Celebrating Seattle's Roosevelt Neighborhood
Northeast District Council Announcements March 5, 2015

Northeast District Council Announcements March 5, 2015

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In particular I wanted the Roosevelt community to Save the Date for the First Look District 4 Candidates Forum—Meet the Challengers!  Wednesday, March 18, 7:30-8:30 p.m.,   Sand Point Community Church’s Perry Hall, 4710 NE 70th Street.  Candidates include:  Rob Johnson, Taso Lagos, Michael Maddux and Jean Godden.  Nancy Bolin will moderate the event.  This event is sponsored by Hawthorne Hills Community Council, View Ridge Community Council, Laurelhurst Community Club and Ravenna-Bryant Community Council.

 

Please learn more about NE Seattle by reading the NEDC announcements from March 5, 2015

1.    Heads up on Lane Closures in the Montlake Interchange Area:  WSDOT crews plan to continue geotechnical investigations in the Montlake interchange area in March. The investigations include drilling one hole and conducting geophysical testing along Montlake Boulevard. Work will require the following lane closures:

  • March 7 and 8: Crews will close a single lane of Montlake Boulevard in each direction for up to two nights between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
  • March 14 and 15: Crews will close a portion of the southbound left-turn lane from Montlake Boulevard to East Lake Washington Boulevard for up to two days between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Drivers will still be able to use the southbound left-turn lane to access East Lake Washington Boulevard during this work. Both lanes of Montlake Boulevard will be open to traffic.

This fieldwork supports WSDOT moving forward with design work for SR 520 corridor “Rest of the West” improvements between I-5 and Lake Washington. See the flier posted online for more information.

 

  1. CUCAC Meeting:  Tuesday, March 10, 7-9:00 p.m., UW Tower, 4333 Brooklyn Avenue.  For more information, contact Steve Sheppard at steve.sheppard@seattle.gov.

 

  1. Free tax assistance at Seattle Public Libraries:  The Seattle Public Library, United Way of King County and AARP are collaborating to offer free tax preparation service January through mid-April at 15 locations of The Seattle Public Library.  Trained volunteers will answer questions and help prepare personal tax returns at public libraries throughout Seattle, offering drop-in, drop-off document, and by-appointment assistance.

 

Drop In Tax Help:  Offered on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointments or drop-off assistance at these locations.

  • Northeast Branch, 6801 35th Avenue NE, 206-684-7539: Thursday, February 5 through Friday, April 10, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday; Saturday, March 21 through Saturday, April 11, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
  • Northgate Branch, 10458 Fifth Avenue N.E., 206-386-1980: Tuesday, February 3 through Tuesday, April 14, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday

Drop-off Tax Help:  New for 2015, taxpayers can have their paperwork scanned by IRS-certified staff and volunteers and not wait until the return is fully processed. Instead, the return is prepared remotely and completed tax returns can be picked up within a week. No drop-in or appointment-based assistance at these locations.

  • University Branch, 5009 Roosevelt Way N.E., 206-684-4063, Thursday, Jan. 22 through Saturday, March 28, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Saturday

 

Due to federal budget cuts, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is unable to provide the Library with certain tax forms and instruction booklets. Most IRS forms are available online at www.irs.gov. Black-and-white prints of the forms may be printed from Library computers for $.15 per page. To request forms by mail, order online atIRS.gov/orderforms or call 1-800-829-3676.

 

  1. Park Board Meeting:  Thursday, March 12 and 26, 6:30-9 p.m., Park Board Room, 100 Dexter Avenue North.  The March 12 agenda includes a presentation and discussion of engaging ethnic communities, a briefing on the Comprehensive Plan decision agenda, and discussion of the right-of-way manual update.  Briefing papers will be posted on the Park Board website at www.seattle.gov/parks/parkboard/default.asp.  For more information, contact Rachel Acosta at 206-684-5066 orrachel.acosta@seattle.gov or go to the website.  The Board of Park Commissioners meets monthly on the second and fourth Thursday of each month.

 

  1. King County Metro – Long Range Plan Community Advisory Group:  Thursday, March 12, 6:00 p.m., King Street Center, 201 South Jackson Street.   Over the next year and a half Metro, in cooperation with local jurisdictions and regional stakeholders, will develop a plan that will describe Metro’s role through 2040 in providing mobility to people who work, live or visit King County.  The plan will lay out a system of public transportation options that are financially responsible, meet the regional transportation goals in the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Transportation 2040 and Vision 2040 plans, and reflect the values of the local communities Metro serves. It will guide the actions Metro will take through 2040 to strengthen a coordinated, regional transportation system that improves the lives of all King County residents.

 

Other ways to be involved:  Beyond the Community Advisory Group, there will be many ways to engage in Metro’s Long Range Public Transportation Planning process:

  • Help engage those you serve in this effort by sharing this information and encouraging them to get involved in this and future opportunities to provide input.
  • Join the project email list online to receive notification about project milestones or events.
  • Participate in a community visioning event to be held in March. Community members will be asked to participate in a conversation about the future of public transportation in our region and hear from a panel of local and national experts on transit’s role in helping communities meet their full potential. More information to come on this event.
  • Attend a public open house or visit one of the information tables we’ll have at community fairs, farmers markets, and other venues in coming months. These will be opportunities to talk about the plan and give feedback.
  • Attend a Community Advisory Group meeting even if you are not a member. While there will not be time available for public comment, forms will be provided for comments and questions that will be shared with the advisory group.
  • Take our survey online and tell us about your vision for the future of public transportation in King County.

 

  1. Preschool Implementation Issue Identification and Public Hearing:  Wednesday, March 18, 9:30 a.m., Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue.  The Council will be hearing from a number of early education experts and providers during this time period. A vote by the Full Council on the final implementation plan and oversight committee appointments is tentatively scheduled for Monday, April 6 at 2:00 p.m. For more information, go to http://www.seattle.gov/council/issues/PreschoolforAll/default.html

 

  1. Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) Survey:  SPU has completed construction of the Windermere Sewage Overflow Project.  The project improved existing sewer systems to reduce the amount of sewage overflow into Lake Washington. During heavy downpours, sewage and stormwater will be diverted into a new storage tank. Once the rainfall subsides, the wastewater will be released back into the sewer system for regular processing.

    SPU would appreciate it if you could fill out a communications survey by March 12, 2015. The results will support its assessment of how it is doing in providing information about construction projects in the affected neighborhoods. Your participation will help SPU improve how it works with your communities on future projects.  Here is the link to the survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WindermereCSO.  The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete.

 

  1. Participatory Budgeting in Seattle:  Thursday, March 12, 6:00-8:00 p.m., East Cherry YWCA, 2802 East Cherry, just east of MLK.   Hosted by Councilmember Nick Licata and the Seattle Human Services Coalition.  Participatory Budgeting is a democratic process in which community members directly decide how to spend part of a city budget.  There will be an expert from the Participatory Budgeting Project, who will talk about how it’s worked in other cities in the U.S., Europe, and South America.  Food/sandwiches and beverages will be provided.  You can see a summary of the January event the City Neighborhood Council and Councilmember Licata co-sponsoredhere.  For more information, contact newell.aldrich@seattle.gov.

 

  1. First Look District 4 Candidates Forum—Meet the Challengers!  Wednesday, March 18, 7:30-8:30 p.m.,   Sand Point Community Church’s Perry Hall, 4710 NE 70th Street.  Candidates include:  Rob Johnson, Taso Lagos, Michael Maddux and Jean Godden.  Nancy Bolin will moderate the event.  This event is sponsored by Hawthorne Hills Community Council, View Ridge Community Council, Laurelhurst Community Club and Ravenna-Bryant Community Council.

 

  1. Technology Matching Fund Grants:  Help connect traditionally underserved populations with up to $30,000 in technology matching funds.  Application deadline March 19.  Criteria for funding based on organizations that show how they can improve digital equity, encourage use of technology for civic participation and enhance digital literacy among diverse communities.  Application materials and more information are available at www.seattle.gov/tech/tmf/.   The deadline to apply is March 19, 2015.

 

  1. 46th District Democrats’ Reorganization Meeting:  Thursday, March 19, 7:30 p.m., Olympic View Elementary School, 504 NE 95thStreet.  For more information, contact Sabrina Hill at chair@46dems.org or go to http://46dems.org/.

 

  1. Debuts & Discoveries—Raise a Glass to End Hunger:  Saturday, March 21, 5:00-8:00 p.m., Magnuson Park, Building 30, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, tickets $30 atusrotary.org or $35 at the door.  Taste new wineries, breweries, distilleries, and cideries in Washington state and sample some of the newest food trucks on Seattle streets.  Join the University Sunrise Rotary in supporting the University Food Bank and their “Packs for Kids Program” providing age-appropriate, nutritious meals and snacks to children at risk of going hungry on weekends when free or reduced school meals are unavailable.

 

  1. Seattle reLeaf is accepting Applications for new Tree Ambassadors! Tree Ambassadors are volunteers who help nurture Seattle’s trees with the goal of caring for and growing the urban forest.  Interested volunteers can choose from two options:  Ambassadors can volunteer to conduct tree walks or for landscape renewal, planning and organizing small-scale landscape projects and work parties in residential areas.  Volunteers for landscape renewal are taught basic landscaping and site design skill, how to remove invasive species, proper mulching and community organizing.  Tree ambassador training will take place on Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. –1 p.m. in the Central District; and Saturday, April 4 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Ballard). Landscape renewal training will take place on Saturday, March 21 from 9 am – 1pm in the Central District; and Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Beacon Hill). Apply to become a Tree Ambassador today!  Contact Seattle reLeaf with questions at TreeAmbassador@Seattle.gov or 206-615-1668.  For more information, go to http://atyourservice.seattle.gov/2015/02/27/calling-all-tree-lovers/#sthash.eM20Fmve.dpuf.

 

  1. Join the Conversation: “Community Emergency Hubs”:  Tuesday, March 24, 6-8 p.m., Montlake Community Center, 1618 East Calhoun.  Free.  Find out how you can organize with neighborhood leaders in “natural gathering places” like playfields, parks, churches and P-Patches immediately after disaster. Learn from others and share ideas on Seattle’s levels of preparedness. Discover how to connect with neighborhood groups in your area.  For more information, email snap@seattle.gov or call 206-233-5076.  Open to community members, agencies, neighbors and residents interested in helping each other during disaster. To learn more about SNAP and community emergency hubs, go to http://www.seattle.gov/emergency-management/working-together/community-emergency-hubs.  For questions, contact Debbie Goetz, Community Planning Coordinator, at: debbie.goetz@seattle.gov

 

  1. Pedestrian Zone Legislation:  A public hearing on this proposed legislation will be held in late March.  The Mayor’s proposal includes the following:
  • Rezone 39 neighborhood commercial areas around the city to add or expand a pedestrian zone designation
  • Expand the list of allowed active street-level uses
  • Modify design review departures available in pedestrian zones for ceiling height, transparency requirements, and residential uses at street level
  • Clarify the transparency requirements to specify that transparent areas must allow views into and out of the structure at eye level
  • Add a standard to require overhead weather protection along 60 percent of the building facade for new development along a principal pedestrian street
  • Eliminate waivers to minimum parking standards specific to pedestrian zones
  • Add standards for live-work units

 

 

16.  Join the Conversation on Natural Areas and Greenbelts:  All topic areas are now open for comment!

  • What are your top priorities for Seattle’s Natural Areas and Greenbelts?
  • What would be your top action items to support Seattle Natural Areas and Greenbelt priorities?
  • What additional restoration or habitat goals should we consider?
  • How do we balance the growing need for recreation opportunities with protecting environmental resources?
  • What unique educational and recreational opportunities do Natural Areas/Greenbelts provide in a dense urban setting?
  • Tell us the name of your favorite Seattle Natural Area or Greenbelt and what you value most about it.

Join the discussion here: http://seattleparkswa.mindmixer.com/. 

 

  1. Tell DPD what you think about how your neighborhood is changing:  Examining population or job growth is one way to measure change but what about lesser-known measures like transit ridership, tree canopy cover, or academic performance?  DPD wants to hear from you!  Take a quick poll to indicate which five topics are most important to you. It’s impossible to measure how a city neighborhood changes with just one measure. This is part of DPD’s Seattle 2035 program.  Connect with Seattle 2035 so you can help shape the future of Seattle.  Link to poll is https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SEA2035

 

18.  SR 520 WABN Update:  While crews work on Montlake Boulevard, East Lake Washington Boulevard and Lake Washington, work continues near the SR 520 mainline to prepare for construction of the permanent WABN structure.  Near SR 520 mainline: Crews are installing piles between the Montlake shoreline and the westbound SR 520 off-ramp to Lake Washington Boulevard, near the SR 520 mainline. Piles are being installed to widen the existing westbound SR 520 mainline in preparation for the construction of the new westbound SR 520 off-ramp to Montlake Boulevard. Crews plan to intall pile between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekends. Nearby residents may feel vibrations or hear noise from pile installation activities.  To learn about additional WABN project activities, go to “What’s Happening Now” webpage.

19.  Natural Area/Greenbelt Summit:  Saturday, April 4, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Seattle Center, Armory Loft, 305 Harrison Street.  Join Seattle Parks and Recreation as values-based guidelines for the appropriate use of Seattle’s greenbelts and natural areas are developed.  There will be an open house from 9:30-10:30 a.m., a panel discussion from 10:30 a.m. to noon followed by another half an hour open house.  For more information, go to www.seattle.gov/parks/projects/naturalareagreenbeltuse/default.htm.  If your organization would like to participate and have a display table at the Mini-Summit, fill out the application form at the link above and email it tosusanne.rockwell@seattle.gov by March 27.

 

  1. Neighborhood Matching Fund Options:
  • The Small Sparks Fund which provides awards of up to $1,000 per project accepts applications year-round. This is great funding opportunity for implementing small community projects.
  • The Small and Simple Projects Fund, which provides awards of up to $25,000, has three opportunities to apply. Deadlines for applications are June 1 and October 5, 2015 by 5:00 p.m.
  • The Large Projects Fund (LPF), which awards up to $100,000 per project, is open to applications once a year. The deadline is May 4, 2015 by 5:00 p.m. It is mandatory for interested community groups to attend one of the six LPF workshops offered before applying. The workshops are as follows:

o     Tuesday, March 10; 6 – 8 p.m., High Point Community Center, 6420 34th Avenue SW

o     Thursday, March 18; 6 – 8 p.m., Northgate Community Center, 10510 5th Avenue NE

o     Wednesday, April 1; 6 – 8 p.m., Garfield Community Center, 2323 E Cherry Street

o     Thursday, April 9; 6 – 8 p.m.at El Centro de la Raza, 2524 16th Avenue S, Room 106

 

The NMF program has staff to advise community groups on ways to develop successful applications and projects. Community members are strongly encouraged to contact a Neighborhood Matching Fund Project Manager before applying at 206-233-0093 or NMFund@seattle.gov.

To learn more about the Neighborhood Matching Fund and its support to community-initiated projects, visit www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nmf. The website provides details on the criteria and requirements for each fund, along with instructions for the online application process.

 

Please visit the NEDC website for more information: http://northeastdistrictcouncil.wordpress.com/