Our neighborhood plan addressed all that stuff. The Department of Neighborhoods representative for Rainier Beach, Sally Clark, has heard the complaints about Safeway and says the company could do better. Clark says she's pushing other city officials, including the mayor's staff, to implore Safeway to talk their proposal over with the neighboring businesses. The DCLU will give Safeway advice on the project in the next few weeks, which could incorporate feedback from the community. Then Safeway will submit its permit application.
Neighbors have little power to affect that application.
Neighbors can appeal the DCLU's decision to okay a development, but the DCLU has no real power to turn down a developer who's complying with the zoning laws and city guidelines. Look what happened when Capitol Hill residents battled with Safeway over a redevelopment at 15th and John a few years ago. Residents wanted a front entrance, three more feet between the store and the sidewalk, and big trees. They didn't get any of it. Architect Rick Utt was the only Safeway representative who met with Rainier Beach community members.