Seattle City Council members introduced over 100 amendments on Monday aimed at revising Mayor Bruce Harrell’s ‘One Seattle’ plan, a sweeping housing proposal designed to accommodate increased density with six-story apartment buildings and 30 new neighborhood centers.
Proponents of the plan argue that neighborhood centers would boost access to essential services by enabling walking and biking and expand housing options in high-cost communities. However, other residents voiced concerns that building during construction could disrupt quieter blocks, particularly those with detached homes.
Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck submitted an amendment that would add eight additional neighborhood centers to the initial 30 spelled out in the proposal. Her suggested locations include Alki, Broadview, Seward Park, Loyal Heights, the vicinity of Gas Works Park, Seattle Pacific University, Roanoke Park, and near the Northeast branch library, all areas Mayor Harrell briefly considered but ultimately did not include in his version of the plan.
Ballard’s Councilmember Dan Strauss proposed placing a new center near 65th Street and 8th Avenue NW, which falls within his district covering Magnolia and Green Lake. Meanwhile, Councilmember Maritza Rivera recommended reducing the size of neighborhood centers in Bryant, Ravenna, and Wedgwood by removing certain residential blocks. Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth advanced a similar amendment in Madrona, and Councilmember Rob Saka sought adjustments in Fauntleroy. Several amendments across the council emphasized concerns about impacts on neighborhood trees and green spaces.
The proposed amendments are under active discussion ahead of a public hearing set for September 12. After that, the Council will hold a vote on whether to incorporate these changes into the One Seattle plan.
