SEATTLE—December 6, 2007—In a unanimous vote, Seattle Housing's Board of Commissioners approved guiding principles that will be applied to the next phase of planning for redevelopment.

With this action, the Board committed the Housing Authority to replace all existing low-income units in the Yesler Terraceneighborhood. The Board also promised that all residents who remained in good standing would be able to return to the new development.

Former Mayor Norman B. Rice chaired the committee that drafted the guiding principles. Recommending them to the Board he said, "These principles point to a balance between serving the needs of current and future residents and acknowledging the opportunities of the redevelopment for the larger community."

After the guiding principles were approved, Commission Chair David Bley noted they were just the beginning of the process that lies ahead. "We have a responsibility to the entire City of Seattle to realize a vision here at Yesler Terrace - a vision of opportunity, diversity and prosperity that everyone can share in. We want to help a far greater number of people than we do now, and we also want to preserve the sense of community here at Yesler Terrace."

More than 20 people signed up to address the Commissioners at their meeting. They spoke about their hopes to return to the redeveloped community, about the importance of community gardens, and about their desire to be able to operate small scale businesses in the new neighborhood.

Commissioner Yusuf Cabdi acknowledged the concerns that many residents have concerning their in-home daycare businesses. "I will make sure that these issues continue to be raised," he told the residents. "And I am convinced that Tom Tierney and Judith Kilgore will make sure that these issues are addressed."

The guiding principles were developed, at the request of the Board of Commissioners, to guide development that would meet affordable housing needs, be financially feasible, serve the needs of current and future residents and provide amenities to the larger community.

The committee developed a total of 36 specific principles grouped under four headings: social equity, economic opportunity, environmental stewardship and sustainability, and one-for-one replacement housing.

In 2008 Seattle Housing will contract with an architectural firm to develop possible development alternatives for the site.