Based on feedback we’ve received on the draft station community proposals presented in February and March, we will be refining the proposed actions during April and May, and plan to come back out to the community for additional discussions in June.
Among the comments and questions from the open houses was a general question about when zoning changes might occur, and concerns or questions about proposed densities in the station communities.
Generally, it would take approximately six to nine months from this point in the process for any rezoning to become effective, but given the current City budget situation and proposed budget cuts to the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, it is unclear when any of the zoning proposals would move forward for formal adoption. Regardless of the timing, before any change occurs there will be additional community meetings and hearings before the Planning Commission and City Council.
As for concerns about overall density in the station communities, regional and city policies encourage high-density growth around light rail transit stations. These policies are reflected in the current zoning at the station areas, and these are areas where we expect to see change in the form of infill development. The Eastside MAX project is a process to revisit the zoning and make adjustments. In addition to changes to the base zoning, we are looking at applying the Design Review overlay, which would apply additional development standards to improve the quality of infill development.
Thank you for all of your comments regarding proposed planning changes for the six Eastside MAX Station communities. We continue to try and make things better while working within the Citywide framework that encourages growth and infill development in MAX station communities.
Click the links below to read feedback that we have received by email, comment sheet, or through our online survey.
Public Comments – 60th and 82nd Aves
Public Comments – Parkrose/Sumner, 122nd, 148th, and 162nd Aves
