NEDC Announcements

June 3, 2004

1. Changing the Character of Neighborhood Business Districts: Six workshops follow the April open house unveiling the Mayor’s strategy for neighborhood business districts. The idea is to implement tools to support pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use communities that provide housing, jobs and goods and services. Sounds good, but what has not been said is that the proposals involve such things as reducing the parking requirement for business districts and allowing off-site parking for businesses and multi-family housing. Reducing the open space requirement—decks and roof gardens—would reduce developer costs. Rather than reduce this requirement, another option is to require the open space at ground level. But, that—and other ideas to protect neighborhood business districts—will not move forward if you do not get involved. Attend the workshop geared towards Ravenna, the University District, Roosevelt, Wallingford and Greenlake on Monday, June 14 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the John Stanford International School, 4057 5^th Avenue NE. For further information, contact Jory Phillips at 206-386-9761 or jory.phillips@seattle.gov.

2. Duplexing Single-Family Neighborhoods: The City Council will soon be considering a proposal to authorize detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs) 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. To read the detached ADU proposed ordinance and the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) director’s report go to 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), Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, chair of the Housing Committee (tom.rasmussen@seattle.gov) and all other councilmembers. For further information, contact Jory Phillips of DPD at jory.phillips@seattle.gov.

3. Budget Town Hall Meetings: Councilmember Richard McIver is sponsoring a series of budget town hall meetings to assess priorities in cutting the city budget by an additional $25M. The meeting in northeast Seattle will be Thursday, June 10 at 6 p.m. at Eckstein Middle School Auditorium, 3003 NE 75^th. For further information, contact Councilmember McIver at richard.mciver@seattle.gov.

4. Sunset Hill Single-Family Zoning Proposals: The Sunset Hill Community Association presented its single-family zoning proposal to the Council’s Urban Development and Planning Committee on April 14, 2004. These proposals address height limits, lot coverage and exceptions to the minimum lot size as follows:

· Height limits: The height limits would be reduced from 30 to 25 feet (allowing for five-foot additional height for pitched roofs and taking into account sloped lots) to make the single-family code consistent with heights proscribed in lowrise duplex/triples and lowrise zones.

· Lot coverage: The maximum lot coverage allowed by the Code in single-family zones is 35% or 1750 square feet, whichever is greater. The 1750 square foot alternative would be eliminated. This addresses the number of small lots that are currently allowed greater lot coverage than 5,000 square foot lots. For example, a 3750 square foot lot would be allowed 47% lot coverage.

· Mimimum lot size: The 75/80 Rule would be eliminated. This rules allows new “substandard” or smaller lots to be created if the resulting lots are at least 75% of the minimum lot size and at least 80% of the average size of the lots that are on the same block face in the same zone.

For further information about the proposals, contact Kathy Anderson at nwkathy@msn.com.

5. Helmets at a Reduce Price: The Cascade Bicycle Club’s Education Foundation and the Seattle Parks Department have joined forces to offer bicycle helmets for sale for $10 each. Given that a helmet can cost up to $150, this is a bargain! Every cyclist and bicycle passenger in King County is required to wear a helmet that meets the standards set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Following is the schedule of sale dates, times, and locations; youth under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to buy a helmet. Saturdays, June 19, July 17, August 21, and September 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

· Evans Pool, 7201 E Green Lake Way N, 206-684-4961

· Medgar Evers Pool, 500 23rd Avenue, 206-684-4766

· Meadowbrook Pool, 10515 35th Avenue NE, 206-684-4989

· Queen Anne Pool, 1920 1st Avenue W, 206-386-4282

· Rainier Beach Pool, 8825 Rainier Avenue S, 206-386-1944

· Southwest Pool, 2801 SW Thistle, 206-684-7440

6. U District Farmers Market now open on Saturdays! The U District Farmers Market opened on Saturday, May 22 and will continue until November 20, 2004. The Market, in the parking lot of University Heights on The Ave and NE 50th, is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Market features over 70 farmers and 20 food vendors with seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables, organic produce, herbs, wild mushrooms, farmland cheeses, free-range eggs, hazelnuts, cider, fresh pasta, honey, flowers, fresh bread and other baked goods, fresh shellfish, beautiful flowers and other items. The Market is the oldest and largest in the state with the freshest produce available in the area. For further information, go to www.seattlefarmersmarket.org.

7. Seattle Audubon Nature Camps: Seattle Audubon has a long history of safe, fun and educational summer enrichment programs, where children and teens can learn about birds and nature in a challenging and caring environment. Nature Camp is based at Magnuson Park. What critters are found in a tide pool? What animals are found in our local forests? How do birds communicate? How many eyes does a spider have? Why do bees dance? These are just some of the questions addressed in the many Nature Discovery Day Camps for grades 1-3. Seattle Audubon offers Eco-Adventure Day Camps for grades 4-6 and Teen Trekker Camps for teens. For further information and registration forms, go to www.seattleaudubon.org or call 206-523-4483.

8. Domestic Violence: Councilmember Richard Conlin has taken the lead for the Council in supporting the goals of the Men’s Network Against Domestic Violence. This group has begun recruiting community leaders and others to take a public pledge that, among other things, asks signatories to commit to the following:

· I acknowledge domestic violence is a problem that all men must work to end;

· I commit to engage my friends, family, neighbors and co-workers in ending domestic violence;

· I commit to seek out and support organizations working to end domestic violence; and

· I commit that ending domestic violence begins with my involvement.

For further information or to take the pledge go to www.menagainstdv.org.

9. Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program: Gretchen Muller, Regional Education Project Manager for the National Wildlife Federation's (NWF) office in the Northwest, is available to give FREE slide slow presentations to clubs and associations on gardening for wildlife, native versus invasive plants and creating butterfly habitats. The Backyard Wildlife Habitat program teaches individuals, schools and communities how to save a place for wildlife right in their own backyards. Also, groups may request up to 25 copies of Backyard Wildlife Habitat materials that will be mailed at no cost. For further information, contact Gretchen Muller at 206-285-8707 ex. 107 or muller@nwf.org.

10. National Trails Day at Ravenna Ravine: June 5. Come celebrate National Trails Day and help build trails! For further information, contact Jacobo Jimenez, Trails Program, at 684 0598 or jacobo.jimenez@seattle.gov or go to www.nationaltrailsday.org.

11. Magnuson Community Garden Dedication: June 5, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Come help dedicate the Magnuson Community Garden! From a patch of Scotch broom to a vibrant garden in a little over three years—that’s something to celebrate. The four-acre garden includes an amphitheater, a children’s garden, a native plant nursery, an orchard, a P-Patch and a tranquil garden for people with special needs. For further information, email info@magnusongarden.org.

12. Music at St. Stephens: Sunday, June 6, at 5 p.m. Music at St. Stephen’s, in collaboration with the Northwest Boychoir and Philharmonia Northwest present the original full orchestra version of Maurice Duruflé’s powerfully evocative Requiem, op. 9, in commemoration of all who have lost their lives due to terrorism—both civilians and soldiers; allies and adversaries—as a step forward on the path to reconciliation and peace. The musical program will also include a string orchestra transcription of Felix Mendelssohn’s “Prelude and Fugue in C Minor” for organ. Prior to the concert, those in attendance will have an opportunity to light a candle in remembrance of those who have lost their lives in this global conflict. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church is located at 4805 NE 45th Street. Admission is by suggested donation: $15 general, $10 Students and Seniors, $25 for families. For further information, call 206-522-7144 ext. 145, email les@ststephens-seattle.org or go to www.ststephens-seattle.org.

13. Japanese Garden Work Party: June 6, 2004, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Join in this Sunday walk through and work party for the Japanese Garden Forest Area in the Washington Park Arboretum. Help remove invasive plants. Tools provided. For further information, contact Patrick Boland at 206-322-5907 or shadydogs@msn.com.

14. Sand Point Antique Market: June 6, Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way NE. Early buyers 8-10 a.m. Arts and crafts, antique evaluations by certified appraisers and up to 250 vendors. This event will be held in Building 27. Early buyers $10; general admission $6. For further information, email dennis_eros@excite.com.

15. Ravenna Park Community Treasures Celebration and Your Neighborhood Matters Service Project: June 6, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. This event is open to the entire neighborhood. Morning activities are for the whole family. Lunch will be provided for volunteers. The afternoon is a celebration and opportunity to share community resources. Activities for children, refreshments, music, guided walks and more! Meet at the shelter house in lower Ravenna Park. Watch for signs. For further information, contact Lonnie Rabel at 206-524-1400 or Anna Marchini at 206-382-5003. This event is sponsored by Safeco and the University Family YMCA.

16. Summer Solstice Sale: Saturday, June 12, 2004, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At Plant Donations and Pat Calvert Greenhouse in the Washington Park Arboretum. You'll find drought-tolerant plants including perennials and shrubs, beautiful containers and more for summer gardening. Designers and gardens pros will be on hand to help choose plants and pots for a beautiful container garden. Best of all, Summer Solstice offers a selection of stunning, one-of-a-kind container gardens created by Northwest garden celebrities and Arboretum volunteers, including Ciscoe Morris, Ben Hammontree, Phil Wood, Dan Hinkley, Judith Jones and others.

17. Fifth Annual Run for Children’s: June 12, 2004. The 5th Annual Run for Children’s features a 5K run/walk, children’s dash, family entertainment, food and prizes. Have fun with your family and help support Children’s Hospital to provide excellent care to all children in our area, regardless of ability to pay. This event is sponsored by the Laura Brigman Guild.

· Entry Fees: $20 if you pre-register; $25 day of the race; free with $100 in pledges. Fee includes tee shirt, timing chip and raffle tear tag. Shirts are guaranteed to t hose pre-registered by June 4th. After that date, sizes and quantities may be limited. Timing chips must be returned.

· Restrictions: No dogs allowed on the course. Child strollers welcome. Please no roller blades, scooters or bikes on the course.

· Registration: Pre-register online at www.runforchildrens.org by June 10th or stop by Fiorini Sports in University Village to pick up a registration form.

· Race Day Schedule: 7:00 a.m. – Day of Race registration begins; number and tee shirt pickup for mail-in and online registrants; 9:00 a.m. – 5K Run/Walk (timed event); 9:15 a.m. – 1 Mile Fun Walk; 10:15 a.m. – Children’s Dash begins; 10:30 a.m. – Awards Ceremony

Further Information: Call 206-729-9972, email runforchildrens@hotmail.com or go to www.runforchildrens.org.

18. Ravenna Park Ravine Trails Projects: June 12, 19 and 26, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Brush trails, resurface unstable trails and install new trails structures. For further information, contact Jacobo Jimenez at 684 0598 or jacobo.jimenez@seattle.gov.

19. 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 June 13 and 17 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. Special work parties may be scheduled for 5 or more volunteers! For further information or to volunteer, contact Bonnie Miller, the volunteer site manager at 206-524-8713 or bmiller@serv.net.

20. Pacific Northwest Gardens Competition: Get spruced up for summer! Your hard work in the garden could be showcased in The Seattle Times Pacific Northwest magazine—and win you a trip to a top garden show in London or San Francisco or one of 15 $100 gift certificates from Swanson's. The competition recognizes the best in gardening in King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties, plus Bainbridge Island, and is sponsored by The Seattle Times Pacific Northwest magazine and the Northwest Flower & Garden Show, in cooperation with the Arboretum Foundation. The deadline for entries is June 14. Download the competition rules and guidelines and entry form at www.arboretumfoundation.org/events_programs/events_programs.cfm#pnchg. Mail entry forms to: Arboretum Foundation, 2300 Arboretum Drive E, Seattle, WA, 98112 or fax to: 206-325-8893. For more information, call 206-616-7787.

21. SR 520 Bridge Replacement & HOV Project: Open Houses will be held on June 15 at the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI, 2700 24th Ave E, Seattle) and June 17th at St. Luke's Lutheran Church (3030 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue), from 5-8 p.m. The Advisory Committee will be meeting on June 22 at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church (2100 Boyer Ave E, Seattle), from 4-6 p.m.

The SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Project team is beginning to prepare the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). For further information, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/SR520bridge or email SR520Bridge@wsdot.wa.gov.

22. Volunteer at the Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center: Volunteer at the to help out the food bank, assist food bank with organizing donations, preparing meals and cleaning. For further information, contact Amanda Ostrom, Teen Development Leader, at 206-684-7534 or at Amanda.Ostrom@seattle.gov .

23. Council Brownbag Forum on Utility Capital Projects: Wednesday, June 30 from noon to 1 p.m. at City call in Council Chambers. Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities capital projects together make up 66% of the 2004-2009 Capital Improvement Program. That’s $1.73B over six years. Councilmembers Jean Godden and Jim Compton will be co-hosting this brownbag on how the public can get involved. Topics include: how capital project decisions are made and description of the process, the many ways in which the public can learn about and participate in the capital project planning, finding out more about how rates are spend to maintain and improve utility infrastructure. For further information, contact Linda Robson at 206-684-8802 or linda.robson@seattle.gov.

24. Night Out Event: 2004 marks the 20th Anniversary of Seattle's participation in the Annual Night Out Celebration—set for Tuesday, August 3. The Seattle Police Department is excited and proud of the strong sense of community that this fun event fosters in neighborhoods throughout the City. This year's celebration will be no different. Everything you need to register and get going on your Night Out Party plans is available at the website below. Registration deadline is July 20th, 2004. Website: www.seattle.gov/police/nightout/default.htm