SEATTLE – August 20, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — The City of Seattle received payment of the judgments, interest and penalties in excess of $3.48 million related to code violations on rental properties owned by Hugh and Martha Sisley in the Roosevelt neighborhood.
“Today marks a new beginning for the Roosevelt neighborhood. For years, if not decades, neighbors have had to endure this blight,” said Mayor Ed Murray. “We will reinvest dollars from this payment, the largest ever collected related to the Sisley properties, back into Roosevelt to create the vibrant community this neighborhood deserves.”
Over the years, the city has cited numerous Sisley properties near Roosevelt High School for repeated violations, while the owner failed to make required improvements. The neighborhood continued to suffer from these neglected properties and redevelopment in the neighborhood stalled.
With this payment from the Roosevelt Development Group (RDG), the City liens on the properties will be removed. RDG controls development rights for many of these properties and has publicly expressed interest in developing more housing in the neighborhood. RDG is planning for development on nearly 5 acres of properties within 5 minutes’ walk of the incoming Sound Transit light rail station.
“We have heard for years about the need for a park and open spaces in this area, as well as more affordable housing for individuals and families,” said Murray. “We believe the pieces and partners are all in place to make these possibilities a reality.”
The Department of Neighborhoods will facilitate a community process involving the Roosevelt Neighborhood Association, area residents and business owners. The goal is a shared vision for the built environment, more housing and open space in the neighborhood.
The Seattle Office of Housing is actively working with RDG on tools that incentivize the development of both affordable and market-rate housing. The Department of Planning and Development has also begun discussions with Sound Transit for additional affordable housing development on the light rail station site.
The Mayor’s Office has transmitted an ordinance to the City Council to use condemnation authority, if necessary, to acquire a site on NE 65th Street for Seattle Parks for use as public open space.
CONTACT:
Jason Kelly (206) 684-8379
