August Montlake Rezoning Task Force Update
Author: Janice Sears
Please see the informative letter, from CM Hollingsworth to the Montlake Community regarding upzoning below!
Emails to Joy.Hollingsworth@Seattle.gov are encouraged by Montlake Rezoning Task Force (MRTF)! Please thank her for acknowledging Montlake's concerns, add any concerns she missed and ask her for action.
MRTF will keep Montlake informed as final voting for implementation of HB1110 (state law requiring the elimination of single-family zoning) approaches along with suggested actions.
Thank you, MRTF!
From: Hollingsworth, Joy <Joy.Hollingsworth@seattle.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, July 30, 2025 3:13 PM
Subject: Montlake Community and Engagement
Hi Montlake Neighborhood,
Thank you for taking the time to read this message. I truly appreciate the opportunity to serve you and your community.
I want to acknowledge and apologize for the lack of communication and engagement that some of you have experienced regarding the Comprehensive Plan and the upcoming zoning changes. Your feedback has been heard, and I understand the concerns around feeling left in the dark during this important process. I have been raising your concerns to the appropriate city departments OPCD to have better engagement.
Our office began working on the Comprehensive Plan in January 2025, following the release of the Mayor’s Proposed Plan this past spring. Since then, we have been moving quickly, hosting meetings, gathering feedback, reviewing legislation, coordinating amendments and resolutions, conducting neighborhood walks, and focusing on areas such as neighborhood centers and zoning adjustments.
We have received input from Montlake through emails, community meetings, memos, and other forms of outreach. While we have engaged with several groups so far, we recognize that this outreach has not reached everyone, and that some voices still need to be heard. We are committed to ensuring that this process becomes more inclusive moving forward and that all communities feel seen, heard, and considered.
Please see below what we have collected so far regarding the neighborhood and what people have communicated with us.
Major Concerns from Montlake & Feedback
Lack of Community Engagement: Residents feel blindsided by the proposed changes, citing insufficient outreach and opportunities for meaningful input. Many believe that the city is rushing the process without proper collaboration.
Historic Preservation & Neighborhood Character: Montlake is a designated historic district with a small footprint. The proposed upzones would introduce large-scale developments that could disrupt the neighborhood's charm, tree canopy, and unique architectural integrity. The absence of design requirements raises concerns about fragmented development.
Traffic & Transportation Issues: The neighborhood already faces congestion, particularly due to the Highway 520 construction and limited transit options. While the light rail is beneficial, it has not replaced key bus routes (#43 and #25), making accessibility a challenge. Residents worry that increased density will worsen traffic and pedestrian safety concerns.
Infrastructure & Services: Montlake lacks essential amenities like a full-service grocery store or pharmacy within walking distance. Increased density would put additional strain on already limited parking and public services, making car ownership a necessity rather than an option.
Affordable Housing & Development Concerns: Residents fear that upzoning alone will not address affordability and could instead lead to speculative development of high-end housing, further pushing out middle-class families. There is a strong preference for policies that ensure family-friendly housing near Montlake Elementary School (reopening at half capacity).
Tree Protections and ensuring older trees can stay on properties and additional setbacks to protect amenities
Neighborhood Center and boundaries
Next Steps
Comprehensive Plan Meeting August 4th 9:30 a.m. (1st round of amendments **still being drafted**)
Public Hearing Meeting September 12th 9:30am
Council Select Committee Vote September 17th , 18th, 19th,
Full Council Vote End of September
There is still time for people to give us their feedback on what is important to them.
I plan on sending a newsletter and digestible email on the amendments we are proposing.
Thank you for engaging with us. Please also remember that this is Phase 1. This is not the zoning piece. This is just the lines on the map that we are voting on. The zoning changes wont start until after budget, which is most likely next year 2026.
Just a heads up, ill be at the Greek Orthodox Church: Capitol Hill Community Meet and Greet on Thursday the 31st (6-7pm I plan on being there) if you want to come and chat with me.
Thank you,
Joy
Joy Hollingsworth
Seattle City Councilmember - District 3
