Category: Mountlake Terrace

The Only Constant Is Change 

Carl Setzer

Watching land prices rise around Puget Sound and western Washington, I think I see the future. Land costs extending beyond the reach of all but institutional investors. 

Our economic engine will continue to bring people here, demand for housing will continue to rise, the Growth Management Act will limit supply, so we will be forced to move vertically. Up will be all that’s left. 

We’re already seeing this in the downtown core. Most housing in the Seattle neighborhoods are multifamily. With exceptions, of course. But I’m sure those will succumb, too.  

I don’t view this negatively. More than its simply the way of things, especially in places that people want/need to live. This city won’t be my grandmother’s Seattle, but it will be Seattle. 

Some thoughts on Seattle’s growth  

Carl Setzer

Lately I’ve been considering growth. Seattle’s been growing in a huge number of ways: jobs, cost of living, rents, population. This growth changes things: traffic, greater economic fragility, more economic stress on nearly everyone. I

I read an article yesterday saying that San Francisco’s poverty line income was a bit above $114k. Seattle is getting close. 

With this growth and pressure on finances, I see this region’s density increasing. I expect the single family home will slowly vanish as land costs continue to climb. Eventually, multi-family will be the only way to earn enough return on land investment for builders. 

I expect well see lots of Seattle neighborhoods becoming predominantly multi-family, actually a region of apartments condos stretching from the center out to the burbs. 

I do wonder if there’s an equilibrium. Will we get to a point where things will stabilize? 

What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. 

Let’s Talk Burgers, Shall We?

Carl Setzer

Over on Instagram one of my chums, Eat Stay Love posted the photo below:

 

Their post led to a discussion about great burger places in the region. Funny, but I realize I’ve experienced many and have my “definitive” list of favorites, which stretch from Seattle north to Bellingham.

This my reflexive list. What’s missing? What are your favorites? I’d really love to hear them.

Several years ago, I considered doing a road trip focused on the best burger places. Might be time to consider that one again. What do you think?

Here Are Some Halloween Events for Edmonds, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace Folks

Carl Setzer

Halloween is a week from tomorrow! Are you looking for some fun for your goblins and ghouls? Well, below are a few Edmonds, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace happenings to celebrate Halloween. Come bring your costumed Trick-or-Treater out for the fun!

30th – Pre-Halloween, I guess

31st – Halloween!

Lynnwood

Mill Creek:

Edmonds

Human remains found at Picnic Point

Carl Setzer

This is an alarming thing to read:Sheriff’s office investigating human remains found at Picnic Point. At this point, there’s so very little to go with. All we really know is that it looks like the body had been there some time. Was it something nefarious, or a sad accident? No way to even guess. 

Do we need to worry about a psychopath wandering about? Any of that kind of thing? Though our fears drive us towards reaction. Yet we need to wait. One of the great challenges of 21st century life: patience. We’ve become terribly used to instant responses.  A whole day?: Painful!

I’m sure the examiner will get us information quickly. Then we’ll have know how to react and move forward.

So, deeply sad stuff. I want to know more. Actually, as far a this sort of thing, I’ll say need.. 

I’ii update as this story as things progress. Until then, be safe Lynnwood, Edmonds Mountlake Terrace friends. 

Be safe. .