DPD has convened an advisory group of local residents, property owners and business people to discuss issues affecting south downtown, and to aid in diagnosing how those issues and conditions affect the desirability of the area as a place to live and work.

The public is encouraged to attend a Sept. 19 open house (see right) where DPD staff will share results of the Livable South Downtown project’s process to date. The public will also have the opportunity to hear about other efforts important to the health and well-being of south downtown neighborhoods. A second public open house will be held following completion of the advisory group process, sometime this fall.

The Livable South Downtown project, a part of the Mayor’s Center City Strategy, is a means to implement neighborhood plan recommendations and to develop fresh and innovative ideas for encouraging new investment in housing, jobs and services in Seattle’s south downtown neighborhoods. In particular the effort will focus on Pioneer Square, the Chinatown/International District/Little Saigon neighborhood, and the stadium area and areas east and immediately south of Dearborn Avenue.

Participants have provided insights that have been helpful in identifying key issues and ideas for change, some of which will require further analysis. At recent meetings, the advisory group has discussed:

• neighborhood visions for South Downtown’s future
• issues and opportunities in each South Downtown neighborhood
• mobility and urban design opportunities; and
• environmental sustainability.

At its Sept. 15 meeting, the group will continue a dialogue with community representatives about zoning, in more detail, and ways to bring together the many interrelated planning issues.

Following the advisory group process, DPD staff will develop preliminary recommendations by the end of 2005, then will evaluate and analyze recommended Land Use Code amendments and zoning changes that will be forwarded to the Mayor and City Council in 2006.