Squire Park Community Newsletter

Seattle City Councilmember Judy Nicastro Meets with SPCC Board

Councilmember Judy Nicastro, who was unable to attend the January SPCC membership meeting, attended the February board meeting. Nicastro is chair of the newly formed City Council committee named “Landlord/Tenant, Land Use, Parks, and Open Space,” and is chair of the Public Safety committee.

Board members discussed with Nicastro the concern in our neighborhood about the loss of affordable housing. Nicastro stated that state law does not allow rent control and there is little grassroots movement for changing the law. Nicastro is planning a “renters” summit to be held in late May or early June. She urged that interested persons call her office for more information: 684-8807.

The “right of first refusal” legislation, intended to help tenants in Section 8 subsidized housing, or nonprofit agencies, have an opportunity to buy the housing they rent if the owner decides to sell, is awaiting the results of a Washington State Supreme Court case on a controlling issue.

Board members urged that the City Council look at other strategies to create or maintain affordable housing in our neighborhood, such as reducing the requirements for car parking spaces in some new multifamily developments in denser areas near public transportation. If developers were not required to devote money and space to parking spaces for all units, some units could be less expensive and could be rented to persons who do not own cars. Another strategy that could allow current residents to remain in their homes is promoting more accessory dwelling units (sometimes called “parent-in-law units”).

Nicastro was urged to take action on the need for more shelters for homeless people. SPCC board members also asked Nicastro to consider a broader discussion of police-community relations as she undertakes the investigation of WTO events.

—Bill Zosel