Jenny Brailey writes: I want to update you on some progress on the CVS issue. As you may know, CVS plans to build suburban-style new stores not just in Wallingford but in Queen Anne and West Seattle too. Those communities have similar concerns to ours. Good news first The good news is that CVS is now signaling it wants to do the right thing in our community by re-designing its building in Queen Anne, hiring a local architect, and incorporating input from…
Updated 12:04pm. See (*) below for additional content. Seattle City Councilmember Richard Conlin has introduced new legislation to implement minimum density requirements to Neighborhood Commercial Zones. You can read the entire legislation here) but here's the gist: "The legislation requires a minimum density for Neighborhood Commercial (NC) zones in urban centers, urban villages and station area overlay districts that have a pedestrian designation overlay. The minimum density level, measured by the Floor Area Ratio (FAR), would be based on the maximum allowable…
Got any ideas for some fun neighborhood projects? Did you know you can apply for up to $25,000 in matching funds through the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods? It's true! The deadline to apply is Monday, October 7 by 5:00pm. The activities may be physical projects, as well as educational, cultural, and relationship-strengthening activities. Need a little inspiration? Check out the list of awarded projects from March, including the Freeway Estates Orchard. To learn about the guidelines and application process, visit seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nmf/smallandsimple.htm or attend a Neighborhood…
What do you do if you live near a strip of WSDOT-owned land that abuts I-5, is overrun by invasive plants and rapidly fills with unclaimed dog excrement? In Wallingford, you might introduce yourself to your neighbors, petition the government and dream bigger. That’s exactly what a group of friends and neighbors did at the Freeway Estates, starting back in 2010. Now, the land they have reclaimed from blackberries and dog poop has grown into a community meeting space which hosts…
Many thanks to Kristen, et al, who attended the Tully's/Moon Temple Lot Design Review meeting on Monday night. Here's a recap from Kristen: I just returned to the meeting and it went amazingly well. I would guess there were 60-70 people there from the community, in a hot and stuffy room. The architects presented their designs (starting with an irrelevant presentation on the firm's background and previous projects: malls, giant hotels, stadiums), the board asked a few questions and then the…
Seattle's annual Night Out will be held on Tuesday, August 6, which means it's time to register; but did you know that you can apply for the city's Small Sparks Fund to cover the cost of your block party? Yup, that's what Jenny Frankl from Seattle's Department of Neighborhoods tells us: The $1000 Small Sparks Fund provides matching funds for neighborhood-initiated projects that promote community engagement. Your Night Out activity may qualify! Seriously –Block Party Outreach, Educational Fairs, Bike Parades, Neighborhood…
Dorothy writes: Hi, I wanted to let you know about the response I received to my request (last September!!) to add crosswalks on Wallingford Avenue and 41st street, closest to Hamilton Middle School's main entrance. My son walks to school every day, straight up the hill from our home on Sunnyside, along with many other students, and they all tend to cross the street either there or on 42nd. Since they need to be in their seats and working by the…