Status: Completed July 2006

The North City Project not only included enhancements to the commercial area aimed at revitalizing the shopping district, but also rechannelization and pedestrian safety improvements along the entire corridor. Improvements included sidewalks, landscaping, street lights, benches, new signal poles and underground utilities. Construction began in May 2005 and was completed in July 2006.

In March 2005, the Shoreline City Council awarded a construction contract to SCI Infrastructure, LLC, for the North City Project. SCI was the lowest bidder of three contractors with a bid of $6,563,802. KBA was selected to provide construction management services.

In November 2004, Shoreline City Council approved a revised design for the North City Business District along 15th Ave. NE between NE 172nd St. and NE 180th St. The design includes two lanes in each direction, underground utilities, six- foot sidewalks with four-foot amenity zones, curb bulbs and on-street parking on both sides, and new street signals.

Soon after the City of Shoreline incorporated, North City business owners and residents began working with the City on a plan to revitalize the commercial area along 15th Ave. NE. To help this neighborhood realize its vision, Shoreline committed to investing in the area’s infrastructure to support the current and future business climate. Shoreline also committed to improving safety along the entire 15th Ave. NE corridor.

With the help of residents, business owners and potential developers, the City of Shoreline completed a North City Subarea Plan in 2001 to encourage redevelopment of this neighborhood business district. The plan is not only designed to attract new developers and businesses to the area, but to improve the retail climate and the streetscape for existing businesses. The plan includes coordinated street and sidewalk amenities to enhance the streetscape, new street lighting, underground utilities, signage and street furniture such as benches and planters.

As an incentive for potential developers, the City is offering a streamlined permitting process through an environmental review tool called the Planned Action Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The EIS provides impact analysis of proposed land uses so that any future project consistent with the Plan can move through the permitting process more quickly and easily.

As another incentive to revitalization, the City adopted a tax exemption program for new multifamily development projects in November 2002. The program is designed to provide a 10-year property tax exemption for new residential improvements in the North City Business District.

This exemption enhances the viability of new projects and will encourage additional reinvestment by existing business owners. It will also bring new residents to the area to purchase goods and services from local businesses.