Montlake Rezoning Task Force Update
Author: Janice Sears
The Seattle One Plan is paused until early 2027 due to two separate appeals of the One Seattle Plan’s Final Environmental Impact Statement: one addressing environmental impacts in Puget Sound and the other concerning traffic congestion, parking, property values, and historic buildings.
And a bill to eliminate these types of appeals in the future, CB121215, passed 5-4 at the full City Council meeting on July 28 despite opposition. In addition, the mayor is aggressively moving forward with her “Taller Denser Faster” Initiative!
A reminder that in Phase One of the One Seattle Plan ALL single-family zoning, including in historic Montlake, was changed to allow duplexes and even six plexus (in addition to currently allowed ADU’s)
Growth at any Cost – Seattle’s Sense of Place is at Risk summarizes beautifully much of Seattle’s concern with the current one Seattle Plan – it’s worth a read!
In addition, the New York Times has interpreted a study about the importance of old trees which are now at grave risk here in Seattle because of the new upzoning!
And then, of course, while the city of Seattle wants to “build baby build” in the name of affordability which the One Seattle Plan isn’t designed to achieve, Seattle’s growth has slowed dramatically.
The Montlake Zoning Task Force, Seattle Residents for Thoughtful Growth, Tree Action Seattle, Green Neighborhoods Coalition are continuing to voice concerns about the loss of our tree canopy, green space and neighborhoods along with the “missing middle housing” or lack of affordability!
It’s especially important since we have a pause on the One Seattle Plan. And know that the City Council goes into budgeting later in the fall so now is the time to speak up!
You can do this by writing to Council@Seattle.gov, and/or our City Council Representative, Joy.Hollingswoth@Seattle.gov. In addition, please write to Eddie.Lin@Seattle.gov, the lead on the One Seattle Plan and Mayor.Wilson@Seattle.gov. Here’s a sample letter: https://www.montlake.net/s/SampleCityCouncilletter82026.pdf.
Feel free to send any comments, questions or requests for sample letters to zoning@Montlake.net.
Thank you!
PS Montlake’s Neighborhood Center heights will be addressed in Phase Two of the One Seattle Plan in early 2027.
