Today, Seattle City Council unanimously approved the legislation that enables Safeway to apply for the rezone required for redevelopment of the Pinehurst Safeway. With this major milestone accomplished, we anticipate the rezone process can now begin later this spring.
In his comments during the Council meeting, Councilmember Peter Steinbrueck noted the strong support that has been shown by the Pinehurst Community for the Pinehurst Safeway redevelopment project. We would not have gotten to this point without all the effort put in by so many members of our Pinehurst Community.
Over the past few years, so many of us in Pinehurst have spent countless hours trying to find a solution to this complex issue. The outcome and unique solution that we have discussed is something that we should all be proud of. We know how it feels to be passionate about our neighborhood or an issue, and as such, we respect the passion and long history the Maple Leaf, Haller Lake and Laurelhurst communities brought to the discussion as it relates to single family zoning in our city.
We have been particularly grateful to Councilmember (and Pinehurst resident) Peter Steinbrueck for his continued leadership on this issue – especially in light of the many large and high profile issues he is working on as he ends his tenure at City Council.
We are also very grateful to the leadership, thoughtful contribution and guidance from: Neil Powers, Legislative Aid to Peter Steinbrueck; Councilmember Richard Conlin; Councilmember Tom Rasmussen; Councilmember Sally Clark; Diane Sugimura, Director, Department of Planning and Development; Michael Jenkins, Council Central Staff; Brennon Staley, Department of Planning and Development; and, Ed Pottharst, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods.
Finally, thank you to Safeway for the great effort and flexibility they have shown in their discussions with Pinehurst neighbors. The dialogue with Safeway has been a positive process and has helped us to grow as a community.
You can view the Council discussion and vote at: http://www.seattlechannel.org/videos/video.asp?ID=2020749
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