Op-Ed: Speak out about backyard and sideyard homes

The Montlaker blog reported on the issue of backyard and sideyard homes back on 9/2/12. It now comes down to a public hearing this Friday (4/18) and a letter writing campaign to city council members to ensure that permanent restrictions are put on the height of these towering structures and the minimum lot size for large-scale building on a lot where a home already exists. Because this issue started in Montlake, you may have an interest in learning the status of the issue and how your voice can be heard.

Article: Blaine Street Preservation group finds citywide allies against backyard developer

The feature article in the current issue of Seattle Weekly dives into the subdivision controversy that fired up Blaine residents earlier this year. View on montlaker.com

City council members are hearing a lot from developers (and their lobbyist) on the issue, and we don’t want our voice as concerned homeowners to be drowned out so it’s critical you make your voice heard in the next few days.

How you can help:

• Show your in-person support at City Hall at 2pm on Friday, 4/18 (see details below)
• Write a letter (sample below for your customization)

Resources and more info:

• DPD’s latest recommendations
• One Home Per Lot’s suggestions for how the land use committee can improve on the DPD’s final recommendations
• Sample letter addressing some of the suggestions from citizen’s group One Home Per Lot

Here’s the contact information for the land use committee members:

• Mike O’Brien, 206-684-8800, mike.obrien@seattle.gov
• Tim Burgess, 206-684-8806, tim.burgess@seattle.gov
• Nick Licata, 206-684-8803, nick.licata@seattle.gov
• Sally Clark, 206-684-8802, sally.clark@seattle.gov

Time and location of public hearing:

The public hearing will be part of the committee’s regularly scheduled meeting: This Friday (4/18/14) at 2:00 p.m. in City Council chambers, City Hall (600 Fourth Avenue, downtown Seattle). The committee wants to hear from all citizens (you don’t have to understand the technical details in order to share your opinions on this issue). Couple things to keep in mind:

• Each speaker is limited to two minutes of speaking time.
• It’s first come, first served — and if there’s a large crowd, not everyone will be provided a chance to speak. You have to arrive early and sign up before the meeting starts if you want to speak. (Plan to arrive by 1:30)
• When you arrive, line up in front of the council chamber doors (which will remain locked until 1:45)

Thanks in advance for your support.

Neighbors on behalf of One Home Per Lot