Hearing Examiner approves opening of Urban Rest Stop

After reviewing the legal complaint filed by neighbors against the DPD’s approval of LIHI’s Urban Rest Stop in Ballard the Seattle Hearing Examiner has given a green light for the opening.

The complaint was filed by residents who live nearby the proposed Urban Rest Stop at 2024 NW 57th St. According to the document, the complaint of objection has been filed as their clients “will be significantly affected by the noise, odors, increased criminal activity, inadequate parking facilities and traffic and general incompatibility of this institutional use in the neighborhood.”

The complaint also alleges that the facility violates a series of conditions.

The Seattle Hearing Examiner appears to have discounted a number of arguments made by the appellants, however, has placed the following conditions on the opening of the Urban Rest Stop:

• The center will comply with the Ballard Urban Rest Stop Good Neighborhood Policy Plan and post the Code of Conduct on the exterior of the building facing the west side queuing area and the sidewalk in front of the building.
• A staff person must be on site to monitor noise in the exterior waiting area and the sidewalk at all times beginning one hour prior to facility opening during days of operation.
• The Urban Rest Stop Good Neighbor Policy Plan and Code of Conduct will be distributed annually to adjacent neighbors on all three sides of the building and to the properties directly opposite on NW 57th St.

The Hearing Examiner’s decision is final and is now only appealable to the King County Superior Court until March 18.

At this stage it is unclear whether the appellants intend to appeal the decision.