(SWONA) President’s update
Hi folks – Hope you all are doing well. Let us know if there’s anything of interest you would like posted (or would like to post) that might be of interest to the neighborhood during this pandemic. Just thought I would post a few links of upcoming things (or changes) that may be of interest.
Virtual Town Hall – Financial Resources for Local Businesses – April 15 at 4 p.m.
Topics to be covered include:
• What programs passed in the Federal Stimulus package can assist small businesses.
• What kind of information will businesses need to have to qualify for federal assistance.
• What are some non-traditional approaches other businesses are using to stay afloat.
• What are some approaches to address cash flow issues that other businesses are using.
https://olympiawa.gov/news-and-faq-s/covid-19-info.aspx
Beginning Monday, April 13, Intercity Transit will temporarily transition to providing essential trips for the public using an advance reservation system consistent with Gov. Inslee’s “Stay Home – Stay Healthy” emergency order.
Governor’s Proclamation on job protections for high risk workers
We had our April Council of Neighborhood Associations (CNA) meeting online via Zoom last night (we cancelled the March in-person meeting due to the pandemic). A lot of the discussion was about how neighborhoods were handling the lockdown. The system seemed to work well, so am planning to have an online option for our June meeting even if it’s OK to meet in person as an option for those who are high risk. One of the Neighborhood Associations put together this information one-pager on the City rezone plans:
Neighborhood Associations:
Below is information regarding the "Housing Alternatives" rezone proposal on which the city staff briefed the Council of Neighborhood Associations recently.
This proposal has potential for significant impacts on neighborhoods.
The comment deadline is next Tuesday, April 21, just a week from today.
Feel free to share.
Housing Alternatives Rezone Proposal
Description
On each parcel in zoning districts that permit single-family residences, the following would be allowed:
1) Duplex on every corner lot.
2) Duplex, triplex or courtyard apartment on any parcel
3) ADU, up to 1000 sf, two-stories, no owner onsite, and no parking requirement for ADU.
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SEPA Determination: The city's SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) official has determined that this action is not likely to have a significant adverse impact upon the environment and that therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement is not required under RCW 43.21C.030(2)(C).
Public Comments should be directed to the SEPA Official, Nicole Floyd, Senior Planner, AICP. Phone 360.570.3768,
Email: nfloyd@ci.olympia.wa.us
COMMENT DEADLINE: 4:00 p.m., April 21, 2020
APPEAL PROCEDURE: Pursuant to RCW 43.21C.495, this DNS is not subject to administrative or judicial appeal under the Washington State Environmental Policy Act. The City of Olympia will not accept an appeal application on this threshold determination.
Note: It is the city's position that its codes adequately regulate the impacts which SEPA covers, including the likes of stormwater, endangered species, hazardous substances, water bodies, wetlands, historic sites, traffic, schools, etc., etc.
Of the types of construction that this proposal would newly allow, only courtyard apartments over 9 units in size would require environmental review under SEPA when permits are applied for.