Harbor Properties and the public attended a hearing tonight, 6:30 pm. at the Senior Center of West Seattle for Harbor Properties' proposed "Nova" apartment building.

This meeting involved an application for Early Design Guidance with three options, or "massings". No one rendering or plan is yet offered.

The proposed site is at 4600 36th Ave. SW, in the "Fauntleroy Triangle.

According to their 22-page Application Form pdf sent to the DPD Currently, which is here:

http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/AppDocs/GroupMeetings/DRProposal3011957Agend…

The applicant’s development objective is to provide the highest and best use for the site and to create a high-density,workforce/efficient housing development. The proposed project is a 5-story, 50-foot tall building with 63 units of housing. We are providing parking for 5 vehicles in a below grade parking garage, and there will be no commercial uses. The project takes advantage of the new code that sets no minimum for parking for residential buildings located within 1,320 feet of a bus station.

Emi McKittrick is Harbor Properties' marketing director. She just told the West Seattle Herald this afternoon, "People need to come to tonight's meeting and say, 'these are the elements that I'd like to see'. I think it's good to say what you want. I also encourage people to call me, 206-812-6727."

The Nova will have about 60 units, while the other two West Seattle Harbor Properties buildings, the Mural, has 136, and the new Link, 195. The Mural currently has just one available apartment for rent. Tomorrow the first residents move into the Link, which is about one-third leased already.

"The three massing drawings are examined by the Design Review Board and the public," she said. "Some people might like two of the three plans, others might suggest combining their favorite elements of all three. The public does have a say."

McKittrick, who has lived in West Seattle for six years is aware that some folks think West Seattle is crowded enough, but, she said, "I'd rather see people move into our community and support our community and neighborhood businesses. West Seattle is a great place to live. You can't block it off and say that the only people who currently live here can live here."

She said that Harbor Properties is well aware that with the economy's downturn, renting now appeals to more people. "It used to be all you needed was a pulse to get a home mortgage," she said. "Now it is more difficult. I also think some people want to feel more flexible in case they change jobs and have to relocate."

She said that it is a misnomer that modern apartment buildings only attract young people.

"We rent to people 22, and people who are 74," she said. "Some active seniors like to live in the same building as younger renters."