TO: Seattle Department of Planning and Development FROM: Joyce Winter, BSN, RN - Owner Resident of Madison Tower RE: Project #3021574 site of former Federal Reserve Bank I am concerned that this step in the Design Review process is premature and predicated on an incomplete application. Please consider deferring this matter until the pending issues listed below have been addressed. Historical Ambiguities
The Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board has yet to address the implications to the building’s landmark status. Their input regarding the preservation of the particularly unique landmark building known as the Federal Reserve Bank should be sought and valued. Maintaining and preserving the architectural expression of the building, which is mandated by covenant, is not satisfactorily detailed. Permission from the State to impact the roof, which is required, has yet to be garnered.
Impact to Transit Improvements
Analysis of probable impact to the planned 1st Avenue Trolley Route, slated to function as a City Center Connector to Waterfront Seattle, has yet to be performed. Adverse effects to the proposed Madison Street Bus Rapid Transit route have not been explored. Seattle Transit should be granted the opportunity to weigh in on the implications to their long range planning.
Public Safety and Livability
The site and its neighbor buildings are currently served by an alley merely fifteen (15) feet wide, which is at capacity. The added density anticipated to accompany the proposed Tower would dramatically constrain access and subsequently endanger pedestrians who already utilize the alley, such as Hotel 1000 staff and Madison Tower residents like myself. Implications to public safety and mitigation methods require exploration prior to Design Board Review. Increased density will create increased sanitation requirements, specifically regarding trash removal, which is limited in scope by the above mentioned 15 foot alley. The impact to public health resulting from diminished airflow merits examination. The implication to the health of current residents created by elimination of sunlight coupled with nighttime light pollution will severely impact livability.
To summarize, the developer has given the Design Board a woefully incomplete picture, which consequently constrains the Design Board’s consideration of the project until the due diligence relating to Historic Ambiguity, Transit Impact, and Public Safety has been performed. Please defer this matter until such time as appropriate measures have been taken. Sincerely, Joyce Winter.