Everett Planning Commission

Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 15, 2019 Approved: ____________ 6:29:53 PM Chair Kathryn Beck called the meeting to order. Other commissioners in attendance: Chris Holland, Greg Tisdel, Michael Zelinksi, Carly McGinn, Alex Lark, and Michael Finch. Commissioners Absent: Adam Yanasak and Christine Lavra Voting Alternates: Commissioners Lark and Finch Staff Present: Allan Giffen, David Stalheim, Karen Stewart and Kathy Davis Meeting Minutes Motion: Commissioner Holland made a motion to approve the September 17, 2019 meeting minutes. Commissioner Finch seconded the motion. Vote: Commissioner Finch, yes; Commissioner Lark, yes; Commissioner McGinn, yes; Commissioner Zelinski, yes; Commissioner Tisdel, yes; Commissioner Holland, yes; and Chair Beck, yes. Motion Carried. Commissioner Comments None Staff Comments Allan Giffen, Planning Department, stated that the next meeting is on November 5, 2019. General Citizen Comments None Item 1: Climate Action Plan Paul Roberts, City Council, sponsored Resolution 7359 requesting Planning Commission prepare a Climate Action Plan for the city of Everett. He also represented the Association of Washington Cities working on sustainability. The climate action plan should address mitigation for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation in responding to the events that are already occurring and will continue to occur, and the green economy. He encouraged Commission to consider both short‐term and long‐term actions, and prioritize those actions based on what can be done sooner than later. P.J. Tillmann, Cascadia Consulting Group project manager, presented information on the purpose, scope, and timeline for the Climate Action Plan (CAP). Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 1 October 15, 2019 Brittain Richardson, Cascadia Consulting Group lead analyst, provided an overview of climate impacts expected for Everett which included temperatures, precipitation, sea level rise, streamflow and snowpack, and increased flooding. Ms. Tillman reviewed the draft vision statement and draft greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets; and, introduced the goals, strategies, and potential actions for each sector. Ms. Richardson reviewed more detailed information on transportation; electrification; and compact, multi‐modal land use strategies and actions. Ms. Tillman reviewed the green economy and governance strategies and actions, and next steps. Display boards were presented from the open house. Commission Discussion Commissioner Zelinski stated that it was important to identify in the final plan a menu of things that can be done by the City, by individual households/residents, and by individual businesses. Ms. Tillman responded that would be addressed in the final version. Commissioner Tisdel referred to the electrification sector and asked how that would align with the power grid. Ms. Tillman responded that the plan wouldn’t go in depth on the specific analysis; however, the utilities should be considering those actions in their long‐range planning. Commissioner McGinn asked about public outreach and education. Ms. Tillman responded that it depended on input in terms of actions and strategies that rise to the top. Some of the current actions could range from informational materials to providing technical assistance for business owners who transition to more sustainable/green practices. Ms. Tillman added that outreach could involve the public early and often which tends to a greater sense of ownership, appointing citizens to a Resident Advisory Committee in partnership with the city and other organizations, providing materials in multiple languages, and working with existing community liaisons. Commissioner Tisdel stated that a lot of the city’s working population doesn’t live in the City. He was concerned about traffic congestion and how that issue would be addressed. Ms. Tillmann responded that in the transportation section, there are a few actions related to reducing commute trips and providing incentives for businesses to provide to employees. Citizen Comments Pam Keppler, 5621 Rockefeller, Everett 350 Climate Action Group, stated that she would like both city staff and council members make this a lifetime assignment. She read into the record a Robert Browning quote. She encouraged commission to think big. Commissioner Lark asked Ms. Tillmann about impacts this policy would have on traditional marginalized communities who have traditionally bore the brunt of a carbon intensive economy. Is there going to be any further analysis of what we can do to make sure we are addressing this with equity in mind. Ms. Tillman responded that equity is one of the criteria that they would evaluate, and it is proposed to carry equal weight to the other criteria. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 2 October 15, 2019 Kent Peverly, 612 Pecks Drive, stated that there were three different Amazon Prime trucks making deliveries in his neighborhood in one day. He hoped that the action plan would consider the trend toward internet commerce that depends heavily on transportation for delivery services. He stated that it was noted in the news that two tribes wanted to remove three dams. He asked how that would balance when it comes to salmon and orcas and increasing our electrical consumption. Tina Hokanson, 325 S. Cabot, stated that the Sno‐Isle Food Coop is certified as a B Corp business which is a corporation of people, planet, and office. She would like to see more B Corp businesses in Everett. This is a worldwide certification. She suggested that commission visit the website drawdown.org for more information on climate change. A citizen was concerned about traffic congestion. She suggested that if there were more moderate to low income housing available in the community, that would reduce congestion. People could live and work in the same community and take advantage of other multi‐modal options. People can’t afford to live in Everett, so they commute. Agenda 2: Public Hearing ‐ Supportive housing in single family zones Commissioner Lark recused himself from the public hearing. Allan Giffen, Planning Director, presented some background information. He stated that there was no recommendation; however, two alternative resolutions were prepared. Alternative one eliminated supportive housing as a permitted use in single family zones and alternative two allowed supportive housing as a permitted use in single family zones but only on publicly owned properties. Within the two alternatives, there were proposed companion amendments to the Code. Mr. Giffen reviewed the options under each alternative with Commission. Commission Discussion Commissioner Holland asked about public notice under alternative one. Mr. Giffen responded that no public notice would be required unless the size of the project triggers the SEPA review threshold which is more than 60 units. Citizen Comments Christopher Anderson, 1132 Grand Avenue, supported alternative two. Mr. Anderson reviewed a 2008 study that concluded there were no significant impacts to property values in single‐family neighborhoods. Poor people should be welcome in all neighborhoods. Our community laws and regulations should be more accepting of poor people. Jim Dean, 3222 Grand Avenue, stated that his wife works at Clair’s Place and he works on finding families that are living in homeless shelters a place to stay after they leave the shelter. The hearing examiner process and management plan insures that the design would be done in consideration of the neighborhood and the services that the supportive housing would provide. The only location in the Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 3 October 15, 2019 single‐family zones is on publicly owned land. He supported the idea of a public meeting beforehand. There is a need for quality programs that take care of the neediest people with effective work between the government, nonprofit sector, and community. Earl Hall, 3524 Colby Avenue, supported alternative two. The management plan should provide for 24‐ hour supervision as a protection for the neighborhood. Everett will be setting an example for other cities. Camille Harden, 3211 Grand Avenue, supported alternative two. She supported supportive housing; however, her neighbors were concerned about their property values; however, since 2014, property values have increased on average 8% every year according to a Herald article. There are studies on low income housing that have shown that property values are not impacted. The City needs to address the increased homeless population in the neighborhoods. James Ivory, 3221 Norton Avenue, did not support the proposal on the Norton site. There are two existing Housing Hope projects located in his neighborhood. Does the commission believe that three Housing Hope projects in one residential neighborhood is appropriate? Does the site selected provide the best opportunity to serve the largest number of students in the most effective manner possible? Ted Masshardt, 1112 Clinton Place, concerned with the talk and idea of doing away with single‐family neighborhoods. He moved to the neighborhood because of the historic character. He is supportive of homeless housing; however, he was against putting supportive housing in R‐1 neighborhoods. The proposal at the Norton playfield is proposed at 50 units in an historic, quiet, and quaint neighborhood in Everett. There are publicly owned lands in non‐R1 neighborhoods in Everett. Ken Reese, 3427 Norton, moved to the Rucker Hill neighborhood because of the historic character. The criteria used to determine where they would purchase their new home was location, walkability, and open space. He supported alternative one. The City should preserve open spaces. Fred Safstrom, 717 Grand Avenue, supported alternative two. When there is flexibility with building densities, it provides a lot more ability for a developer to design a project sensitive to the surrounding neighborhood. Regarding the Norton site, one side borders on R‐1 zoning and the other side borders to R‐3 and R‐4 zoning. In developing the site, it would make sense to have higher densities on the R‐3 and R‐4 side and lower density on the R‐1 side. The intent would be to maximize open space and to have the building faces on Norton be as consistent as possible with the existing neighborhood. Mark Smith, 2827 Rockefeller, executive director of the housing consortium, spoke in favor of alternative two. Affordable housing is needed. Poverty is not a moral failure. Poor people are not bad people but people that need help. That help comes in the form of affordable housing which is the foundation on which people build better lives. We need to embrace different land use patterns if we are going to accommodate future population growth not in the City but throughout the county. We Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 4 October 15, 2019 need to embrace more density. Multiple studies have shown that property values do not go down when single‐family homes are located next to multi‐family affordable housing. Andrea Tucker, 3330 Wetmore Avenue, stated that the code amendment does not address the historic overlay zones. She didn’t support the proposal on the Norton site. In the presentation on climate change, the importance of green spaces was discussed. Considerations should be made regarding green spaces. Just because people are following their dreams of owning a home in a single‐family neighborhood doesn’t mean that they don’t support homeless families. Raven Campbell, 7625 Tyee Road, supported alternative two. She stated that the changes proposed strike an excellent balance between the needs for open space and the need to provide essential housing for the most vulnerable. Regarding statements about supportive housing is more appropriately sited in the downtown, supportive housing would have to compete with any other land use and what use do you think would win? Only the most profitable uses would prevail. Low income housing is needed now. Annette Floyd, 1932 Summit, was concerned about the homeless; however, the Norton/Grand area is not the appropriate place for supportive housing. In response to climate change, the Norton playfield could be developed more as a park site with amenities. Leon, 3221 Grand Avenue, was concerned about housing affordability. Need for more affordable housing. Need to preserve playfields. Victor Harris, 3017 Lombard Avenue, spoke about increasing the allowable distance between bus transportation service and supportive housing from 500 feet to a quarter mile. He encouraged Commission to keep the distance at 500 feet. Preserving open spaces was also important. Pam Keppler, 5621 Rockefeller, stated that green spaces aren’t located in every neighborhood. Supported alternative two. She stated that Everett is going to change a lot in response to light rail. Motion: Commissioner Finch made a motion to close the public hearing. Commissioner McGinn second the motion. Vote: Commissioner Finch, yes; Commissioner McGinn, yes; Commissioner Zelinski, yes; Commissioner Tisdel, yes; Commissioner Holland, yes; and Chair Beck, yes. Motion Carried. Commission Discussion Commissioner Holland was concerned about the elimination of any process for a multi‐family or commercial zone. He was supportive of alternative one with the addition of notification, parking analysis, pedestrian connectivity, transit access, and neighborhood compatibility for supportive housing in multiple‐family and commercial zones. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 5 October 15, 2019 Commissioner Finch was supportive of alternative one. He agreed with Commissioner Holland’s comments to ensure the success of any supportive housing development. He stated that takes thoughtful planning around siting and the kinds of services that may be provided as well as access those residents may have to the supportive facilities needed. He felt that the parking component was adequately addressed as it relates to transportation planning but alternative one could benefit from additional management planning. Commissioner Zelinski agreed and supported alternative one. He shared the concerns about maintaining the distinctions of supportive housing from other multiple family projects. The public notification process should be retained for sites that are adjacent to single family homes or single‐family zoned property. He would like to add to the proximity to transit requirement “accessible by a safe pedestrian route from the site to the transit stop.” He also supported extending that distance to a quarter mile. Commissioner Tisdel supported alternative one with the changes as recommended. Alternative two lacked transparency. Chair Beck echoed Commission. She was concerned about the process. She understood the urgency. She commented that this was a transparency issue. She stated that when a home is purchased in a single‐family neighborhood, there is some predictability for the buyer. Commissioner Zelinski stated that his preference would be to amend alternative one as written to retain the requirements that are currently in the existing code for access to transit and for public review for sites that are adjacent to single family. Commissioner Holland supported the addition of the management plan requirement and adequate access to transit facilities as stated by Commissioner Zelinski. Commissioner Holland also recommended not to amend the multifamily definition. Commissioner Zelinski agreed. Motion: Commissioner Zelinski made a motion to amend alternative one as written with the changes that we retain the requirements for supportive housing for a written management plan, access to public transit and the early public notification process for sites that are adjacent to single‐family homes or a single‐family zone. Commissioner Finch seconded the motion. Motion Clarification Mr. Giffen stated that the motion would be to not allow supportive housing in single family zones but to allow in commercial and multifamily zones subject to prior public notification if it abuts or is adjacent to single family homes or zoning, retain requirements under 19.39.155 that would require proximity to transit within a quarter mile walking distance with an approved safe pedestrian surface, and a written management plan.  Commissioner Holland added that during discussions there was a requirement for sidewalk improvements as necessary to make sure that there is adequate access to transit. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 6 October 15, 2019  Commissioner Finch asked Commissioner Zelinski if he was proposing that the public review process include not just adjacency to single family zones and homes but also include single family homes located in multifamily and commercial zones. Commissioner Zelinski responded yes.  Mr. Giffen asked if that included public notification prior to formal application. Commissioner Finch stated that if there are single family homes in multifamily zones, he didn’t know if we need to be treating those in the same way that we are treating notice to single family zones. He didn’t want to make it more difficult to have supportive housing project in an appropriate zone, so he wanted to remove that component limiting it to adjacency to single family zones not homes in multifamily zones. Chair Beck agreed with Commissioner Finch. Chair Beck would like to expedite the process in areas where the use is appropriate. Commissioner Holland supported Commissioner Finch’s concerns regarding public notice.  Mr. Giffen stated that in terms of the review process, the use would be reviewed by staff in a multifamily or commercial zone, and not go through the Hearing Examiner process. Commissioners responded yes. Vote: Commissioner Finch, yes; Commissioner McGinn, yes; Commissioner Zelinski, yes; Commissioner Tisdel, yes; Commissioner Holland, yes; and Chair Beck, yes. Motion Carried. Agenda 3: Rethink Zoning – Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Scoping David Stalheim, Long Range Planning Manager, explained the scoping process to Commission. He stated that two open houses are planned for October 21 and October 24. Chair Beck asked for a three‐month calendar of upcoming Planning Commission meetings. 8:57:16 PM ADJOURNED Planning Commission Secretary Date Administrative Assistant Date Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 7 October 15, 2019