If you haven’t followed City politics, it’s time to tune in and be counted in next Tuesday’s election. The races for Mayor, City Attorney and the two Citywide Council seats will determine how downtown recovers from the pandemic and problems that were brewing well beforehand.
As Charter Amendment 29 awaits certification for the November ballot, expect more hot debate on this important but flawed legislation borne from the City’s six-year paralysis addressing the homelessness crisis. If you’re still on the fence, Belltown United recently hosted a definitive short course to inform your vote.
A proposed Belltown tower checks the box for community engagement without actually engaging the community. Let SDCI know it’s time for a do-over.
Belltown residents cried foul when a proposed residential development was granted extra height and floor area by pledging to meet Green Building standards, even though these incentives would block more of their daylight and views. Learn how the new Belltown Livability Coalition is fighting back.
The hallmarks of great world cities have been the same for centuries. With downtown Seattle at crossroads it’s time to revisit the elements needed to make it a desirable place to live, work and visit.
Seattle determined a new 54-story tower would impact its neighborhood but said an EIS prepared 18 years ago had the impacts covered. Project neighbors and King County Superior Court thought otherwise….
Like other American cities, Seattle is grappling with bitter politics, protests and a pandemic-deflated economy. To that daunting list, DRA member Karen Gielen would add one more: misguided leadership.
In Seattle, access to daylight is marketed as the ultimate amenity in new luxury towers. Ironically some of these towers will block up to 100% of daylight to neighbors. Will lack of equitable planning divert this essential resource to those who pay top dollar?
Even 120 years at the southeast corner of the Pike Place Market didn’t spare the Hahn Building from the thrust of new development in 2018. That changed when neighbors got involved. DRA looks into the anatomy of a successful longshot campaign.
Funded plans to explore a “Portal Park” adjacent to the old Battery Street tunnel site were put on hold last year when Mayor Durkan decided to consider other options. After a year of inaction a dedicated group of activists is renewing its efforts to “Recharge the Battery” and give downtown residents some much needed green space. Read On
With 100 condos and nearly 70,000 people living downtown, one resident is crowd sourcing answers to find best practices for condo communities.
Tell us what New Year resolutions or actions you’d like to see city leaders adopt in 2021.
Despite the pandemic, Seattle’s building boom marches on. Will it dismantle Pike Place Market’s iconic intersection? You can help!
Happy Thanksgiving Seattle! DRA is grateful for neighbors and organizations working for a better downtown. One is Andrea Suarez, founder of I Heart Downtown Seattle, a resident who believes actions speak louder than words.
Seattle residents are voicing increased concerns for their safety - even before City Council’s proposed SPD budget decreases
Our elected city leaders are courting chaos by offering broad immunity for assaults, harassment and vandalism
We heard last week from downtown residents battling Seattle’s LID assessment. This week we have an update on a neighbor’s legal fight to preserve the safe and functional use of its alley.
This week, we share additional reader ideas on helping downtown build back better.
This week, we begin sharing reader ideas on helping downtown build back better.
$600 million in new projects in June — during a pandemic? Something smells rotten.
The last six months have seen a lot of changes in Seattle, but even more are needed for this phoenix to rise from the ashes.
Seattle City Council members: Take the ride-along challenge!
Q&A with a livability advocate
