Planning land use and the built environment of Skyway-West Hill

Many thanks to the residents and business owners of Skyway-West Hill who came to the subarea planning forum at Albert Talley High School on October 30. With more than 50 people in attendance, it was clear there is strong interest in the future look of this unincorporated area community between Seattle, Renton, and Tukwila.

Skyway-West Hill is one of five large Potential Annexation Areas (PAA) – pockets of urban unincorporated land in western King County – to have its own unique Subarea Plan which will serve as a framework for future development in the area for the next 20 years — from the design and appearance of commercial districts to housing density, infill development, building heights, and zoning.

The event, held in collaboration with County Councilmember Larry Gossett, began with an open house, where visitors viewed maps and displays and talked with county staffers.

Participants took part in a live poll and had other opportunities to share their thoughts. The poll will remain open through November 30. To take part, go to the Sli.do poll, and enter the event code “Skywayplan” and hit Join. This will take you to the “DPER Skyway Sub Area Planning” page with nine questions to which you’re invited to weigh in.

The Director-designee of the Department of Local Services, John Taylor, outlined the vision for the new King County agency, and a lively discussion with County planners followed, with questions about annexation, making equity analysis a part of land use decisions, housing density, and more.

“It was great to get honest and specific ideas from residents and business owners on the real issues in their community,” said Bradley Clark, the County’s subarea planner for Skyway-West Hill. “For example, people wanted to see more businesses and office space around MLK and S. 129th as a future commercial center. That’s feedback we can work with in planning for the next twenty years.”

Using feedback from the forum, Clark will work on a public review draft to bring back to the community by the end of February 2019 for review and discussion. Executive Constantine then will transmit his recommended plan to the King County Council by the end of June.

Several questions around local services — such as roads and stop signs, transit, law enforcement, and economic development — were outside the scope of the current land use plan. Our staff recorded those questions and will be developing responses to be shared.