SEATTLE — A group of Ballard residents is mobilizing to fight a plan to build a 27-unit micro housing apartment complex.
The apodment development would replace a single family home in the 14-hundred block of Northwest 62nd Street
"We're talking about 27 people moving into a building that really should be accommodating probably about nine to 10 apartments," said resident Stephen Divoky. The building will also block the view he has had for 14 years. Just the idea of the apodment, he said, is "really impacting the neighborhood dramatically."
The micro-housing complex is slated to be built where a single-family house has sat for decades. Northwest 62nd Street is narrow with few parking spaces. That worries Stacey Krynsky, who bought a townhouse eight years ago across the street.
"It will most likely drive my home price down, significantly," said Krynsky. "Because the fact is what homeowner will want to purchase my home later that will have no parking available to them."
She and her neighbors say they expected a multi-unit building to go in the space but not one bringing so many people with it.
"What we're looking for now," said Divoky, "is responsible development."
Apodments are popping up all over Seattle. We took a tour of one in Wallingford back in June. The developers say they provide affordable housing for a population of people who often don't have vehicles. The people here don't buy that. And they say if the apodment is built, it may push them out.
"I love it. I'd love to stay," said Krynsky. "But this could potentially change my plans on living here."
The developer predicted the residents' fears will not be realized. He would not discuss details of the proposal. He said they would be revealed at a design review meeting Monday night at Ballard High School.
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