Seattle committee hears sharply split testimony on bill to allow housing in Stadium Transit overlay

Seattle City Council Governance, Accountability and Economic Development Committee Chair Sarah Nelson opened a public hearing on Council Bill 120933 on Feb. 24, seeking comment on a proposal to amend the city—s land-use code to allow residential uses as a conditional use in the Stadium Transition Area Overlay District (STAOD).

The proposed ordinance would align the STAOD with other urban industrial (UI) zones in the city by allowing residential uses under conditions that include a requirement that 50 percent of dwelling units be affordable at 60 to 90 percent of area median income for 75 years. The bill would also remove a prohibition on residential uses within 200 feet of a designated major truck street for a roughly two-block stretch near T-Mobile Park.

The meeting drew large turnout: the clerk announced 10 remote speakers and 50 in-person speakers signed up for the hearing. Supporters from small-manufacturing groups, housing advocates and several construction trade unions said the change would create affordable, union-built housing and dedicated production space for "makers." Erin Adams, executive director of the…