Livability

VOTE! Will Seattle double down on its current path or open a door for change?

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.

VOTE!  Will Seattle double down on its current path or open a door for change?

New land use proposal pits dollars vs the environment

Just weeks after a global warming study identified Downtown’s intense density as cause for its extreme heat status, a new land use proposal aims to make it easier to fill every small lot in Belltown by relaxing building standards.

New land use proposal pits dollars vs the environment

Land use policies are turning up the heat downtown

Seattle’s drive for extreme density downtown is equaled by its commitment to battling climate change. But a new heat map co-sponsored by the City shows these goals at odds. Read On….

Land use policies are turning up the heat downtown

Compassion Seattle: Is it time for a leap of faith?

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.

Compassion Seattle: Is it time for a leap of faith?

Miracle on Third Avenue

After flourishing for months, the tent city lining Third between Pike and Union disappeared this week. Thirty-three people accepted new shelter and the sidewalk re-appeared. As the community sighs with relief, we thank all involved in this recovery mission and ask, how to maintain it?

Miracle on Third Avenue

To pee or not to pee? That is the question . . . .

And the answer is “not” if you’re downtown—at least not easily. Seattle’s lack of public toilets is sometimes grossly evident and has a controversial past. One business owner thinks it’s time to address this public health issue head on with the help of new federal relief funds.

To pee or not to pee?  That is the question . . . .

Seattle’s messes: Is lack of ownership the problem?

Confronted with civic problems great and small, it’s often hard to know where to turn for solutions. When it comes to homelessness, one mayoral candidate believes it’s because no single person or entity owns the problem. Is he right?

Seattle’s messes: Is lack of ownership the problem?

New ‘Green Building’ programs have neighbors seeing red

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.

New ‘Green Building’ programs have neighbors seeing red

Council Chamber or Echo Chamber? It’s time to improve public comment.

Everyone’s got an opinion but being heard at City Council meetings isn’t easy and letters rarely receive acknowledgement. Comment policy updates and innovations would ensure more views are heard.

Council Chamber or Echo Chamber?  It’s time to improve public comment.

Sustaining and Enhancing Seattle's Downtown Livability - 2021

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.

Sustaining and Enhancing Seattle's Downtown Livability - 2021

'Compassion' amendment calls for accountability but do the numbers add up?

Compassion Seattle sounds promising – but raises a lot of questions for Belltown activist Steve Horvath. He crunched the numbers and wants to find out if the group has fully accounted for the bottom line costs to Seattle.

'Compassion' amendment calls for accountability but do the numbers add up?

Civic coalition wants to make Seattle’s homeless response part of the City Charter

As Seattle’s homeless crisis enters its sixth year, civic coalition Compassion Seattle is proposing a new approach and increased accountability. The group is seeking an amendment to the City Charter that details City Hall's obligation to fund and provide for those facing chronic homelessness and take responsibility for keeping City streets and parks free of encampments. Coalition member and former Council Member Tim Burgess explains.

Civic coalition wants to make Seattle’s homeless response part of the City Charter

Superior Court says ‘not so fast’ with an EIS rubber stamp

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….

Superior Court says ‘not so fast’ with an EIS rubber stamp

Downtown pleas for safety fall on deaf ears

Downtown resident Leslie Buker speaks for many other Seattle residents. Will it take another tragedy to get the Mayor and Council to address rampant crime in this neighborhood?

Downtown pleas for safety fall on deaf ears

Mission to save Seattle parks becomes a life saver for people too

The peaceful closure of the Denny Park homeless encampment was a small triumph in the greater effort to help thousands living in crisis on Seattle streets and parks. Many deserve credit for the success but one citizen volunteer stands out for her daily outreach and cutting through red tape.

Mission to save Seattle parks becomes a life saver for people too

DIY Crime Prevention: coming soon to your block?

A group of downtown residents and commercial property owners felt like collateral damage in an unbalanced plan to reimagine policing and public safety. They are temporarily hiring full time security to see if it will help their troubled street. Will this do-it-yourself crime prevention effort succeed, is it sustainable and could it become a norm?

DIY Crime Prevention: coming soon to your block?

Seattle’s divisive politics creates a leadership void

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.

Seattle’s divisive politics creates a leadership void

Daylight: the ultimate amenity or shared essential resource?

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?

Daylight: the ultimate amenity or shared essential resource?

People and persistence: lessons from a grassroots campaign

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.

People and persistence: lessons from a grassroots campaign

City delays on Portal Park re-energize Belltown’s quest to “Recharge the Battery”

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

City delays on Portal Park re-energize Belltown’s quest to “Recharge the Battery”

A new year but still no answer for simmering problems

Seattle protesters aren’t the only ones feeling rage these days. After months of plywood, graffiti and ongoing violence, some weary downtown residents have lost hope and patience. One shared the message he sent recently to the Mayor and Council claiming their silence and tepid responses are part of the problem:

A new year but still no answer for simmering problems