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Harry Smith residents oppose medium-density rezoning, cite lack of sidewalks and school safety
Summary
Dozens of Harry Smith Road residents told the Planning Commission they oppose proposed medium-density rezoning for their street, citing lack of sidewalks, school traffic, and infrastructure limits. Staff said medium-density rules allow more housing types but density math makes large sixplex development unlikely on typical lots.
Multiple Harry Smith Road residents testified at the March 3 public hearing that they oppose a staff proposal to rezone parts of the neighborhood to medium-density residential.
Speakers said Harry Smith is a legacy single-family neighborhood with older homes, few sidewalks and limited infrastructure. James Woodsmall, Joe Lemieux and Glenn Stutzman — among several residents who said they gathered signatures — told the commission they oppose rezoning because it would threaten the existing neighborhood feel, increase traffic and create safety issues for children who walk to schools. Stutzman said he collected 23 signatures out of 27 houses on the block opposing the change.
Director Chris Larson responded that the medium-density residential zone allows a broader range of “middle housing” types (duplexes, triplexes, small multifamily), but he noted the zone’s density standard—10 dwelling units per acre—means a standard large residential lot typically supports three to four units, making a sixplex an unlikely outcome on most existing lots. Larson also reiterated that nonconforming residences generally are grandfathered and may remain if owners choose to stay.
Residents repeatedly raised sidewalk gaps along 20th Street and near Fife High School and asked how and when sidewalks and pedestrian crossings would be provided. Larson said the city has an active Twentieth Street corridor improvement project with grant funding that is designed to add sidewalks, mid-block crossings and a signalized intersection at 60th and Twentieth; he encouraged residents to continue participation in the process.
Why it matters
Rezoning decisions affect what owners can build on their property and the character of long-standing neighborhoods. Residents emphasized safety, the practical limits of local roads and schools’ capacity as important considerations; staff noted state law changes and regional transit proximity that drive some of the recommended medium-density designations.
Ending
The Planning Commission will review public testimony and staff analysis and is scheduled to vote on a recommendation April 7.
