Queen Anne Historical Society letter regarding the One Seattle Plan

PreservationPublic Works
Written By One Seattle Plan Task Force

Fulton Intersection

April 11, 2025

To: Seattle City Council, Mayor Harrell, and the Office of Planning & Community Development


Dear Friends,

The Queen Anne Historical Society (QAHS) is concerned about Mayor Harrell’s One Seattle Plan, particularly the proposed upzoning that threatens the character and residential stability of Queen Anne, one of Seattle’s oldest neighborhoods, recognized for its architectural significance and formative role in the City’s development.

QAHS strongly opposes upzoning Queen Anne Boulevard, a historic tree-lined parkway that circumscribes the top of the hill.  Instead, we suggest that all streets comprising the “Boulevard” be zoned NR, Neighborhood Residential.  An NR designation would permit only modest increases in allowable height while expanding permissible lot coverage and reducing required setbacks to achieve greater density, a goal we share with the Mayor’s Office and the State.

At greatest risk are the northernmost blocks of Metro’s #1 bus route on 10th Avenue West that coincides with Queen Anne Boulevard between West Wheeler and West Fulton Streets.  Rather than protect the parkland and preserve the scale of the mostly one and two-story single-family homes on upper 10th Avenue West, the One Seattle Plan would permit development of 5-story structures and threaten the very architectural character that underpins this landmark.

We seek a more balanced approach to housing development that respects the area's unique history and architecture:

  • Threat to Historic Properties: the One Seattle Plan lacks adequate protections for historic and future historic landmarks while creating the potential for increased property taxes and a loss of neighborhood character due to new developments.

  • Housing Targets Exceeded: we note the proposed housing allocation exceeds state requirements and that Seattle has already surpassed housing goals set for 2035.

  • Disproportionate Impact: under the One Seattle Plan, Queen Anne faces a 377% increase in housing units, a number that far exceeds other neighborhoods. 70% of Queen Anne residences are currently multi-family and we are concerned, therefore, about fairness in housing development across the city.

  • Alternative Housing Solutions: QAHS suggests promoting the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs) as a less intrusive way to increase housing stock that aligns with the historic character of our neighborhood.

Thank you for considering our perspective on the One Seattle Plan.

Sincerely,

OSP Comment & Recommendation Task Force &

Leanne Goulding, President

Queen Anne Historical Society


One Seattle Plan Task Force
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