Possible zoning changes and proposed development projects in Vancouver launched a discussion at Monday night’s city council workshop on the difficulty balancing the need for jobs and housing.
Councilors examined three proposed zoning changes, two of which would provide for 335 new housing units. Those two — 16.7 acres at 13700 N.E. Fourth St. and 7.6 acres at 16516 Mill Plain Blvd. — would replace commercial and industrial zoning with residential.
“Right now it seems like we’re making a huge shift here with some potential downsides,” said Councilor Jack Burkman.
While the council agreed there’s a need for housing in Vancouver, they weren’t sure if that need was greater than that of forsaken employment opportunities.
Bryan Snodgrass, Community Economic Development Department principal planner, said the applicants for the two projects have argued there is plenty of employment in the area relative to housing availability.
But that notion was also met with questions of validity.
Snodgrass added that city staff is trying to find a balance to address the housing issue.
“If we have any hope on trying to get a handle on affordable housing in our city we have to increase density,” Councilor Ty Stober said.
Burkman said he would rather see existing residential land be rezoned for multifamily to increase housing than reduce the opportunity for jobs.
Waiting for development, it seems, is also one of the factors at stake, Snodgrass said.
“I don’t know that it wouldn’t develop, but it might take some time,” he said of maintaining the commercially zoned land.
“Really when it comes down to it, if it hasn’t been developed yet … what is that time frame to say it’s been sitting for too long, what needs to happen?” said Councilor Bart Hansen.
Project details
The first proposal, known as the Village at Evergreen Landing, would develop 156 units, and about half of those would be single-family homes. The remaining units would include duplex and triplex units, and town houses.
Fore, the second proposal, is a 179-unit apartment complex.
Delta Plaza, the third site discussed, is nearly a third of an acre and a remaining parcel from a rezoning in 2015.
A public hearing on the proposals is scheduled for Dec. 4.
City Manager Eric Holmes said staff will return with information regarding the potential job losses for these sites, as well as address access and development concerns raised by the council.
