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City of Seattle

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Gregory J. Nickels (former Mayor)

NEWS ADVISORY

SUBJECT: Zoning changes will promote affordable housing, reduce gentrification in SE Seattle

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
8/7/2006  5:50:00 PM

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Zoning changes will promote affordable housing,
reduce gentrification in SE Seattle

SEATTLE - Mayor Nickels applauded the City Council today for passing his proposal to allow detached accessory dwelling units in SE Seattle.

"This is a tool we now have to create more affordable housing while maintaining the unique character of SE Seattle neighborhoods," said Nickels. "It's that simple. Allowing detached accessory dwelling units helps existing homeowners afford to stay in SE Seattle. If it works in this neighborhood, we can look at expanding it to other neighborhoods."

In 2004, a community-led task force developed a SE Seattle Action Agenda that strongly recommended detached accessory dwelling units as a way to increase affordable housing for the people who live and work in the Rainier Valley, and to help existing homeowners stay in SE Seattle.

In October, 2005 the mayor introduced legislation to allow, for the first time, detached accessory dwelling units in Seattle. Detached housing units are used in other cities as a way to create attractive and affordable rental opportunities without changing the character or quality of life in existing single family neighborhoods.

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Office of the Mayor

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