The grassroots group, Community Alliance for Responsible Development (CARD), is celebrating the recent news that a developer is dropping plans for a 650,000-square-foot big-box shopping center in Seattle’s Little Saigon neighborhood.
Since 2005, residents and local business owners have been working to block this large retail development from spoiling their vibrant, walkable, urban neighborhood, which is home to many immigrant-owned small businesses. CARD organized the area’s local business owners, educated the public on the potential detriment accompanying this project, and provided detailed testimony and evidence to city officials showing how the project did not conform to the city’s comprehensive plan. Last fall, ILSR’s Stacy Mitchell submitted testimony opposing the project.
The city was not receptive to these arguments, however, and was moving to approve the project. But the grassroots opposition and the delays, combined with the economic downturn, led the developer to back out in late April.
CARD is now working with local architects and planners to draft alternatives for the site that would serve the community’s needs while preserving its character.
