Opportunity is ripe in UW's growth

I came into office determined to improve city government's relationship with the University of Washington. The university is an enormous asset to our economy and cultural life, and is a willing partner in my goal of revitalizing the University District.

A major test of that relationship takes place today when the Seattle City Council considers a new master plan for the university's future development.

There are two approaches to take.

One approach is to continue the old way of viewing the university's growth as bad. Another approach is to view the university's growth as good.

One sees a threat, another an opportunity.

The master plan has been in the works for four years. The UW held more than 100 meetings and countless discussions with citizens and various groups. A hearing examiner issued a report and recommendation in February.

Since then, council staff has suggested 19 amendments to the plan. Some amendments are entirely new, were never adequately considered by the hearing examiner, and would impose restrictions placed on no other institution.

One amendment would restrict the UW's ability to acquire property — an idea that is beyond the city's lawful regulatory authority and would likely be unenforceable.

Another amendment would require the UW to pay for a Seattle Police Department parking-enforcement officer and would also require the UW to become involved in a regulatory strategy focused on landlords that rent to students.

Parking enforcement and the monitoring of building codes and health and safety regulations are the city's job. These responsibilities should not be shifted to the UW or any other major institution.

Let's take the right approach. The master plan should set forth the vision and foundation from which the city, the university and the surrounding communities can build and improve upon their relationship.

The plan must not be too restrictive or rigid, and must allow the city and the UW to take advantage of opportunities.

One opportunity is to help the University District, which has been suffering for years. Imagine the difference we could make if we harnessed the resources of the city, the UW, business groups, housing developers and citizens.

The UW alone could play a powerful and constructive role, using a portion of its research dollars to invest in new space for grant-funded activities.

With the UW as an anchor tenant, new and substantial development could be stimulated that enhances the University District. We could expand employment, add new housing and strengthen a once-great neighborhood.

To get that done, we must rebuild the relationships between the university, the city, businesses and the community.

Step one is resolve the master plan. Step two is repeal of the square-footage limit on the university's off-campus leasing and development, while maintaining a review mechanism to preserve the character of that neighborhood.

Removing the UW as a player in redevelopment would doom the U District to continued neglect and decline. That is unacceptable.

Working with the university is the right choice, and the only choice.

The UW needs room to expand and to continue to make advances in technology that create new high-wage jobs. The city needs to nurture its largest employer and assist a distressed business district.

The guiding principle for regulation should be common sense. I hope that the City Council will approve a master plan that sends the right signal to the University of Washington — and to our citizens.

Greg Nickels is the mayor of Seattle.