The workshop series to involve the community in urban planning for Crown Hill is underway, and city planners are looking for more feedback from residents.
The Seattle Office of Planning and Community Development has created an online survey to learn about how residents use their neighborhood, and what they’d like to see in the future. They’ve also developed an interactive story and map to educate residents about the community planning process.
“[Crown Hill] is home to approximately 2,500 residents, as well as many businesses, services, and facilities that serve and bring people from the surrounding neighborhoods,” the site reads. “However, Crown Hill has never had its own community plan. Through this planning effort, we will work with community to develop a future vision for the Crown Hill Urban Village and within the proposed urban village expansion, and identify short- and long-term strategies to address community priorities.”
Participants at the October 13 workshop responded to several questions put forward by the organizers, including “Where and how could new development help foster a strong ‘center’ for the urban village?” Answers included suggestions to improve transit, plant trees, and improve pedestrian walkways. One respondent suggested two smaller centers — 85th/15th and 90th/Holman — saying that one center would fail to serve all residents of Crown Hill.
Generally, participants said they want to see slower speeds on arterials, more greenery, and more pedestrian-friendly improvements. To read the responses from the October 13 workshop in full, click here.
The Crown Hill Urban Planning includes all aspects of the neighborhood — from transportation to housing and infrastructure. Here’s a list of themes that emerged from previous community discussions (from the city):
- Create a walkable town center with a variety of businesses and services
- Improve pedestrian and bicycle connections, especially to parks and schools
- Foster safe, and engaging public spaces and streetscapes
- Add and retain affordable housing in the neighborhood
- Improve stormwater drainage
- Ensure the design and scale of new development complements the neighborhood
Stay updated on the city’s upcoming Crown Hill workshops here.