Seattle Press on Line - Open Space, Parking Still Issues, but Developer

Ballard

Open Space, Parking Still Issues, but Developer

By Julie Reinhardt

Mar 22, 2001 -- At a February 12 Design Review Board meeting, Intracorp presented design revisions to its proposed condominium project at Ballard Square. The six-story, 103-unit condominium with added retail is to be built behind the Ballard Square building on the adjacent parking lot.

Neighbors were initially critical of the design, and they are still concerned. "We encourage developers to pay attention," stated Stephen Lundgren, Ballard District Council Chair, when introducing Intracorp project manager Loren Adams. Intracorp has started to listen, but their proposed development requires several departures from Ballard Municipal Center (BMC) Master Plan guidelines.

One of the main issues raised at earlier reviews was the need for a mid-block connection between Market Street and NW 56th. Intracorp's revised plan includes a larger walk-through that would be open during business hours.

On the issue of parking, Adams stated, "Yes, there will be public parking," but later explained that the 30 designated spaces would not be for the "broad public, but for retail users of the garage."

Lack of open space is still a bone of contention. While some setbacks were added at the entryway, as were viewable landscaped balconies, these revisions still only add up to half the open space required by the BMC Master Plan. "The most important design departure that we are asking for is the open space departure," Adams said.

The definition of open space is at the heart of the issue. Scott Clark, chair of the Design Review Board, explained that the open space prescribed by the BMC Plan refers to "green space at ground level ... that can be landscaped or for public use." The Intracorp plan attempts to count open space designated for residents of their development. Clark added that the BMC Plan is not meant to be a technical zoning document, and although the exact open space requirements "are vague, the goals and intentions are quite clear."

Adams stated that Intracorp is giving the Ballard community the walk-through connection "in exchange" for the reduction of open space.

The next Design Review Board meeting will be held April 9 at Ballard High School. On March 27 Intracorp will meet with a community-based Design Review Advisory Group. Group member Thomas Whittemore said their purpose is "not to duplicate the Design Review Board ... it's simply to check out what's going on in the community and how it is working parallel with our vision, in particular our Master Plan." He added, "We hope developers will pay a great deal of attention to our vision and our dream."

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