By Jay P. Derr on Posted in Development,Growth Management Act,Land Use,MunicipalJonathan Miller, in his recent Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2011 forecast prepared for the Urban Land Institute suggests we are entering a new economic period that he calls the “Era of Less”—less home ownership; smaller size housing; and the need for less “stuff” to put in less space. Tougher lending requirements; former homeowners re-entering … Continue Reading
By Peter J. Smith on Posted in MunicipalGovernor Gregoire has suspended the rulemaking process for all “non-critical” rules. This Order extends to all executive cabinet agencies and boards, and all commissions and state agencies reporting to the Governor’s office. Effective on the signing date, November 17, 2010, the rulemaking moratorium will run until December 21, 2011. The Governor’s press release explains that … Continue Reading
By Katie F. Cote, AICP on Posted in Electric VehiclesLately, several articles in Puget Sound area newspapers have covered the announcement of new public charging station locations throughout the Puget Sound. The public charging station is the most visible element of electric vehicle infrastructure, and will play an important role in helping would-be EV drivers overcome their “range anxiety.” Several mid-sized Puget Sound cities including … Continue Reading
By Brent Carson on Posted in Development,Land Use,Water LawAll Nationwide Permits, a form of federal approval under Section 404 of the Federal Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act that can authorize the discharge of dredged and fill material into “waters of the United States” including wetlands for specified categories of activities, are set to expire on March … Continue Reading
By Peter J. Smith on Posted in Real EstateCommercial real estate landlords in Seattle continue to struggle. On October 26, 2010, Eric Pryne of the Seattle Times reported that The Blume Co.’s mostly vacant office building at 1100 Eastlake faces foreclosure. And the forecast for commercial landlords remains gloomy— for example, see the press speculation about whether the owner of several major local … Continue Reading
