In 2023, the Washington State Legislature adopted House Bill 1110, often referred to as the "middle housing" bill. HB1110 requires many cities in the state to allow a broader range of housing types in areas that have allowed predominantly detached homes.
In October 2024, Seattle Mayor Harrell proposed a growth strategy now called the One Seattle Plan. That plan is made to comply with the state-mandated increased housing density requirements from HB1110. The City Council will vote on the plan in May 2025. And the State Legislation will have a final vote in June 2025.
PROPOSAL
Madison Park is one of 30 proposed new "Neighborhood Centers". They are deemed suitable for residential and mixed-use buildings up to 6 stories in the core. In Madison Park, it would mean the commercial 3 blocks could be built taller--up to 65 feet. Blocks surrounding the business core could go to 4 stories-40 feet (Lowrise 2) with multifamily development on the west side and 5 stories-5O feet (Lowrise 3) with multifamily on the east.
The height restriction is presently 30 feet on most lots. There are approximately 6 more blocks of the 5-story zoning proposed around the commercial area and the park.
Growth will come to Madison Park- how it is managed will hopefully not sneak up on our community but proceed in tandem with our community planning. Please volunteer with our One Seattle Plan committee- the issues are complicated, the impact and regulations even more complex and Madison Park needs to be sure we understand the impact on multiple levels. Our Feb. 4 Neighborhood meeting will address the One Seattle Plan in more depth. Please mark your calendars to attend.
Learn more about the One Seattle Plan’s impact in Madison Park at https://one-seattle-plan-zoning-implementation-seattlecitygis.hub.arcgis.com and https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/OPCD/SeattlePlan/OneSeattlePlanZoningUpdateProposedCentersAndZoningD3.pdf.
Send comment to your city council rep Joy.Hollingsworth@seattle.gov as the proposals are now in the hands of the City Council for Review.
Holiday Activities Brighten Madison Park
Dec. 14 was a day of blustery weather and bustle in the neighborhood. An Artisan Market was busy with shoppers, Pioneer Hall was busy with a wreath making class and Madison Park Coop Preschool hosted its winter wonderland activities for children. The highlight of the day was the Tree Lighting in the Park and students form McGilvra Elementary School singing holiday songs- followed by roaming carolers in the neighborhood. Christmas Ships on December 21 arrived following deadline but the annual event and bonfire is always a huge hit in Madison Park.
New Schedule for Neighborhood Meetings
Mark your 2025 schedule for Neighborhood Meetings. We are switching up the dates to meet- now the first Tuesday of the month. Our first meeting will be Tuesday, Feb. 4 from 6:30-8 at the Bathhouse.
Farmer’s Market Survey is Completed
Thanks to the over 700 people and businesses who completed the Farmer’s Market Survey. We will keep you posted on the process to come.
McGilvra Elementary School Tours
Tours will be held Jan. 10 and Jan. 24, beginning at 8:30 at the school. Go to www.mcglvrapta.org/visit for more information. Pre-registration is appreciated.
Ruth Dalton Memorial
In December, a memorial bench for Ruth Dalton and Prince was finally approved by the Parks Department. Thanks to Council member Joy Hollingsworth for shepherding this process. More details will follow shortly on location of the bench and bronze statue of Prince.
Little Beats Concerts Series
Friends of Madison Park kids concert series continues through March. January’s concert is Saturday January 4th from 11-12 at Pioneer Hall, with Esjay the Dragon Dreamer and then Saturday February 1 with Alleyoop. Thanks so much to Parkshore Residential Council for sponsoring the series and The Washington Pioneer Association for the perfect venue. $5 recommended at the door or register online at www.friendsofmadisonpark.com/kids-concert-series.
Stay Informed and Get Involved
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