The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) is currently reviewing an application to divide two parcels of land into eight individual parcels, likely for the purpose of construction on 24th Ave. S.W. in what is known as an environmentally critical area. A public meeting is set for Thursday, March 20 at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center at 7pm to gather comments on the proposal.

The area is according to DPD

• Floodprone
• Riparian Corridor
• Salmon Watershed
• Wetland

The plan has already gotten negative reaction such as this letter from Vicki Schimtz Block:

"I am writing to notify you of my opposition to this proposed lot subdivision at 6536 24th Ave SW. It appears that will be serious and negative impacts to Longfellow Creek, and to the salmon restoration programs that are underway throughout West Seattle and the greater Puget Sound region. I live adjacent to Fauntleroy Creek and am actively involved in protecting its salmon habitat function.
This project and its impacts on Longfellow Creek have not been fully addressed and explored by the City of Seattle, nor have satisfactory mitigation offsets been proposed. This type of single family lot division into micro-lots must be halted, as the impacts are far too great and damaging on Longfellow Creek and its fragile ecosystem.

Vicki Schmitz Block

and this letter from Judi Pickens:

On the face of it, this project seems like another development trying to disregard environmental safeguards for protection of riparian corridors, steep slopes, wetlands, and salmon habitat. I see that a number of reviews by DPD staff I know to be competent have been done. I remain, however, concerned that the development will get a do-pass pretty much as it is proposed.

As long-time advocate for Fauntleroy Creek in West Seattle, I am well aware of how one development, then another and another, can erode essential habitat adjacent to a salmon-bearing creek. In this watershed, we are blessed to have much of the creek corridor in public hands (park and undeveloped right-of-way). The health of Longfellow Creek, though, is dependent on close scrutiny of the use of every parcel along its corridor. Without the city's willingness to say no to proposals that don't meet the criteria, codified environmental protections will not mean a thing.

Please make certain that every step is taken, that exclusions are not allowed, and that restrictions are required and then enforced through frequent inspection if the project is permitted.

Judy Pickens, founding member Fauntleroy Watershed Council

To read more visit the DPD page on the proposal and click on DOCUMENTS.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Land Use Application to subdivide two parcels into eight parcels of land in an environmentally critical area. Proposed parcel sizes are: A) 5,017 sq. ft., B) 5,009 sq. ft., C) 5,009 sq. ft., D) 5,033 sq. ft., E) 5,033 sq. ft., F) 5,040 sq. ft., G) 6,533 sq. ft., and H) 5,625 sq. ft.

The project requires the following approvals:

Short subdivision to create eight parcels of land
SEPA environmental determination

INFORMATION AVAILABLE

A copy of the plans and other application materials are available at the DPD Public Resource Center: 700 5th Avenue, Suite 2000 (206) 684-8467. The Public Resource Center is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

PUBLIC MEETING

A public meeting to review this application will be held on Thursday, March 20 at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW, 7:00 pm. Written and/or oral comments may be submitted at the meeting.

This facility is accessible. Print and communication access available on request. Please contact the Public Resource Center (206) 684-8467 as soon as possible to request accommodation for a disability.