 |
City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, 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:
Office of the Mayor (206) 684-4000
|
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.
- 30 -
Office of the Mayor
| 
