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Growth, Planning, Development, and Seattle

Carl Setzer

​Saturday I had a meeting in south Everett, on 128th to be more specific. Well, traffic on that road was wretched, but I improvised, taking side streets back to Lynnwood. I ended up driving past the door where the Puget Park Drive-In used to be. Now it’s a medical center and apartment complex.

Along this street are now many multifamily/higher-density housing projects. Several duplexes, apartment,s and condos, within this area that was semi-rural single-family homes a generation back.

This got me thinking about density. That we’re going to see the greater Seattle area become increasingly densified (is that a word?). I expect this whole region will become mostly multifamily in the next dozen to two dozen years. The economic forces will drive that hard. I’ve long thought that the Growth Management Act’s limits on development will combine with our region’s continued economic expansion to drive this.

Many will see it as something to lament, and to resist. Me? I see it as a mixed blessing, so to speak. And as something that good planning can make a great thing. Planning for a transit system that will accommodate this load will be crucial. A predominantly car-centric system will not work. When the majority of commuters take transit, things will be more manageable.

So, what do you think?

Some thoughts a week in on the new job

Carl Setzer

Well, one heck of a week, and weekend. First week at the new job. My new team is awesome! One of my challenges is to stop working and head home. Good problem. Now, this coming week has some significant demands, so I expect I’ll be more effective at leaving on time.

While I was working at Eagle Country Construction, I opted to let my license lapse. Now I’m going to renew it. Fortunately, my license wasn’t that far expired. I just need to take a bunch of classes and pay renewal fees, plus and “late” fee. I will have that done in a few weeks. After that, I can provide you and counsel.

Not sure all I will do with the license, but I am confident that real estate will be the main part of the next few years at least. What’s fun is the wide array of opportunities that entails. Besides your traditional buyer/ sellers agent, there’s commercial real estate (I definitely want to understand that better), portfolio analysis property management, portfolio management. Plus my experience in construction and permitting adds a lot of options, too.

I’m excited about the next stage in my career. There’s so much potential.

Please give me a like and follow. It helps things out a great deal. Plus, it’ll be easier to stay in touch.

New Music By A Friend Scalar Theorem

Carl Setzer

I’ve known Scalar Theorem for several years and do find his bass rich perfect for focus. Techno styled music (electronic, dub step, and the like) speaks to me. Plus, as he’s a friend, I delight to watch him succeed. He’s a regular at Burning Man!

Anyway, please go check out his new album, give it a like, and think about other ways to support his music. (If you’d rather listen on Bandcamp, here’s the link to him there).