The Future of 35th Ave NEa community’s decision

Growth is inevitable and desirable, but destruction of community character is not. The question is not whether your part of the world is

going to change. The question is how. Edward T. McMahon

agenda

• donut hole• land use committee• a brief history• 2010 Vision Plan• assumptions• the plan• proposed schedule• stay involved• disclosures• how to stay informed• q&a

donut hole• Ravenna-Bryant Community

Association annexed “donut hole”

• WCC bylaws:“shall serve the following area of Seattle…NE 75th on the South”

• Revised RBCA bylaws:“shall serve approximately the area of the City of Seattle… Westward to 40th Ave. NE… Northward to NE 75th St”

www.ravennabryant.org

Donut Hole

NE 75th Street

NE 65th Street

35

thA

ve N

E

land use committee

• purpose is to pursue the land use goals of the Vision Plan and review proposed land use issues relative to the Vision Plan.

• spun out of the Vision Plan steering committee.

• a committee of the WCC

• recommends actions to WCC trustees.

Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell. Edward Abbey

a brief history• Wedgwood Annexed

– Senora Precinct 1945– Sand Point District 1953

• Zoning– 1923, 1947, 1973, current

• Growth Management Act – 1990 + amendments

• Comprehensive Plan – 1994 + major reviews and annual

revisions

• City Design Guidelines– Updated 2011

You got to be careful if you don't know where you're going, because you might not

get there. Yogi Berra

2010 vision planinvolved…• 3 public meetings• over 800 people completed

the Vision Plan community survey

• many steering committee meetings

what it did was…• define shared values for

Wedgwood, including 35th

Ave NE• establish a strong

foundation to build on.

vision plan survey results

• 54.5% thought “Carefully designed mixed-use buildings can create a more vibrant neighborhood by increasing density and attracting more businesses.”

• Top 3 Business Types Desired:1. Restaurant/Cafes 77.7%

2. Hardware Store 71.7%

3. Bookstore 64.1%

vision plan statements• C-1 “The Wedgwood Business District

will feature increased commercial businesses and mixed-use buildings...on 35th Avenue NE…” – Vision Plan, Page 12

• C-2 “Much of the neighborhood commercial and mixed-use development will focus near current commercial areas on 35th Avenue NE at NE 85th Street and NE 75th Street. There will also likely be increased commercial and mixed-use development along 35th Avenue NE between the areas, including live/work housing.” –Vision Plan, Page 12

vision plan statements• C-3 “These commercial areas will be

pedestrian-friendly, well-connected, and with development and design standards respectful of adjacent and nearby residential neighborhoods.” – Vision Plan, Page 12

• C-4 “The community is supportive of new commercial and mixed use development along 35th Avenue NE to achieve a more vibrant district…” – Vision Plan, Page 12

• C-5 “New commercial and mixed-use buildings will have pedestrian-oriented storefronts opening to the sidewalk…” – Vision Plan, Page 12

A plan is a list of actions arranged in whatever sequence is thought likely to achieve

an objective. John Argenti

assumptions

build upon the Vision Plan, which will serve as a baseline starting point

as of now, we will only look at Wedgwood (between NE 75th and NE 95th Streets)

the community will define and develop the tools through community meetings, survey(s), a steering committee and other resources

the plan

“1. Undertake a neighborhood plan that includes a review of current zoning standards and design guidelines with the City DPD. Revise development standards as appropriate in accordance with community preferences established in the neighborhood plan.” – Vision Plan, Page 14

“2. Work with Seattle DPD to establish neighborhood-specific design guidelines that direct new development.” – Vision Plan, Page 14

Jan to Feb 2012 Assemble Steering Committee

Feb to Sept 2012 Host Community Learning Seminars

March to May 2012 Planning Workshop 1

July 2012 Planning Workshop 2

August 2012 Community Survey

September 2012 Planning Workshop 3

January 2013 Propose Draft Plan(s) to Community

February 2013 Deadline for Community Comments

March 2013 Present Final Plan to Community

April 2013 WCC Trustees Vote on Plan

May 2013Submit “neighborhood plan”to City

proposed schedule

A community is like a ship: everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm. Henrik Ibsen

stay involved

• stay informed

• tell your neighbors and spread the word

• participate in Planning Workshops

• come out to Community Learning Seminars

• complete the community survey

• donate funds/professional services

• random acts of volunteering

• volunteer on the steering committee

In our profession, a plan that everyone dislikes for different reasons is a success. A plan

everyone dislikes for the same reason is a failure. And a plan that everyone likes for the same reason is an act of God. Richard Carson

disclosures

some funding will be necessary, which could include grants and/or donations from neighbors or businesses.

if a comprehensive plan amendment is required, the City will review land use changes and may have some revisions.

the City is not required to take up every comprehensive plan amendment.

how to stay informed

WCC Website (wedgwoodcc.org)

Wedgwood Land Use Listserve