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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Mayor, Council Announce Momentous Agreement on Northgate
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
12/8/2003 1:30:00 PM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Nancy Roberts (206) 684-8146
Office of the Mayor (206) 684-4000
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Mayor, Council Announce Momentous Agreement on Northgate
SEATTLE – Mayor Greg Nickels and members of the Seattle City Council today announced a momentous agreement on Northgate that clears the way for a potential $100 million in public and private investments, new jobs and new tax revenues for the city. The agreement also creates greater citizen involvement in future planning.
“The logjam is finally cleared,” said Nickels. “With today’s council actions we are about to begin a vibrant rebirth at Northgate. I believe our agreement shows how effectively we can work together to revitalize our neighborhoods and ensure the creation of good, new jobs that will keep our local economy thriving in the years ahead.”
The City Council will vote today on four pieces of legislation that provide the framework for this compromise agreement. The new plan will provide a comprehensive approach for moving towards implementation of the Northgate Area Comprehensive Plan, with a clear regulatory structure, commitment to investments, improved management of transportation issues and housing growth, and which preserves options for improving Thornton Creek.
“This plan represents true collaboration among the executive, Council and community, and builds upon plans developed by the community more than ten years ago,” said Council President Peter Steinbrueck. “It also represents the extraordinary work of City staff to build a consensus that brings us to the important votes we will take today.”
“This is a win-win-win for the Northgate neighborhoods, the business community and all of Seattle,” said Councilmember Richard Conlin. “Above all, it’s a win for the substantive and thoughtful citizen engagement, which is the key source of the well-crafted set of actions.”
The new Northgate plan 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 Council resolution setting the framework for future Northgate development that includes strategies to stimulate housing growth, economic development, public art and natural drainage, sustainable building, and a pedestrian improvement plan. The resolution also sets forth details for public involvement with broad-based representation to advise the city on all of these issues.
- 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.
“I want to thank the Council members for their hard work on this package, “said Nickels. “Especially Councilmember Richard Conlin and Council President Peter Steinbreuck. We have reached agreement but this is a journey – we have many more steps to take to make good on the promises to revitalize this neighborhood, creating a richer tapestry of homes, jobs and the amenities that makes it great to live in Seattle.”
Summary of Northgate Package
Update development regulations
Repeal the General Development Plan rule on large Northgate properties. Make the open space requirement more flexible, clarify requirements for storefront window transparency and designate NE 100th and NE 103 streets as special landscaped arterials.
Northgate Mall Development
The new development agreement allows Northgate Mall to demolish the abandoned buildings and build up to 230,000 new square feet, including 63,000 square feet of streetfront development along 5th Avenue NE. Simon will also improve its 5th Avenue NE entryway.
In designing its new development, Simon will consider ways to use natural drainage methods, sustainable design and green building techniques and the city’s new plans for Northgate area pedestrian circulation and open space. Simon will seek input and advice from a new Northgate stakeholders group.
City option on South Lot 2.7 acres for open space and natural drainage
The city is allowed a one-year option to purchase the 2.7 acres on the south lot for a price of $375,000.
South Lot Transformation
- Lorig development - Lorig Associates plans to buy 5.9 acres of the south lot from Simon and develop 150,000 square feet of retail or commercial, 300 or more mixed income residential units, and attractive public plazas and walkways.
- Integrated site design – Lorig and the city will collaborate with the King County Transit Oriented Development so that the entire south lot is a well-planned development integrating attractive public open spaces, good pedestrian circulation, environmental improvements, including natural drainage, to benefit Thornton Creek and preserve the option for creek daylighting, and careful management of transportation impacts.
Future Steps for Northgate
To further implementation of the Northgate Area Comprehensive Plan the city shall:
- Establish a Northgate stakeholders group with broad-based representation of residential and business and property owners and citizen interests to provide input and advice on future projects and planning.
- Conduct a Coordinated Transportation Investment Plan to evaluate current and future transportation needs for transit, autos, pedestrians and bicyclists, and develop a prioritized project list and funding recommendations.
- Undertake new planning to establish a system of pedestrian and open space connections, stimulate multi-family housing, and economic development.
- Consider applying other planning and environmental tools such as a SEPA Planned Action to aid in the planning and permitting of multiple sites or large areas while addressing area impacts.
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Office of the Mayor
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