South Lake Union group torn over zoning

A South Lake Union neighborhood group has decided to postpone board elections and further discussion of possible zoning changes until next month.

South Lake Union Friends and Neighbors (SLUFAN) decided to defer elections for three open board positions until its June 3 meeting, in part because its Tuesday night meeting became more heated than expected over proposed zoning for 400-foot-tall buildings.

The next meeting will be 4 to 6 p.m. at the Armory building at Lake Union Park.

The SLUFAN board is expected to discuss four possible zoning plans, ranging from one proposing no change to another that would allow buildings, likely pin towers, to rise up to 400 feet high in targeted areas. The plans will be forwarded to the Mayor's Office for further study in an environmental impact statement.

City officials say they asked SLUFAN to look at alternatives for accommodating greater density in South Lake Union after it was designated an urban center last year as part of the city's comprehensive plan. Such planning is required in cities and counties as part of the state's Growth Management Act.

SLUFAN, South Lake Union's community council, recently updated the neighborhood plan to reflect the new designation. It still is grappling with specific zoning, design, environmental and other issues.

The 13-member SLUFAN board represents local area businesses, residents, nonprofit organizations and other stakeholders. The board's Planning and Policy Committee plans to hold two more afternoon meetings, on Wedneday and on May 19, also at the Armory, to further discuss zoning plans.