About Friends of Whittier Heights
We are a coalition of residents concerned about the City of Seattle's proposed changes to zoning laws that would dramatically alter the character of our beloved Whittier Heights neighborhood. We support thoughtful, community-driven development that preserves the unique qualities that make our neighborhood special while addressing legitimate housing needs.
Our neighborhood is characterized by its mix of single-family homes, mature tree canopy, family-friendly streets, and strong sense of community. The current upzoning proposal threatens these qualities without adequately addressing infrastructure, affordability, or environmental concerns.
Our Concerns
Infrastructure Impact
The proposed upzoning doesn't adequately address the strain on existing infrastructure including roads, parking, drainage, sewers, utilities, and public services. These systems are already at capacity and require significant investment before adding density.
Environmental Concerns
Increased density without proper planning threatens our neighborhood's tree canopy and green spaces. The proposal lacks sufficient environmental impact studies and doesn't include provisions to protect our urban forest or manage increased stormwater runoff.
Affordability Issues
While presented as a solution to housing affordability, there's little evidence the proposed changes would create truly affordable housing. Instead, they may accelerate gentrification and displacement of long-time residents while primarily benefiting developers.
Community Character
Whittier Heights has a unique architectural and community character that could be lost with rapid, unplanned redevelopment. Historic homes and established community spaces may be replaced with generic, high-density housing that doesn't reflect our neighborhood's identity.
The Upzoning Proposal
The City of Seattle is considering significant changes to zoning in Whittier Heights as part of its Comprehensive Plan update. These changes would allow:
- Increased building heights (up to 5 stories) and density throughout the neighborhood
- Conversion of single-family zones to higher-density designations
- Reduced requirements for parking, setbacks, and open space
- Faster permitting processes with less community input
Proposed Zoning Map
Map showing proposed zoning changes in the Whittier Heights neighborhood. Orange/red areas represent significant density increases.
While we support thoughtful approaches to increasing housing options, we believe this proposal:
- Fails to address infrastructure needs
- Lacks adequate environmental protections
- Doesn't include sufficient affordable housing requirements
- Was developed without meaningful community input
- Doesn't consider the cumulative impacts on quality of life
Take Action
There are several ways you can help protect our neighborhood:
Contact Officials
Reach out to Councilmember Dan Strauss and other city officials to share your concerns about the proposal's impacts on Whittier Heights.
Get Contact InfoAttend Meetings
Show up at public hearings, community forums, and council meetings to make your voice heard. Numbers matter!
See CalendarSign Our Petition
Add your name to our community petition expressing concerns about the current upzoning proposal and calling for a more balanced approach.
Sign NowSpread the Word
Share this website and our petition with your neighbors and on social media to help build community awareness and involvement.
Upcoming Meetings
- May 19 (Mon) @ 9:30am & 4pm, City Hall : Public hearing to vote on loosening building requirements. Agenda. Watch live or listen to the meeting by calling in: 206-684-8566. Remote comments - register here from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
- May 22 (Thurs) @ 630pm , Whittier Elementary (upstairs library) : Community meeting to discuss the proposed upzoning within our neighborhood. Please access Whittier Elementary through the front door off of NW 75th.
Key Decision Makers
Our neighborhood is represented by Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6). Contacting his office is one of the most effective ways to make your voice heard on this issue.
Resources
Key City Resources
- Seattle City Council Page on Comprehensive Plan - Official city status updates, meeting dates, and information on how to participate in the council process
- One Seattle Plan - City's Official Page
- Development Standards in Lowrise Zones LR1-LR3 - Shows building requirements for different zones
Community Resources
- Our Petition - Whittier Neighbors Against Seattle Upzoning Proposal
- Trees and People Coalition - Information on the Comprehensive Plan's impact on urban forests
- Seattle Fair Growth Organization
Official City Documents
News Articles
Contact Information
City Officials
Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6)
Email: dan.strauss@seattle.gov
Phone: (206) 684-8801
Chair of City Council Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan
Email: joy.hollingsworth@seattle.gov
Councilmembers at large (represent all of city)
Email: sara.nelson@seattle.gov
Email: maritza.rivera@seattle.gov
All City Councilmembers
Email: council@seattle.gov
Mayor's Office
Email: mayor@seattle.gov
Phone: (206) 684-4000
One Seattle Plan Zoning Team
Email: oneseattleplan.zoning@seattle.gov
Friends of Whittier Heights
Email: whittierzoning@gmail.com