Public split on upzoning, neighborhood centers and HB 1110 implementation

Public commenters and planning staff clashed over the mayor’s proposed growth strategy and zoning changes to implement the 1 Seattle plan, with opponents warning of displacement and environmental harm and proponents saying more capacity is required to address the city’s housing shortage.

Opponents from several neighborhoods urged the select committee to pause or narrow the mayor’s map and to limit upzoning. Susan McCormick, a 24‑year homeowner in Madrona, said the executive’s map “goes far beyond what the state requires” and warned that five‑story buildings would “forever alter” the neighborhood and not produce affordable units. Lily Church, a 40‑year Capitol Hill and Madrona resident, told the committee “the proposed plan doesn’t actually solve affordability because density in itself doesn't translate to lower…