MONDAY: Downtown hearing for West Seattle 3-lots-into-18 subdivision proposal on SW Holden

IMG_4318
(WSB photo)

Almost four years after an 18-house development proposal surfaced in the city permit system for the site above – now identified as 2768 SW Holden [map], previously 2646 SW Holden – there’s an “open-record hearing” downtown tomorrow morning. (We first mentioned it a month ago.) This has to do with splitting the site, currently on record as three lots, into 18, before the homes are built. The hearing is for anyone with something to say about the proposal and is set for the city Hearing Examiner‘s chambers starting at 9 am Monday, 40th floor of the city Municipal Tower downtown (700 5th Avenue). The project has been making its way through the city system since a “site plan” was filed in summer of 2012; the 18-house plan passed “streamlined design review” in early 2013, and other key approvals were granted in 2014.

The site stretches across more than one and a half acres between SW Holden and SW Webster, with one house remaining on the site (barely visible in our photo above). It had been on and off the market for a while and records show it sold within the past month for $2.2 million, not far below its previous asking price, to Jabooda Properties, an LLC with Mercer Island and Renton addresses. Neighbors have voiced concerns along the way including traffic, noise, and drainage effects; each house is planned with a two-car garage, and the subdivision entrance/exit will be from SW Holden. City planners’ report recommending approval is here.

10 Replies to "MONDAY: Downtown hearing for West Seattle 3-lots-into-18 subdivision proposal on SW Holden"

  • Mike June 27, 2016 (7:14 am)

    18 houses on 1.5 acres?  Seriously?  Those are some really skinny units.

  • AMD June 27, 2016 (7:40 am)

    Reading the paperwork, the lots will vary in size but still average just over 4000sf.  It’s not huge, but it’s not an uncommonly small lot size for West Seattle either.  The drawing shows lots about as wide as the existing lots adjoining the development, they just have less back yard.

  • john June 27, 2016 (7:57 am)

    AMD is correct.  Hundreds of homes in West Seattle have lots considerably less than the ‘required’ 5,000 square feet of the SF 5000 Zoning. 

    Without  any challenge, lots of 3,750 square feet are allowed.  Currently, lots with at least 2,500 square feet can be developed.

    • KM June 28, 2016 (1:52 am)

      Absolutely. I am on 4,000, my neighbor behind me is around 3,000. Both of our lots have green space, outdoor storage and outdoor living/porches. Ours has a rain garden and cistern, garden beds and a fruit tree. I couldn’t imagine taken care of anything larger. These “small” lots can be great for those looking for them.

  • Evan Smith June 27, 2016 (9:31 am)

    I’m at this hearing right now, along with two guys representing the applicant. The planner involved with the project is no longer working on it, or no longer with the city. Now I’m just sitting here, waiting for her supervisor to show up. I can’t stay past 10. What a joke.

    • WSB June 27, 2016 (10:28 am)

      I am sorry to hear that. I try to cover most Hearing Examiner proceedings in West Seattle cases but a story interview kept me from leaving the peninsula this morning. I hope they still took your testimony for the record.

  • RC June 27, 2016 (12:16 pm)

    It’s all a joke.

  • Melissa Huelsman June 27, 2016 (2:16 pm)

    Evan – I have been writing in in opposition to this for years, as have my neighbors that will be affected by this horror. I recently sent an email to the City person on the public notices including a public records request but no response. I couldn’t attend the hearing as I am out of town. I would love to talk to you about what happened after you waited because this thing needs to be stopped for a number of reasons. Can you talk any time soon? 

  • MsD June 27, 2016 (11:56 pm)

    Good on you both for trying.  I faithfully attended the design review meetings for the 4 multi-family projects permitted for construction at the same time on my block.  Now into the second year of construction and having witnessed and reported myriad violations to no avail, I’m left to assume that the City of Seattle cares about nothing at all other than greenlighting and walking away from any and all development projects brought before them.  Sorry for all of you who’ll have to endure this mess.  Based on my experience, no matter what happens, you will get no help from the City and have no recourse.

  • John June 28, 2016 (9:17 am)

    “this thing needs to be stopped for a number of reasons.”

    Can you give a few examples?

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