Action Alert: Support the UDistrict Rezone Tonight

Rendering of the North Entrance of the future UDistrict Station (Sound Transit)

The only public hearing on the big UDistrict rezone is tonight at 5:30pm at the Hotel Deca (4507 Brooklyn Ave NE). If you believe abundant housing near transit is an unequivocal social good, please attend tonight and make your voice heard.

Since we last covered the rezone in September, the scope has been whittled away somewhat, including elimination of mid-rise zoning north of NE 50th St, a 25% height reduction south of NE 43rd St (from 320"^2 to 240"^2), and a contraction of the tallest zoning to just a few blocks northwest of UDistrict Station. Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) fees are also higher than first envisioned for commercial development.

The smaller (but still substantial) upzone proposal. (City of Seattle)

Despite the late compromises, the substance of the rezone has survived the process so far, and it needs your voice tonight. Anti-growth groups will surely turn out in large numbers, especially since the Seattle Displacement Coalition is headquarted in the UDistrict. Pro-growth urbanists will be represented by the Sierra Club, Seattle for Everyone, the brand new group Seattle Tech Workers for Housing, and more.