Shoreline Planning Commission Meeting - March 18, 2021

On March 18, 2021, the Shoreline Planning Commission held a regular meeting via Zoom. The meeting included a study item on Proposition 1, a parks bond measure for the April 27, 2021 special election, and a public hearing on a proposed zoning code amendment defining “enhanced shelter” and permitting it as an outright use in the Mixed Business (MB) zone. The commission voted to recommend adoption of the code amendment to the City Council, with a note to consider including the Community Business (CB) zone and the 15th Avenue corridor.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was approved as presented.
• The minutes from March 4, 2021 were approved with no changes.

Study Item: Proposition 1 – Park Improvements and Parkland Acquisition

• Sarah Lane, Administrative Services Director, and Christina Arsene, Management Analyst, presented a pre-recorded overview of Proposition 1. The measure authorizes $38.5 million in general obligation bonds over 20 years to fund improvements at eight parks and acquisition of new parkland. The owner of a median-valued home ($517,000 in 2020) would pay an estimated $112 per year ($9 per month) in property tax, a $36 per year increase over the expiring 2006 park bond.
• Key improvements include new play areas, splash pads, picnic shelters, restrooms, and trails at Brugger’s Bog, Hillwood, Richmond Highlands, Briarcrest (part of Hamlin East), and James Keel Park. Other parks (Kruckeberg Botanic Garden, Ridgecrest, Shoreview) would receive targeted upgrades. The bond requires 60% approval and a minimum 40% voter turnout from the November 2020 general election.
• Commissioner Questions:
  • Commissioner requested clarification on the removal of a baseball field at one park. Staff responded that overall field capacity is sufficient given declining participation in baseball/softball and increasing demand for other sports. A dirt field at Shoreview Park would be converted to grass.
  • Commissioner asked about connectivity to light rail stations; staff noted that trails are designed for internal park access, with broader trail connectivity a longer-term vision.
  • Commissioner inquired about the high validation threshold for special elections. Staff explained that state law uses the previous general election turnout to ensure adequate representation for property tax increases.
• Public Comment (Nancy File):
  • Nancy File, a 40-year resident of the Hillwood area, expressed concerns about: the inclusion of a basketball court when one already exists nearby; the reduction of soccer field space; the removal of a used baseball diamond while an unused one remains; the proximity of an enhanced shelter to Hillwood Park and potential drug activity under covered areas; and whether the design for Harris Park (donated land) complies with donation restrictions. Staff noted her comments for the record.
• Commissioner Reflection: Commissioner (Vice Chair Alki) noted that the bond cost is reasonable compared to gym memberships and other services, and that the public will decide.

Public Hearing: Enhanced Shelter Definition & Zoning Code Amendment

• Nora Garloff, Planning Manager, presented the proposed code change. The amendment adds a definition of “enhanced shelter” to the zoning code and permits it in the MB zone with index criteria. Enhanced shelters are low-barrier, 24/7 facilities where residents are assigned rooms for the duration of their stay. The proposal follows an interim ordinance adopted in October 2020 for the “Oaks” site (163rd and Aurora), which is concurrently being rezoned from R-48 to MB. The permanent regulations include a 1-mile spacing requirement (no additional enhanced shelters within that radius while the Oaks operates), a maximum of 100 residents, a six-foot fence adjacent to residential zones, and a required memorandum of agreement with the city covering staffing, reporting, and a good neighbor plan.
• Clarifying Questions:
  • Commissioner asked about expanding to the CB zone and 15th Avenue corridor. Staff noted that would require a separate process and consideration of transit requirements.
• Public Testimony:
  • Renee Down expressed concerns about screening for violent behavior, the length of stay for residents, and the need for strong metrics and management to prevent nuisance. He did not support the definition as written without further study.
  • Jackie called for more specificity in reporting requirements (e.g., frequency) and raised concerns about the shelter’s proximity to child-oriented sites. She supported considering the 15th Avenue corridor as a more suitable location.
  • Nancy File argued that the interim ordinance could be renewed rather than making permanent changes. She stated that the index criteria were based on grant requirements (e.g., no screening for sex offenders), not on empirical research. She recommended limiting residents to 40 to start and waiting to see how the interim shelter performs before committing to a permanent code.
• Commissioner Deliberation:
  • Commissioner Gallagher supported the code but wanted additional metrics on volunteers and donations, and clarity on food service operations (noting the kitchen may remain but food would be catered).
  • Vice Chairman Alki moved to recommend adoption of the code amendments as presented in Attachment A, with a second by Commissioner Callahan. He suggested adding a note to the City Council to consider including the CB zone and the 15th Avenue corridor.
  • Commissioner (Ms. Hines) cautioned that expanding to other zones had not been publicly noticed and could be addressed in a future recommendation letter rather than as an amendment.
  • Commissioner Seger expressed excitement for the Oaks site and thanked staff for their work.
• Vote: The motion to recommend adoption of the code amendments (Attachment A) passed unanimously (Commissioners Present: Callahan, Dalista, Seger, Vice Chairman Alki, Ramashani; Commissioner Lynn absent, Chair Mark absent). The commission agreed to include a note in their recommendation letter about future consideration of other zones (CB and 15th Avenue).

Key Outcomes

• Proposition 1: The commission received the informational presentation. No action was taken.
• Enhanced Shelter Zoning: The commission voted 5-0 to recommend that the City Council adopt the proposed code amendments (Attachment A) defining “enhanced shelter” and permitting it in the MB zone. The recommendation includes a note to explore allowing enhanced shelters in the CB zone and along the 15th Avenue corridor where high-frequency transit is available.
• Commissioner Departure: Commissioner Callahan announced that this was his last meeting as he is leaving to become Community Development Director for the City of Tucker. He received thanks from the commission.
• Recognition of Anti-Asian Violence: Commissioner Ramashani requested that the commission recognize and stand against the recent violence against Asian Americans, expressing empathy and solidarity with the Asian community. The commission concurred.
• Public Comment Handout: Commissioner suggested creating a handout with tips for public comment for the planning commission website, modeled after the City Council’s guide. Staff will consider the request.
• Next Meeting: The next meeting is scheduled for April 1, 2021, and will include a public hearing on the first round of development code amendments ("fast patch") and elections for chair and vice chair.