Showing posts with label housing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label housing. Show all posts

AG Ferguson: Foreclosure moratorium ended July 31, free counseling available statewide for at-risk homeowners

Saturday, August 21, 2021

OLYMPIA — After the federal foreclosure moratorium ended on July 31, 2021 Attorney General Bob Ferguson is offering guidance and resources to Washington homeowners about the availability of housing counseling services. 

Ferguson is encouraging homeowners need to act now to learn what post-forbearance options they may have based on the type of loan they have. Housing counselors can assist homeowners to navigate new federal rules and assistance programs that take effect at the end of August to help people keep their homes.

Homeowners may need help understanding their mortgage documents or what options they have before talking to their mortgage servicer. The Washington Homeownership Resource Center offers free or low-cost resources, including housing counseling, at https://www.homeownership-wa.org/ or by calling 1-877-894-HOME (4663).

New Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) rules that take effect August 31 will require servicers to offer more post-forbearance options to homeowners. For some homeowners, these options could include:
  • Apply to have their loan interest rate reduced
  • Extend the term of their loan
  • Reduce their monthly paymentsServicers that fail to comply could be in violation of Washington’s Consumer Protection Act, which the Attorney General’s Office enforces.

“There are now many options available to homeowners in need of assistance so they don’t lose their homes,” Ferguson said. “Homeowners experiencing financial difficulties should contact a home counselor for free today. People have expanded options to get the assistance they need.”

Read more here



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Health Through Housing: King county purchases three properties including one in North Seattle for homeless housing

Friday, July 30, 2021

The former Extended Stay America in North Seattle is located at 13300 Stone Ave N and contains 131 units. King County previously announced another acquisition of a former Holiday Inn Express on Aurora Ave N earlier this month. Photo courtesy King County.


King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the county’s plans to purchase its sixth, seventh, and eighth Health Through Housing properties for a total of $96 million today at a press conference in Seattle. Together the properties now under purchase and sale agreements will soon provide housing for up to 313 people experiencing homelessness.

The agreements announced today are for the purchase of the former Extended Stay America in Federal Way for $23 million, a brand-new apartment building, Canton Lofts, in Pioneer Square for $32 million, and the former Extended Stay America in North Seattle for $41 million

With other purchases already announced, King County is positioned to welcome almost 850 chronically homeless people off the streets and into their new homes before this winter.

"For too long, we’ve let process stand in the way of progress, and with our regional partners across King County we have acted swiftly to purchase the first eight Health Through Housing properties, a substantial step forward in our regional solution to chronic homelessness," said Executive Constantine. 
"Two months ago I announced the first purchase for Health through Housing, and with today’s announcement we’ll soon have 850 new supportive housing units ready to serve our community before this winter, and up to 1600 by the end of next year."

See more here



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King County purchases Auburn hotel for Health Through Housing

Friday, July 23, 2021

County Executive Dow Constantine and Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus
Photo courtesy King County

King County has purchased the former Clarion Inn in Auburn, the fifth hotel purchase through the Health through Housing Initiative. 

King County Executive Dow Constantine joined Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus and other guests at a news conference today to announce the $11.8 million purchase of the hotel, which will soon provide housing for up to 102 people experiencing homelessness.

"With this acquisition another 100 people will be able to come in off the street, as this partnership with Mayor Backus and Auburn will set another piece of the puzzle to ending chronic homelessness in King County," said Executive Constantine. 
"Our approach is straightforward - practical and humane - and we’re thrilled to be able to offer more people in South King County the chance at a fresh start. We’re thankful to the City of Auburn and the Auburn business community for stepping up to help people out of homelessness and into a clean, safe, dignified place of their own - with the support to stay housed."

"We are excited by the opportunity this facility creates to support Auburn’s unsheltered community and bridge the gap for our region’s permanent supportive housing needs," said Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus. "We look forward to working closely with the county as we move forward in determining a service provide that can best meet the needs of the residents at this location."

The former Clarion Inn in Auburn is located at 9 16th Street Northwest and is conveniently located near transportation options and other services. It was constructed in 1998 and contains 102 units.

The Health through Housing program provides people experiencing, and at risk of, chronic homelessness with safe, single-room housing. The building will serve initially as emergency supportive housing and will later be converted to permanent supportive housing.

In addition to a room to call their own, the hotel will offer residents 24/7 staffing and onsite supports to help very vulnerable people regain health and stability. A competitive process will determine the onsite service provider before the facility is operational later this year.

As with all Health through Housing initiative hotel purchases, King County worked closely with local leaders to complete the purchase, coordinating with leaders from the city of Auburn.



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New program will help house King county veterans

Friday, July 16, 2021

The first veteran has already been enrolled in the program. Photo courtesy King County.

To increase utilization of federal housing vouchers to house more local Veterans, King County, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the King County Housing Authority have joined forces to develop a pioneering new program to aid local Veterans.
 
The Collaborative Case Management (CCM) Pilot Program will combine the power of VA and their federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers, the expertise of the King County Veterans Program social services staff, and housing units coordinated through the King County Housing Authority to help Veterans experiencing homelessness connect to safe and stable housing.

"King County is proud to join our partners at the VA and the King County Housing Authority to maximize federal and local assistance to house veterans and their families," said King County Executive Dow Constantine. 
"Working together, we are creating housing and supportive services so that every Veteran returning to King County after serving our country can secure a safe and stable home."


"Nobody who serves in our military, risking their lives to defend us and our country, should experience homelessness," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough

"That’s why we worked with King County to create the Collaborative Case Management Pilot program, which will maximize our capacity to help local Veterans obtain and maintain the stable housing they have earned. I hope this collaboration can serve as a nationwide model for preventing and ending Veterans homelessness, and VA looks forward to implementing similar partnerships in communities across America."



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King county purchases hotel in Redmond for housing for people experiencing homelessness

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Silver Cloud Inn in Redmond purchased for
permanent housing for people who are homeless
King County has just completed its fourth hotel purchase through the #HealthThroughHousing Initiative. 

What was formerly known as the Silver Cloud Inn in Redmond will soon become 144 units of permanent housing for King County residents experiencing chronic homelessness.

Across King County, communities are stepping up to the challenge of addressing chronic homelessness.

County Executive Dow Constantine said "I’m thankful to Mayor Angela Birney and the City of Redmond, Washington for bringing this vision to life for the people of this region."

Previously the county purchased The Holiday Inn in North Seattle (see article)



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King county purchases former Holiday Inn for supportive housing for chronically homeless

Friday, July 9, 2021

Holiday Inn purchased for homeless housing
Photo courtesy King County
King County has completed the purchase of its third property in the Health through Housing Initiative, the former Holiday Inn Express and Suites North Seattle, adding an additional 99 units of supportive housing for the chronically homeless.

"We're glad to be able to partner with the City of Seattle on the County's third hotel purchase to help our most vulnerable residents regain health and stability," said Executive Constantine. 
"Health through Housing is a powerful tool to change people's lives, helping them off the street and into a safe and secure place to call home."

The hotel, located at 14115 Aurora Ave N in North Seattle, was constructed in 2001 and contains 99 units and sits on approximately 1.91 acres. The site has one building and parking areas for residents.

The hotel will provide housing for people experiencing chronic or long-term homelessness, along with 24/7 onsite staffing that will include case management and access to physical and behavioral health services. A competitive process will determine the onsite service provider before the facility is operational later this year

"The coronavirus pandemic and recent record-breaking heat have exposed the critical link between health and housing," said Rep. Cindy Ryu. 
"The partnership between the state, King County, city governments, and local residents to urgently deliver permanent supportive housing through the purchase of properties like the former Holiday Inn Express on Aurora Avenue is one of the most exciting advancements in our efforts to reduce homelessness. 
"This property is perfectly suited to provide housing stability and wraparound services for health and wellbeing."

As with all purchases pursued through the Health through Housing Initiative, King County has worked closely with local leaders, coordinating with the City of Seattle. King County has previously purchased two hotels in the Health through Housing initiative, a former extended stay hotel in Renton with 110 units, and the Inn at Queen Anne with 80 units.

The $17.5 million purchase price of the hotel was funded by the Health through Housing initiative that dedicates one tenth of a cent of sales tax revenues for the purchase of hotels, motels and other single room settings for use as emergency and permanent supportive housing for people experiencing chronic and long-term homelessness in King County.

The King County Council approved the initiative and the implementation of the funding. The sales tax was made possible by the Washington State Legislature by creating a dedicated fund source to help in addressing the crisis of homelessness.



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Affordable housing summit

Friday, July 2, 2021

Photo courtesy NUHSA
On June 11, 2021 NUHSA (North Urban Human Services Alliance), in partnership with Housing Development Consortium, Cedar River Consulting Group and ARCH, hosted the North King and Snoqualmie Valley Sub-regional Collaboration on Affordable Housing.
 
With over 40 mayors, city councilmembers, planning commissioners and city staff in attendance, conversation focused on how to better support interjurisdictional collaboration to shape policies and programs that increase development of affordable housing. 

A summary of the results of a city-by-city housing needs assessment was presented, along with a case study of the Together Center and discussion of the key ingredients cities (and staff) need to successfully foster development. 

With the need for affordable housing at an all-time high, cities are at a critical juncture in ensuring housing stability. 

Thanks to King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski for key remarks - and for his significant leadership and support for this project!

--NUHSA



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Inslee issues housing stability ‘bridge’ proclamation

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Gov. Jay Inslee Tuesday issued a housing stability “bridge” emergency order, Proclamation 21-09, which he said is intended to bridge the operational gap between the eviction moratorium (which will expire at 11:59pm on June 30, 2021,) enacted by prior proclamations and the protections and programs subsequently enacted by the Washington State Legislature.

The bridge, which was initially announced last week, will also reduce uncertainty as the state implements post-COVID long-term housing recovery strategies contained in legislative enactments such as SB 5160. 

The bill, passed by the Legislature earlier this year, creates new tenant protections, provides legal representation for indigent tenants in eviction cases, establishes an eviction resolution pilot program for nonpayment of rent cases statewide, and creates rental assistance programs.

“COVID has created a significant economic impact on our state and many Washingtonians are still experiencing financial hardships,” Inslee said. “This bridge creates reasonable steps that will help ensure that renters have the opportunity to receive support and resources available to them and that the Legislature intended to be in place to help both landlords and tenants.”

Recent legislative actions include appropriating an additional $650 million for landlord and tenant rental assistance and also establishing certain programs, like the eviction resolution pilot program, which were intended to be in place after the eviction moratorium ends. However, the funding has not yet been disbursed and these programs are not yet operational statewide.

In response to this unintended gap, Inslee’s proclamation requires, among other things, that:

  • Landlords and tenants avail themselves of rental assistance and eviction resolution pilot programs pursuant to SB 5160 to resolve any COVID-related past due rent (Feb. 29, 2020 through July 31, 2021);
  • Tenants take steps to pay rent or avail themselves of rental assistance in order to pay future rent (beginning Aug. 1, 2021 throughout the effective dates of this order);
  • For any tenant who is or becomes in arrears, landlords offer a reasonable repayment plan to tenants per SB 5160; and
  • Tenants respond to notice of funding and other available programs within the timeframes established by SB 5160.

In short, an eviction for non-payment of past-due rent is not permitted until such time as the resources and programs established by the Legislature are in place and operational, and eviction for non-payment of future rent (Aug. 1, 2021 through Sept.30, 2021) is not permitted if the tenant has demonstrably taken action to pay rent, Inslee said. 

Evictions for other reasons allowed under state law are permitted.

In addition, although late fees are prohibited, rent increases are permitted as provided under state law.
Finally, the non-traditional and other transient housing previously covered by the eviction moratorium are not included in this order, including hotels/motels, Airbnbs, and camping areas.

The governor’s order is effective July 1, 2021 and remains in effect until 11:59pm on September 30, 2021.



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Lake Forest Park Accessory Dwelling Unit survey

Sunday, June 20, 2021

Accessory dwelling unit
The Lake Forest Park Planning Commission is currently reviewing our City's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) code to determine if changes to this code could benefit our community more.

We have created this survey to gather input from you. 

Note, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a small, self-contained residential unit or apartment located on the same lot as an existing single-family home.

An ADU may be created as a separate unit within an existing home (such as in an attic or basement); an attached addition to the home (such as a separate apartment unit with separate entrance); or in a separate, detached structure on the lot (such as a converted garage).

Please click on the link below and submit your completed survey by June 30. 




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King County Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Program opens for enrollment

Sunday, June 13, 2021


King County has started the next round of the Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Program (EPRAP). The program helps people experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 and are at risk of housing instability or homelessness.

The Tenant Pool is now open for individuals or households needing rental assistance. All tenants must qualify independently for assistance.

If you need rental assistance due to COVID-19 hardships, visit the King County Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Program webpage and apply.

Funds for EPRAP are an allocation of the Federal Coronavirus Response, American Rescue Plan and is expected to include funds from the Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act funds. Funding guidelines are established by the Department of Treasury and Washington State Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act.


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King County launches $145 million Rent Assistance Program to prevent evictions and homelessness

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Households throughout King County who have fallen one or more months behind in rent due to unemployment, lost wages and health crises as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for $145 million in rental assistance from King County.

To help those residents, King County is partnering with local property owners and managers to implement a new Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program launching today that will offer payments for back rent, utility expenses and even future rent obligations for those struggling to get back on their feet financially.

"The sudden economic upheaval from the pandemic threatened the ability of thousands of our friends and neighbors to keep a roof over their heads last year, and King County was able to help more than 9,000 families," said Executive Constantine. 
"Expanding rental assistance now will help three times more people who are still in need - working with tenants, landlords, and trusted community partners - and King County is ready to help keep families in their homes."

Read more here



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Echo Lake Neighborhood Association meeting Tuesday on Homeless to Housed

Tuesday, May 18, 2021


The Echo Lake Neighborhood Association (ELNA) meets on zoom Tuesday evening, May 18, 2021 at 7pm. The program will feature speakers on two projects on Aurora which will house people who are homeless or in danger of being homeless.

ELNA covers the area bounded by Aurora, N/NE 205th, I-5, and N/NE 185th. All who live or work in the area are considered as members.

ELNA meets on the third Tuesday of the month from January to June and September to November. Summer activities are held in July and August.



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New development brings affordable housing options to Shoreline - the 192 Shoreline Apartments

Monday, May 17, 2021

This building will be replaced with a seven-story affordable rents apartment building
Photo from Google maps

By Diane Hettrick

The property on the southeast corner of 192nd and Aurora has been through several dramatic changes over the years.

Previously owned by the Pearson family, for 25 years it was the site of the Sure-Fit mattress company, building and selling mattress from its 27,000 square foot building.

The mattress factory closed and the building, empty for a time, was leased to locally owned Aurora Rents while they built their new three story building on their property at 175th and Aurora.

It was empty again until 2013 when it was leased to the Rat City Roller Derby - Shoreline's first and only professional sports team.

Suddenly, Shoreline was full of roller derby fans. Rat City used the building, which they named The Rat's Nest, for practices, for exhibition matches, B and C team matches, and for the Derby Brats girls' teams. Jet City Roller Derby from Everett used the building for their matches.

Lance Neubauer's gym Get Strong First had a separate space in the building.

The property is triangular, fronting on Aurora. The hillside behind the property belongs to Seattle City Light. The Interurban Trail is visible beyond that. Google maps.

In March of 2018, the Trent Development Group bought the property and announced plans for The Crux, a six-story 244-unit apartment building. The design included a large space for Neubauer's gym, but Rat City had to find new quarters.

The Crux was to break ground in 2019 and be completed in 2021. New owners tried unsuccessfully to find a new space for Rat City. In March of 2019 Rat City left for temporary quarters provided by the Seattle Parks department.

Lance Neubauer is very happy with his new gym space in the back half of the Subway Sandwich building just off Aurora at 185th and is in full operation with all COVID-19 protocols observed.

In March of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic closed everything down. Financial arrangements changed, based on assessment of risks. Some deals were able to go forward, as witness all the townhouse construction in Shoreline, but many fell by the wayside.

Today there is new life for this property. 

New owners TWG (www.twgdev.com), are a real estate development company specializing in commercial, market rate, affordable, and senior housing developments.

They have announced the start of a new affordable housing development in Shoreline: 192 Shoreline Apartments.

Construction on 192 Shoreline is expected to commence mid-2021, and is projected to be completed by mid-2023.

192 Shoreline will offer affordably priced living spaces for residents earning less than 50% of the county’s area median income.

Located at 19022 Aurora Ave., 192 Shoreline will be a seven-story housing development featuring 250 units ranging from studios to four-bedroom apartments.

Among other features, 192 Shoreline will include a community facility for the services and co-ownership partner Alpha Supported Living Services, a local nonprofit organization that has been providing support to individuals and families living with developmental disabilities for nearly five decades.

“Partnering with TWG will help us create a new space to continue supporting the needs of our clients and their families,” said Scott Livengood, CEO of Alpha Supported Living Services. 
“Our community facility within Shoreline will allow us to reach more individuals and maximize each person’s quality of life.”

192 Shoreline was designed considering neighborhood connections and high-green building values.

“Twenty percent of the total units are reserved for large households with four or more people and the properties are pet friendly,” said Megan Adams, development director focused on Washington and Oregon for TWG. 
“Not only are we looking forward to expanding our presence in the Seattle market, but we are honored to be partnering with a local nonprofit that has served King County communities for decades: Alpha Supported Living Services.”

To learn more about TWG and its properties, visit www.twgdev.com or follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.



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New residents settle in at The Oaks enhanced shelter

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Photo courtesy Lake City Partners

Director Melanie Neufeld reports that 16 people moved in to rooms at the North King County Enhanced Shelter aka The Oaks on April 1, 2021.

Two of the residents were outside, enjoying the sunshine in the courtyard.

"They were all so grateful for the privacy of their own rooms and large spaces outdoors!"

The Oaks belongs to King county and was purchased with money from the Department of Commerce. It is run by the Lake City Partners.



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North King County Enhanced Shelter opens

Friday, April 2, 2021

The reception area at the shelter the day before it opened
Photo courtesy King county

King County councilmember Rod Dembowski and County Executive Dow Constantine, toured the Lake City Partners new shelter at 16357 Aurora Avenue on March 31st ahead of its April 1st opening. They were joined by City of Shoreline and King County Housing Authority representatives. The shelter will support 60 individuals, prioritizing those experiencing homelessness in the City of Shoreline.

On April 1, Lake City Partners began providing services at the North King County Enhanced Shelter in Shoreline. 

Located in the former Oaks Nursing Home located at 16357 Aurora Avenue N, the Enhanced Shelter will provide 24/7 shelter services for up to 60 individuals when fully operational. 

The City of Shoreline and Lake City Partners (LCP) worked in partnership with King County and King County Housing Authority (KCHA) to quickly turn the former nursing home into an enhanced shelter to help address an unmet need for a 24/7 shelter in North King County.

Its prior use as a nursing home makes the facility particularly well suited to provide a safe housing option. Separate rooms are the best way to protect both residents and staff from spreading COVID or other airborne illness. In addition, individual rooms provide privacy and security for residents as they work to stabilize their health and find permanent housing.

An enhanced shelter is a particular type of emergency shelter that serves individuals seven days a week around the clock. It recognizes that individuals need to have safe and stable shelter to effectively address the challenges preventing long-term housing stability. Access to the shelter will be based on an individual’s ability to maintain behaviors that are safe in a community setting. 

The Shelter will also provide case management, meals, hygiene, health services, and laundry. Drug and alcohol use will not be allowed in the facility. Local first responders; social service agencies in Shoreline and North King County; and outreach staff employed by the program will refer individuals to the facility once it is fully operational.

Rod Dembowski and Dow Constantine tour the new facility
Photo courtesy King county

 
King County Executive Dow Constantine, King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, and staff from Shoreline and KCHA toured the facility on March 31. Lake City Partners began moving in approximately 20 individuals from their winter shelter program on April 1. LCP will not operate the Shelter at full capacity for several weeks as it ramps up operations.

“A former nursing home in Shoreline has new life and a new purpose as it opens to bring indoors 60 people in North King County who are currently experiencing homelessness,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. 
“This extraordinary collaboration with the City of Shoreline ensures that guests not only find a safe place to sleep in a room of their own, but they can also connect to the onsite services they need to rebuild health and stability. ”


“We are committed to taking on the challenge of homelessness in our community,” stated Shoreline Mayor Will Hall. “We believe this shelter can provide a much needed service for our community while also being a good neighbor.”

“I want to express my deep gratitude to Lake City Partners, the City of Shoreline, the King County Housing Authority and our own Department of Community and Human Services,” said King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski. 
“We came together in a tremendous partnership to take care of the most vulnerable in our community. This housing will save lives and represents the best in community action to solve our most pressing local challenge.”

“KCHA is delighted to partner with King County, the City of Shoreline and Lake City Partners on this critical project,” said Stephen Norman, Executive Director King County Housing Authority. “This is one of a number of efforts we are participating in across the county. It is more essential now than ever that safe shelter and an adequate supply of permanent affordable housing be available in our community.”

"Pre-Covid, people relied on coffee shops, libraries, faith-based and other public spaces as well as shelter and other homeless services to find a sense of community, warmth, and shared experience,” stated Melanie Neufeld, Director of Lake City Partners. 
“This last year has been extremely difficult with no place to go. After this experience of isolation - something that we can all relate to –we are so grateful to be able to welcome 60 single adults and couples into a warm space where they won't be told they have to leave at a certain time, can have their own privacy, and start to feel human again/part of community again."

 

One of the rooms at the enhanced shelter
Photo courtesy King county

KCHA provided the interim funding to purchase the property for use in the near-term as a 24/7 enhanced shelter. King County will provide the long-term acquisition financing and has a long-term plan to redevelop the property for permanent supportive housing.

Operational funding for the enhanced shelter will come largely from King County through a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce. The City will provide additional operational funding.

Lake City Partners will operate the program. This organization, formed out of a neighborhood task force beginning in 2007, has coordinated a winter shelter for the last five years. 

Since 2018, they have partnered with the City to provide homeless outreach services and have supported the operation of the severe weather shelter in Shoreline the past two winters. 

Lake City Partners works with a network of more than 600 volunteers including members of the faith community, social service organizations, homeless advocates, governmental agencies, and neighbors to provide shelter and housing navigation services to help bring stability to individuals facing homelessness.

Updated financial information 4-6-2021



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Notes from Shoreline council meeting March 22, 2021

Friday, March 26, 2021

Pam Cross, reporter
Shoreline City Council Meeting
March 22, 2021

Notes by Pam Cross

Mayor Hall called the remote meeting to order at 7:00pm.

Councilmember McGlashan was excused for personal reasons.

Mayor Hall made the following statement on behalf of the Council to the Community:

Over the past year we’ve seen an alarming increase in reports of anti-Asian hate crimes and bias incidents, both locally and nationally. Last week we were all horrified to see the murder of eight people at Asian owned businesses in Atlanta. Six of those killed were Asian women who were working to try to support their families. 

All members of the Shoreline City Council absolutely condemn all acts of hate and violence. No one should ever be subjected to threats or physical or psychological harm because of their race or ethnicity. It is our collective responsibility as a community to fight hate in all forms.

So we stand in solidarity with Asians, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders against all forms of racism, harassment and discrimination.We are committed to upholding anti-racist values so that all residents here feel safe, respected and belonging in this community.


Approval of the Agenda

Agenda adopted by unanimous consent.

Report of the City Manager, presented by John Norris, Acting City Manager


COVID UPDATE

While cases are significantly lower than they were in the winter, King County cases have now plateaued with a slight increase in ages 20 to 39. The good news is the number of cases in those 65+ have declined sharply as that age group receives vaccinations. Mutated strains have been detected in King County and have been increasing each week.

Washington is one of the safest states in the country. So there is a real need for people to remain vigilant.


Shoreline has had great numbers in the past 15 days thanks to the efforts of our residents.


The State has moved back to countywide phasing instead of regional phasing. The entire state is now in Phase 3.

The next evaluation for King County is April 12th.

Please continue to protect our community:
  • Wear a face covering, especially indoors in public settings regardless of the distance between people.
  • Wash or sanitize your hands regularly.
  • Maintain six (6) feet of distance, indoors and outdoors.
  • Outdoor gatherings with a limit of 15 people from only two households.
  • Get tested at the first sign of illness. Then please stay home. Don’t go to work and don’t go out in public if you’re not feeling well.
  • It is always safest to stay at home.
City Hall remains closed to the public. Most services can be accessed online, by phone, or by drop off. For more information visit shorelinewa.gov/remoteservices

COVID-19 Vaccinations

Go to the DOH vaccine page for the most up-to date information on eligibility and locations providing vaccines. Supply has increased so appointments should be easier to schedule.

Not sure if you qualify? Go to FindYourPhaseWA.org

Open House: Sidewalks Project


Public Reminders

PRCS/Tree Board will hold a remote meeting on Thursday, March 25 at 7:00PM

Council Reports

Councilmember Chang attended two transportation-related meetings:

King County Regional Transit Committee Meeting. Metro service guidelines continue to be discussed regarding what restructuring means for the North End.

Puget Sound Regional Council Transit Oriented Development Committee meeting. The Committee voted to restructure so that it becomes an advisory board.

Public Comment (written comments available on line)

Jackie Kurle, Shoreline, encourages more specificity and monitoring in the area around the enhanced shelter. It would be beneficial to both the residents and the surrounding community.

Approval of the Consent Calendar

Consent Calendar approved unanimously by roll call vote.

Action Item 8(a) Appointment of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services/Tree Board Members

Presentation by Colleen Kelly, RCCS Director

Application for the positions was open for about two weeks. The number of applicants was most appreciated, but it made it a very difficult decision. A lot of people were interested in volunteering for these positions. There were 29 applications.

A subcommittee consisting of Councilmembers Chang, Roberts and Robertson read all the applications. They pared it down to 12 to interview. From the 12 they had to select four. It took hours, and they stated that they were impressed with the qualifications of all of the applicants.

Term is for four years.


VOTE

Agreed by unanimous vote 6-0

Study Item 9(a) Discussion of the Housing Action Plan (HAP)

Development of a HAP will help to implement City Council Goal 1: Strengthen Shoreline’s economic climate and opportunities. The Council goals include an action step of:

“Encourage affordable housing development in Shoreline and engage the community to determine which additional housing types and policies may be appropriate for Shoreline and codify standards for selected styles.”

Presentation by Nora Gierloff, Planning Manager

Elliot Weiss from Community Attributes, consultant on this project, is also available to answer questions.

We have been working on this project for about a year.


The Housing Action Plan consists of three components:

Housing Needs Assessment. We look at what we have now and what we are likely to need in the future.

Shoreline is currently 65% wealthier single-family homeowners and 35% low to median income renters. The up zones around the two light rail stations have spurred townhouse development, but we’re not seeing many condominiums being constructed. Three-quarters of new units are studio or one-bedroom rental apartments. The owner/renter balance is rapidly changing so they could be equal numbers within 5 years.

Regulatory Review. Analysis of our existing plans and policies.

Housing Toolkit and Action Plan. What are the things we’re doing, what are the tools that we might want to consider, and what is a prioritized subset of those tools that we can look at moving forward.

Our outreach to the community, that had to be done differently because of COVID, resulted in the following action plan priorities


75% of renters reported always or sometimes having difficulty paying for their housing, while only 20% of homeowners reported similar challenges.

We asked what missing housing would you like to see in Shoreline


As a result, and taking into account cost and effort (requiring significant staff and consultant time) we developed a Housing Toolkit Priority list.


This is as far as we could bring it without the regional guidance from King County. That was delayed due to COVID. Countywide Planning Policies should be available mid 2021. The Housing Action Plan will act as a background report.

DISCUSSION

Can you expand a little on the “missing middle” solutions, other than cottage housing?

Reply: some of those are defining a different type of housing. For example, a duplex or triplex designed to appear as a single family home. We need to look into the code regarding setbacks and lot coverage standards. It would take some effort to actually implement it.

If we adopt this, are we approving all of these housing plans?

Reply: Our goal was to give you a prioritized subset of actions. It is just a basis of things to consider over the next several years.

We spent a long time discussing the up zones in the light rail areas. Are MUR zones considered part of the “missing middle”?

Reply: MURs provide housing density between single family homes and large apartment buildings but people are referring to some more innovative housing types.

We concentrated density around the station areas, while preserving the feeling of single family home living in Shoreline. But these ideas are all about densifying R6. We can preserve single family feeling only with a few of these ideas.

I share concerns about keeping owner occupied as high as possible. We’re getting to 50/50 owners/renters. I think we need ownership as high as possible, because it provides some stability and a stronger neighborhood identity.

Cottage homes give the experience of single family home ownership without the size. They can fit into single family home neighborhoods. There is more interest in them than there used to be. Shoreline had some good ones and some bad ones. We need to look at it so we get it right this time.

Townhomes are addressing the “missing middle” in the station areas. We don’t need multifamily in SFH (single family homes) neighborhoods. Cottage housing is OK because a lot of work went into that. Cottage housing went through a long discussion over years. Although the final plan was not adopted, this would be a good time to look at it again. Don’t see need for new duplex/triplex in SFH right now.

Aging in place has become a bigger issue. Maybe ADU’s will make it more affordable to stay in your home. Studying this is a good idea.

This represents a lot of good work and gives us a lot to think about. This is the tip of the iceberg of what will come next in increasing our housing supply.

In the report, if we’re going to prioritize strategies, then the action steps should follow the prioritization schedule for more consistency and readability.

Some of the challenges are not as big as we might think. Many of the challenges, such as missing middle housing, have been addressed by other cities in the region, or even nationally. Other cities have developed some good policies that will help us develop this as we move forward.

There is very helpful information in the report. I have some concerns with the list of action steps, and I don’t want to endorse all of them. We have limited resources and there are a lot of things we want to do with housing throughout the City (obsolete zoning on Aurora, MUR 70 zones, ground floor commercial) so I’m hesitant to adopt a whole list of things that may not be as important. Do the action steps have to be adopted by Council? Or can we adopt the rest of the report up to that point, and the action steps be something we evolve with on an annual basis?

Reply: It could be short, medium, long term projects. We were just displaying the whole range of options out there.

The action steps need to be narrowed, making the tool kit more of a tool kit, identifying things the Council considers our priorities in the near term. Because a few years from now, priorities might change.

There aren’t a lot of places in Shoreline for first time and down-sizing buyers. The new townhomes are very expensive, and then there are very small apartments. Do we want this to be our future? We need more variety in cost and size.

The problem with innovative housing such as the duplex/triplex idea, is I would need some sense of how many might get built. Do they actually work to create more housing? We could just open the floodgates for ADU’s and cottage housing, but we wouldn’t get many built. There are a lot of other factors that go into putting an ADU in your backyard. And if we look at this in three-years, after multiple challenging community meetings over this, and we end up with a couple dozen ADU’s and a couple dozen Cottage houses, then that’s a fail. I would rather look at what we have now and whether form-based zoning is really a success.

NOTE: A form-based code is a land development regulation that fosters predictable built results and a high-quality public realm by using physical form (rather than separation of uses) as the organizing principle for the code. Form-based codes address the relationship between building facades and the public realm, the form and mass of buildings in relation to one another, and the scale and types of streets and blocks. (from the FBCI Form-Based Codes Institute)

I like cottage housing but it will not solve the problem. Maybe we need to start mandating if incentives aren’t working in MUR70. We need two and three bedroom apartments and affordable units.

We need to know how much housing we are reasonably expected to get from each option.

Incentives like Deep Green actually raise the cost of housing. It is good long term, and good for the environment. Not so great for people who want to buy their first home. We want it to work, but we need to grapple with this.

I don’t understand why cottage housing, duplexes and ADU’s are seen as different types of housing. They are all in the same bucket of small housing units on one piece of property.

One difference between cottage housing and an ADU is the height that is allowed. You are allowed 35’ with an ADU. Cottage housing is 25’ I think. There is a very different feel having a super tall ADU in the middle of a one and two-story neighborhood. You lose the neighborhood feel.

Do we even have any remnant parcels that could be used for added development?

REPLY: there are some in MUR70.

Down the road, we should be looking at short term (vacation) rentals. Now is not the time but we need to have a conversation about this before it gets out of hand. It’s already happening.

We want to increase the housing supply and short term (vacation) rentals take houses out of the supply.

Since we are part of a regional market, there is only so much we can do to control prices. And we’re not getting the volume of units we expected in MUR zones. Also our standards are affecting the cost of housing. We can change some of it, but in MUR70, the cost of development there is driving up costs.

The condominium market needs to mature here in Shoreline. For years liability issues stopped most condo development, except for the most expensive areas in Bellevue and Seattle. Downsizing into a condominium isn’t really possible because there just aren’t that many available. I’m hoping the condo market will mature and we’ll get more ownership in the station areas.

What kind of direction is staff looking for?

Reply: the prioritization list appears to be the problem, there was nothing Council wanted taken completely out. We will focus our efforts on the prioritization list, with a few targeted items for study now. It would be helpful to know what those few targeted items might be.

If we’re adopting this as just a Planning Commission priority list, then ok. But if you want a Council approved priority list, we need lot more discussion of each individual item.

Reply: We started with the housing options, but it got broader. What would help you circle back to the start of this? We can keep as background planning action, for use as a reference document for Council, or else the Council can identify a few items they want to look at as a higher priority.

Council doesn’t want to go into details of the toolkit or debate priorities and options at this time. Let’s leave the toolkit out. Or let it live as a document for staff to use in the future.

Without a lot of data telling us what we’ll get, let’s leave the toolkit in as advisory that we need to keep revisiting. We can pick one or two things in the future that we want to work on.

Don’t think we need to make that decision today. Let’s have that be the central question when we look at it again: do we want a broad toolkit, or a fixed one?

Reply: So I’m hearing that you don’t think the shorter prioritized list is a useful tool for Council at this point. The report could be reframed as a background report. And that workplace items will be evaluated by Council at a different time.

Let’s proceed on that basis.

Meeting adjourned



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Progress made: donated art on the walls at North King County Enhanced Shelter at the Oaks

Thursday, March 18, 2021

In the hallway

Volunteers have hung the donated artworks in the wing of the North King County Enhanced Shelter at the Oaks which will be the first to open.

We will be hanging the rest once we have our feet under us a little more, but it have already made the building so much more life-giving.

Every room has two paintings

Lake Forest Park artist Billy King organized the art donation after he toured the shelter while it was being refurbished. As an artist, he immediately thought that it would be uplifting for people to have beauty around them while they were working to get their lives back together.


In a room

The first collection day they received 150 works of art. So Billy did it again and got more - enough for every room, common area, and hallway.

Grace Helmcke, with Lake City Partners - who are managing the King county-owned shelter - said,

I know I for one am completely humbled by the outpouring of support for our organization and what we are doing!

Because the art is donated by almost 100-200 people, there is amazing variety.



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TRäD Apartments open for preliminary tours in North City

Friday, March 12, 2021

TRäD apartments in North City
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The City of Shoreline will soon welcome its newest residential community, TRäD, bringing 124 new apartment homes to the North City business district on 15th NE just north of NE 175th St. 

Hard hat tours are now available for those interested in a sneak peek at floor plan options and amenity spaces.


TRäD blends minimalist Scandinavian design, popular urban amenities and a cozy sense of community, where residents will be able to participate in activities like neighborhood cleanup events or group day hikes if they choose to. 

Committed to adding value to the Shoreline community, TRäD will also actively work to reduce waste on-site and incentivize residents to give back.

Drawing shows entire length of building
Located on the site of a former residence and a gas station, developers (Evergreen Point Group) invested in cleaning up the site and removing all oil contamination, replacing it with a residential space that focuses on green building.

Apartments range in size from modest studios to spacious two-bedroom floor plans. All feature clean, contemporary finishes including a choice of interior color schemes (birch and ash), quartz kitchen countertops, stainless steel appliances, full-sized washer/dryer and Gigabit fiber internet connectivity. 

Select homes also offer city/mountain views, walk-in closets, kitchen islands and/or breakfast bars, and Juliet balconies.


Residents at TRäD will enjoy modern amenity spaces more commonly found in buildings closer to Downtown Seattle, like a rooftop deck offering spectacular skyline and Cascade mountain views and a 1,000-square-foot, top-of-the-line fitness center.

Located within a mile of the future Shoreline Light Rail stop at 185th, TRäD is equidistant from Seattle and Everett, offering quick connection to either from one central home base.


The community’s leasing team is working to build connections with Shoreline businesses and will serve as a neighborhood concierge, helping residents to find local dining, shopping and activities.

Affordable (MFTE) homes are available for residents meeting the City of Shoreline’s income requirements, and offer all of the same brand new features as market rate homes.

Interested residents can learn more or schedule a tour online at tradapartments.com, or call 206-274-0061.



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Free online presentation: "Seattle: The City Beautiful"

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Free online presentation: 
"Seattle: The City Beautiful"
February 19, 2021
12:00 noon – 1:30pm

The Woman’s Century Club invites you to a free online presentation by local architectural historian and preservationist Lawrence Kreisman.

This talk will cover the fascinating history of the Seattle area’s ambition to be an innovative, beautiful and livable metropolitan area. 

Learn about how tycoons, utopians and the famed Olmsted Brothers put their stamp on the development of neighborhoods, parks, transit and communities such as Lake Forest Park and The Highlands. 

For more details and to register, visit this page of the WCC website: 



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Oaks enhanced shelter in Shoreline: Opening update

Friday, January 29, 2021

Volunteers help to paint the interior
Photo courtesy Lake City Partners
By Donna Hawkey

Melanie Neufeld, Director of Lake City Partners Ending Homelessness, anticipates opening the “Oaks Enhanced Shelter” at 163rd and Aurora Ave by the end of February. 

This is the former 60 room nursing home that was purchased last year in a significant effort to end homelessness in our area. 

Ms. Neufeld states in admirable anticipation that “this will be the first enhanced 24/7 shelter in Shoreline and the entire North end.”  

Twenty rooms are ready. These rooms will be lived in by unhoused people who now participate in their winter shelter.

The Courtyard at The Oaks
Photo courtesy Lake City Partners
There are a total of sixty rooms - starting with twenty as a first step - and they will grow the room availability after they experience this early stage.

Lake City Partners works closely with the City of Shoreline and King County. 

All three groups meet together once per week to maintain a healthy communication flow. 

However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the first opening target date of December 31, 2020, was not met. Currently, King County faces challenges with fire panels and security systems, which they are working to resolve.

Melanie Neufeld, Director of 
Lake City Partners

The process of hiring key staff for the Oaks shelter has begun. Her hiring plans include a lead case manager, outreach and case manager, and support staff. 

Ms. Neufeld reported the shelter status at the recent January 27, 2021 NUHSA (North Urban Human Services Alliance) monthly meeting  

Lake City Partners are recipients of NUHSA’s 2019 Outstanding Human Service Award. NUHSA meets every month and states they are “advocates for human services in North King County (NKC) on behalf of its residents and the agencies that serve them. “

Melanie Neufeld is the Director of Lake City Partners Ending Homelessness and a Minister at Seattle Mennonite Church.  See our previous article for more background.



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