• The proposed 192nd Avenue map change from Urban Low Density/R-6 to Urban High Density/R-22 at SE 192nd Avenue and SE 15th Street, an associated Development Agreement, were originally reviewed concurrently with other fall 2023 map and text changes. The timeline for this proposal was extended following December 4 First Reading Council discussion of transportation issues.
• If R-22 zoning is approved, future site plan application is anticipated for 210-223 apartment units. The applicant withdrew the original proposal for R-30 zoning and has proposed a Development Agreement providing for additional mitigation through building height limitations, enhanced setbacks and buffers on north and west property lines, access limitations for proposed internal road stubs, assurance that at least 5% of housing units will be affordable at 80% of Area Median Income, and compliance with the City Interim Green Building Policy.
• Two ordinance options are presented for consideration with alternative means of addressing transportation issues discussed at the December 4 First Reading.

Housing and Human Needs – meeting basic needs and partnering with organizations to support the community.

Economic Opportunity - a place where a wide variety of businesses of all sizes grow and thrive.

Vibrant and Distinct Neighborhoods – a variety of accessible places and spaces.

Climate and Natural Systems – Environmental stewardship and efforts to address climate change to ensure a sustainable future.

Citizen testimony at the December 4 First Reading raised continued concern about incomplete sidewalks on the north side of 15th Street west of the site. There are two stretches of roadway on the north side of 15th to the west of the proposed development totaling approximately 1,100 lineal feet that currently lack sidewalk. Involved properties are six oversized residential lots of 1-3 acres in size each, which would be required to construct sidewalk at the time of redevelopment or land division. The short to mid-term redevelopment potential of these properties is unclear as they contain predominantly 1970’s ranch homes, although new HB 1110 requirements to effectively allow 4-6 units on most single-family zoned properties will enhance this potential. Full development of the 192nd Avenue rezone site under proposed R-22 zoning in 2024 would result in approximately $420,000 in Transportation Impact Fees, but under the current TIF program sidewalk improvements are not eligible for funding. Short to mid-term sidewalk improvement on the north side of 15th would require City right-of-way acquisition and construction, and realization would be contingent on owner willingness to sell.

A secondary citizen concern was raised about ensuring that future non-emergency vehicle and pedestrian access be prohibited on SE 191st Avenue and SE 13th Street as shown at the north and west edges of the rezone site conceptual site plan. Per City transportation policy, non-emergency vehicular access is typically not provided from multi-family development through abutting single-family development. Pedestrian and bike access is however typically not prohibited, and in this case is particularly needed to allow direct access from the rezone site to Hanna Acres Park to the north without needing to use 192nd Avenue.

Two ordinance options are presented for Council consideration:

Ordinance A (Recommendation of Transportation and Planning Staff)

• Does not address 15th Street sidewalk issues in the D.A., but leaves construction of enhanced crosswalk at 15th Street and 189th Avenue to be required as a condition of site plan review. This would provide safe access near the site to the south side of 15th Street containing complete sidewalk, would more likely result in short term improvements, and would forego the need to spend limited public funds on 15th Street sidewalks at the expense of other areas of the City with greater sidewalk need.
• Includes new D.A. language that’s prohibits non-emergency vehicular access on the 191st Avenue and 13th Street stub roads on the north and west edges of the rezone site, but do not prohibit pedestrian access on 191st Street, and prohibit pedestrian access on 13th Street contingent on it not being required at the time of site plan review.
• Includes other previously established D.A. provisions as described herein.

Ordinance B

• Includes D.A. language requiring the City to acquire right-of-way and complete sidewalk improvements, unless the TIF program is changed to make sidewalk improvements creditable. Enhanced crossing improvements at 189th Avenue will likely also be required during site plan review.
• Same provisions as Ordinance A for stub road access and other D.A. provisions.

Links

October 24, 2023 Planning Commission public hearing staff report 

192^nd Avenue rezone traffic analysis

192^nd Avenue rezone applicant submittal

• Under either Ordinance A and B, the rezone would facilitate needed market rate and affordable housing at a location with appropriate commercial and public services, and a range of mitigation measures ensured through an associated Development Agreement.

• Ordinances A and B both provide for safety improvements on 15th Avenue, and access limitations on stub road within the rezone site.