The preliminary reports from the office of Fiance and Administration recommend affordable housing for Former Fire Station 39. Below is the full update from the office of Finance and Administration.
Send comments and questions to Rich Gholaghong by phone (206- 684-0701), by e-mail at richard.gholaghong@seattle.gov or by regular mail to Rich Gholaghong, FAS Real Estate Services, P.O. Box 94689, Seattle WA 98124-4689.
Former Fire Station 39 – Reuse and Disposition
With a new fire facility now in operation in Lake City, the City of Seattle’s Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) is in the process of evaluating options for reuse and disposition of the former Fire Station 39 on the adjacent property. The Mayor and City Council, through the 2012 Adopted Budget, directed City departments to evaluate the feasibility of redevelopment of this particular site for low-income multifamily housing and services.
Preliminary Report
FAS has published the Preliminary Report for former Fire Station 39. The procedures and steps for evaluating reuse and disposition of excess City property ensure transparency of process, and that different ideas and proposals are considered and evaluated. The report followed Council policy guidance to:
- · Analyze the property characteristics
- · Compile and review public comments received
- · Report any interest from other City or Governmental agencies
- · Review land use constraints and the real estate market
- · Make a recommendation based on the above factors
The report recommends that this property be sold for the development of affordable housing for homeless families and families earning less than 30% of median income. The ground floor commercial space could be made available to organizations providing youth-oriented community services that can benefit the broader community, as well as residents of the building. Download a copy of the report here.
Public Involvement and Public Involvement Plan
The City Council, with Resolution 30862, provides multiple opportunities for the public to provide input to the reuse and disposition evaluation process for each excess property. All respondents now, or at any time during the process, will be placed on a contact list and receive future information as it becomes available.* Comment is not limited to the 30-day comment period and is taken throughout the process, although deadlines are set for publication of reports.
FAS initiated public input by mailing the Opportunity for Input community flier on March 5, 2012. Approximately 1,550 fliers were sent to residents residing within a 1,000 foot radius of the former fire station, as well as to community groups and other interested parties. As of April 4, 2012, FAS received comments from 219 separate individuals. These comments are summarized in the Preliminary Report.
The Preliminary Report published on June 1, 2012, includes a Public Involvement Planor PIP. The purpose of the PIP is to identify the appropriate methods for seeking additional public input on certain “complex” properties if the evaluation process turns up a number of issues or concerns. Factors include the value of the property, the extent and nature of public input, whether a recommended use would require a change in zoning or other regulations, and the number of proposals for reuse/disposal of the property. Former Fire Station 39 is classified as complex. The proposed PIP for Former Fire Station 39 recommends that two public meetings be held in Lake City to obtain further public input on the City’s recommendation to build affordable housing on the property.
The proposed PIP will be reviewed by the City’s Real Estate Oversight Committee and presented to the City Council. Interested parties will be sent 14-day notice when the Council briefing on the PIP is scheduled. At this time, the Council is primarily interested in reviewing whether the Public Involvement Plan provides adequate opportunities for public input on the recommended option and other alternatives rather than on the recommendation itself.
*Please note that any written comments will be made a part of the public record for the disposition of this property, which is subject to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56).
Next Steps
- · FAS will take comments on the Preliminary Report and proposed PIP for 30-days, closing on June 30.
- · The Real Estate Oversight Committee will review and vote on the proposed Public Involvement Plan.
- · Notice will be sent to interested parties on the mailing list with 14-day notice of a Council briefing to review and approve the Public Involvement Plan.
- · FAS will carry out the Public Involvement Plan, currently anticipated to be two public meetings.
- · FAS will produce a Final Report and Public Involvement Report.
- · Legislation will be introduced to implement the Mayor’s Recommendation.
With regard to the Fire Levy projects to date, the Council has authorized the sale of all former fire stations, with sale proceeds returned to the Fire Levy Fund and used to complete other station rehabilitation projects.
Information
This webpage will be updated as information becomes available.
If you are a potential purchaser, have a proposed use, or would like detailed information regarding this property or the disposition process, please contactRichard Gholaghong at 206-684-0621.
Thomas C. Whittemore
Neighborhood District Coordinator
Department of Neighborhoods
North Region
Ballard Neighborhood Service Center
5604 22nd Ave. NW
Seattle, WA 98107
www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods
Tel: (206) 684-4096
Cell: (206) 396-2788
Fax: (206) 233-7060