Communications Department

Welcome to the Friends of Broadway Communications Department. The misinformation Bertschi School is distributing has become so voluminous that we have set up this department to counter the misinformation the school publishes.

One false statement Bertschi School keeps publishing is that the property Bertschi occupies is not zoned for residential use. In a February 14, 2005, letter, Brigitte Bertschi, Director of Bertschi School states:

Did you know that ... the property which Bertschi occupies and has acquired is zoned L-2, not residential, which permits multi-family, low-rise buildings, schools, churches and stores?

THIS IS FALSE. We will give her the benefit of doubt and not accuse her of lying. Most likely she is just confused like she frequently claims she is.

The definition of L-2 according to the Seattle Municipal Code 23.30.010 is "Residential, Multifamily, Lowrise 2." It is most definitely zoned primarily for residential use. Stores and commerical establishments are NOT PERMITTED. According to the Seattle Municipal Code 23.45.004 the following are permitted in L-2 zones:

• 1. Single-family dwelling units
• 2. Multifamily structures
• 3. Congregate residences
• 4. Adult family homes
• 5. Nursing homes
• 6. Assisted living facilities
• 7. Institutions meeting all development standards
• 8. Major Institution and Major Institution uses within Major Institution Overlay Districts subject to Chapter 23.69
• 9. Public facilities meeting all development standards
• 10. Existing cemeteries, and
• 11. Public or private parks and playgrounds including customary buildings and activities.

As Bertschi School does not meet all development standards, according to the Seattle Municipal Code 23.45.090 it may be permitted as an administrative conditional use subject to the requirements of Section 23.45.12. It is not permitted outright. We wish the Director of Bertschi School would keep from spreading false information about the school.