Quote:
Originally Posted by City Wide
Somewhat related, when a project needs zoning variances and/or other special allowances from L&I or City council I wish that part of the discussions as to why those requests should be granted very much included the question 'what does the public get out of granting those requests?' McBane puts it in terms of additional income for the City but I'd like to see more trade offs, like ok Mr. developer you want to build a 20 story apartment building where the code only allows to build a 10 story building, how many of those additional units are you willing to make available to tenants on limited income, or how much money or will you be willing to contribute to the local public school/park/rec center/etc.?
If the City controls to some degree who can build what, and where, then granting permission to build outside of those established limits should be worth something and not be 'free'. I think that the design of the building should be considered as part of those negotiations.
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I believe that is called a "bribe".
In all seriousness, those things you described are built into the zoning code - this particular project is already claiming height allowances for affordable units and for a green roof, yet they are still looking for additional height beyond that. I think it sets a pretty dangerous precedent if we allow developers to just clearly pay out to ANY group (even if it's a "good" cause) in return for the ability to do what they want beyond what is permitted.
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