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The final
environmental impact statement (FEIS) on proposed zoning
changes designed to help make Downtown Seattle an active and
safe living environment around the clock was published today
by DPD. Changes being considered are intended to have a positive
impact on building design, residential and commerical growth,
and affordable housing.
The FEIS will be discussed in an open house to brief the
public on Jan. 13 (details).
It defines a Preferred Alternative that will change development
regulations in ways that will enhance the best qualities of
Downtown districts and also encourage slimmer, more attractive
building designs. Redefining the "envelope" of buildable
space on Downtown properties should provide more flexibility
to designers while also providing reasonable controls on the
bulk of buildings.
Proposed zoning changes would affect the downtown office
core, Denny Triangle, and a small portion of Belltown. Specific
zones affected include Downtown Office Core (DOC) 1 and 2,
Downtown Mixed Commercial (DMC), and a small portion of the
Downtown Retail Core.
The changes will continue to provide for residential and
commercial growth by encouraging a dense office core surrounded
by peripheral areas with more residential and mixed uses.
They will also provide more opportunities to gain funding
resources for affordable housing.
The Preferred Alternative is an essential component of the
Mayor's vision for the Downtown commercial core and "Center
City," the nine centrally located neighborhoods immediately
around downtown Seattle.
Next steps for the "Downtown Zoning Changes" project
include preparing and submitting code amendments to Seattle
City Council for consideration in early spring 2005.
Background
The FEIS concludes a process that began in mid-2001 when an
EIS was first required to address proposals arising from neighborhood
planning--specifically to respond to future growth concepts
expressed in neighborhood plans and follow-up on planning
efforts conducted since 1999.
DPD released a study of four alternatives for possible changes
in height and density limits on development in downtown Seattle
in November 2003 contained in a Draft
Environmental Impact Statement. DPD staff gathered public
input on this proposal through February 2004, including two
public meetings and numerous written comments.
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