FOLLOWUP: City goes public with its new development map

Three weeks ago, we noted the city Department of Planning and Development‘s announcement that a development-tracking map was in the works. Today, the map has gone public.


(Screengrab from DPD’s ‘Shaping Seattle’ map)
It’s called “Shaping Seattle,” and you can click any dot on the map to see aspects of a project that’s in or has gone through Design Review, including the most-recent design proposal, a timeline of meetings and decisions, and how to comment on the project. We just spun through what it shows for West Seattle and noted a few glitches – a project you see on the map might be active, or stalled, or even already built, and that won’t be readily obvious unless you follow the development files day in and day out (one example of “stalled,” 2310 California SW), so be sure to read the fine print and check the dates. But take a look for yourself by going here. This comes eight months after a private technologist, Ethan Phelps-Goodman, created something similar, Seattle In Progress; we talked with him recently and he’s continuing to refine and add on to what he’s created.

8 Replies to "FOLLOWUP: City goes public with its new development map"

  • Joe Szilagyi July 21, 2015 (3:47 pm)

    It would be neat if you could ‘subscribe’ to a project or even a zip code perhaps (or some other area designation) for email updates for things.

    • WSB July 21, 2015 (3:55 pm)

      I don’t know what DPD has in the works but Ethan either has the “subscribe” feature or is working on it for SIP – I haven’t had a chance to review his upgrades since talking with him about a week ago. – TR

  • Coleman July 21, 2015 (5:36 pm)

    Nice site. Very imforative. Intristing that all the like 80+ unit buildings have like 5 parking spaces. Glad I don’t live in the junction. Its going to turn into cap hill or fremont with no parking what so ever.

  • Sna July 21, 2015 (5:45 pm)

    I wonder why the project at 1300 harbor ave (old Alki Tavern) isn’t listed

    • WSB July 21, 2015 (6:27 pm)

      Good question. It’s actually 1307 Harbor, but it still isn’t on the map with that or any other address. While it’s been more than a year since its Early Design Guidance meeting, the project still appears to be active; the deepest section of the DPD files available online show a variety of documents *just* submitted, so I’m betting its next round of Design Review is coming up soon.

  • anon July 21, 2015 (6:39 pm)

    Joe S. – you can sign up to get email updates from the Seattle in Progress website. I signed up at least 6 months ago and I get them periodically. The email covers new projects throughout Seattle though and you can’t narrow down by zipcode or anything. There are links to full design review packets in the emails.

  • Mark J July 22, 2015 (10:43 am)

    I too noticed the lack of completeness of the map. Definitely take it with a grain of salt.

    It is nice to see, however, that there is a feedback link on the site. It’s possible to report a problem, such as a development not listed as expected, there.

  • Diane July 22, 2015 (12:34 pm)

    sure would be nice/fair, more appropriate if the city at least offered to hire Ethan to make this map state-of-the-art; I will support Ethan who premiered this concept long before the city

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