Committee recommends rezoning Fremont Avenue site for 53 low-income housing units

The City of Seattle Land Use Committee convened on April 2, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including the confirmation of appointments and a significant rezone proposal in the Greenwood neighborhood.

The meeting commenced with a motion to recommend the confirmation of appointments numbered 3110 through 3114. The motion received a second, and after a brief discussion, the committee voted unanimously in favor, with three votes supporting the recommendation. This decision will be forwarded to the city council meeting scheduled for April 8, 2025.

Following the confirmation discussion, the committee addressed agenda items six and seven together, which pertained to the application from Encore Architects PLC to rezone a 34,654 square foot site located at 8601 Fremont Avenue North. The proposed change is from single-family zoning (SF 5000) to Low Rise 2, accompanied by a mandatory housing affordability (MHA) suffix. This rezone aims to facilitate the development of 53 low-income housing units.

The committee received a presentation from Mr. Woodson, who outlined the rezone process and highlighted that the site is located in the Greenwood neighborhood. He noted that the rezone is intended to support affordable housing initiatives. The committee discussed the necessary legislative documents, including a clerk file that reflects the findings and recommendations of the hearing examiner.

A minor technical amendment was proposed to remove the mayor's signature line from the council bill, as the rezone is a councilmanic action and does not require the mayor's approval. The committee proceeded to vote on the clerk file, which was moved and seconded, and subsequently approved.

The committee also voted to amend the clerk file to include the findings, conclusions, and decisions of the council, which was again moved and seconded, receiving unanimous support.

In conclusion, the meeting effectively progressed through its agenda, confirming appointments and advancing the rezone proposal aimed at increasing affordable housing in Seattle. The next steps will involve presenting these recommendations to the full city council for further consideration.