Hundreds of new townhomes are being built in neighborhoods across Seattle. Neighbors want input into the new housing, but a loophole allows development to move forward under the radar.
"Townhomes are popping up all over Seattle as development booms, and some developers are using a process called "piecemealing" to expedite new construction. In piecemealing, a developer can purchase several small adjacent lots, file separate permits for each lot, and skirt the pesky public-comment period and environmental reviews that accompany major construction projects."
"While DPD's current regulations have kept some residents out of the new-construction loop, DPD spokesman Alan Justad says DPD stands by its decision to let separate parcels be developed as separate projects. Although DPD isn't doing anything to stop piecemealing, Justad says they're trying to find ways to keep neighborhood identities intact."
FULL STORY: Townhome Invasion
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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