64 Replies to "DEVELOPMENT: Early-stage proposal to rezone Fauntleroy site at 9250 45th SW for new 5-story mixed-use building"

• Alyxx B October 30, 2017 (5:09 pm)

  That’s the building across from Endolyne Joe’s that used to be a massage therapist? That would be a good use for that spot, and I hope it includes at least one or two LOWER INCOME friendly units.

  • WSB October 30, 2017 (5:25 pm)

    Yes, it’s the building across from Endolyne Joe’s (WSB sponsor) and several other businesses.

• Ferrygirl October 30, 2017 (5:09 pm)

  32 units and no parking … that makes sense 

  • NSAlki October 30, 2017 (6:09 pm)

    My guess is that the idea there is that the residents won’t need parking and will use transit or bicycles exclusively. Now whether that is actually feasible or will happen remains to be seen.

    • Jort October 30, 2017 (9:40 pm)

      Thankfully, it is feasible! The C Line travels just outside, and there are bike share and car share options all over Seattle!

      It’s easier than ever to live car-free in Seattle! Hooray!

      • Bradley October 31, 2017 (6:42 pm)

        Please. These new tenants will own cars and simply park them on the street in front of their new neighbors’ houses. Building apartments without parking in a residential area should be illegal.

        • Lloyd November 11, 2017 (9:22 am)

          I grew up in that neighborhood; this project will cause FAR less traffic than the commercial establishments across the street or the church and community center a couple of blocks east, let along ferry traffic.  Please, folks it is 32 units, not 320!

• sw October 30, 2017 (5:37 pm)

  No off street parking, in this neighborhood?  That’s extremely short-sighted and disrespectful to the existing businesses and homeowners.  This is not a high density area like the Alaska or Admiral Junctions.  I hope people go out in force to fight the rezoning as this will be devastating to the neighborhood.

• East Coast Cynic October 30, 2017 (5:54 pm)

  Sounds like more diners for Endolyne, but the ones that commute from outside the neighborhood will have a terrible time finding parking since many of those apartment dwellers will potentially take up many of the spaces near the restaurant.

  • ACG October 31, 2017 (12:36 pm)

    EXACTLY!

    Yes, rapid ride runs near there, and some residents may use it. But there will be those that WILL have cars and will be taking up the parking around there. Hopefully the residents of those buildings will be buying LOTS of doughnuts from the bakery and meals from Endolyne and Wildwood to offset those who cannot find parking and choose to eat elsewhere. 

    There are times when that exact scenario has happened to us when trying to visit Endolyne or the Bakery and we’ve had to go find another place to eat so that we could get our elderly family members in and out of the restaurant without having to walk too far of a distance for them. 

    
    

    And the free market that Jort is talking about will happen. We will be reaching the tipping point soon in some neighborhoods where businesses have trouble because there isn’t enough parking and those residents living in these no parking available buildings arent spending enough of their income to keep these businesses flourishing.  

• Julia October 30, 2017 (5:56 pm)

  It makes sense to me. I look forward to new retail in the neighborhood.

• Kc October 30, 2017 (6:17 pm)

  I know that many developers skirt the no parking loop hole by having their project near a bus line. Building are perminate. What assurance do we have that the bus route is as perminate as the building 

  pretty though to re fit for parking after the fact

• dsa October 30, 2017 (6:29 pm)

  Sad, when there *is*  offstreet parking in the photo for the existing use.

• KM October 30, 2017 (6:52 pm)

  The proposal would be a much better use of that space.

• TJ October 30, 2017 (7:26 pm)

  Glad you finally get to join the party Endolyne neighborhood! The Alaska and Morgan Junction welcome you to the club. Sorry, complaints about the neighborhood infrastructure not supporting this are not accepted. I mean, you are on a bus line. Cool, huh. You know, parking, roads, etc. There will be more to come. Our overlords demand this sacrifice of established residents for the all of the new transplants supposedely coming. 

• Millie October 30, 2017 (7:41 pm)

  I’m probably in the minority on this issue, however, why would anyone want to build a five-story structure (residential/business) in a residential area that already has issues with parking and businesses, with the exception of The Original Bakery (yum!) and Endolyne Joe’s, successful.To be honest, I am quite tired of the “same old story – bus line is close, people won’t need a car”.  This morning’s newspaper article regarding the number of new driver’s licenses and vehicle licenses pretty much debunks that theory.  Do we truly have the necessary infrastructure (public utilities, sidewalks) in the area to absorb the additional population?   With the  ferry traffic, residential and transient traffic, traffic here is already horrendous at times.   Let’s attempt to leave, at least, one neighborhood in the City as is!

  • KM October 30, 2017 (8:05 pm)

    With current upzoning proposals citywide, approximately 94% of the city is being left “as is”.

• Dave October 30, 2017 (7:52 pm)

  Sad but I agree with TJ

  now let’s see this happen in the wealthy area of north admiral

  the joy of the development and demise of west Seattle should be equally shared by all regardless of your address, I think a large  multi use no parking on a street like sunset ave  makes as much sense as the other areas being destroyed

  • Wsrez October 31, 2017 (1:58 pm)

    This Endolyne area has just as many wealthy as N Admiral (maybe more in the Brace Point area with waterfront homes). I get what you’re saying but rich is rich is rich. If it’s zoned in N Admiral it will get built just like in Endolyne/Brace Point. Everyone thinks N Admiral is like Medina. It is not. Look at Arroyo Drive for example.

  • Swede. October 31, 2017 (2:05 pm)

    But the profits isn’t high enough in those areas since the land is even more overpriced. (Would still make a profit off course since construction is so bad/cheap.)

    • geographer October 31, 2017 (2:46 pm)

      Construction costs are actually one of the largest impediment to development, currently. Estimates are that hard costs are increasing at a rate of 0.5% per month. It’s why developers are doing their best to reduce the amount of parking included in their projects. 

• Alex October 30, 2017 (8:20 pm)

  It’s election season. Who do I have to vote against to end this ridiculous idea that buildings near bus lines never need parking?

  • The King October 31, 2017 (6:16 am)

    That’s a tough one Alex. They all seem to deal with problems having childlike emotionalism tied to adult problems, making it very hard for them to deal with complex issues. It’s more about how the decision process makes them “feel” with little understanding about the outcome. If you dare have conflicting facts you will be dismissed as a hate mongering sub-human. Good luck. 

• GYSOT October 30, 2017 (9:04 pm)

  No off street parking, The Fauntleroy area has a Restricted Parking Zone $65 per car. 

  • Jordan November 15, 2017 (9:54 am)

    I’d really like to see something passed that says that any residential building with no off-street parking cannot be used as an address for an off-street parking permit.  While I doubt the city council would ever agree to that as it would put a lie to the idea that these people don’t own cars and they would claim it was unfair to not let them park in the neighborhood.

• 1994 October 30, 2017 (9:20 pm)

  And where will the guests or service providers visiting the 32 residential units be parking? Blocks away perhaps….sounds like a nightmare.  

  • Jort October 30, 2017 (9:42 pm)

    It won’t be. Don’t worry!

• 1994 October 30, 2017 (9:31 pm)

  While they are at it, might as well build an 8 story building with 64 units – the bus line is right there to move all those new residents – right?!?  

• Teeehouse October 30, 2017 (9:38 pm)

  Cool! I sure hope they put in a nice coffee or sandwich place that I can visit while waiting for the ferry! Early welcome to the neighborhood!~

  • HelperMonkey October 31, 2017 (10:03 am)

    @teehouse – have you not been to Wildwood Market? Amazing sandwiches! Walking distance to the ferry for when you’re stuck in line. 

• A block away October 30, 2017 (9:48 pm)

  If they must, I’d love to see these as condos vs. apartments. More retail would be great too.

  • geographer October 31, 2017 (1:17 pm)

    Right now it’s nearly impossible to profit on condos unless they are high-end luxury spec

    • Swede. October 31, 2017 (2:06 pm)

      …and have parking…

• sgs October 30, 2017 (9:56 pm)

  Can’t this developer suck it up and do a service for future tenants and the neighborhood and provide at least some off street parking?!?!   Expensive, yes, but lots of great things are expensive.  Sorry, just venting……

• JLNW October 30, 2017 (10:07 pm)

  My dentist’s office is upstairs in this building–has the 4412 SW Brace Point Dr. address. 

   Douglas Holmes, D.D.S., has had his dental practice here for over 25 years–feeling very sad to learn that he will be losing his convenient location with parking. 

• pupsarebest October 31, 2017 (12:02 am)

  Updated lyrics:

  🎶”…They paved paradise

  and didn’t  put up a parking lot…” 🎶

• Ferrygirl October 31, 2017 (6:55 am)

  Teeehouse! Go to wildwood market across the street from the new project they gave great coffee and amazing sandwiches. It opened last year and is s great addition to the neighborhood … if you can find parking 

• Mark Schletty October 31, 2017 (7:12 am)

  For those of you who live or shop in this area, the key to dealing with this horrid proposal is the required rezoning. Organize to oppose and block the rezone (it is not automatic), at least until sufficient off street parking is included. As experience has proven, the new residents will have cars.

• pjk October 31, 2017 (7:19 am)

   This may be right next to the C bus line, but if you have ever ridden that bus, it is a sardine can during work commuting times!!  It’s not rapid and using the wifi is a joke since you have a backpack in your face 90% of the ride.  Thankfully I moved out of this neighborhood several months ago after 25 years of enjoying it.  Sorry to see this happening to such a great location.

  • sam-c October 31, 2017 (12:29 pm)

    Well, since they are south in West Seattle, they will at least be able to pack on the bus. By the time it gets to Avalon, it will be so packed it won’t have to stop for new passengers.  Rapid, indeed!

    • WSMom October 31, 2017 (2:36 pm)

      True Sam.  I am always happy to live south when riding the bus because we can at least get seats.  Once it hits the bridge no more seats.  

• Anne October 31, 2017 (7:46 am)

  Treehouse- have to repeat what Ferrygirl said- try WILDWOOD MARKET- it’s great!

• Anne October 31, 2017 (7:51 am)

  1994- you’re spot on- it will be a nightmare- but developers don’t care- nor does the city. May still be possible for the neighborhood to organize to block rezone as another commenter mentioned.

• John October 31, 2017 (8:34 am)

  The photo of the building with parking lot empty but for 2 vehicles says it all.  

  And due to Fauntleroy’s unusual parking permit requirements for street parking, the streets are virtually empty of parked cars.

  • ACG October 31, 2017 (12:47 pm)

    John- you’re ridiculous. That lot in the picture is reserved specifically for tenants of that building. Any use of that parking lot by other neighborhood businesses (the new organic hair salon, Endolyne, Wildwood, or the Original Bakery) will get you towed. Read the sign in the parking lot, or at least be familiar with this exact section of the Fauntleroy neighborhood before you speak.

    So, if that picture was taken on a day when the massage therapist office or dentist was closed, then yes- it is empty. 

    That area of Fauntleroy does have a parking issue during the times when those AWESOME small local businesses like Endolyne/Wildwood/Original Bakery are most busy. People who actually frequent the area know that. 

  • WSMom October 31, 2017 (2:37 pm)

    They are empty of parked cars because the ferry commuters park their cars up the hill where the parking isn’t enforced.  They go up to 40th, 39th, etc. on Barton

• Jack Sparra October 31, 2017 (8:54 am)

  Mark – where / who do I join to oppose this project plan. 5 stories in a small community local..sigh.

  • Mark Schletty October 31, 2017 (10:52 am)

    Jack— probably the best way to go about it is the old fashioned community organizing tactic of door knocking on the homes and businesses in the area to locate support. The more the merrier, but the most important are the neighbors closest to the development site. Good luck. It is some work, but worth it.

• neighbor October 31, 2017 (8:59 am)

  This is a perfect spot for a higher density building. I will support this proposal for a slight up zone from NC to NC 3 at City Council. And yes, I live right up the road, about 10 houses away.

• Rick October 31, 2017 (9:01 am)

  With all the “c line” bus logic, since there are busses all over the place why not ban all cars 1/4 mile from where any bus touches any pavement? (Paid for by cars and property owners). Makes as much sense.

  • Jort October 31, 2017 (12:06 pm)

    I’m fine with that!

• Jort October 31, 2017 (9:07 am)

  I don’t understand — why don’t we let the much-vaunted and hallowed free market determine if there should be parking for this development?

  If parking was an absolute necessity for every resident, wouldn’t developers be clamoring to build as much parking as possible for their new construction? 

  Maybe they’re not building parking because they know that 1) parking is expensive and 2) why build something expensive when people don’t necessarily want it?

  If I were looking for a place to live, and I had an absolute personal requirement for parking, then it sounds like this place isn’t for me! Luckily there are thousands of new residents moving to this city every day who are not bringing cars with them. This sounds like the perfect place for them, in such a beautiful and nice neighborhood.

  • Swede. October 31, 2017 (2:13 pm)

    Or since no parking is available anywhere be forced to rent a place without parking for your car. 

    It’s pure profits, instead of having a ground ‘floor’ with parking you can only get $100-250 a month they build an apartment they’ll get $2000-3000 for. There isn’t any bicycle parking either by the way…

  • Canton November 1, 2017 (9:45 pm)

    Jort, if you have been injured, or have lost someone due to a vehicle, I understand. Vehicles aren’t evil, they are a reliable source of moving people and goods. Your narrow minded approach, makes it difficult to understand the complexities of travel. Again, I have to ask, do you possess a driver’s license, have children, or elderly?

• Scott A October 31, 2017 (10:01 am)

  It’s implied in the floor count included in the story and it’s specified in the pre-sub questionnaire document at the city’s website but maybe worth adding the “-65” to the NC3 reference.  Also, this site is already proposed to be 40′ zoning in the HALA rezone in case anyone is interested.

• Dave October 31, 2017 (10:17 am)

  Very easy answer here….    and this is a bluff caller for the folks who say no one will have cars.

  Don’t let the residents there get neighborhood parking passes   –   or limit them to 20.     

  • Jack Sparra October 31, 2017 (11:57 am)

    Excellent!

  • Treehouse October 31, 2017 (3:53 pm)

    Dave – What a great idea! Lets create a new group of second class citizens in West Seattle and disallow them equal use of public curb space parking in their own community. 

    You can tell them “Sorry that you are poor and not rich enough to buy a home in the surrounding neighborhood. You need to fight each other over these 20 limited passes.” Excellent!

    • Vince October 31, 2017 (4:28 pm)

      I hate to be the one to break this to you, but the residents of this proposed apartment building will most likely not be “poor” people.

• JRR October 31, 2017 (3:26 pm)

  This is a prime location on a bus line in the least crowded part of the route, walkable to various neighborhood businesses and close to parks and trails. What a great use for an underused corner.

• Realist October 31, 2017 (3:32 pm)

  Jort. “thousands” moving here without cars?  Please provide factual  data to support that. Developers aren’t providing parking because of city rules that they support. It’s more money in their pocket and less in ours plain and simple. How many bike riders use bikes on the weekends? Will they ride to the ski area’s?? Will they ride to the coast or Lake Chelan for a long weekend??. Most of us have car’s because we want to go somewhere for recreation. Sitting at home surfing the internet all weekend isn’t our idea of fun

  • geographer October 31, 2017 (4:38 pm)

    They’re not providing parking because, like you said, it is allowable under current zoning code.  They’re also not providing it because it adds a considerable amount of cost, which would ultimately be passed on to tenants.  

    But if you have factual data that supports the notion that developers are pocketing more money while we’re somehow pocketing less, you could provide that.

• Mel October 31, 2017 (3:57 pm)

  No parking? No thanks! I hate that the zoning rules favor transit lines that aren’t guaranteed permanent funding. If the zoning was based on lightrail access, I’d be all for it. But bus lines can and do get gutted/changed/moved and we shouldn’t be building permanent housing based on their impermanent status/access.

  Also – does this mean several street parking spaces will be removed to create a commercial loading zone for those commercial spaces (also not being provided parking)? Probably.

  Anyone who can afford to move into a new building (with new higher rents) can and will bring their car.

  I welcome adding density to the neighborhood and utilizing this property better, but 32 units is too much.

• WSB November 1, 2017 (9:57 am)

  For those who asked about community discussions of this, we just got the agenda for tonight’s Southwest District Council meeting and it mentions that members of the Fauntleroy Community Association board will be talking about the proposed rezone. For? Against? FYI? Don’t know, but it’s on the agenda. See our forthcoming daily highlight list (“West Seattle Wednesday”) for more. – TR

Sorry, comment time is over.