HB 1491 - Transit-Oriented Development- what does it do?
See the full state bill mandating multiple story residential housing around transit "stations", including Rapid Ride, throughout the city and state:
Complete bill as passed
Synopsis
HB 1491 is now state law. It mandates allowing 5 to 6, even, under certain circumstances, 8 story multi-unit residential (apartment) buildings within 1/4 mile of all Rapid Ride "stations", and 1/2 mile of all light rail stations.
Below is the closest map we have found that shows how the West Green Lake area would be affected - because we are on the E-line.
The small black dots represent Rapid Ride "stations", and the green area represents what would be re-zoned to allow high rise apartments that may or may not actually be affordable. (I know that's supposed to be the point, and we support it, but we're not convinced it will happen.) See our reasoning here.
There is also no additional parking required for the influx of residents that would result, meaning that an already highly congested area next to a highly popular, pristine lake and park would be even more congested. In fact, it would make it more difficult for local residents as well as city-wide and international visitors to access the lake and its amenities.
Hmm - looks like a "Neighborhood Center"?
- This dovetails with the proposal of West Green Lake as a "Neighborhood Center" as proposed in the Mayor's One Seattle Plan. (See our page on the One Seattle Plan here.)
- Putting high-rises throughout this area would dramatically change the character of the area - and many areas throughout the city, contrary to the stated intent of already-passed state HB 1110. How does that work? (See our page on HB 1110 here.)
- It would negatively affect the current child and family-friendly, safe access to the lake and the park by residents within the Green Lake / Phinney / Greenwood areas and global visitors alike.
- It would create a traffic nightmare for all groups: local residents, those using Aurora for through access, and those wanting to access the lake and the park.
What to Do
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