ACTION ALKI ALLIANCE

MISSION
To ensure this development is appropriate for the existing context and
that the
Alki Neighborhood is left in better position than before

PUBLIC COMMENTS DPD #3020640

EARLY DESIGN GUIDANCE
OUT OF SCALE FOR NEIGHBORHOOD

The project as proposed in the design materials submitted by the applicant is

grossly out of scale with the existing neighborhood and recent development
in the neighborhood. The total number of units and the density of the units
proposed for this project greatly exceed the level of development currently
found in the neighborhood.

ROOF TOP DECK

The Land Use Pre-Submittal Conference meeting notes of 7/23/15 state:

the site is not eligible for the extra residential floor area provided in
23.58A.040,
Bonus floor area for open space amenities, as the site is not located in
an urban village
or center
We are confused why SolTerra is including a roof top deck. If we have
misunderstood and roof top decks are allowed, our concerns are that the
majority of the mid-rise buildings in the area have undeveloped roof tops.
SDG CS2, 05 states any development must minimize disrupting the
privacy and outdoor activities of residents in adjacent buildings. We believe
smoke from the fire pits will be disruptive the beach offers the availability
of safe fire pits. Because of the water, noise carries in a more pronounced
way. A roof top deck as a common gathering area will potentially create a
noise issue for the surrounding buildings.

STABILITY OF HILLSIDE
As homeowners we have a major concern regarding the stability of the
hillside behind the project. SolTerras preferred design option breaches the
15-foot buffer mandated by DPD at the Land Use Pre-Submittal Conference,
which stated the buffer will act as a setback with structures not allowed in
that area.

RELATIONSHIP TO NEIGHBORHOOD
SDG CS2 addresses how new construction transitions and/or complements
existing structures. The more recent developments in the Northwest Alki
Neighborhood reflect curbside setbacks averaging 15 feet. Side setbacks
average 10-15 feet. We disagree that a break in the main faade and
minimum setbacks corresponds to the established pattern of space between
structures in the vicinity.

HEIGHT OF BUILDING
We have a concern with the height of the building because Site Sections are
difficult to interpret and it is hard to tell where existing grades are relative to
proposed grades.

All of our concerns are detailed in the 6 page comment document previously
submitted. We understand that the environmental conditions that the
project will create, such as traffic, noise, storm water, habitat, and critical
areas impact, will be addressed later in the city review, but the Early Design
Guidance process should not be used as the means to create a building
envelope that greatly exceeds the capacity of the area to support it. The
design review decision should not conflict with SEPA conditions or other
regulatory requirements applicable to the site per SMC 23.41.014(F)(3)(c).

We will end our verbal comments by stating that we feel an additional EDG
meeting would be prudent for SolTerra to address the many issues and
concerns identified.
In closing we would like to state for the record we understand development
in the Alki Neighborhood will occur. We support a future building that fits in
with fabric of the existing neighborhood.