Over the last several years, as various construction projects stalled for lack of funds or legal wrangling the sites they began in became eyesores or worse, public nuisances. Rather than leave these sites and other vacant and underused sites in limbo the Seattle City Council unanimously adopted legislation to enliven them.

The new legislation creates a pilot program to allow property owners to temporarily locate active uses, like retail sales kiosks, mobile food vending carts, or art installations, on sites of stalled construction projects.

Also allowed are temporary conversions of vacant and underused lots into short-term parking, provided the sidewalk-facing sides of the lot are activated with creative uses that will attract and increase pedestrian activity. Art, mobile food vending, retail kiosks, tree nurseries, or community gardens all satisfy the activation requirement.

To take advantage of the pilot program, lots must: already have legally established accessory parking; have been cleared for construction as of June 1, 2010; or have an active building permit as of June 1, 2010. The pilot project would only apply to the following zones: Seattle Mixed, Highrise, Downtown, Industrial, and Commercial with the exception of NC1.

The Seattle Design Commission solicited ideas for lot activation. The results are available on their website and show at least one (see link) that applies to the stalled Whole Foods project the West Seattle Herald reported on last month.

That idea is proposed by Perri Lynch in association with David Stutz and suggests that space (and others in Seattle) could be used for performance art pieces that Lynch proposes, "Through live, improvised audio performances, combining sounds of the natural world and urban landscapes, we will “fill” these holes with rich, ambient, soundscapes for the enjoyment of Seattle residents and visitors (...) These performances will be designed for a multi-modal confluence of pedestrians, motorists, cyclists and other passers by. Performances will last approx 1 hr. and will be staged only with permission and cooperation from governing bodies, building owners, construction companies, and other stakeholders."

Other ideas proposed that involve West Seattle include a park and ride (though no location was mentioned) and a Delridge Produce Stand.

Successful pilot program applicants may operate for three years and can renew for a second three-year term. No more than 20 permits would be granted city-wide.