Background

The One Seattle Plan proposes to upzone the North Magnolia area by creating a North Magnolia Neighborhood Center. (Link - Zoning Map). This upzone represents a drastic increase in density compared to the existing zoning.

The current proposal would allow buildings up to 75 feet tall (approximately 7 stories) in the NC2-65 zone in an area that is currently primarily single-family homes and low-rise apartments. Combined with the extensive proposed LR2 and LR3 zoning changes, these would fundamentally alter the character of the neighborhood without adequate infrastructure to support such changes, including a major transit stop and sufficient off-street parking. Additionally, there appears to have been little apparent consideration of potential displacement of single-family residents in existing NR3 zoned areas.

Our community is not opposed to thoughtful density increases, but, at a minimum, proposed zoning changes must be consistent with the affordable housing mandates of the state law (E2HB1110). In addition, any plan must account for the unique geographical constraints of Magnolia as a peninsula with limited access points (three two-lane bridges), consider the current lack of frequent transit service, and give due consideration to protect current residents from displacement.