renewal Program The Urban Renewal Program was authorized by ordinance in 1957, and the first federal funds allocated for neighborhood studies were received in 1959. The program was designed to eradicate urban "blighted areas" in the City. It was initially administered by the Executive Department, and then transferred to the Department of Community Development in 1969. The Urban Renewal Division was responsible for coordinating federal funds for local projects. Conventional urban renewal funding was designated for four neighborhoods: Yesler-Atlantic, University-Northlake, South Seattle, and Pike Place Market. In addition, Neighborhood Development Program funds targeted Leschi, South Park, and North Greenwood. Despite the early identification of neighborhoods and the adoption of urban renewal plans, most projects did not get underway until the mid- to late 1960s. 1642-01 Files of the Urban Renewal Director. Includes correspondence, reports, and notes relating to urban renewal projects and administration of the program. SMA 1642-02 Correspondence, reports, budgets, minutes, and maps relating generally to urban renewal. Includes administrative materials. SMA 1642-04 Primarily the records of the Community Renewal Program, although there is some information on other urban renewal projects including Northlake/ University, First Hill, Cherry Hill, and the Yesler-Atlantic Project. Correspondents include the Planning Commission, the University of Washington, and members of the Civic Unity Committee. Board minutes for the Civic Unity Committee are also included. There is some information on how the continuation of the grant overlapped with the Seattle Model City Program. In addition to correspondence of Frank McChesney, the records include correspondence from 1962 to 1964 of Talbot Wegg, Urban Renewal Coordinator in the Office of Urban Renewal. Correspondence concerns CRP programs in other cities, the hiring of additional personnel, and consultant research for the CRP. The bulk of the records (2.0 cf) relate to the CRP. A Steering Committee was established with the Planning Commission staff and staff of the Office of Urban Renewal to assist with survey methodologies. The progress reports, quarterly reports, and minutes, provide an overview of the challenges and issues the project encountered as well as background on decisions made in the CRP. SMA 1642-06 Generally small scale projects designed to demonstrate the improvements possible through neighborhood improvement projects. Includes correspondence, studies, maps, and project monitoring records. SMA 1642-07 Correspondence, memoranda, reports, and financial data relating to the City's Capital Improvement Program and its relation to the urban renewal process. SMA 1642-08 Correspondence, agreements, financial statements, and relocation data forms relating to the relocation of individuals and businesses from urban renewal areas including Yesler-Atlantic, North Greenwood, Leschi, Ballard, and University Addition. SMA 1642-09 Urban Renewal Program correspondence, arranged chronologically. SMA 1642-10 Seattle Urban Renewal Enterprise (SURE) was established in November 1958 by 300 local firms and individuals. The non-profit organization assisted the City in long-range neighborhood urban renewal planning. Records include correspondence, reports and studies, committee minutes, and financial records relating to SURE's operation and urban renewal projects. Major projects included Yesler-Atlantic, Cherry Hill, and University Addition-First Hill. SMA 1642-11 Correspondence, memoranda, reports, and other documentation relating to the Cherry Hill Urban Renewal Project (Project Wash R-4 NA). Also known as Conservation Project No. 1, this was Seattle's first urban renewal project. It covered nearly 63 acres and was bounded by E. Cherry and Yesler Streets and 17th and 23rd Avenues. SMA 1642-12 Chronological correspondence of DCD's Relocation Services. Relates to relocation of tenants and homeowners of property demolished as part of urban renewal and neighborhood development programs. SMA 1642-14 Recordings of the Community Renewal Program steering team work reflecting financial, administrative and organizational work of the program. 13 reel-to-reel audiotapes. SMA 1650-00: City Planning Commission The City Planning Commission was created by ordinance in 1924 and was first included in the City Charter in 1946. The Commission's role was to prepare plans and gather data for the development of the City, to advise City Council on current problems and long range planning, and to participate in administration of the City's Zoning Ordinance. It was provided with the authority to hire as needed to carry out its planning and advisory functions. However, the Planning Commission's decisions needed to be passed by ordinance before they became effective. Between 1924 and 1974, the Commission's membership was changed periodically by ordinance. It varied in size from 9 to 25 members. The composition of the Commission also varied but always consisted of a percentage of the following: Mayoral appointees, ex-officio members from various government departments, as well as representatives elected by various government agencies. With the creation of the Department of Community Development in 1969, the Commission became a part of the Department of Community Development. For the purpose of having a more broad-based membership, in 1974 the Commission membership was changed to be comprised of 15 Seattle citizens, appointed by the Mayor and approved by City Council. If at all possible, the citizens would come from different neighborhoods and a variety of disciplines would be represented. Due to reorganizations in city government, the Planning Commission became a part of the Office of Policy Planning in 1974 then was returned to the Department of Community Development in 1979. In 1980, an independent office of the Planning Commission was established. The Planning Commission would no longer review site-specific land use applications and permits. Its city planning functions were transferred to the Department of Community Development. 1650-01 Proceedings of the City Planning Commission including debate, hearings, and Commission actions. SMA 1650-02 The records are an incomplete body of files for the City's Planning Director. The bulk of records relate to the Central Business District study and the Comprehensive Plan. Population, traffic, and transportation issues are all included in the background information. A report and related information is also included for Alki and the recreation needs of the community, including a study of the natatorium and whether it should be replaced. Other files reflect work on zoning issues, including over-water construction. Also of note is an inventory of civic art structures. SMA 1650-03 Files of assistant planning director files Robert Hintz, hired as a principal planner in 1953. He was responsible for the technical sections of the staff, and supervised research and advance planning. Significant planning issues included in his records are zoning and high rise apartments, planning for the central business district, and transportation planning. Hintz' papers also reflect his work on the Comprehensive Plan. Included is correspondence with City Council, the Mayor, various city departments, and the public. The largest volume of material relates to zoning and high rise apartments in the 1960s, covering density, height and proposed areas. Folders include information and correspondence relating to several public hearings held. Of note is a report done by Clark, Coleman and Rupekins and the response to it by the public. Another significant topic within Hintz's records is transportation. Records from the early 1950s on thoroughfares relate to freeway planning and arterial thoroughfares. Hintz was also involved in regional transportation planning and his records cover joint meetings between the City Planning Commission and the County Planning Commission as well as participation on a Puget Sound Regional Planning Council. The Council was funded in part by the Washington State Highway Commission and worked towards conducting a survey and $1.6 million study in order to identify a transportation system for the area. Correspondence and minutes of meetings of the Puget Sound Regional Transportation Study, as well as progress reports, are included in the records dating from the late 1950s to the mid-1960s. Records reflecting the Central Business District as a focus of research are included in Hintz's files, primarily from the late 1950s. The file on Mayor Pomeroy includes newspaper clippings about the beginning of his tenure and minutes of his weekly staff meetings with department heads. Other material of note relates to school planning, regulations relating to houseboats, and recreation. SMA 1650-04 Correspondence, memoranda, reports, grant applications, and studies relating to the Commission's planning function with the greatest emphasis on zoning and central area planning. This series was the City Planning Commission's central file. SMA 1650-05 Correspondence of the Planning Commission's Assistant Director for administration. Includes material relating to the zoning ordinance, reform of the zoning administrative system, rezoning of Thornton Creek area and conditional use/variance applications. SMA 1650-06 Records of Donald Monson, director of the CBD study. Includes correspondence, surveys, and economic data relating to planning issues in Seattle's business center. SMA 1650-07 Working papers of the Seattle Planning Commission relating primarily to the development of the Comprehensive Plan, a Civic Arts Center, and recreation studies throughout the City. The records are primarily those of John Spaeth, appointed as Director of the Seattle Planning Commission in 1948. Comprehensive Plan files relate to zoning issues, including height issues, density, and land use studies. Recreation studies focus on Magnolia to a large extent but also include studies done on specific playgrounds in other neighborhoods. Papers of the Urban Design Advisory Board in the mid-1960s are also included. SMA 1650-08 Applications for conditional use permits and variances, CPC committee recommendations, and Commission action. Includes correspondence and notices of hearings. SMA 1650-09 Correspondence to the Planning Commission requesting amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. Includes ordinance amendment drafts, notices of hearings, and copies of Commission minutes. SMA 1650-10 Files generated by a petition to change a zoning designation. Includes property affected, justification for change, correspondence to Commission, meeting agendas, minutes of public hearings, actions taken by Commission, and zoning maps. Arranged chronologically. SMA 1650-11 Aerial photographs of Seattle commissioned by the Planning Commission. SMA 1650-12 Rezone agendas, minutes, correspondence, rezoning petition reports, maps, and notes from City Planning Commission public hearings relating to rezone requests. Researchers should also refer to Record Series 1650-18. Arranged chronologically. SMA 1650-14 The Planning Commission photographs date from 1945 to 1957; most of the photographs are undated. The photographs depict neighborhoods, homes, parks, highways, moorages and marinas, and aerial views of Seattle and surrounding areas. Some photographs are related to land use. A selection of photographs of a display is included; the photographs show display materials on the topic of city and neighborhood planning. Some display materials in the collection may be related to the 1953 convention of the American Institute of Architects, which was held in Seattle. Also included are photographs of Kitimat, B.C., and highway photographs made in California. Very few images in the collection are specifically identified. SMA 1650-15 General correspondence of the Commission arranged by topic or corresponding agency. SMA 1650-16 Correspondence, reports, hearings transcripts, copies of legislation, and copies of Commission minutes, environmental impact statements, pamphlets, copies of news clippings, and architectural drawings. Subjects include the Shoreline Master Program, Comprehensive Plan, single family land use code, multi-family rezoning to high rise, lot reduction, townhouse proposals, neighborhood planning issues, and other land use topics. SMA 1650-17 Working files for proposed amendments to Seattle's Zoning Ordinance. Includes correspondence, Commission minutes, environmental checklists, staff reports, Commission recommendations, decisions regarding environmental impact, and copies of legislation. Half of the series is arranged by section and paragraph of the ordinance; one-and-a-half boxes contain binders arranged chronologically; and one box includes files relating to enforcement and penalty provisions. SMA 1650-18 Working files maintained for proposed rezones. Includes rezone and conditional use variance petitions, correspondence and memoranda from and to affected parties, Planning Commission staff reports, hearing agendas and minutes, Commission recommendations, and City Council Planning Committee agendas. Material also includes lot reduction applications and grading permit requests. Researchers should also refer to Records Series 1650-12. SMA 1650-19 Working files for proposed planned unit developments. Includes correspondence, plan reviews, staff analysis and recommendations, City Attorney opinions regarding land use, Commission hearing minutes, and drawings. Arranged chronologically. SMA 1650-20 This series is the proceedings of public hearings of the City Planning Commission. Commission hearings were organized by type of application and often were a series of meetings held one after the other. For example, on July 13, 1972, the Commission held a hearing to consider a residential planned unit development application, followed by a meeting to consider possible amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, followed by a third meeting to consider modification of the comprehensive plan. Other types of issues considered at public hearings were subdivision applications, rezone petitions, conditional use applications, and consideration of modifications to historic district ordinances. The Commission often held joint meetings or public hearing with the City Council's committee responsible for planning; these minutes are included. The minutes contain detailed description and discussion of the issue before the Commission, including testimony by supporters and opponents, and actions taken by the Commission. Commission minutes are also found in Records Series 1650-01 (1924-1980) and 6200-01 (1986-2000). SMA 1650-21 Proposals to the City Planning Commission for the construction and renovation of townhouse units. Files include correspondence, reports, recommendations, applications, environmental impact, public hearing agendas, and drawings. SMA 1650-22 Records of joint meetings of City Planning Commission and Building Department staff, 1958-1968, and meetings of Department of Community Development and Building Department staff, 1971-1976. Files include minutes, agendas, correspondence, and draft legislation. Meeting topics concerned the zoning code, amendments to zoning ordinances, definitions and requirements affecting boundaries, parking, yards, height restrictions and other issues related to building construction. 1960 meetings also discussed parking and building regulations for Century 21 Exposition facilities. SMA The Zoning Commission was established in 1920 to survey the City, divide it into districts or zones, and recommend land use in those areas. The City Engineer, Superintendent of Buildings, one Parks Trustee, and six individuals appointed by the Mayor comprised the Commission membership. In 1923, the Commission presented a draft ordinance to City Council which became the City's first Zoning Code. Commission activities were superceded by creation of the City Planning Commission in 1924. Although inactive, the Commission was not abolished until 1936. 1651-01 Proceedings of regular and special meetings and including annual reports. The early minutes include reports from other cities regarding zoning used by Seattle as it begins the zoning process. SMA 1651-02 Correspondence, reports, maps, and newspaper clippings related to the work of the Seattle Zoning Commission in compiling the City's first zoning code. SMA 1652-00: Municipal Art Commission The Municipal Art Commission was created in 1955 to advise City government regarding the artistic and cultural development of the City. The Commission had ten members (later increased by ordinance to fifteen), who represented the painting, sculpture, music, literature, architecture, and landscape architecture communities; members could be nominated for appointment to the Commission by their organizations. The Commission was reorganized in 1957 as the Municipal Art Commission by Ordinance 86692. Its primary mission remained the same, and the composition of the Commission changed only slightly. Its fifteen members included two from each of the abovementioned categories as well as three "lay" members. The Commission's advisory responsibility was extended to recommendations regarding the purchase of artworks by the City or the donation of artworks to the City; each painting, sculpture, or fountain and its location had to be approved by the Commission, which also made recommendations on the removal of artworks. The Commission was also responsible for making recommendations on the design of new physical structures to be constructed in the City and could even advise private property owners at no charge. In 1961, the Commission's responsibilities were broadened to include historic preservation recommendations. In 1971, the Municipal Art Commission, which was "no longer actively pursuing its responsibilities," was abolished by Ordinance 99982 and replaced by the Seattle Arts Commission. The new Commission acted in the same advisory capacity and had fifteen mayor-appointed members; its actions served "to promote and encourage public programs to further the development and public awareness of and interest in the fine and performing arts." 1652-01 Proceedings of the Municipal Art Commission. SMA 1652-02 Correspondence, memoranda, reports, and press clippings relating to the programs, activities, and administration of the Municipal Art Commission. Includes materials on Commission input regarding planning for construction of physical structures in the City. SMA |
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