By Patrick Robinson

The third early design guidance review meeting on the six story, 54 unit apartment building aimed at 4532 42nd Ave SW is set for 8pm, on April 21 at the West Seattle Senior Center.
The plan calls for 5,036 feet of commercial space at ground level and 50 parking spaces.
The project, called Braseth 42nd, is being designed by NK Architects.

At the second meeting on the project, held in July public comments were recorded.

PUBLIC COMMENT
• Concerned that the living areas of the adjacent house are facing the blank wall of the existing medical building to the north and would like to see greater visual interest on the north elevation of the proposed building. Also expressed concern with the loss of access to southern exposure, light and air.

• Supported the proposed setbacks that were included as part of the previously approved design on the subject site and would like to see the greater setbacks included on the north side to lessen adverse impacts on sunlight access and privacy.

• Supported Option 3 which showed a courtyard, but recommended it be shifted to the north and combined with setbacks to maximize the buffer to the existing house to the north.

• Noted that garage exhaust vents should not be located on the north side.

• Concerned with vehicles navigating the alley and would like to see it changed to a one-way only direction.

• Concerned with the excess of trash cans on the alley that are not put away on non-collection days.

• Supported retention of the existing Western Red Cedar on site, as it provides a natural buffer, helps make a more successful fit with the adjacent property, and contributes to the network of open spaces.

• Felt that continuous retail along 42nd Ave. SW would better enhance the pedestrian experience than a courtyard.

• Consider the setbacks on both the east and west corners of the alley in regards to pedestrian-car conflicts.

• Suggested setting the structure back to match Oregon 42 for continuity and consistency.

• Felt the design should respond and exhibit connectivity to the Junction Plaza Park.

• Suggested relocating the courtyard to the north as a public amenity and mid-block connection, which may present a rationale for the departure request.

• Concerned with the location of the garage exhaust vent on the north side of the proposed structure.

MEETING
Date: Thursday, April 21, 2016
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: West Seattle Senior Center
4217 SW Oregon St
Hatten Hall

(Early design guidance meetings were previously held on July 16, 2015 and November 5, 2015.)
All meeting facilities are ADA compliant. Translators or interpreters provided upon request. Please contact the Public Resource Center at prc@seattle.gov or (206) 684-8467 at least five business days prior to the meeting to request this service.

OPPORTUNITY FOR COMMENT

The Director will accept written comments to assist in the preparation of the early design guidance through April 21, 2016. You are invited to offer comments regarding important site planning and design issues, which you believe, should be addressed in the design for this project.
Comments and requests to be made party of record should be submitted to PRC@seattle.gov or City of Seattle – Seattle DCI – PRC, 700 5th Avenue, Suite 2000, PO Box 34019, Seattle, WA 98124-4019.

PROCESS

An application for Design Review related to future development of this site has been submitted to the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (Seattle DCI). The first phase of Design Review includes the Early Design Guidance (EDG) meeting. At the Early Design Guidance meeting, the following occurs:
The applicants will present information about the site and vicinity as well as early massing design concepts.
The public may offer comments regarding the design of a development on the subject site.

The Design Review Board will provide guidance and identify those Design Guidelines of highest priority for the design as it moves forward towards Master Use Permit (MUP) application.

Following the meeting, Seattle DCI will issue a written Early Design Guidance report summarizing the meeting. This report will be sent to those who signed in at the meeting or otherwise requested a copy.
*Please note that public comment at the EDG meeting is limited to design considerations. If environmental review is triggered, comments related to environmental impacts (such as traffic, parking, noise, etc.) may be sent to Seattle DCI following notice of that review.

MORE INFORMATION
This proposal may be viewed at our Design Review Program website at www.seattle.gov/DPD/aboutus/news/events/DesignReview/SearchPastReviews/. For more information regarding this application or the Design Review process, you may contact the Land Use Planner listed above, go to the Design Review Program website or visit our office at the address above. (We are open from 8 am to 4 pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday and from 10:30 am to 4 pm Tuesday and Thursday.)

The full design packet for the project is available online at www.westseattleherald.com