Development can happen without affecting character of Lake Union, nearby neighborhoods

While I support some provisions in the mayor’s proposal for the rezoning of South Lake Union, other provisions stand out in their unsuitability [“Lake Union’s boom sets high bar for planes,” page one, Jan. 21]. One is the proposal to allow 240-foot towers at the lake waterfront.

Seattle has made similar mistakes in the past (lakeside apartments in Madison Park, and the Associated General Contractors building on Lake Union come to mind), and should learn from them. Maintain the “stepped-down” building height zoning to the lake to maximize the enjoyment of the lake and the beautiful new Lake Union Park by all.

Another provision of concern is the curious proposal to expand the entire Denny Triangle neighborhood one block to the north, to Little John Street, so that two developers can build 400-foot towers on their lots, creating outsized buildings in the Cascade neighborhood and adjacent to Denny Park, and creating both wind and shade issues.

Keep Denny Way as the northern border of the Denny Triangle neighborhood; keep-400 foot buildings south of Denny Way, and keep 240-foot towers away from the Lake Union waterfront.

There will still be plenty of opportunity to build South Lake Union to its potential, while ensuring the protection of the character of Lake Union and adjacent neighborhoods.

--Judith Freeman, Seattle