Reid Branson

Skin Synthesis

Posted on March 25, 2025 by Reid Branson

Each month, we recognize an outstanding small business in our community, and in March, we’re highlighting Skin Synthesis as the Roosevelt Neighborhood Business of the Month!
Skin Synthesis is a med spa that offers many services, including facials, acne management, hair restoration, personalized skin care consultation, and injections (e.g., Botox). Skin Synthesis moved to the Roosevelt neighborhood last year, after operating for several years on 25th Avenue NE, near U Village.

Skin Synthesis’ owner, Jenny Hartley, is a licensed nurse practitioner who practiced in hospital intensive care units for many years. In 2019, she decided to pivot the focus of her medical practice toward helping people increase their confidence and quality of life.

Jenny says that Skin Synthesis “has something for everyone.” She describes the business as an aesthetic clinic that’s a safe haven, a sanctuary, and a retreat. Jenny and her team are focused on developing collaborative relationships with their clients to discover their individual goals and develop a path toward reaching them, including services that are part of gender-affirming care. Their mission is “to connect, grow, and transform our lives together.”

Jenny is committed to applying her medical skills and experience and the high standards of care she acquired when working in the ICU to the luxury boutique med spa experience. She speaks eloquently about the grit, passion, and dedication needed to grow a business that started just months before the covid-related restrictions began.

Jenny and her team are very excited for the future. As she’s fond of saying, “Skin Synthesis isn’t just a clinic; it’s an experience.” If you are looking for a high-quality med spa experience, check out Skin Synthesis!

Skin Synthesis is located at 1402 NW 65th St. Their hours are Monday – Friday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM To make an appointment, call 206-486-4784. If you’d like to get on their email list to learn about upcoming events and promotions, you can email them at info@skinsynthesis.com.

Positive ratings matters to local businesses. If you value their presence in our neighborhood, please consider leaving them a rating and comment on Yelp and Google Reviews:

Skin Synthesis on Google Reviews

Skin Synthesis on Yelp

Skin Synthesis website

Health Mutt

Posted on February 1, 2025 by Reid Branson

Each month we recognize a neighborhood business for their great service and community involvement. The Business of the Month for February is Health Mutt at 1207 NE 65th Street, run by Bri Eggleston and Caitlin Roehl, with the able assistance of the four-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback, Arya.

Bri owns Furtician, a successful grooming shop in Bothell. When she and her parents were considering buying another shop and heard that Health Mutt was for sale, they immediately put in a bid to the previous owner, who had been looking for a buyer who would keep it a locally run shop (not part of a large chain) that was dedicated to the neighborhood. This is just what Bri had in mind and the deal was struck. They took possession on August 31, 2024.

While Health Mutt is no longer able to carry the full range of pet food it used to, they still do some special orders (call to inquire). They have a large selection of cat and dog toys as well as healthy treats and accessories, but their main focus is grooming, for which they both have a passion. Grooming prices have fluctuated somewhat but have stabilized at a level they feel will appeal to their customers. Their primary focus is keeping their human and canine customers happy and their groomers employed.

Each groomer at Health Mutt can work with six to eight dogs a day, though they tend to do fewer because they want to make sure the dogs are comfortable and not unduly stressed; fast grooming can be very disconcerting to a dog. They are also careful to make sure that the dog’s coat and skin are healthy and give recommendations if they find any issues.

Bri and Caitlin are dedicated to Roosevelt and to keeping Health Mutt a family-owned business, not part of an impersonal chain of grooming salons. They also have changed the organization of the store to be more open and accessible, and it is now ADA compliant. The most important thing they want you to know is that the driving force behind their business is how much they care about dogs and want only what is best for them and their humans.

Each month they run a special; this month it is dental health, with all dental care products discounted by 15%. They also have Bubble Party Wednesdays, when you can get 15% off a bath for your dog. You can find out about all the monthly specials on their Facebook page or from signs on their windows or the sandwich board in front of the store.

The hours of the shop vary somewhat due to many factors, including childcare; it is best to call or email before you go, though if you have an appointment for grooming the shop will be open at the appointment time. Their groomers are busy but there are slots available pretty much every day. The website is healthmuttseattle.com and phone number is 206-743-9792. Email: healthmuttseattle@gmail.com.

Welcome to Roosevelt, Bri, Caitlin, Arya, and all your groomers! We are fortunate to have you.

Positive ratings matters to local businesses. If you value their presence in our neighborhood, please consider leaving them a rating and comment on Yelp and Google Reviews:

Health Mutt on Google Reviews

Health Mutt on Yelp

Health Mutt website

Health Mutt on Facebook

Berry Much

Posted on January 25, 2025 by Reid Branson

“Have you been to the new smoothie place on 65^th Street??” That’s a question I’ve heard several times from enthusiastic neighbors who have already enjoyed smoothies and bowls at Berry Much, this month’s Roosevelt Neighborhood Business of the Month!

Here are 10 reasons you’ll love Berry Much:

You can make so many good puns with a name like Berry Much (such as: “I like their smoothies so Berry Much!”).
The owners, Bassem and Mohammed might be the nicest and warmest people you’ll meet in 2025. They offer a 10% discount to Roosevelt High School students and staff.
They offer a free protein boost to members of some local fitness and wellness organizations, such as LA Fitness, Community Fitness, and Shefayoga (with the purchase of a smoothie).
They provide delicious food and drink in a cozy and welcoming environment.
All of their ingredients are organic.
Bassem and Mohammed are community minded. They opened Berry Much in a neighborhood (rather than in a shopping mall) because they wanted to be part of a thriving, supportive, and connected community.
They have a frequent buyer program that allows you to get a free drink after buying just five.
Their drinks and bowls are so tasty, without being overly sweet. They are filled with healthy goodness because they are packed with fruit and contain only natural sweeteners.
Their drinks and bowls are so tasty, without being overly sweet. They are filled with healthy goodness because they are packed with fruit and contain only natural sweeteners.
Shopping at Berry Much is berry much fun, because of Bassem and Mohammed’s warm and welcoming spirit, and because they truly love making smoothies!

Berry Much opened in November, after unexpected delays prevented them from opening during the summer. November is not an ideal time in Seattle to open a smoothie shop, so (although they’re doing well so far) you should consider dropping in for a delicious smoothie, even if it is raining and 40 degrees out. Just think how happy you’ll be when your delicious smoothie makes you think about the coming summer sunshine, and the rewarding feeling you’ll have because you’re supporting a new small business in our community!

Berry Much is located at 1319 NE 65^h St. Their current hours are Monday-Friday 8:00AM –7:00PM and Saturday & Sunday 8:00AM – 6:00PM.

Check out their excellent reviews on Google, so you can see how much our neighbors love “the new smoothie place on 65^th”!

Positive ratings matters to local businesses. If you value their presence in our neighborhood, please consider leaving them a rating and comment on Yelp and Google Reviews:

Berry Much on Google Maps/Reviews

Berry Much on Yelp

Three Sacks Full

Posted on November 1, 2024 by Reid Branson

Each month, we recognize an outstanding small business in our community, and in November, we’re highlighting Three Sacks Full as the Roosevelt Neighborhood Business of the Month!

Ever since I was wowed by a meal at Three Sacks Full shortly after they opened, I have been wanting to return…and I recently did, to talk with Michael Tsai and Matthew Curtis about their unique local restaurant. Michael is the mastermind of the kitchen, whipping up his exceptional and creative food, and Matthew, a trained sommelier, is the wine master who also ensures top-notch hospitality in the front of the house.

They opened Three Sacks Full last November, after several years of operating as a pop-up and running a small farm in Carnation. They opened Three Sacks Full to provide delicious food and drink in a cozy and welcoming environment; promote seasonal, organic, and locally grown ingredients; and offer all this at prices that are not overly expensive. It can be very challenging to do all three, but Michael and Matthew achieve their mission by adhering to their values and priorities, including sustainability and minimizing food waste.

They are open Wednesday-Sunday. The Sunday menu, which they call Sunday Café, is a bit smaller. Their weekly menus are vegetable- and grain-forward and usually consist of a few “snacks”, about seven vegetable or grain dishes, a couple meat or seafood options, and a couple desserts. Nearly all their dishes can be adapted to accommodate dietary needs and preferences; just let them know if you’re vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, or gluten-free. In addition to their wonderful food, they have a noteworthy selection of wine and non-alcoholic craft beverages.

Matthew and Michael like to focus on “old-style hospitality and friendliness,” so expect a warm and inviting dining experience. They are fond of saying that eating at Three Sacks Full is like having dinner at a friend or relative’s house (and, I’ll add, a friend or relative who really knows their way around the kitchen!), because of their focus on hospitality, sustainability, and adaptability.

They have monthly events, which often relate to wine classes and tastings, because, in addition to being a delightful restaurant, they are wonderful local wine shop! Their next event is on Sunday, Nov 24, 12:30-4:30: a Pre-holiday Autumn Wine Sale & Tasting, including a 12-wine tasting for $12. It will also be a good time to pick up wines for your holiday meals and gifts because you’ll receive 10% off any purchase of six or more bottles. (The restaurant’s one-year anniversary is on Nov. 25, so if you go, wish them a happy restra-versary!)

Three Sacks Full is located at 981 NE 64^th St. Their hours are Wednesday-Saturday 5:00PM –9:00AM and Sunday 3:00PM – 8:00PM. Please note that reservations are recommended, because it’s a small restaurant with only 24 seats. Reservations are especially helpful on Fridays and Saturdays and any day between 6:00 and 8:00. They tend to be less busy on Wednesdays and Thursdays. To make a reservation, call 206-330-9805 or email threesacksfullseattle@gmail.com.

When you go to the restaurant, don’t forget to peruse their curated selection of reasonably priced wines to take home. The wine shop opens earlier than the restaurant, at 4:00.

Positive ratings matters to local businesses. If you value their presence in our neighborhood, please consider leaving them a rating and comment on Yelp and Google Reviews:

Three Sacks Full on Google Reviews

Three Sacks Full on Yelp

Three Sacks Full website (where you can join their email list.)

Three Sacks Full on Facebook and on Instagram

Eye Clinics of Seattle

Posted on October 1, 2024 by Reid Branson

Each month we recognize a Roosevelt business for their great service and community involvement. The Business of the Month for October is the Eye Clinics of Seattle. They are located at 6618 Roosevelt Way NE in the Cedar Crossing building.

Dr. Eric Bergstrom purchased the Queen Anne Eye Clinic in 2001. In a short time, his business was thriving, but when his first child was born, he knew he wanted to spend more time at home. Since he was in a solo practice, he needed a partner to make that work. Enter Dr. Phil Lo, who Eric met when they were both at the Illinois College of Optometry. When he approached him about a partnership, Phil jumped at the chance. Soon the clinic was booming and, when Eric wanted to come back full-time, there was more than enough work for both of them. When a practice in the Ballard neighborhood came up for sale in 2020, they decided to open another branch of the Eye Clinics to serve that area.

In 2022 Eric and Phil faced a bit of a dilemma. They had been considering a major remodel of their Queen Anne location and knew that the Ballard store couldn’t absorb all of those patients. They had also been considering building a new location from scratch, as opposed to buying an existing practice. They wanted the new place to be close to transit and I-5, and not so far from either Ballard or Queen Anne that their current clients would balk at going that distance. They were also looking for a thriving, growing neighborhood with plenty of people who would need eye care services, and where the market was not already saturated. Fortunately (for them and us), Roosevelt fit the bill on all counts.

Once the Roosevelt store was up and running in 2023, they were kept busy mostly with their Queen Anne clients, as that store closed entirely for the renovation. But when the Queen Anne location reopened, the number of patients at Roosevelt steadily increased. They have found local residents to be respectful and happy to be part of this dynamic neighborhood. Phil and Eric and all their staff take pride in providing vision services to us and those in surrounding areas. They value above all the trust they are building with their clients and have found that word of mouth referrals have grown their business exponentially.

Phil and Eric have also been very supportive of the Roosevelt Business Roundtable, which has been meeting monthly in the lobby of the Eye Clinics.

While they have faced all the challenges that any small business does, Phil and Eric say that they are very pleased with the choice they made to locate their third location in Roosevelt. We are very glad they are here, and that they are our October Business of the Month!

Positive ratings matters to local businesses. If you value their presence in our neighborhood, please consider leaving them a rating and comment on Yelp and Google Reviews:

Eye Clinics of Seattle on Google Reviews

Eye Clinics of Seattle on Yelp

Eye Clinics of Seattle website

Die Bierstube

Posted on August 8, 2024 by Reid Branson

Die Bierstube is Roosevelt’s August Business of the Month! Each month, we highlight a business in our community to help promote thriving small businesses in our area.

I recently had the good fortune to sit down and chat with Die Bierstube’s manager, Keith Lovik. Keith joined the Die Bierstube team about two years ago as a bartender. After six months, he accepted the position of manager, envisioning the transformation of a lively community watering hole into a family-friendly pub with delicious German food and great German beer. (Note that due to licensing restrictions, those younger than 21 are allowed until 9:00 p.m.)

Die Bierstube has many long-time customers, who really should be called long-time friends. Many have been coming for their fix of German beer and camaraderie since it opened in 2004, including their current head chef, James.

We’re lucky that they are being recognized now, because there are two upcoming events you won’t want to miss: On September 7, Die Bierstube will celebrate its 20^th anniversary with an all-day event, including special menu items that are updated versions of old favorites. On October 4-5, they will celebrate….you guessed it…Oktoberfest! It’ll be a “raucous” (but also family-friendly) time, with staff dressed in traditional German garb and a few unique menu items added just for the occasion.

Roosevelt community members have been rediscovering this gem. Here are just a few recent quotes from our very own RNA Facebook page:

“Really fantastic brunch at Die Bierstube.”

“It feels very European.”

“Die Bierstube is terrific! It’s a great little place!”

Die Bierstube is located at 6106 Roosevelt Way NE. Their hours are Mon-Fri. 3:00PM – 12:00AM, Saturday 11:00AM – 12:00AM, and Sunday 11:00AM – 10:00PM.

When you go, don’t forget to see if they have a table available in their outdoor (but covered) Biergarten!

Positive ratings matters to local businesses. If you value their presence in our neighborhood, please consider leaving them a rating and comment on Yelp and Google Reviews:

Die Bierstube on Google Reviews

Die Bierstube on Yelp

Die Bierstube website

Die Bierstube on Facebook

Ravenna Rocks

Posted on July 1, 2024 by Reid Branson

We have stretched our boundaries a little bit this month to make our good friends at Ravenna Rocks our July Roosevelt Business of the Month.

Jenny and Josh just couldn’t let it happen. After they moved into their home in Ravenna they would quite often walk past the old Silhouette Antique shop near 65^th and 15^th. Since the proprietor’s passing it had been sitting vacant and for sale. Like many in the neighborhood, they assumed it would become just one more piece of a huge apartment complex on that corner when the developers finally got it built. They wanted something more for the neighborhood and decided to take action.

Though they were busy with their day jobs, Josh in HVAC and Jenny as a consulting healthcare actuary (plus 5 kids) and had never really planned to own a small business, the world had other plans. It felt like fate that this beautiful little store they had loved to go into was now for sale. After researching more about its history and the strong single woman who kept it running for decades, they were determined to preserve the building and the previous proprietor’s legacy. It took some determined effort, but a few months later, in 2020, Ravenna Rocks was born.

One of the most important things they want you to know about their store is that “it’s not just rocks!” There is a wide variety of locally sourced (Tarot decks, stickers, greeting cards, lip balms, puzzles, books, and more), plus all sorts of jewelry, fossils, break-your-own geode, and polished stones, even rock candy and Pop Rocks. Given Jenny’s background in mathematics, it should come as no surprise that there are also several books with math puzzles and games. Much of the art, jewelry, and other items for sale are from local artists, and many of the books they carry are from local authors.

Ravenna Rocks also hosts many different events, including Tarot readings, Reiki healing, Intuitive Counseling, and, of course, rock and geology-related gatherings. True to their motto, they truly are a Neighborhood Gem.

Positive ratings matters to local businesses. If you value their presence in our neighborhood, please consider leaving them a rating and comment on Yelp and Google Reviews:

Ravenna Rocks on Google Reviews

Ravenna Rocks on Yelp

Ravenna Rocks website

Ravenna Rocks links

Derby Salon

Posted on May 1, 2024 by Reid Branson

Hello, everyone! As promised, each month we are going to feature one of our wonderful businesses as the Business of the Month. Last month’s profile of Distant Worlds Coffehouse inspired us to take this on and let everyone know about the great places right here in the Roosevelt neighborhood (and our friends in other neighborhoods, too!)

This month we are spotlighting Derby Salon and its owner, Alison Etter. We got a lot of suggestions for shops we could highlight, but over and over we heard about how wonderful Derby is not only as a salon but as a neighbor.

Derby has been a Roosevelt institution for almost 21 years. Alison had been running salons for other people for many years, and when she was ready to take the leap into owning her own place, she wanted more than anything to be in a place with a true neighborhood feel. When a shop came up for sale in Roosevelt, she knew she had found a good match, and has never regretted the choice to settle her business here.

Derby offers a great deal more than just hair care, with dedicated staff for skin, nails, and makeup services as well. Check it out at derbysalon.com!

Thanks to Alison and her staff, and congratulations on being the Roosevelt Neighborhood’s May 2024 Business of the Month!

Positive ratings matters to local businesses. If you value their presence in our neighborhood, please consider leaving them a rating and comment on Yelp and Google Reviews:

Derby Salon on Google Reviews

Derby Salon on Yelp

Derby Salon website

Roosevelt Blog

Posted on December 29, 2023 by Reid Branson

Most recent newsletter

May 2024

One Seattle Plan Update – Comment Deadline Extended to Monday, May 20
The Mayor’s Draft One Seattle Plan was released in early March and it kicked off a series of seven citywide open houses, where neighbors and community were given the opportunity to learn more and provide feedback on the Draft Plan. We are nearing the end of this engagement period and have extended the deadline for public comment to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 20. You can provide feedback on our Engagement Hub or email us at OneSeattleCompPlan@seattle.gov.
Virtual Open House
Watch a recording of our virtual open house to learn more about specific aspects of the Draft Plan. This event was live streamed on May 2 to close out our series of engagement events that began two months ago.We appreciate all who have attended an in-person open house, hand wrote a comment, or sent us letters in the mail. Continue to send us feedback by emailing us or commenting directly on the Draft Plan via our Engagement Hub by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 20. JOIN the RNA: RNA | The Roosevelt Neighborhood Association – Celebrating Seattle’s Roosevelt Neighborhood

Special Report on One Seattle Plan

One Seattle Plan – Comprehensive Plan for Seattle
Special report by the RNA

The ‘Comp plan’ is required by the State Growth Management Act to be passed by the end of 2024, and will guide the 20-year growth of our city.  There are various public open houses and the RNA is planning for an in-person meeting on Wed May 1st and a virtual meeting on Sat May 4th (more details to follow when these events are set) for those who want to learn about more details before the comment period ends on Monday May 20th.

ONE SEATTLE PLAN – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Draft One Seattle Plan: Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan is a roadmap for where and how our city will grow and invest in our communities over the next twenty years and beyond. To view the Draft Plan and provide comment, visit the online Engagement Hub. One Seattle Plan – OPCD | seattle.gov

About
This is a 20-year plan for growth and vision for the future of Seattle. It is required by Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) to pass by the end of 2024. It will guide coordinated action by City departments. Seattle 2035 is our current comprehensive plan. The Comp Plan is updated about once every 10 years.

4 Key Themes
Housing and Affordability: Expand housing opportunities across the city.
Equity and Opportunity: Promote a more equitable Seattle as we grow.
Community and Neighborhoods: Focus growth and investment in complete, walkable communities.
Climate and Sustainability: Meet the challenges of climate change for a resilient future.
Project Documents: Project Documents – OPCD | seattle.gov Appendices:https://seattle.gov/documents/Departments/OPCD/SeattlePlan/OneSeattlePlanDEISAppendices.pdf

Engagement Hub
The Engagement Hub is your opportunity to provide feedback directly onto the Draft Plan. You can comment as much as you’d like in the various sections of the Plan. The comment deadline is May 20, 5:00 p.m. Use this link to comment:  Public participation platform of Seattle OPCD You can submit comments by email at:  PCD_CompPlan_EIS@seattle.gov

Goals
The King County Growth Management Council requires that the City plan for at least 80,000 homes and 159,000 jobs. OPCD thinks that the draft plan released will result in at least 100,000 homes. What about the current housing deficit?  “Seattle will need 112,000 total new homes over the next 20 years, including 44,000 for people making less than 30% of area median income, according to the projections.” Seattle Times Oct 2, 2023: Thousands of new homes needed across King County | The Seattle Times Impacts to Seattle due to passage of State Bill HB 1110 https://www.seattle.gov/documents/departments/opcd/seattleplan/implementinghb1110.pdf New housing options across the city for Middle housing zoning. Allow a range of middle housing types on all residential lots, including at least six of a prescribed list of nine housing types: duplex, triplex, fourplex, fiveplex, sixplex, townhouses, stacked flats, courtyard apartments, and cottage housing. Allow at least 4 units on all residential lots. Allow at least 6 units on all residential lots if a) located within a quarter mile of a “major transit stop” or b) at least two are affordable units “Major transit stop” means:(a) A stop on a high capacity transportation system funded or expanded under the provisions of chapter 81.104 RCW; (b) Commuter rail stops; (c) Stops on rail or fixed guideway systems; or (d) Stops on bus rapid transit routes.

Additional Goals
More apartments/mixed uses along frequent transit corridors. Tailored zoning in areas of high displacement risk. Affordable housing incentives. Corner stores.
Impacts to Roosevelt due to passage of State Bill HB 1110. The one and only “major transit stop” in Roosevelt is the Sound Transit Light Rail Station, and Neighborhood Residential zones within ¼ mile can have up to six units, depending on the property size. Roosevelt is to be called an Urban Center (currently called an Urban Village) going forward.
Growth Projections and Housing Needs April 23, 2021 City of Seattle | Analysis of Market Rate Housing Needs and Supply: https://www.seattle.gov/Documents/Departments/OPCD/OngoingInitiatives/HousingChoices/SeattleMarketRateHousingNeedsAndSupplyAnalysis2021.pdf
Despite a historic surge in new construction, housing supply is not keeping pace with demand. The rate of new housing production in Seattle is higher than it has been in several decades. However, Seattle has been gaining jobs at an even faster pace. Between 2005 and 2019, Seattle would have needed to produce an additional 9,000 housing units to maintain its baseline ratio of jobs to housing units. This shortage of housing supply increases competition for each available unit, driving up rents and housing prices across the market.Seattle lacks sufficient capacity for “missing middle” ownership housing production. A recent preliminary study of urban growth capacity in Seattle found that only 12% of total capacity for housing development is in middle density zones, including residential small lot and lowrise zones, that are suitable for townhomes or multiplexes that have potential to provide a relatively lower cost entry point to family-sized ownership housing opportunities. This lack of sufficient capacity indicates Seattle will continue to see shortages of ownership housing opportunities in years to come if no actions are taken.In the rental market, there is a shortage of rental units affordable and available to lower income households. Seattle has a surplus of over 9,000 rental units affordable at 80% of area median income (AMI) or below, compared to the total number of renter households with incomes at 80% of AMI or below.1 However, after accounting for higher income households residing in a portion of these units, there is an effective shortage of nearly 21,000 rental units that are both affordable and available to households at 80% of AMI or below. Such “down renting” or residing in lower cost units that would otherwise be affordable to lower income households, is a common outcome of housing supply constraints, particularly a lack of ownership housing opportunities. As a result, many lower income households must either rent more expensive housing or look outside of the city for housing they can afford.There are more than 34,000 low-wage workers commuting long distances to jobs in Seattle. Over 34,000 workers in jobs paying less than $40,000 per year commute more than 25 miles from their homes to jobs located in Seattle. This is an indicator of workforce housing needs that are not being met in Seattle. Presumably, many of these workers were not able to find adequate affordable housing closer to their workplace. At this wage level, a full-time worker could only afford a 0- bedroom apartment in one of the lowest cost areas of the city. And this latent demand for workforce housing will continue to grow. Employment forecasts anticipate about 35,000 net new jobs in lower- wage occupations in Seattle by 2030.

The Mayor’s plan versus the draft OPCD plan?
Documents recently obtained by The Urbanist through a public records request show that the Seattle Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) had proposed a more ambitious option last fall before the department was overruled by the Mayor’s Office. Planners Proposed Bigger Upzones Before Harrell’s Team Intervened, Records Show – The Urbanist Original Version of Growth Plan for Seattle Called for Much More Density Than Proposal Released in March – PubliCola More Issues to ConsiderThe Urban Village (UV) Strategy: The Seattle Planning Commission’s 2020 paper “Evolving Seattle’s Growth Strategy” noted that the current Urban Village strategy perpetuated inequities that have existed in Seattle land use patterns since the creation of the city. A focus on equality would allow more homes in all neighborhoods, whereas a focus on equity would allow more homes in areas where historic redlining prohibited people of color from living and neighborhoods that have seen little to no change in zoning since the implementation of the Urban Village strategy in 1994. Does the draft EIS address this and if so, how?Will adding 24 new Neighborhood Centers be enough? The 1994 Comp Plan had this same number and has not kept up with growth needs. Seattle studied dozens of sites for housing growth. These 24 got picked | The Seattle TimesMiddle Housing: The proposed Floor-Area-Ratio (FAR) of 0.9 may allow for 4 units though not for ‘middle housing’ intended for families needing two bedrooms or more. A more practical FAR of 1.2 or 1.5 could generate many more options. Affordability: While new housing will cost more than existing housing, increasing the supply of new housing units is important to maintain some equilibrium so that demand does not further outpace supply and encourage unrestrained rental increases. Mandatory Housing Affordability: How is the Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) program being factored into the number of proposed housing units, given that the Community Indicators Report (September 2020) released by the City’s Equitable Development Initiative identified a need for 68,000 “affordable” units at all income levels below 80 percent of Seattle’s area median income, as well as the latest numbers from the city on MHA showing that just 7 percent of all housing units created over the last year qualify as “affordable?”Homelessness: King County’s Point in Time count showed an increase in unsheltered individuals in 2022 compared to 2020, from 11,751 to 13,368. How does this increase in unsheltered homelessness influence the amount and types of housing allowed as part of the Comprehensive Plan? Walkable Neighborhoods: Walkable cities can benefit the environment, the economy, and your health. All of Seattle can become a 15 minute walkable city, by increasing the number of new Urban Neighborhoods, encouraging small neighborhood stores, and increasing pedestrian and bike safety.See how walkable your community is: Close – Travel Time Map (beta)Op-Ed: Growth Plan Fails to Put Enough Housing for Workers in Seattle – The Urbanist Op-Ed written by owner of Cloud Coffee Maple Leaf neighborhood: Trees: What methodology is being used to ensure that the tree canopy across the city is preserved or increased while also taking into account reductions in the buildable area on individual lots that may be necessary to achieve this goal?
Policy Priorities — Complete Communities Coalition. Allow midrise housing (4-8 stories) and mixed uses in all residential areas within walking distance of frequent transit;Allow middle housing like triplexes, fourplexes, sixplexes, townhouses, and stacked flats throughout all residential areas;Create significant floor area, height, and density bonuses for affordable and social housing development.
Seattle Alternative 6 Comment Helper for draft EIS. Use this link for help drafting comments: https://alternative6.org
Local Opinion writings: The Comprehensive Plan Must Do More – Seattle Transit Blog Op-Ed: Six Ways to Improve Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan – The Urbanist The One Seattle Comprehensive Plan Is Here – The Stranger

January 2024

The RNA wishes all a Healthy, Happy, Meaningful 2024!

We will continue to be engaged in a number of Neighborhood efforts and City sponsored programs, and always looking for new members and board involvement to help further all of these projects.

eNews January 2024:

SDOT 11th Ave NE & 12th Ave NE Paving & Safety project
The SDOT team has begun the process of selecting a contractor and expects to have them on board early this year, and expect construction to begin as soon as early this year and continue into 2025. SDOT wants to know if you have any needs during construction such as business loading and deliveries, ADA-accessibility, and special events that may be impacted by construction. Take our pre-construction survey to let us know.
What to expect during construction
Typical weekday working hours from 7 AM – 5 PM. Overnight work may be required, and we will provide advance notice to affected neighbors. Temporary disruptions to on-street parking and sidewalks. Detours for people walking, biking, and rolling will be provided. Noise, dust, and vibrations during work hours.
For more info: seattle.gov/transportation/11th12thPaving Email SDOT: 11th12thPaving@seattle.gov

Business Support
The RNA has been reaching out to Business and Property owners to understand what issues and problems are important to support our local commercial activity. We are initiating an effort to create a business-to-business communication network. We will be hosting an in-person meeting in March for business and property owners. If you have a business in the Roosevelt neighborhood, please get in touch with us to learn more. rna@rooseveltseattle.org

Weedin Place
The RNA has been engaging SDOT regarding improvements to activate this place to be more inviting. While there is a long-range plan for this space, there is not the budget to complete that plan, so the RNA is exploring smaller steps and ideas to upgrade this potential community space. With Zania (Mediterranean cuisine) moving into the adjacent building, there will be a more around. Tell is your ideas and/or get involved in this project.
One Seattle Comprehensive Plan
The City has delayed (and delayed) publishing the Draft-EIS for the Comp Plan. The deadline for the City to complete the Final-EIS is Dec. 31, 2024, so this delay may reduce the amount of time for public review and comment. While we do not know when this will be made public, the RNA will host an educational meeting so that people can learn more about current zoning, and the process currently underway.

Sound Transit TOD
There are two small properties owned by Sound Transit (ST), one on the SE corner of 12th Ave NE and NE 67th St., and the other south of NE 66th St, directly west of the south station entrance. ST will be working with the RNA on what future uses and community principles that are appropriate for both of these sites, starting in 2024. The RNA will be reaching out to keep the community informed and hope that you will take part in future workshops to help guide this project.

New Development and Commercial activity
6615 Roosevelt Way NE (former Bank of America building).While there is an application to demolish this structure, the RNA has been actively working with the City and Fire Department to accelerated this process as the building is a magnet for graffiti, and other activity.
917 NE 63RD ST. Land Use Application to allow an 8-story, 131-unit apartment building with retail. Parking for 39 vehicles proposed. Existing buildings to be demolished. Early Design Guidance conducted under 3039992-EG.917 NE 63RD ST – Seattle in Progress
6206-6202 Roosevelt Way NE. EDG – New multi-family building with approximately 150 housing units and 1 level of underground parking. Demolition of both existing buildings on site.
6300 9th Ave NE – Completed. 7-story, 140-unit apartment building. Parking for 90 vehicles.

The RNA is looking to expand our Board, and welcome anyone who has interest in community projects.Please contact rna@rooseveltseattle.org to learn more.