Remember the “Mercer Megablock” — the 96,000 square foot chunk of city-owned property in South Lake Union that the city is trying to sell, and became controversial last October when community and housing advocates pushed for the city to use the entire property for affordable housing? This morning, Mayor Durkan let it be known that an announcement related to the sale of the property is coming next week, and gave some high-level details on what she will propose to do with the proceeds from the sale. UPDATE: A spokesperson from the Mayor now says that the details on the sale …
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Mayor announces pair of affordable housing measures
This morning, Mayor Durkan held a press conference to announce two measures to help address the ongoing housing crisis in the city.
Continue readingNotes from today’s Council meetings
Believe it or not, things happened today that aren’t related to taxes. Here’s the scoop.
Continue readingCouncil passes update to “notice of intent to sell” ordinance
This afternoon, the City Council passed into law an update to the city’s existing ordinance that requires owners of certain multifamily rental properties to post a notice of their intent to sell the property well in advance of transacting a deal.
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“Notice of intent to sell” tenant protection ordinance passes out of committee as something very different
This morning, the City Council passed out of committee the “notice of intent” tenant protection ordinance. But they heavily amended it first, changing the nature of the bill and raising several issues as to its legality.
Continue readingFt. Lawton redevelopment plan draws expected legal challenge
Two weeks ago, serial “neighborhood activist” Elizabeth Campbell filed a lawsuit challenging the recently-passed Fort Lawton redevelopment plan on a laundry-list of issues.
Continue readingDurkan signs ADU ordinance, executive order to speed up ADU construction
Yesterday Mayor Jenny Durkan signed into law the ordinance loosening rules for ADUs and restricting the building of “McMansions.” She also signed an executive order directing several actions intended to expedite the design, permitting and construction of ADUs and to make them more affordable to build.
Continue readingCouncil passes ADU ordinance
This afternoon, the City Council passed into law an ordinance loosening rules on Accessory Dwelling Units (aka ADUs), often referred to as “backyard cottages” and “mother-in-law apartments.”
Continue readingCouncil passes ADU legislation out of committee
This afternoon, the legislation loosening restrictions on “accessory dwelling units” or ADUs passed out of committee and will be up for final approval by the full Council on July 1. For background, read my post from earlier this week on the amendments being considered. Most of the amendments under consideration passed. Among the few that didn’t: Amendment 4, offered by Council member Herbold, would have prohibited newly-permitted ADUs from being used for short-term rentals through AirBnB and other companies. O’Brien and Pacheco opposed it, while Harrell supported it from “detached” ADUs only. Amendment 5, also by Herbold, which would have …
Continue readingCouncil looks to fine-tune ADU legislation
Tomorrow afternoon, the Sustainability and Transportation Committee will take up the pending legislation aimed at loosening restrictions on ADUs. There are eleven potential amendments to the bill queued up for discussion and possible adoption.
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