On Monday, December 8, Seattle City Council, Mayor Greg Nickels, and neighborhood representatives ended months of controversy, negotiation, and planning by adopting legislation that amends Seattle's Land Use Code and accepts an agreement between the City and the owners of the Northgate Mall that paves the way for its redevelopment.

The new plan for Northgate includes:

• A land use code ordinance eliminating the General Development Plan (GDP), making Northgate open space requirements more flexible, adopting considerations for any future Development Agreements and designating NE 100th and NE 103rd streets as Special Landscaped Arterials.
• The city would have a one-year option to purchase 2.7 acres on the south lot of the mall for a price of $375,000. This will give the city the option to provide open space and natural drainage solutions.
• A revised Development Agreement with Northgate Mall owner Simon Properties that allows the mall to develop 230,000 square feet of retail space, including 63,000 square feet of newly added street-front development along 5th Avenue NE, which is the site of major pedestrian improvements.
• Establishment of a Coordinated Transportation Investment Plan for the Northgate area and groundwork for a possible SEPA Planned Action.

A Council resolution was also approved setting the framework for future Northgate planning activities that includes developing strategies to stimulate housing growth, economic development, and public art; and provide for natural drainage, sustainable building, and a pedestrian improvements. The resolution also sets forth details for public involvement with broad-based representation to advise the city on all of these issues.