georgetown - seattlegeorgetown neighborhood goals and policies community vision statement as...

GeorgetownNeisghborhood Plan

Part I

A Project of the

Georgetown Planning Committee

Sponsored by

Seattle Neighborhood Planning Office

Prepared by

URBAN

1201 1st Avenue S l Suite 336Seattle, Washington 98 134

206.623.2268

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Georgetown Planning Committee

Rob Adamson, ChairJim Kidder, Vice-Chair

T.J. AndersonLorna Dove

Randy EathertonHoward Giske

Ann HopeTom Knoblauch

Leonard KolbLaurie KovackTim O’Brian

Angela Van AgtmaelDebbie Wiese

AlternatesKarolyn Lerner

Pam MillerJoe Ruljancich

City of Seattle Neighborhood Planning Office

Karma Ruder, DirectorRobert Scully, Project Manager

Project Consultant Team

URBAN WORKSRhonnel Sotelo, Urban PlannerPat Owliaei, Landscape Planner

Daniel De La 0, Designer

June 1999

Table of Contents

Goals & Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-v

PART I- Neighborhood Plan

Chapter 1 .O Plan Introduction and Background ...................................................... 1

Chapter 2.0 Georgetown Neighborhood Plan Cornerstones ................................... 5

Chapter 3 .O Georgetown Neighborhood Plan Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

PART II- Appendices

Appendix 1.0

Appendix 2.0

Appendix 3.0

Appendix 4.0

Minority Report with Supporting MaterialsBy Leonard D. Kolb II, on behalf of the Concerned Businesses andProperty Owners of Georgetown

Minority Report: Materials on King County InternationalAirport and Environmental QualityGathered by Lorna Dove

Other Minority Reports

Findings and Opinions of the Georgetown Neighborhood PlanValidation Process

Georgetown Neighborhood Goals and Policies

Community Vision Statement

As Georgetown plans its future, we will work to maintain what we always have been: astrong, valuable manufacturing and industrial center that also includes the presence of anaffordable, “in-city” residential community.

We will continue to maintain our high-wage manufacturing/distribution job base, and

strengthen the transplortation links that make Georgetown regionally and globally significant.We will also preserple and enhance the qualities and sewices of OUT vibrant, long-standing

residential community.

We, the businesses, residents, and property owners of Georgetown, will work together andrespect each other’s concerns in order to maintain this unique balance that defines our area.

As we prepare our plan, we will create opportunities for existing businesses to grow, whilealso promoting investment in new, “clean” industries. We will look for opportunities todevelop sevvices and facilities that will enhance the quality of life of our residents. To supportthe needs of our entire community, we will seek ways to attract small business and

commercial services that can seTp/e everyone who liwes, works, and wisits Georgetown.

Statements on Seattle Comprehensive Plan M&l Centerand Neighborhood Anchor Designations

l The Georgetown Neighborhood Plan hereby reaffirms the designation of Georgetown’sindustrial-zoned areas as part of the Greater Duwamish Manufacturing & Industrial Center.

l The Georgetown Neighborhood Plan hereby affirms the designation of a GeorgetownNeighborhood Anchor to encompass the residential-zoned areas adjacent to the GeorgetownPlayfield and the 12sbl ock area bounded by Ellis Avenue S to the east, Corson Avenue S to the

west, Bailey Street to the north and East Marginal Way S to the south. It also includes thecommercial-zoned property north of King County International Airport and west of AirportWay S.

l The Georgetown Neighborhood Plan recognizes the job growth targets of 10,000 net new jobsfor the Greater Duwamish M&I Center, some of which will occur in Georgetown. TheNeighborhood Plan also recognizes that no specific growth targets are in place forGeorgetown’s residential neighborhood anchor. However, we acknowledge the figures (or lackthereof) in the Seattle Comprehensive Plan simply as targets, with market forces ultimatelydetermining the total amount of employment and residential growth that will occur inGeorgetown over the next twenty years.

i

GEORGETOWN NEIGHBORHOOD PIAN GOAl AND POLICIES

“Seattle Design District” Plan Cornerstone

Gl: A Seattle Design District that capitalizes on the regional presence of the Seattle Design/Gift

Centers and the related wholesale, retail, design, and manufacturing trades to foster economicdevelopment and physical visibility of these industries.

Policy 1 Promote the economic vibrancy and physical presence of the Seattle Design/GiftCenters and the associated businesses to develop a design district.

Policy 2 Promote programs to market design- and gift-related trades.

“Georgetown Residential Neighborhood Anchor” Plan Cornerstone

G2:

Policy 3

Policy 4

Policy 5

Policy 6

A residential community that recognizes, preserwes, enhances, and walidates Georgetown’s

residential area as a wiabk place where people liwe, raise families, enjoy open spaces, and celebrateits unique historic character and buildings.

Retain Georgetown’s residentiallyzoned lands as a means of providing affordablehomeownership opportunities. Complement these residential areas with communityfacilities for a wide mix of people.

Promote opportunities for the adaptive reuse of historic landmark structures and othersignificant buildings and seek linkages between historic preservation and economicrevitalization.

Seek opportunities for creating recreational facilities that can serve both the localresidential population and area employees.

Recognize Georgetown’s historic character and buildings (e.g., old Rainier BreweryBuildings, Old City Hall, and the Georgetown Steam Plant) and the presence of theSeattle Design Center when developing amenities and programs so as to reinforceGeorgetown’s image as a quality place to live, work, raise a family, and/or own abusiness.

“Safer Georgetown” Plan Cornerstone

G3: A community that is safe and is perceived as safe for living, working, and doing business.

Policy 7 Make crime prevention programs and community policing available to help makeGeorgetown safe for residents, business owners, and employees.

i i

GEORGETOWN NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN GOALS AND POLICIES

Policy 8 Strive to raise public safety awareness in the business community and increaseinteraction between business people and the Seattle Police Department.

Policy 9 Seek ways to abate serious nuisance problems, target local crime hotspots, and developstrategies for training landlords to address tenant criminal activity.

“Promoting Industry and Family Wage Jobs” Plan Cornerstone

G4: An economically strong and vital manufacturing and industrial center that places priority on job

creation, business growth, and strategic ways for developing, training, and networking the local

workforce with the local Georgetown employment base.

Policy 10 Retain industrial-zoned land in Georgetown, while seeking out the potential topromote commercial and retail uses in commercial zones.

Policy 11 Promote the growth, development, and retention of industries and commerce that havethe opportunity to flourish in Georgetown.

Policy 12 Balance the needs of water dependent uses and natural/environmental habitat goals forthe Duwamish Waterway.

Policy 13 Seek ways for developing, training, and connecting the local workforce withGeorgetown employers.

“Code Enforcement and Permit Processing” Plan Cornerstone

G5: A community that receives responsible and efficient City action in the abatement of illegal and

criminal uses.

Policy 14 Strive to deliver efficient, timely, and responsive code enforcement and permitprocessing as a means of promoting economic vibrancy and residential quality of life inGeorgetown.

. . .III


Economic Development

G6: A community that continues to support its businesses, promotes job growth, and receives the

necessary public inwestment in infrastructure to continue economic vibrancy.

Policy 15 Work with the community to explore ways of marketing Georgetown’s commercialzones for commercial use, to help preserve industrial zones for industrial use, and tohelp encourage development of desired shopping resources in the commercial zones.

Transportation Facilities

G7: An integrated transportation network that addresses the freight mobility, highway access, and

efficiency demands of constituents; the non-motorized and pedestrian facilities serving arearesidents; and the basic services of good roads, transit service, and efficient area-wide circulation.

Policy 16 Strive to minimize traffic congestion of Georgetown such as the area around the 1stAvenue South Bridge, the Michigan/Bailey Streets corridor, the Lucile Street Corridor,and Corson Avenue S.

Policy 17 Work with other jurisdictions, such as King County and the City of Tukwila, topromote regional freight mobility for Georgetown and the Greater Duwamish.

Policy 18 Address traffic safety concerns for both pedestrians and vehicles in Georgetownthrough means that could include improvements to road and sidewalk conditions.

Policy 19 Promote opportunities for non-motorized facilities in Georgetown.

Policy 20 With Sound Transit, King County Metro Transit, and the residential/businesscommunity, explore ways to provide convenient and efficient transit mobilitythroughout Georgetown.

The Environment

G8: A community aware of and sensitive to enwironmental quality with a recognition and respect for

the vital natural environment and ecosystems, such as the Duwamish River, that surviwe inGeorgetown in the presence of commerce and industry; and reduces environmental hazards thatthreaten the health, safety, and general welfare of Georgetown’s residents and employees..

i v


Policy 21

Policy 22

Policy 23

Strive to raise overall awareness of environmental quality issues such as air, soil, andgroundwater pollution among Georgetown residents, employees, business owners, andproperty owners.

Work with other jurisdictions to protect the environmental quality of the DuwamishWatershed.

Seek ways to monitor and integrate King County International Airport in theGeorgetown community, both economically and environmentally, and findopportunities to mitigate the impacts of the airport.

Chapter 1 . O

P lan Introduct ion & B a c k g r o u n d

Planning Context

The 1990 Washington State GrowthMahagement Act, the Countywide PlanningPolicies of King County, and the City of SeattleComprehensive Plan require local governmentsto pursue land use strategies that make greateruse of exisring urban areas to accommodategrowth and reduce sprawl. These plans also placehigh priorities upon the efficient use oftransportation infrastructure for people and

goods, and promote affordable housing,economic development and opportunity,environmental stewardship, preservation ofhistoric/cultural resources, citizen participation,and the protection of property rights.

The Countywide Planning Policies adopted forKing County include Georgetown in the largerDuwamish Manufacturing/Industrial Center(M&I), one of four such centers in the countytargeted for regional investment strategies tomaintain and expand industrial employment.The City of Seattle Comprehensive Plan alsorecognizes Georgetown (excluding its residential-zoned enclaves) as an essential compone,nt of theDuwamish M&I Center. Both the regional andcity plans require governments to use affirmativeactions, such as new permitting processes, tofacilitate redevelopment in existing urban areasand industrial centers.

The Seattle Comprehensive Plan also designatesthe Georgetown community as one of 25neighborhood anchors that should serve as afocal point for community services andamenities, including connections to the regionalpublic transit system. It should be noted that

there are no growth targets specific to anydesignated area in the Comprehensive Plan. ThePlan requires that the designation must bereconsidered and evaluated as part of theneighborhood planning process. Through thecourse of neighborhood planning, the majority ofPlanning Committee members and thecommunity-at-large through the Committee’soutreach process, concluded that theneighborhood anchor designation should bepermanent.

The adopted policies cited above apply toGeorgetown in many different ways. It is anexisting industrial employment center served bysignificant investment in public infrastructure. Itprovides ready access to multiple modes oftransportation routes and facilities, includingInterstate 5, Interstate 90, State Route 99, StateRoute 509, SeaTac International Airport, KingCounty International Airport, and theDuwamish River. It stands out as a growingcenter for wholesale/distribution and designtrade related employment. And it is in closeproximity (just north) to the corporateheadquarters, research, and manufacturingfacilities of the Boeing Company.

With all of these factors going on around it,Georgetown also still remains home to an old,established residential community that has manydwellings predating the industrial developmentof the region. Residential uses are typicallyfound in the designated neighborhood anchorarea, but also in pockets in the industrial zones,principally near the Seattle Design Center. Theresidential areas of Georgetown provide the Cityof Seattle with affordable, in-city single-familyhousing, as well as other forms of affordable

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C h a p t e r 1 .O- I n t r o d u c t i o n & B a c k g r o u n d

living quarters, including live/work units in oldhistoric warehouse lofts. The neighborhood hasan active community council and a strong senseof identity. It is a positive example of many ofthe city’s residential goals, such as encouragingcultural and economic diversity within aneighborhood, providing housing close tosources of employment, and honoring theinherent sense of place of one of Seattle oldestand most unusual neighborhoods, where youfind third and fourth generation residents, livingnext door to new immigrants.

Georgetown’s historical character also hasrelevance to the adopted policy basis, especially asit relates to the City’s new Cultural Resourceselement. Georgetown is the site of the firstAmerican nonenative settlement in King Countyand is home to many historic buildings whichfunction today in a wide variety of industrial,live/work, social service, and commercial uses.In addition, the Duwamish River remains asource of a major run of native salmon.

These and other community characteristics makethe Georgetown neighborhood both aninteresting challenge and ideal proving groundfor the policies and goals set forth in the City ofSeattle Comprehensive Plan.

Community Outreach Efforts

In order to plan for the future, the GeorgetownPlanning Committee recognized that successfulcommunity involvement straregies and theirimplementation would be of paramountimportance. Through the two phases of theneighborhood planning process, the PlanningCommittee, and its predecessor, the GeorgetownOrganizing Committee, engaged and informedthe community about Georgetown neighborhoodplanning in many ways:

Phase I

Conducted a series of eleven focus groupswith various community constituents,including small business and commercialservices, commercial transportationindustries, property and business owners,Seattle Design and Gift Center trades,manufacturing, assembly, and lightindustries, small industries, commercial retailsbrvices, maritime industries, Georgetownproperty owners, residential homeowners,and the residential renter community. Intotal more than 120 people participated inthis outreach effort.

Held two neighborhood planning workshopsto gather input on priorities for the future.The two events attracted approximately 60people for Georgetown’s residential,commercial, and industrial sectors.

Made presentations to various groups,including the Seattle Industrial Rotary Club,SOD0 Business Association, South ParkRedevelopment Action Committee, andseveral local business owners.

Mailed out a series of information brochures.Each time, the mailers were sent to over1,700 households and business addresses,and 300 absentee property owners. Themailers included an introduction toneighborhood planning and a final findingsreport and validation mail-back piece to getendorsement on the vision and work plan.More than 100 people responded.

Phase II

l Formed five subcommittees to deal withscope of work. In addition to the 13.memberPlanning Committee, approximately 10 to 15

other community members participated atthe subcommittee level.

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C h a p t e r 1 .O- I n t r o d u c t i o n & B a c k g r o u n d

l Conducted outreach to the Seattle Designand Gift Center. The Planning Committeeparticipated in two meetings sponsored by theCenter to introduce neighborhood planningto trade members. About 25 to 30 peopleattended the meetings.

l Conducted economic development casestudy interviews with several local businessesto find out constrair>ts to development,future plans, and issues/concerns. Twelveinterviews were held with a range ofrepresentatives from commerce and industry,including Rainier Cold Storage, HardieGypsum, Swedish Home and Health Hospice(in Seattle Design Center), Colorado SteelSash Company, Georgetown Pharmacy,Bartell Drugs Distribution Center, KellyMoore/Preservative Paints, Art FormsUnlimited/Aaby’s Gallery, SpiekerProperties, Alki Restaurant Group, PacificRim Importers/Exporters, and SeattleMarket Center.

. Participated in a Public Safety outreach effortto businesses sponsored by the Seattle PoliceDepartment. More than 50 people attendedthe meeting. In addition, Public Safetysubcommittee members conducted a surveyon crime prevention. Approximately 50people completed the survey.

l As part of plan validation, held a series ofthree public forums to present planrecommendations. More than 80 peopleparticipated in the series.

l Mailed out a series of information brochures.Each time, the mailers were sent to over1,700 households and business addresses,and 300 absentee property owners. Themailers were newsletters (The Georgetowner)designed to inform and gain input. The lastmailer asked for community input on all 124plan actions and recommendationsformulated by the subcommittees.Approximately 170 opinion surveys werereturned.

In addition to the outreach officially conductedby the Georgetown Planning Committee, somecommittee members outside of the planningprocess made other outreach efforts. Thisincludes an April 1997 survey (135 respondents)and a December 1995 survey (191 respondents)published and sponsored by the ConcernedBusiness 6r Property Owners of Georgetown.Appendix I provide more detail of these surveys.

Vision Statement

To guide the Phase II neighborhood planningprocess, the Georgetown Planning Committeeadopted the following vision statement as theprinciple from which recommendations would bedeveloped, and residents and business interestswould work together:

As Georgetown pluns its future, we will work to

maintain what we always have been: a strong, valuablemanufacturing and indtlstrial center that also includes

the presence of an affordable, “in-city” residential

community.

We will continue to maintain our highwage

manufacturing/distribution job base, and strengthen the

transportation links that make Georgetown regionally

and globally significant. We will also preserwe andenhance the qualities and services of our wibrant, long-

standing residential community.

We, the businesses, residents, and property owners of

Georgetown, will work together and respect each other’s

concerns in order to maintain this unique balance thdefines our area.

As we Prepare our plan, we will create opportunities for

existing businesses to grow, while also promoting

investment in new, “clean” industries. We will look for

opportunities to develop services and facilities that will

enhance the quality of life of our residents. To support

the needs of our entire community, we will seek ways to

attract small business and commercial serwices that can

serwe everyone who hues, works, and visits Georgetown.

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Chapter 2.0Georgetown Neighborhood Plan Cornerstones

Introduction and Background

Located approximately three miles south ofDowntown Seattle in the Duwamish Valleycorridor, Georgetown generates both economicand social benefits that extend far beyond itsneighborhood boundaries. These benefitsrepresent important City assets in meeting thegoals and objectives of the SeattleComprehensive Plan, particularly the plan’scommitment to maintaining the distinctcharacteristics of Seattle neighborhoods, theindustrial job base for family wage employment,and preservation of affordable single-familyhousing.

In Summer of 1995, the Georgetowncommunity was selected as one of three pilotplanning projects for launching the SeattleNeighborhood Planning program. Between1995 and early 1998, the Georgetown PlanningCommittee worked hard to reach out to allsectors of the community, identify needs, anddevelop committee-based recommendations toaddress local industrial, commercial, andresidential issues and concerns.

Key Integrated Plan Strategies. Through thecourse of developing several other plans, theSeattle Neighborhood Planning Officedeveloped a means for helping communitygroups package key ideas and importantstrategies. This methodology, known as “KeyIntegrated Plan Strategies,” has been utilized tostructure the Georgetown Neighborhood Planin a way to reflect shared community priorities,while still reflecting the different needs of thearea’s manufacturing/ industrial and residentialpopulations. The following discussion presentsthese key strategies as the Cornerstones of the

Georgetown Neighborhood Plan. Thesecornerstone elements represent the basic andmain part, or the foundation, of the plan,helping set the priorities of the neighborhood’sshared interests, as well as the different areas ofemphasis for the manufacturing/ industrial andresidential communities. They are:

GC-1

GC-2

GC-3

CC-4

Seattle Design District

Establishes a focal point for economicdevelopment, transportation, andcommunity amenities, while promoting thewholesale design/gift trades.

Georgetown Residential Neighborhood Anchor

Creates a framework for setting prioritiesthat principally affects Georgetown’sresidential enclave. Elements include landuse designations, community amenities,open space, and the environment.

Safer Georgetown

Strengthens the emphasis on public safetyas a shared interest of Georgetown’sbusinesses and residents.

Promoting Industry and Family Wage Jobs

Provides a framework for setting prioritiesfor Georgetown’s manufacturing andindustrial areas, with specific emphasis onjob growth, technology, and preservationof industrial lands for industrial uses.

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C h a p t e r 2.O- G e o r g e t o w n N e i g h b o r h o o d P l a n C o r n e r s t o n e s

GC-5 Code Enforcement and Permit Processing

Establishes priorities for specific land useconcerns that stand out as a shared interestof Georgetown’s residential and businesscommunities.

In addition to these cornerstone components,the Georgetown Neighborhood Plan alsocontains three elements discussed in Chapter3.0:’

l Economic Developmentl Transportation Facilities

l The Environment

Issue/Discussion. The home fashion and wholesaledesign and gift trades represent a significanteconomic presence in Georgetown, and standoutas the hub of these industries for the entirePacific Northwest. The Seattle Design and GiftCenters draw numerous induswservingwholesalers, distributors, and fabricators toGeorgetown to take advantage of this customerbase. This confluence of related businessesgenerate a common identity which will continueto grow if more related businesses relocate to orexpand in Georgetown. The businesses cangenerally be described as having less than 20employees, pay higher than average wages, caterto a more affluent customer base, areenvironmentally-friendly, and frequently importand export internationally.

The creation and recognition of a Seattle DesignDistrict would capitalize on the existing characterand function of area businesses, help promotethe continued economic growth of this industrysector, and establish a unifying identity fordesign-related trades and the Georgetowncommunity.

Overriding Goal. A Seattle Design District thatcapitalizes on the regional presence of the SeattleDesign/Gift Centers and the ancillary uses in thewholesale, retail, and design-manufacturingrelated trades to foster economic developmentand physical visibility of these industries.

Recommendations

GC-1 .l Definition of Boundaries. For purposes ofdefining the extent of the Seattle DesignDistrict, Figure 1 on the following pagegenerally outlines the areas ofGeorgetown to be included. It reachesfrom the hub of the Seattle Design/GiftCenter buildings to the north and west,to Corson Avenue S on the east, and toMichigan Street to the south.

CC-l.2 Physical Improvements. Part of defining thedistrict is identifying it physicallythrough signage and gateway entries.Among the physical improvementssought for the Seattle Design Districtinclude the following:

Highway Signs from I-5 and SR-99marking exits as Seattle DesignDistrict- Georgetown.

Directional signs on local streetsidentifying the Seattle DesignDistrict.

Pedestrian Kiosks with District mapsand Vehicle signs with District maps.

Gateway markers with specialplantings, signage, .and otherphysical improvements. Possiblelocations include 4th Avenue S atDawson, 4th & Michigan, AirportWay S at Lucile Street, CorsonAvenue S, and Airport Way nearHardy Street.

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I I_ _ I II -m-.1.1.-1-11.1

PRELIMINAFUSEATTLE DESIGN

DISTRICT

NOSCALE

PROPOSED SEATTLE DESIGN DISTRICT

The above map illustrates the proposed boundaries of the Seattle Design District. The district’s hub focuses onthe area near the Seattle Design and Gift Center, but tries to also capture the parts of Georgetown that includewholesale, showroom, assembly, manufacturing, and other design-related trades. An effort has also been madeto connect to ancillary commercial retail areas to promote use of local facilities and services. Note that theresidential area near the Georgetown Playfield is not included in the district’s proposed boundaries.

,, .,.j “_ _.n.,.j., ._ ,,

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GC-1.3

l Repair and resurface streets andarterials, rebuild shoulders andparking strips to improve vehicularflow in the areas around the SeattleDesign District, and provide betteron street parking for events heldperiodically throughout the year, andassure greater pedestrian safety.

Marketing Design- and Gift-Related Trades.The model for the Seattle Design Districtcan be found in other cities with designand gift marts, including San Franciscoand West Hollywood, CA. Learningfrom these other districts, the followingrecommendations are made to supportthe future vitality and economic strengthof the design- and gift-related trades inGeorgetown:

l Develop a single, resource directorythat includes businesses both insidethe Seattle Design Center as well asthose located within the districtboundaries, and others as qualified.

Establish a yearly special event. Findpublic/private funding partnershipsupport for the event. This could bethe development of a trade eventprogram that encourages interactionin and out of the Design Centerbuilding and spills out into theDesign District. It could also includehistoric tours of the area, openhouses of various businesses, andtied into Seattle “Design AwarenessMonth.”

l Marketing of the wholesale,manufacturing, and showroom-related design trades should beundertaken by the GeorgetownBusiness Association. The missionwill be to market the District as thePacific Northwest’s hub for thedesign trade industry.

GC-1.4 Design Trade Advisory Committee. TheSeattle Design Center working with theGeorgetown Business Associatiori shouldform a Design Trade AdvisoryCommittee. The purpose of that groupwill be to market design in Georgetown,establish a database of existing design-and gift-related trades, and educate thegeneral public on the importance ofdesign.

Issue/Discussion. Georgetown’s residentialneighborhood consists of two pockets of single-family and multifamily areas. These enclaves, inexistence since well before the turn of thecentury, currently house anywhere between 1,200to 1,500 residents. This cornerstone of theNeighborhood Plan reflects the priorities andrecommended actions of Georgetown’sresidential community. It serves as theirblueprint for continued existence in the future, adesire for basic city services, and the need forcommunity amenities typical of other Seattleresidential neighborhoods. Recommendationsfor this plan cornerstone fall under thesecategories:

l Land Use

l Residential Quality of Life

l Open Space/Recreation

l Community Identity/Historic Preservation

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C h a p t e r 2.0- G e o r g e t o w n N e i g h b o r h o o d P l a n C o r n e r s t o n e s

A. land Use

Overriding Goal. To ensure recognition,preservation, enhancement, and validation ofGeorgetown’s residential area as a viable placewhere people live and raise families.

GC-2A.l Neighborhood Anchor Designation. Approvethe designation to encompass the non-contiguous residential-zoned lands, parklands, and old commercial core inGeorgetown, as depicted in Figure 2.The designation simply recognizesGeorgetown as a place where people live,shop, and work. It would recagnize thecommunity, in the same way the Cityrecognizes places like Madison Park,Montlake, Madrona, and even thecommercial district in the Ballard-Interbay-Northend Manufacturing/Industrial Center. Proponents of thedesignation believe it would protectexisting residential and commercialzoning, while also potentially serving as apositive influence for attracting futurepublic and private investment.Georgetown has been a Seattleneighborhood for more than 100 years,and the neighborhood anchor wouldhelp validate and endorse its continuedexistence.

GC-2A.2 Presewe Residential-Zoned lands. SupportCity policy to preserve and maintainsingle.family and multifamily residentialareas and affordable housing. InGeorgetown, this applies to all itsresidential-zoned areas, including themultifamily zone adjacent to theGeorgetown Playfield and the entire 12-block area bounded by Bailey Street tothe north, East Marginal Way S to thesouth, Corson Avenue S to the west, andEllis Avenue S/Albro Place to the east.

GC-2A.2 Industrial Buffers. Maintain and enforce allrequirements of the industrial bufferzone. These areas all abut resideritiallyzoned land, and all new developmentshould be consistent with code and landuse requirements. Provide incentives fordevelopment that exceeds the bufferingrequirements outlined in the code, i.e.,density bonuses, design departures, ortransfer of development rights, inexchange for more sensitive treatment ofbuffer areas.

Also, remove the IB zoning designationfrom the Georgetown Playfield andrecognize it as a dedicated public openspace. Because the City does not have aspecific zoning classification to recognizeparks, we recommend the City shouldrezone the Playfield as a residential zonesimilar to how other Seattle parks arezoned.

B. Residential Quality of life

Overriding Goal. A residential community thatretains its affordable housing, its diverse housingstock, and provides complementary communityfacilities that meet the needs of Georgetown’swide mix of people, including seniors, youth,young families, ethnic populations, and longtimeresidents.

GC-2B.l Connecting to Georgetown Playfield. Developsafe connections (i.e., sidewalk/crosswalkimprovements, signaling, signage,landscape treatments, and/ordesignation of pedestrian corridors) tolink Georgetown’s residential area southof Bailey Street with the GeorgetownPlayfield and adjacent residential area

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PROPOSED NEIGHBORHOOD ANCHORBOUNDARY FOR GEORGETOWN

The Phase II outreach process, through the Neighborhood Community Ballot, determinedthat Georgetown’s Neighborhood Anchor designation should be approved for the area’soutlined above. It includes all residentially-zoned land in the planning area, as well as thecommercial uses south of Interstate 5 between Airport Way S and Corson Avenue S.

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GC-2B.2

GC-2B.3

Community Facilities. Provide communityfacilities and programs that will enhancequality of life and business climate inGeorgetown. Recommendations whichshould be implemented, as fundingbecomes available, include:

l A Community Center, or multi-usefacility for community/business use:job training, computer lab, English asa Second Language (ESL) classes andart classes.

l Mini-City Hall in Old City Hall:employment center, bulletin board,meeting rooms, etc.

l Strategy and funding mechanism forsaving the Hat & Boots structures inGeorgetown.

l Support and endorsement of amuseum in the Steam Plant Building.

l Priority for local community use ofthe Georgetown Playfield, includingimprovement to ensure local use:grass field, baseball screen, etc.

l Develop a mini-branch library.

Neighborhood Action Items. Promote anddevelop neighborhood-basedbeautification projects, including thoselisted below. Seek funding throughappropriate City resources such asDepartment of Neighborhoods, PublicUtilities, Arts Commission, City Light.

. tree plantings,l community entry signs,. neighborhood clean-ups,. public art by local artists,l community festivals or fairs, and. anti-graffiti campaigns.

C. Open Space/Recreation

Overriding Goal. A community that maintains anopen space/recreation network serving both arearesidents and employees.

GC-2C. 1

GC.ZC.2

Open Space Opportunities. Develop an openspace network to enhance existingspaces, acquire new spaces, and createlinkages between parks, recreational, and“green” spaces. Consider ecological andhabitat restoration, tree plantings, andother reasonable open space projects:

l Identify pedestrian and bicyclepaths/connections with South Parkand South Beacon Hill. ConnectGeorgetown to the Seattle UrbanTrail System.

l Expand and enhance existing parksand green spaces, including GatewayNorth Park on 8th Avenue S at theDuwamish Waterway, 1”’ AvenueBoat Ramp and other street ends,Ruby Chow Park, and the Playfield.

l Secure from the City of Seattleofficial designation of GatewayNorth Park as a city park andinclude the facility on the City’sregular maintenance schedule. Also,maintain the existing sidewalk on8th Avenue S to allow pedestrians towalk safely to the park and avoidconflicts with vehicles.

Acquiring Open Space in the Residential Core.Work with the City of Seattle to acquirethe Washington State Department ofTransportation site located on the 6400block between Corson and CarletonAvenue S.

Other projects of interest to theresidential community which should

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receive consideration, as fundingbecomes available, include:

l Pedestrian and bicycle connectionsto the Georgetown Steam Plant(work with County).

l Development of a P-Patch or othertype of community garden.

l Working with King CountyInternational Airport to developopen spaces with public access,plantings, and pathways at thenorthern end of the airfield’sgreenbelt.

C. Community Identity/Historic Preservation

Overriding Goal. A community that capitalizes onits unique characteristics, such as its historiccharacter and buildings (e.g., old Rainier BreweryBuildings, Old City Hall, and the GeorgetownSteam Plant), and the presence of the SeattleDesign Center, to develop amenities andprograms that will reinforce Georgetown’s imageas a quality place to live, work, raise a family,and/or own a business.

GC-2D.l Capitalizing on Community Identity. Capitalizeon several features in Georgetown to givethe community a sense of identity.Improving the community’s image willhelp relieve perception of crime,strengthen Georgetown’s identity, andserve as a marketing tool for promotingeconomic development in certainmarkets. Elements of the communitywhich could be capitalized upon includeGeorgetown’s history, the presence ofthe Seattle Design and Gift Centers, theDuwamish River, and the area’s mix ofresidential, commercial, and industrialactivity. Implement community identitycomponents as part of:

l Economic Marketing Programs

l Installation of Community Gateways

l Installation of Public Utilities suchas street lighting

GC-2D.2 Elements of Historic Preservation. Recognize,

preserve, and protect historic elements ofthe community. The Department ofNeighborhoods Office of Conservationshould help and encourage propertyowners of possibly historic buildings toadaptively reuse buildings. Identificationof strategies for linking preservation witheconomic development should beundertaken, with particular emphasisplaced on explanation of the benefits(tax credits and national “Main Street”revitalization programs) and impacts(property restrictions and guidelines) ofhistoric preservation.

GC-2D.3 Support for Complementary StreetscapeImprovements. Promote Georgetown’s

historic identity through thedevelopment of appropriate streetscapeimprovements in the old commercialarea. In conjunction with economicdevelopment and public safetyrecommendations, seek from the City ofSeattle the siting and installation ofhistoric street lighting, seating, hangingbaskets, traffic and pedestrianimprovements, and decorativebrick/concrete paving for crosswalks.

This should be accomplished byinforming local property owners, andfunding strategies should be targetedtoward public investments with nofinancial impacts on property owners.Also, work to implement theseimprovements potentially throughrelevant mitigation funds to improvelocal business conditions, quality of life,etc.

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CC-2D.4 RTA Commuter Rail Connection to OldCommercial Area. Promote development ofa Sounder Commuter Rail station andensure that its introduction to thecommunity will minimize impacts andresult in benefits to economicdevelopment, public transportation, andcommunity amenities. Should thestation be developed, ensure that theCity of Seattle, in concert with Sound

Transit, develops pedestrian connectionsto the old commercial area andcapitalizes on Georgetown’s historiccharacter as part of station site design.

Issues/Discussion. Preliminary outreachquestionnaires revealed that some people feltunsafe in various parts of the Georgetownplanning area. Some of these locations includedEast Marginal Way S, Airport Way S, the oldcommercial core, and “nook-and-cranny” areassuch as alleys, back streets, and near railroadtracks. Some people also mentioned that whilethey felt safe during the day, personal safetybecame a concern after dark. This strongperception of crime belies the actual results oflocal crime prevention initiatives undertakenover the last 8 to 10 years. In fact, great strideshave been made in reducing the number ofincidents in several crime categories, includingresidential burglary, non-residential burglary,robbery, and aggravated assault. Although thedata suggests that Georgetown is a safe area tolive, work, and own a business, its reputation asan unsafe place continues to persist. To alleviatethese fears and promote Georgetown as a safeneighborhood, the Georgetown PlanningCommittee developed recommended actions toaddress overall public safety and abatement ofnuisance problems.

Overriding Goal. To become a community that

overcomes the perception of an unsafeneighborhood, while promoting the reality thatexisting crime prevention programs, inconjunction with proposed public safetyimprovements, will make the community a safeplace to live, work, and do business.

Recommendations

GC-3.1 Community Policing. Invest in communitypolicing for Georgetown. This could be asmall storefront presence (developed inpartnership with Seattle Police) tohandle routine complaints alleviatingpressure from 9 11 emergency services,promote existing programs like blockwatches and graffiti removal, andfacilitate things such as safetyinspections.

CC-3.2 West Seattle Precinct. Support thedevelopment of a West Seattle precinct.Because there is no precinct in this partof the City, the South Seattle precinctservice area is spread widely. A WestSeattle precinct would improve patrolsand response times in Georgetown bylimiting the coverage area of the SouthSeattle precinct. We strongly supportthe retention of Georgetown in theSouth Seattle precinct.

GC-3.3 Capital Public Safety Improvements. Act uponthe following capital improvements, asfunding becomes available:

l Work with Seattle City Light toimprove alley lighting. Recognizethat such an improvement will likelycome first through small City Lightgrants, then through the formationof a local improvement district. CityLight should continue to work withthe community to determine thesepotential costs.

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GC-3.4

l Work with Seattle City Light toimprove the maintenance of existinglights and install new ones in localhotspots that include mostresidential streets, 13th Avenue Sand the old commercial core, areasnear the Seattle Design Center, areasnear the Georgetown Hayfield, andseveral others that can be identifiedin concert with City Light.

l Work with the City to determinefunding and other opportunities forcommunity clean-ups, anti-graffitiprograms, tree plantings, and regularmaintenance of City streets.

Community/Pedestrian Safety. Implement thefollowing capital improvements, asfunding becomes available. Becausemany of these also have transportation-related recommendations, they shouldbe balanced against recommendationsmade in the Transportation, as well asthe overall Duwamish Manufacturing/Industrial Center Plan.

l Work with the City to addresspedestrian and children safety inresidential alleys. Signage is neededfor reducing speeds and indicatingchildren are at play.

l Work with the SeaTran to examinevehicular movements in thecommercial area around EastMarginal Way S between Flora andCarleton Avenues S. Currently,traffic flow allows for illegal activitiesand difficulty for police action.

l Address the need for creating a safepedestrian path between theresidential core south of BaileyStreet to the Georgetown Playfield.Opportunities could include (1)designating a route on the east side

of Corson Avenue and makingimprovements under the freewayoverpass; (2) improving the crosswalkat the traffic island on the northwestcorner with better painted crosswalksand signage; (3) adding a crossingguard; (4) developing an overpasscrosswalk; or any other opportunitiesidentified by the City.

l Request that the City work withUnion Pacific railroad to addresspedestrian and vehicular safetywhere the rail spur crosses LucileStreet. The City should request thatthe railroad add safety gates withbells, or work out other solutions forimproving vehicular and pedestriansafety at these at-grade crossings.

l The City should add crosswalksalong Airport Way S to facilitatepedestrian crossing to reach busstops.

GC-3.5 Abatement of Nuisance Problems. Currentabatement rules allow for continuedabuse of the system, particularly by localmotels and multifamily complexes . TheCity should give serious consideration torequiring on-site building management,and allowing the City Attorney tostrengthen the recourse forneighborhoods to address poormanagement and to abate a facility withchronic criminal activity.

GC-3.6 landlord Training. To complement theeffort to abate nuisance problems, theCity of Seattle Police Department isencouraged to sponsor atraining/educating seminar forlandlords, utilizing the SeattleNeighborhood Group’s LandlordTraining Manual for Seattle-King Countyas the model. This type of program

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would help reduce the number ofmismanaged properties. Also, once thetraining has been completed, the PoliceDepartment or its assigned agent shouldfollow through with a monitoringprogram from which a landlord couldeventually “graduate” and be deemedself-sufficient to deal with on-site illegal

activity.

The landlord training program should beestablished as an on-going effort andcould be taken up as an action item andpublic service provided by theGeorgetown Business Association.

Community validation event discussion andballot returns indicate this section does nothave broad community support. Responden&felt it promoted industrial interests at theexpense of quaky of life and en vironmen taIhealth, Also, the community% commitment tohabitat restoration on the Duwamkh waterwayconflicts with recommendations for increasingindustrial uses of the waterway.

Issues/Discussion. The Georgetown area currentlyaccommodates approximately 12,000 employees,excluding the Boeing Company. The City ofSeattle has established a growth target of 10,000net new jobs in the DuwamishManufacturing/Industrial Center as theirportion of King County’s estimate for jobgrowth, as per the State Growth ManagementAct of 1990. Georgetown’s industrial areas canbe expected to accommodate a certain amount ofthat growth, but no specific targets have beenestimated for the community. The GeorgetownCommunity set land use and economic

development priorities to govern how this growthshould and can occur in Georgetown. Thefollowing goals and recommendations depict howthe area’s manufacturing and iqdustrialstakeholders wish to promote industry and familywage job growth.

Overriding Goal. An economically strong and vitalmanufacturing and industrial center that placespriority on job creation, business growth, andstrategic ways for developing, training, andnetworking the local workforce with the localGeorgetown employment base.

A. land Use

G&M. 1

GC-4A.2

Manufacturing/Industrial Center Plan Policies.For Georgetown, the following should beconsidered:

l If the city is dedicated to ensuringthe 10,000 new jobs in industrialareas, it would be prudent to adopt apolicy rather than a goal of no netloss of industrial zoning;

l Because of Georgetown’s mix ofindustrial, commercial, and residentialuses, the policies relating to limitingcommercial or residential uses inindustrial/manufacturing areas shouldbe enforced. Also, continue to permitlegally established non.conforminguses to exist (those “grandfathered” in)and allow their limited expansionwithin their property /‘boundaries asdescribed in the Comprehensive Planand City Land Use. Code.

Maintain Industrial-Zoned Lands. Support theCity Comprehensive Plan goal ofmaintaining industrial-zoned lands as ameans of accommodating family-wagejob opportunities. Currently, within theGeorgetown planning area, this includesall lands zoned IGl, IG2, and IB.(excluding the Georgetown Hayfield).

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B. Economic Development

GC-4B. 1

GC-4B.2

GC-4B.3

City Investment Programs. As outlined in the

City’s Comprehensive Plan, the City ofSeattle should carefully consider anyintervention programs designed toenhance entrepreneurial opportunities inGeorgetown, taking into considerationthat they are both desirable andachievable. Similarly, the City shouldmake efforts to assist Georgetownbusinesses capital needs through issuanceof Industrial Development Bonds andother City, State, and Federal sponsoredbusiness programs, with specific emphasison small business financing programsgeared toward assembly, manufacturing,high-technology, distribution, andwholesaling trades.

Public Infrastructure Investments. To ensure

the area continues to thrive as a center ofcommerce and industry, invest in publicinfrastructure such as improved roads,storm and sanitation sewers, and publicutilities that will promote the expectedfamily-wage job growth desired by theCity in its designated manufacturing andindustrial areas. This is neededthroughout Georgetown.

Water-Dependent Uses. BecauseGeorgetown is home to industriesdependent upon immediate access to theDuwamish Waterway, Cityimplementation of the Seattle ShorelineMaster Program should give appropriateemphasis to preserving the shoreline ofthe Duwamish for existing and futurewater-based industrial use. Thisrecommendation should be coordinatedwith other environmental and naturalhabitat proposals sponsored by otherlocal and regional public agencies.

GC-4B.4

CC-4B.5

Marketing Plan for Georgetown. To helppromote both existing trades and targetindustries that fit into Georgetotin’s“niche” markets such as the design- andgift-related trades, water-based industries,aviation industries, and wholesaledistribution, a Marketing Plan should becreated for Georgetown. The Planshould consist of but not be limited tothe following and be implemented by theGeorgetown Business Association andGeorgetown Crime Prevention andCommunity Council with assistancefrom the Neighborhood BusinessCouncil and City Office of EconomicDevelopment.

Mission Statement.

Description of existing economicconditions in Georgetown.

Description of Georgetown’sindustrial “niche” markets.

Benefits of being located inGeorgetown: access, proximity toDowntown, affordability.

Why businesses should come toGeorgetown?

Programs for the Workforte. A Citydemonstration program should becreated that matches local resources inGeorgetown to enhance the skills andquality of the local workforce. Becauseof the many existing resources,opportunities abound. These includebut may not be limited.to establishingcurriculum for different industry-basedinternships or apprenticeships atCleveland High School; matching skillsand class curriculum at the SeattleDuwamish Industrial Center with thoseof different Georgetown businesses; andcoordinating and possibly subsidizinglocal businesses in a wide variety oftrades to take on apprentices or

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GC-4B.6

vocational school students. Also cross-reference to the Seattle Jobs Initiativediscussion in ED-2.

Developing a Georgetown Network linking Jobsand People. A local multi-purpose facilityshould be created to house a job trainingprogram, English as a Second Language(ESL) classes, bulletin boards, and otherjob networking opportunities. This typeof facility could be developed inconjunction with local efforts to identifya community center and meeting/conference room. This facility should bepromoted as a meeting place and hub ofactivity where both employers andemployees can identify opportunities forjobs and workforce. Also cross-referenceto the Seattle Jobs Initiative discussion inED-2.

Issues/Discussion. In Georgetown, residents andbusiness owners both share concerns about thelack of stringent code enforcement, non+compliant uses, the inability to abate propertiesin non-compliance, and the difficulty, delay, andinconsistency of building permit processing. Thecommunity recognizes that these issues are notjust specific to Georgetown, but have citywiderelevance. Over the course of the neighborhoodplanning process, a range of concerns specific toGeorgetown has been raised. The followingrecommendations represent Georgetown’sresidential and business concerns relevant tocdde enforcement and permit processing.

Overriding Goal. In the future, responsible andefficient City action, especially non-complianceand abatement of illegal and criminal uses, aswell as streamlined permit processing.

Recommendations

GC-5.1

CC-5.2

Permit Processing. The City’s permit

processing system is cumbersome,random, and inefficient. Interviews andpersonal experiences of businesses tryingto expand, builders and real estateproperty managers have all sharedconcerns related to the interpretation ofbuilding and fire codes, as well asimplementation of shoreline masterprogram permitting. To improve permitprocessing, the City should enforce atrue 120sday permit processingrequirement (to grant or issue a permit),train its staff to ensure a consistentmessage and interpretation of theprocesses, and invest in more customerservice support.

Ombudsman: Handling of Complaints. TheCity should have a complaintdepartment which takes complaints, logsthem, and provides the reporting citizenwith a tracking number for ensuringfollow-up actions. The departmentshould send the numbered complaint toall relevant department heads forimmediate action. The keyconsideration will be responsiveness tothe reporting citizen to ensure that thecomplaint has been adequately attended.If no solutidn can be found, thedepartment should institute anombudsman to resolve conflicts and .ensure department accountability.

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CC-5.3 Code Enforcement. In large part, the issue buildings, and covenants for

is not the content but rather the efficient allowing industry to operate without

and timely enforcement of codes on non- complaint.

compliant uses. The City should ensurethe consistent enforcement of its codesin Georgetown, providing adequateservice in the community comparable tothat experienced in all other parts of theCity. To ensure these basic services, theCity should establish code enforcementas a staffing budget priority, withparticular attention given to land use,zoning, building safety, and public healthcodes.

GC-5.4 Recommendations Regarding Existing Codes.

Consider the following specific items:

l As a place of industry, Georgetown ishome to some businesses that dealwith hazardous materials. Because ofthe close proximity of residentialareas, playfields, and schools toindustry, the City should considerredefining its land use code toaddress “high-impact” uses, with theintent of enforcing existingrequirements and creating specificstandards for “high-impact” usesrelative to its proximity to residentialareas. These uses should includethose that deal in the storage,mixhu-e, and transport of highlytoxic materials that put the generalpublic at risk.

0 Continue to allow artist lofts as aviable use in industrial zones. Thistype of use is appropriate toGeorgetown’s older buildings,providing a new life for some of thehistoric structures. Their presenceallows for an economic reuse ofhistoric structures and/or propertieswith environmental considerations.Artist lofts also allow for a diversityof people, preservation of significant

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Chapter 3.0Georgetown Neighborhood Plan Elements

Introduction and Background

Originally, the Georgetown Neighborhood Planwas structured around five subcommitteesworking on specific topics. These five were:

l Economic Developmentl Land Use and Zoningl Public Safetyl Transportationl Community Amenities &

The Environment

To more clearly structure plan priorities andgeographically group goals andrecommendations, the Plan Cornerstones(detailed in Chapter 2.0) were developed. Todeal with the remaining plan recommendations,this chapter presents those components whichcan best be represented to and commented uponby City officials as a topical plan element. Theseare:

l Economic Developmentl Transportation Facilities

l The Environment

Community validation event discussion andballot returns indicate this section does nothave broad community support. Manyrespondents do not support recommendationsallo wing increased King County In terna tionalAirport activity, This is afso apparent inquestionnaire results favoring reduction offreight dependence on Airport Way S, and

opposition for the 800.foot extension to theAirport runway.

Issues/Discussion. Discovery work throughGeorgetown’s neighborhood planning processreveals that economic growth and developmentare not major problem issues. However, theretention of some existing businesses may bedifficult due to the changing face of commerceand industry in Georgetown. In general, thecommunity appears to be experiencing a shiftfrom its historical industrial and heavymanufacturing base to a stronger emphasis onwholesale and distribution trades. Anecdotalinterviews and empirical economic data forGeorgetown also suggests that local businesshealth will generally be good and can be expectedto remain so over the next decade. Localemployers anticipate the need for additionalemployees to meet business growth. As such, thegoal in Georgetown for future economicdevelopment will be to help existmg businessthrive in the area, promote “growing” and“niche” markets, and develop a structure formarketing Georgetown as a strong economiccenter.

Overriding Goal. A community that continues tosupport its businesses, promotes job growth, andreceives the necessary public investment ininfrastructure to continue economic vibrancy.

Recommendations

ED-1 City Future-Thinking investments. The City ofSeattle should encourage its licensed .telecommunications vendors to invest inhigh-technology infrastructure. Thiswould seem especially worthwhile as on-

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C h a p t e r 3 . 0 . G e o r g e t o w n N e i g h b o r h o o d P l a n E l e m e n t s

line communications become morecommon among the businesscommunity. This cost could pay foritself through business growth resultingfrom the advanced capacity, plus thepotential to pay for the service through autility-style fee similar to water andwastewater systems.

ED-2 City Jobs Initiative. The City of Seattleshould invest in a partnership with localemployers for listing family-wage jobsavailable in Georgetown, while alsodeveloping a roster of skilled potentialapplicants through direct advertising andcoordination with local labor groups. Inaddition, some linkage should be createdbetween the new local business counciland City representatives regarding theCity’s jobs initiative program. Also referto the discussion in Cornerstone GW,recommendations GC4B.5 and -4B.6

ED-3 Marketing Commercial Uses. As part ofpreparing an overall economic marketingplan for Georgetown, there should be anelement for marketing Georgetown’scommercial zones with commercial uses.We suggest that the City join inpartnership with the GeorgetownBusiness Association and interestedproperty owners by finding ways toencourage siting new or existingcommercial retail services in the olddowntown core.

ED-4 Education and Information for Property Ownersand Real Estate Managers. The City, inconcert with the Neighborhood BusinessCouncil, should consider sponsoring alocal “Georgetown CommercialDevelopment Summit” to providebackground data, empirical figures, andpresentations from residential andbusiness community members about thepotential for commercial development.

At the same time, the program shouldgive participants concrete informationabout anticipated benefits, comrtiunitysupport, and viability of the investment.

ED-5 Working with Ring County International Airport.As the gateway to the Pacific and asignificant resource to the economicwelfare of Georgetown business andindustry, City investment in improvingfreight mobility in and around theAirport is essential. Coordinate with theCounty and the State Department ofTransportation to assign reasonablepriorities to maintain and reconstructfreight routes serving the airport facility.

Please also refer to the Environment section, inChapter 3.0, for other recommendations forworking with King County International Airport.

Community vahda tion event discussion andballot returns indicate this section does nothave broad community support. Manyrespondents did not support recommendationsemphasizing freight mobility because of concernfor quality of life issues, and specificallyopposed improvements to non-arterial streets toaccommodate truck traffic, Some businessowners believe east-west freight mobility binadequately addressed. Many respondentssupport siting a commuter railstation onAirport Way S, and adding pedestrianimprovemen& to the right-of-way. Mostresidents support completing the CorgiatMitigation Project on Corson Avenue S, torestrict its use as a freight mobility route.

.Issue/Discussion Originally, the GeorgetownNeighborhood Plan Transportation Element hadseveral recommendations to address industrial/

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C h a p t e r 3.0. G e o r g e t o w n N e i g h b o r h o o d P l a n E l e m e n t s

manufacturing and residential interests. Sincethat original work, the Greater DuwamishPlanning Committee, charged with developingthe Duwamish Manufacturing 6r IndustrialCenter Plan, has carried forward some of thetransportation components of the GeorgetownPlan. The following transportationrecommendations are those from the originalelement that were specific to Georgetown’sresidential neighborhood anchor and parts of itsindustrial area, as well as those that were omittedby the broader M&I Center Plan.

The core categories and priority issues of theGeorgetown transportation element remain thesame, and efforts to develop each one should beundertaken as funding becomes available. Thekey transportation categories are:

l Regional Circulation Improvementsl Improving Freight & Goods Mobilityl Road Operations & Maintenancel Safetyl Non-Motorized Improvementsl Transit Servicel Pedestrian Street Improvementsl Advanced Technologies

Overriding Goal. An integrated transportationnetwork that addresses the freight mobility,highway access, and efficiency demands ofmanufacturing/industrial constituents; the non-motorized and pedestrian improvements soughtby area residents; and the basic services of goodroads, transit service, and overall circulationdesired by all Georgetown interests.

Recommendations

Regional Circulation improvements

T-l Michigan Street/Bailey Street Traffic Flow

Enhancement. Re-channelize S. Bailey Streeteast of Corson to provide adequate turningradii onto the freeway ramp. Interconnect

T-2

T-3

T-4

signals to the east with progression in thevicinity of the 1st Avenue S Bridge.Improve signage and lane assignmentsapproaching the I-5 on-ramp.

S. Lucile Street Traffic Flow Enhancement.Reorganize parking, improve trafficcontrol, signage and lane assignments toimprove circulation between 4th Avenue Sand Airport Way S.

Airport Way S Proposals

Alternative A: . Enhance arterial capacity ofAirport Way through elimination of on-street parking and reconfiguration of the‘bottleneck’ in the vicinity of theneighborhood commercial district.Interconnect signals at Lucile/Corsonalong Airport Way.

Alternative B: Improve customer access withparking along Airport Way S. Installcrosswalks on Airport Way S in support ofintegrating rhe Seattle Design Center andsupporting businesses.

Neighborhood Truck Circulation

Alternative A: Make turning radiiimprovements at S Michigan/S Bailey andE Marginal Way along Corson Avenue fortrucks through channelizationimprovements and minor ROWacquisitions.

Alternative B: Use road improvements,signage, and priority maintenance toenhance the existing designated truckroute (East Marginal Way S to 4th AvenueS to So. Michigan Street) to be efficient fortruck use. Route truck traffic around theresidential core according to the CorgiatMitigation Agreement between the City ofSeattle and Georgetown Community.Complete the remaining work to be done

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C h a p t e r 3.0- G e o r g e t o w n N e i g h b o r h o o d P l a n E l e m e n t s

according to the agreement, installingtraffic calming improvements andlandscaping along the residential side ofCorson Avenue S.

Improve Freight and Goods Mobility

T-5 Small User Rail and Duwamish Waterway localSpurs Presewation. Support the DuwamishCoalition findings and the need tomaintain adequate local rail access toindustrial land in Georgetown and alongthe Duwamish waterway.

T-6 Airport Way Truck Movement Improvements.Rebuild pavement structure and drainageto accommodate heavy vehicles andgeneral-purpose traffic for 2.5 miles.

Transportation Access. Because of inadequateroad conditions and impacts associatedwith heavy freight traffic, the City ofSeattle should coordinate with KingCounty and the State of Washington toimprove the load carry capacity, drainage,and right-of-way width of Airport Way Salong the perimeter of the Airport. Thiswould promote improved access for freightmobility in and out of the facility.

In addition, the City should coordinatewith King County to widen and improveseveral access points to Perimeter Road S,particularly at the entry to the Terminalbuilding to allow for more efficient truckand other vehicular entry and egress.

Safety

T-7 4th Avenue S/.S Orcas Street Improvements.Review illegal parking, speeding andsignage issues in the immediate vicinity ofthis intersection. Work with the SeattlePolice and Parking Enforcement Divisionto monitor and control parking and traffic

speeds in the vicinity. Review theproposed signalization of the 4th AvenueS/S. Fidalgo Street intersection as anoption to improve safety in the vicinity.

T-8 4” Avenue 5, S. Fidalgo Street/S Lutile StreetParking and Safety Study. Conduct a detailedreview along 4th Avenue S and evaluateaccess management, parking managementand organization, channelization and othersafety issues to address safety, accessto/from 4th Avenue S and parking.

T-9 5. Ortas between 1” Avenue S and 41h Avenue SSafety Issue Review. Review collision history,existing geometric configuration, andtraffic control. Recommend traffic controlimprovements to improve safety concernsat uncontrolled intersections, trafficdiversion, and speeds along S Orcas Streetand other east-west roadways in thevicinity.

T-l 0 Parking and Pedestrian Safety along 6” Avenue S.Narrow lanes, limited sight distance, poorshoulder conditions, on-street parkingconfiguration, and lack of a pedestrianfacility along 6th Avenue S createcirculation and safety conflicts. Addressthe interaction between moving vehicles,parked vehicles, and pedestrian in thegeneral vicinity.

T-l 1 Traffic Calming on Residential Streets. Usetraffic calming methods to protectresidential streets and alleys from diversionof traffic off arterials, and from excessivespeeds.

Non-Motorized Improvements

T-l 2 Airport Way S Parallel Rail Spur Evaluation ofPotential as Non-Motorized Corridor. Workwith SeaTran in the non-motorizedelement of the Comprehensive Planning

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C h a p t e r 3.0. G e o r g e t o w n Ne?ghborhood P l a n E l e m e n t s

Process to evaluate and prioritize thispotential non-motorized facility. Comparewith other improvement as an alternativeoption.

T-l 3 Evaluate Potential for S. Bailey Street OverheadPedestrian Bridge and Corson SidewalkImprovements. Work with SeaTran in thenon-motorized element of thecomprehensive planning process toevaluate and prioritize this potential,non-motorized facility. Also refer to GC-2B. 1.

T-l 4 Commuter Rail, Pedestrian links and TransitFacilities Coordination. Contingent on thedevelopment of a commuter rail station inGeorgetown, enhance pedestrian accessand circulation in the vicinity of thestation to promote use and attractivenessof the alternative mode.

T-l 5 1 stAvenue S Bridge/Beacon Hill Regional TrailSystem Opportunities. Identify key linkagesbetween Georgetown and other regionaltrail and non-motorized facilities.

Transit Service

T-16

T-17

T-18

Regional Transit Connections Improvements.King County Metro should developpolicies and appoint business andcommunity leaders from Georgetown tocoordinate with Metro and theImplementation of the 6-year transitimprovement program.

local Transit Circulation and Access to FutureRegional Rail System Enhancements. Developpolicies and appoint business andcommunity leaders from Georgetown tocoordinate with Metro and theImplementation of the 6-year transitimprovement program.

Boeing Access Station/Georgetown EmploymentCenters/Residential Area Shuttle Feasibility.Work closely with King County-Metro and

the Sound Transit to provide local shuttlebus transfer points between Georgetownand the planned inter-modal rail-biisstation in the vicinity of the Boeing AccessRoad, adding service as feasible to the KingCounty International Airport Terminalarea along Perimeter Road.

T-l 9 Georgetown Commuter Rail Station Support.Support and lobby the Seattle CityCouncil, King County-Metro, and theSound Transit to construct a commuterrail station in Georgetown to reduceemployee work trips to the area andprovide alternative travel modes withinGeorgetown.

Advanced Technologies

T-20 Provide Real-Time Traveler Information for MajorThrough-Corridor in Georgetown. Install andlink with the WSDOT VMS currentsystems to provide traveler information onalternative routes and possible delays tobetween the Alaska Way Viaduct and I-5alternative freeway corridors. Provide real-time traveler information.

Issue/Discussion. Public awareness of Georgetownenvironmental issues are not well known orpublicized. The purpose of planning for theenvironment is intensify citizen; public agency,and elected official appreciation for the fragilityand quality of the environment in Georgetownand South Seattle.

There is grave need for awareness and sensitivityof potential impacts to the natural environment,air quality, groundwater, and human lifeassociated with growth not just locally in

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Georgetown, but from the cumulative effect ofthe region’s growth. Specific issues raised relateto land use development, groundwater issues,and preservation and promotion of the naturalenvironment and its ecosystems.

Overriding Goal. An improved existingenvironment. A community aware of andsensitive to environmental quality. In the future,there will be recognition and respect for the vitalnatural environment and ecosystems, such as theDuwamish River, that survive in Georgetown inthe presence of commerce and industry. Therealso will be solutions to curb environmentalhazards that threaten the health, safety, andgeneral welfare of Georgetown’s residents andemployees.

Recommendations

E-l Airport Master Planning Participation. Becausethe operations of King CountyInternational Airport affect the quality oflife of local residents, as well as thecommerce of the Georgetown area, theCity of Seattle should work with KingCounty to assure communityrepresentatives are included in the futureplanning endeavors of the Airport.Through this process, the Airport shouldaddress the neighborhood’s desire toexamine future plan alternatives focusingon aviation-related, less intensive uses thatchannel away from Ellis Avenue S. Keyconsiderations include:

Environmental Analysis. King County

International Airport will be conductingair and noise impact analysis related toAirport operations. Because air qualityand noise are of particular interest toresidents and employees throughout theGreater Duwamish Valley, the City ofSeattle, in partnership with other affectedjurisdictions, should participate in funding

E-2

E-3

and evaluating these analyses, and assistthe County in adopting appropriatemitigation measures, as necessary.

Environmental Quality. Appendix II providesdetailed information on neighborhoodenvironmental quality concerns. Thepresence of the Airport can result inenvironmental effects to residents andemployees in close proximity of the facility.As the Airport proceeds with its masterplanning, a significant effort should bemade to reduce Airport-related emissionson residential areas, enact nighttime noiserestrictions, and address other broad-ranging environmental issues. It should benoted that there are specific concerns fromGeorgawn’s residential community.Residential concerns include the following:

l work to limit noise impacts from facilityoperation;

l instituting restrictions as per State lawon aircraft testing and maintenance;

l enactment of nighttime noiserestrictions;

l reduction of air pollution; and

l provision for adequate buffering wherethe Airport abuts residential areas.

Duwamish Habitat Watershed Plan. SeattlePublic Utilities should support andexpand upon the Duwamish HabitatWatershed Plan, specifically addressingthose sections of the Duwamish relevantto Georgetown and S.outh Park. Thisshould include issues of public access tothe River and opportunities forimproving shoreline street ends.

Green Georgetown. ThroughoutGeorgetown, there should beopportunities to promote more parks,enact industrial streets landscaping plansas called for by code, and implement

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C h a p t e r 3.0- G e o r g e t o w n N e i g h b o r h o o d P l a n E l e m e n t s

recommendations for the co-existence ofa natural habitat and working waterfrontfor the Duwamish River as per the LowerDuwamish Habitat Restoration Plan bythe Duwamish Coalition (1996), LowerDuwamish Community Plan by theGreen-Duwamish Watershed Alliance(1998), and the King County WaterQuality Project.

Additionally, ensure that existing treesthat are protected by landmark status,designated as historic landscapes, or havebeen inventoried and have protectionthrough city code will be preserved. TheCity, particularly DCLU, Parks 6rRecreation, City Light, and the DONOffice of Conservation, can help meetthis goal by corresponding with thebusiness and community councils whennew development projects proposepotential tree removals.

E-4 Relationship to Regional Air, Soil, and

Groundwater Quality. Locally, there isconcern over contamination of soil,groundwater, and poor air quality. Toaddress these issues, Seattle PublicUtilities should develop a strategy forworking with other jurisdictions to dealwith air, soil, and groundwater pollutionin the industrial corridor. Air, soil, andgroundwater pollution impacts localtrees and plant life. It affects the wholecity and the region. Specific items whichshould be taken into considerationinclude City, State, and Federalstandards for air and groundwater. TheCity of Seattle, in support of its corevalue of environmental justice, shouldtake a regional leadership on these issuesbecause local neighborhood planningprovides too narrow a scope and toosmall a budget to address these regionalconcerns.

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georgetown - seattlegeorgetown neighborhood goals and policies community vision statement as...

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