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Public commenters accuse plan processes of favoring developers and raise equity concerns
Summary
Speakers told the committee they felt unfairly labeled for opposing development and said some plan restrictions and funding processes favor politically connected developers; one commenter accused the '1 Seattle' plan of racial bias.
Two members of the public used their allotted time to criticize perceived developer advantages and alleged bias in the comprehensive-plan process. Steve Rubitello said he is regularly labeled a "NIMBY" and called the label offensive; he urged the council to do more for residents and asked why trees are often removed for development.
David Haynes made forceful remarks about the comprehensive plan and development in neighborhoods such as Interbay, criticized placing housing next to noisy or industrial uses, and told the committee the "1 Seattle" plan had been "racistly tainted" by former Mayor Bruce Harrell (as stated in his comments). Haynes also argued that some grant and housing processes favor politically connected organizations.
Those comments were made in the public-comment period and did not prompt committee action at the Aug. 5 briefing. The committees briefing and process schedule remain the central items before the committee for this amendment package.
