NEDC Announcemnts

March 4, 2004

1. UW Lease Lid: On March 3, the Central Puget Sound Growth Management Hearings Board issued its decision on the UW lease lid case. The petitioners (Laurelhurst Community Club, Friends of Brooklyn, Ravenna-Bryant Community Association, University District Community Club, University Park Community Club, Seattle Displacement Coalition, Hawthorne Hills Community Council and Northeast District Council) met the very difficult standard--clearly erroneous--in establishing that the City did not follow the mandates of the Growth Management Act (GMA) in eliminating the lease lid. The Board issued a finding of noncompliance and set an August 30, 2004 deadline for the City to take appropriate legislative action to achieve compliance with the goals and requirements of the GMA. The City must submit its “Statement of Actions Taken to Comply” to the Board and the petitioners and the petitioners will have an opportunity to respond. The Board will then hold a “Compliance Hearing” on Monday, September 20. Prior to the Board’s decision, both the UW and the City rejected the petitioners offer to negotiate a compromise settlement of the case.

2. Duplexing Single-Family Neighborhoods: The City Council will soon be considering a proposal to authorize detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) throughout the city in single-family zones. Neighbors can expect conversion of garages into detached units and conversion of space above garages. Just last year, the Council passed legislation authorizing subdivision of single-family lots containing more than one dwelling unit, resulting in substandard lots that do not conform to development standards. The pressure for increased density continues with no regard to the impacts upon neighborhoods continues. To read the detached ADU proposed ordinance and the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) director’s report go to http://www.seattle.gov/DCLU/CodeDev/HousingChoices/dadu.asp. Share your views on this proposal with Councilmember Peter Steinbrueck, chair of the Urban Development and Planning Committee (peter.steinbrueck@seattle.gov) and all other councilmembers. For further information, contact Jory Phillips of DPD at jory.phillips@seattle.gov.

3. Public Comment or Not: On December 7, 2003 the City Council voted unanimously to allow public comment at full council meetings. The Council is now considering procedures to implement this opportunity for public comment and a draft proposal is available for public comment. There are a few problems with the draft procedures for public comment. Persons wishing to comment must sign up no later than 15 minutes prior to the meeting—so if you’re late due to work schedules or whatever, you would be out of luck. People wanting to testify would be limited to two minutes—regardless of whether they represent themselves or an organization. In earlier years, individuals have been given three minutes and individuals representing groups have been given five minutes. There are just a couple of examples of potential problems with the draft procedures for public comment. To get a copy of the proposal, contact city clerk Judith Pippin at judith.pippin@seattle.gov. Written comments are due on March 16 and should be submitted to City Clerk Judith Pippin, P. O. Box 94728, Seattle, WA 98124-4728; or judith.pippin@seattle.gov. For further information, contact Judith Pippin at 206-684-8361 or Theresa Dunbar at 206-684-8142.

4. Open Space Advocates: There will be a double-barreled discussion of two large policy issues that will affect trees at the next meeting of Open Space Advocates. On the agenda are Miles Mayhew, Department of Planning and Developing, discussing the updating of the Critical Areas Code and Policies and Mark Mead, Parks Department Senior Forester, bringing us up-to-date about Seattle's Urban Tree Strategy. The meeting will be on Friday, March 12 at 7:30 a.m. at 159 University Street (the office of Streeter Associates, Architects, across the street from the Seattle Art Museum). For further information, contact John Barber at barber-osa@comcast.net.

5. Hearing on Comp Plan Amendments: The Seattle City Council's Urban Development and Planning Committee will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council's Chamber, 2nd floor, Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue, to take comments on which amendments to the Comp Plan should be given further consideration.

The City is undertaking a ten-year update of its Comprehensive Plan pursuant to a requirement of state law. The decision currently before the City Council is the first stage in the Council's two-stage Comprehensive Plan amendment process. At this stage, the Council will decide which amendments should be given further review this year. The Council's decision to consider a proposed amendment does not constitute a decision or recommendation that the proposed amendment should be adopted. The proposals that the Council agrees to consider will be analyzed, environmental and public review will be conducted, and proposals may be modified. The Council will make a final decision on each amendment in the fall of this year.

For further information, contact Neil Powers at 206-684-8804 or neil.powers@seattle.gov.

6. Got the Skills to Protect your Community? Seattle Audubon's Master Advocate course takes citizen activism to new level. Apply by March 31st! The Master Advocate for the Environment course will enrich your passion with proven skills and techniques to be an even more effective advocate for the environment. The 9-week course emphasizes activist techniques that really work: which lobbying methods get results, what to expect when you meet with your legislator, how to formulate a message that resonates with your target audience, what you need to do to get good media coverage, how to plan a grassroots campaign, what negotiation strategies get you what you want, and much, much more. The workshop-format of the course emphasizes participation, practice and networking. This course eliminates the guesswork and teaches skills that get results.

· Cost: The Program fee is $100 for citizens / $250 for professional staff. This includes nine reality-based classes taught by professionals and experienced activists, offering practical, useful advice. Plus all course materials, light food and beverages at every class, and a fun graduation party! A limited number of need-based partial scholarships are available. If interested, inquire with your application.

· Dates: Classes take place Wednesday evenings, 6:00-8:30 p.m., April 7 - June 2 in Seattle.

· How to apply: Download an application at http://www.seattleaudubon.org.

· For further information: Call Seattle Audubon at 206- 985-6841 or email mattm@seattleaudubon.org.

7. North Precinct Advisory Council (NPAC) Membership: NPAC has 42 members, but 12 appear to be six months or more delinquent in meeting attendance and may be dropped this April: Blue Ridge Community Club, Greenwood Community Council, Haller Lake Improvement Club, Northgate Area Community Property Association, North Seattle Community College, Pinehurst Heights Community Council, Roosevelt Neighbors Alliance, Roosevelt Neighbors Association, Seattle Housing Authority, Sunset Hill Public Safety Committee, Victory Heights Community Council. NPAC meetings are the first Wednesday of each month from 7-8:30 p.m. at the North Precinct, 10049 College Way N. For further information, contact Jane Mensoff at jane.mensoff@Seattle.Gov.

8. Magnuson Park Community Garden Work Party: March 6 and 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Help with planting in the native gardens and with garden construction. Meet at the Community Garden, east of the old brig building. For further information, contact Vajra Allan at 206-615-0510

9. Promontory Point Habitat Enhancement Work Parties: Work parties that will involve planting native plants for habitat enhancement at Magnuson Park’s Promontory Point are scheduled on March 14 and 18 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Meet at the Education Pavilion. Enter at NE 65th Street and drive east to the boat launch parking lot. Look for the yellow “VOLUNTEER” banner. For further information or to volunteer, contact Bonnie Miller, the volunteer site manager at 206-524-8713 or bmiller@serv.net.

10. Arbor-Read-Em Used Book Sale: Saturday, March 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Washington Park Arboretum's Graham Visitors Center, 2300 Arboretum Drive East, Seattle. Thousands of economically priced used books will be available at the Arboretum Foundation’s 18th annual used book sale. Select from popular and science fiction, history, science, biographies, classics, gardening, hobbies, health, how-to, cookbooks, children’s books and more, including collectibles and rarities. Prices start at $.25 for children’s books, $.75 for paperbacks, and $2.00 for hard covers. Collectibles and special titles are priced higher. Books are categorized or alphabetized by author for easy shopping. Proceeds benefit Washington Park Arboretum. Admission and parking are free. Cash, checks, VISA and MasterCard are accepted. For further information call 206-543-8800 or visit www.arboretumfoundation.org.

11. GreenStage Theatre—The Man Who Came to Dinner: February 13 through March 14 at Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way NE. Start Time: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. GreenStage brings one of the most beloved American comedies comes to life. This farce begins when a big city celebrity slips on the doorstep of his hosts. This leaves the city slicker confined to the house for an outrageous six week recovery. For further information, contact GreenStage at 206-748-1551 or greenstage@greenstage.org or go to http://www.greenstage.org.

12. Zoo Doo Season: It's time for Woodland Park Zoo's annual Fecal Fest, when the zoo dispenses tons of Zoo Doo — manure — to local gardeners who tout it as the most exotic compost in the Northwest. Prices vary from $50 to fill a large pickup to $3 a bag, with demand far outstripping supply. The zoo doesn't take phone orders, but a drawing will be held for appointments. Those wanting in should send a postcard with name, day and evening phone numbers, the amount of Zoo Doo desired and a preferred time (weekday or weekend) for pickup — to Zoo Doo, Woodland Park Zoo, 601 North 59th Street, Seattle, WA 98103. Details are in a recorded message: 206-625-POOP or online at http://www.zoo.org Entry cards are being accepted through March 15. Cards will be drawn randomly, and people whose cards are drawn will be notified.

13. Early Bloomers Plant Sale: Saturday, April 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Graham Visitors Center, 2300 Arboretum Drive East, Seattle. Featuring plants that bloom early in Northwest gardens, Early Bloomers offers a great start on spring planting with hundreds of favorite and unusual plant selections. Early season performers and others, including special cuttings from the Arboretum’s Pat Calvert Greenhouse, and many more. For further information call 206-543-8800 or visit www.arboretumfoundation.org.

14. Weaving from the Garden: The Seattle Weavers’ Guild offers a class on April 24 and 25 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Community Activity Center at Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way NE. “Weaving from the Garden” will be taught by Melinda West, known for traditional basketry and natural fiber weaving. Students will learn about traditional plant uses and how to make a ribbed-style gathering basket. The class is open to all experience levels. Cost: Sliding course fee dependent upon number of students. Materials fee: $30. For further information, contact Cyndi White at 425-486-1597 or cyndicon@aol.com or go to http://www.seattleweaversguild.com/programs.htm.

15. FlorAbundance Plant Sale: Saturday, April 24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, April 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Magnuson Park. The Arboretum Foundation’s legendary "under cover" spring sale features a glorious variety of plants from dozens of the Northwest's foremost specialty nurseries and vendors. Species and hybrid rhododendrons, unusual annuals, favorite and rare perennials, trees, shrubs, rare conifers, groundcovers, organic vegetable starts, grasses, vines and even more. "The plant sale of the year," according to garden writer Ann Lovejoy. For further information call 206-543-8800 or visit www.arboretumfoundation.org.

16. EarthCorps Celebrates Earth Month: One day isn't enough! EarthCorps has designated April as "Earth Month." The goal is to lead up to 5,000 volunteers on environmental service projects throughout the month. Many work parties are scheduled, including one on April 17 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Magnuson Park, 65th Street entrance, for invasive plant removal, sheet mulching and wood chip application. Many businesses—Boeing, ERM Foundation, Puget Sound Energy, Real Networks Foundation, Safeco, Whole Foods—have already signed up to participate. If your business is interested, please contact EarthCorps at robinb@earthcorps.org or 206-322-9296 ext. 221.