Two hours was not enough time for the Comprehensive Housing Strategy Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) to finish their agenda at the March 13 meeting.
However, the committee composed of 18 Shoreline residents selected by the city council, was able to review a list of operating assumptions used to guide their future discussions and decisions.
“One thing I’ve noticed with our group so far is that we’re pretty agreeable and collegial,” Sid Kuboi, CAC chair said.
“That said, we’ve also come up with some reasonably controversial issues and tonight is the night that if you need any clarification or if you have any reservations that you say what’s on your mind.”
The comment preceded a five minute recess used by each CAC member to vote by green, yellow or red sticker dots on a chart with the proposed committee operating assumptions. All green dots meant the committee agreed while even one yellow or red dot meant the CAC would discuss the guideline further.
While only one operating assumption was unanimously agreed upon at first, the project managers, Steve Cohn and Rob Beem, worked to address all concerns, resulting in the adoption of additional assumptions by the entire CAC and decisions to reword or abandon others.
“The goal is really to have a comprehensive plan that includes three main things,” Chakorn Phisuthikul, member of the CAC said. “Those things are affordable housing, housing choices and neighborhood character.”
The group has been meeting twice a month since December. The March 13 meeting was attended by several Shoreline residents and Shoreline City Councilmember Cindy Ryu.
“This is fun,” CAC member John Behrens said. “There is a lot more to this than I thought there was.”
Since they began meeting, members of the CAC have begun to see their city in a new way.
“I drive through neighborhoods now and notice empty space,” CAC member Maria Walsh said. “I’m taking pictures in my mind all over Shoreline. It’s challenging.”
The next process for the CAC will be to review a list of findings and strategies affecting affordable housing in Shoreline. Material sent to each of the CAC members claims the findings come from “an assessment of market conditions, a review of demographic conditions and trends in Shoreline and from an understanding of the community’s values.”
The CAC will use the findings to address the needs of current and future Shoreline residents so that the city may “retain its standing as a great community for all families and particularly for families with children,” according to the CAC materials.
Asking and answering questions about who they want to serve, what kind of housing mix is best for Shoreline and how families with limited incomes will have accessible housing options, the CAC will have plenty to talk about until their last meeting this May.
The CAC will eventually submit their findings to the city council as one part of the process of adopting a city-wide Comprehensive Housing Strategy.
The next CAC meeting will be on March 27 at 7 p.m. in the Shoreline Fire Station Headquarters conference room on Aurora Avenue North.
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