Cases representing Madison Valley, Mount Baker, Hawthorne Hills, and 73 remaining Southern resident killer whales join Friends of Madison Park appeal against city growth plan

In a significant move, residents from Seattle neighborhoods, including Madison Valley, Mount Baker, and Hawthorne Hills, have filed five new appeals against the city's proposed growth plan. These appeals call for a more comprehensive environmental review, highlighting potential negative impacts on local communities and ecosystems. The Friends of Madison Park, who spearheaded the initial appeal, emphasize the need for a supplemental environmental impact study, particularly regarding the effects on the shores of Lake Washington. The appeals arise amid the backdrop of state law HB 1110, which requires the elimination of single-family zoning to combat the housing crisis in Washington. If Seattle does not finalize its growth plan by June, it will be subjected to state land use codes.

The Seattle City Council, led by District 3 representative Joy Hollingsworth, is currently working to find a compromise that addresses neighborhood concerns while meeting state requirements. Upcoming public hearings scheduled for April and May will provide further opportunities for community input on the proposed zoning changes. This ongoing dialogue is crucial as residents seek to balance housing development with environmental preservation.