Council Member addresses can be found here.

_______________,

Dear Councilmember

As a resident of Montlake, I’m very concerned about zoning changes proposed by City Council.  Although it’s important to create more opportunities for higher density in our neighborhood, there are things that make this neighborhood special we’d like to keep.

1. Front yard setback, tree canopy.  This area between the house and the front property line is where there are often trees.  Reducing this setback, and allowing these trees to be cut down, reduces precious tree canopy, and creates a more cramped public space along the sidewalk.

2. Ensuring that there is enough affordable housing.   I’m concerned that extra density won’t result in more affordable housing.  I’ve heard that just increasing the amount of housing will result in lower rents, but this argument isn’t convincing.  I would like to see affordable requirements increased if density is increased.

3. No four-story buildings.  I support more density, but I think four-story buildings dotted here and there in Montlake amidst single family homes would forever change our neighborhood.  I would like to see a height limit imposed that would stop at three stories. 

The rush to change the zoning has left a lot of us confused and uncertain about the future of our neighborhood.  I hope  this effort is slowed enough that we can see the results of more gradual change before it’s too late.

Sincerely,

[your name][

your address, if desired]