I ask my fellow readers to concur with me that Community Transit’s historic investment in current and future SWIFT Bus Rapid Transit corridors that we need affordable housing along those corridors so all who need to can live next to frequent, safe public transit. Thankfully a fellow transit fan in Rep. Jessica Bateman is prime sponsor of House Bill 1110, which reforms zoning for middle housing close to frequent transit.
Yes, we need this legislation. Community Transit, Sound Transit and Everett Transit do not have the legal authority to address the housing shortage. Without cities prompted to let folks decide whether to authorize their lots to have up to six homes within a half mile of a major transit stop such as a SWIFT stop or light rail station too few who need housing close to transit will have their housing needs met.
Furthermore, as per some of my previous letters, the pressure to build in incompatible ways close to airports like OLF Coupeville and Paine Field will grow, thereby threatening those airports’ viability. So encouraging housing close to frequent transit is good for aviation also.
Please support HB 1110, which has a hearing at 4 p.m. Tuesday in the State House Housing Committee.
Joe Kunzler
Sedro-Woolley
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