The fate of a large “single family”-style house behind what is now Broadway Park has worried neighbors for a decade (Image: CHS)

As city officials prepare for upcoming changes in Seattle zoning hoped to create more housing in the high-demand city, the City Council is working on changing the language used to describe one of Seattle’s most hotly debated uses of land: so-called “single family” housing.

“Seattle’s neighborhoods have always been more diverse than the single family only designation would have us believe—from some of the longest-standing and beloved neighborhood businesses, to brownstone apartment buildings built before tightening zoning restrictions, connected housing with shared courtyards, that all allow for residents to live near schools, parks, and services our communities rely on,” citywide representative on the council Teresa Mosqueda said about her newly proposed legislation. “Changing the zoning title can help reflect the diverse housing we need across our city to support community well-being, walkability and affordability in Seattle, and create a more equitable and inclusive Seattle to accurately reflect our diverse neighborhoods.” Continue reading →