Latest news with #SeattlePublicUtilities
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
SPU alerts people to the harm of illegally dumping tires
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) says it's cracking down on the illegal dumping of used tires. The issue has increased by 82% since 2022 The department says that in 2024, there were more than 1,400 illegally dumped tires found in greenbelts, public rights-of-way, and other community spaces. The city spent $2.9 million in general funds on the cleanup of illegal dumping, including tires. According to the Department of Ecology, tires can cause soil contamination, attract rodents, and hold water, which can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. 'We're committed to working with the community to share resources and raise awareness about how to properly dispose of used tires,' said Lee Momon, Director of SPU's Seattle Clean City program. SPU says you can help by preventing illegal dumping from happening. They say you can ask your local tire shop to recycle your tires after buying new ones. You can also drop off tires at North or South transfer stations, or find proper disposal locations by calling 1-800-RECYCLE or visiting
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Seattle mayor proposes legislation to help with housing development
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has proposed legislation designed to unlock housing and essential development in neighborhoods that lack the utility infrastructure needed for growth. His office says that this includes more than 25% of Seattle city blocks outside of the downtown core that lack a water, sewer, and/or stormwater mainline. Under current City code, a developer in an area that lacks this infrastructure must cover the full cost to add it—often more than $500,000—regardless of the project's size. This requirement significantly increases the cost of building anything from a single accessory dwelling unit to a school. Projects facing these costs are 30% less likely to move forward than those that don't, Harrell's office said. 'On average over the last 10 years, just 10% of projects funded 76% of development-related utility infrastructure costs. Under the proposed policy, those same projects would have contributed approximately 14%, reducing the financial burden on any single developer and encouraging growth. Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) would pay for the remaining portion through an increase in System Development Charges (SDC) paid by most new developments. With this change, costs for developers would be more predictable and would include an option to pay SDC over time on a schedule that better aligns with typical construction financing. The legislation would not affect utility bills paid by SPU customers,' Harrell's office said. To learn more about the proposal, click here.
