Fort Lawton housing redevelopment plan could add over 200 affordable homes

A plan is in the works to build low-income housing on the Army site at Discovery Park, and there’s just one day left to weigh in on the plan.

The Seattle Office of Housing is looking to create new homes on over half of the 34-acre Fort Lawton, including the following:

• 85 supportive housing units for seniors, including veterans, who have experienced homelessness;
• 100 one-, two-, and three-bedroom flats or rowhouses for renter households with incomes up to 60% of AMI ($42K-60K for 1- 4-person household)
• 50 three-bedroom rowhouses and townhomes for homebuyers with incomes up to 80% of AMI ($64K-86K for 2-5-person household)

It would also redevelop a sizable amount — up to 22 acres — of new park and recreation area:

• 13 acres for passive recreation
• 6 acres for development of two multipurpose fields and surface parking (south of the new affordable housing)
• Between four and five acres of forest land on western edge of Fort Lawton incorporated into Discovery Park
• Reuse of existing structure to north of housing as park maintenance facility

A public meeting about the plan on Monday night at Catharine Blaine School drew a huge crowd, according to a report from KOMO News.

Public meeting underway in Magnolia to talk about redevelopment plan for 34-acre Fort Lawton site near Discovery Park.

City looking to build nearly 240 units of affordable housing. Plan would include 21-22 acres for parks & recreation use, city says. pic.twitter.com/MuNxkYKx6k

— Steve McCarron KOMO (@SteveTVNews) March 5, 2019

Those worried about the plan say it could negatively impact Discovery Park, and that it lacks public transportation access, according to KOMO’s report.

“As the public benefit conveyances and redevelopment phases finally approach, Seattleites, including Magnolia residents, can look forward to the gradual transformation of this former military installation to parks and open space and a vibrant affordable housing community,” the redevelopment report reads.

“The vision balances important City priorities, including a steadfast commitment to providing quality affordable housing for low-income households and people who have experienced homelessness and increasing lands dedicated to park and open space.”

There’s one more day to weigh in with written comments either by email (Housing@seattle.gov) or mail (Ft Lawton PO Box 94725, Seattle, WA 98124-4725). Questions should be directed to Housing@seattle.gov. Comments will be accepted until the end of the business day on March 6.

Photo courtesy Seattle.gov