New North Precinct Police Station Project Open House January 23

There will be an open house on January 23 to present  more about the new North Precinct Police Station project, including project status, preliminary designs, proposed schedule, opportunities for public input and more.

Open House
Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016
10 a.m. to noon
Bitter Lake Community Center Annex @ Broadview Thomson Elementary
13040 Greenwood Ave. N., Seattle

Safe on Third put together a survey

safety FirstFrom our neighbor Sean, that is working on 3rd Ave improvements.

Safe on Third put together a survey to apply for a pedestrian/traffic safety project along 3rd Ave NW for the next round of 2016-2017 NPSF grants. The focus here is only on what people would like to see along 3rd Ave, from 125th up to 145th. I will submit an application in early February. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D8PWCTK

If you have a Facebook page here is the link to www.facebook.com/safeonthird/

Thank you, Sean, for working on 3rd. It took me 20 seconds to fill out your survey.

Plan for Lane Closures on Aurora Ave. N

The Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will be closing several lanes of Aurora from the Aurora bridge to near the north end of the new viaduct at different times starting on January 18.  WSDOT has detailed information at this page.

Lanes closed and times they will be closed will change over the time period January 18 through early March.  Anticipate delays and plan your options to get around town.

 

 

Here’s How You Can Fund a Local Street Improvement

The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods is  now accepting proposals to the Neighborhood Park and Street Fund (NPSF) which supports improvements to neighborhood parks and streets proposed by the community. The deadline for applications is February 8, 2016.

The NPSF can be used for projects valued up to $90,000. Examples of park projects include minor playground improvements, trail upgrades, natural area renovations, park benches and tables, and accessibility improvements. Examples of street projects include sidewalk repair; crossing improvements such as marked crosswalks, curb bulbs, and pedestrian countdown signals; and traffic calming, such as traffic circles and radar speed feedback signs. Awarded projects will be completed in 2017.

To learn more about the fund or to propose a project, visit seattle.gov/neighborhoods/neighborhood-park-and-street-fund. Any individual, neighborhood group, or business group is eligible and encouraged to apply.

For questions, contact your Neighborhood District Coordinator with Seattle Department of Neighborhoods or Wendy Watson at 206-684-0719.

New! Seattle Hazard Explorer Map

city of seattle logoThe Seattle Office of Emergency Management website now features and series of interactive maps that highlight some of the city’s top hazards. Check out theSeattle Hazard Explorer and learn more about the hazards that impact Seattle. You can zoom in on your home, work place, or any other location to see what hazards are most likely to impact you. Informational videos and other content provide more in depth explanations of each of the hazards. Make sure you look out for links to important preparedness information as well! View the Seattle Hazard Explorer. You can also access the Hazard Explorer via the “Hazards” section of the website.

This is urban flooding map.

  • Urban flooding occurs when heavy rain overwhelms the drainage system. Seattle’s drainage systems were designed and originally built for longer duration and lower intensity rain storms.

Broadview flooding map

Increased Package Thefts at the Holidays

Most years there is a spike of residential burglaries around the holidays.  The thieves know there is more to steal.  This year there is an increase in reports of thieves stealing packages delivered to front porches.  Why risk all the possible problems associated with breaking and entering when you can follow the delivery truck and scoop up packages from porches, and make a clean getaway?

There are some ways to defend against this.   If you will be away during the day ask a neighbor to watch out for the delivery truck and take in a package.  (Check the tracking number to know when the package is scheduled to be delivered.)  Amazon offers lockers where you can have your package delivered, and you can pick it up there.  Be alert for suspicious activity like unfamiliar people on the block who walk up to porches, and call 911 to report suspicious activity.  The thieves are likely few in number so catching one or two can have a significant impact on reducing package theft.

If you don’t already have a block watch set up on your block this is a good opportunity to form one.  The basics are simple — know your neighbors, watch out for suspicious activity,  take defensive action like locking doors and windows and making your house appear occupied by having lights on and a radio playing.  Thieves take the line of least resistance, so increase your resistance.

 

Bitter Lake’s Find It, Fix It

Find It Fix It Community Walk poster.pdf logoFrom the Neighborhood Engagement Coordinator/AmeriCorps VISTA

City of Seattle, Office of the Mayor

Dear Bitter Lake neighbor,

Thank you for participating in Bitter Lake’s Find It, Fix It Community Walk on November 14! Mayor Ed Murray created these walks to bring neighbors and city officials together to improve neighborhoods, one block at a time. That togetherness and engagement was on full display in Bitter Lake.

As a result of community input during the walk, the following infrastructure improvements have been made or are in process:

  • Parks has a contractor lined up and is working with Bitter Lake P-Patch gardeners to coordinate the installation of the gunite encapsulation of the gabions to prevent further injuries
  • The North Precinct has increased patrol on Linden Ave
  • 3 incidences of graffiti removed
  • Parks pruned vegetation along Bitter Lake shoreline
  • Traffic calming on N 143rd St (in process)
  • Department of Transportation (SDOT) is meeting next week to review the Linden Ave corridor and anticipates key improvements and updates will be made (in process)

SDOT representatives will be present at the Bitter Lake Community Center (13035 Linden Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133) on January 21st, from 7-8pm to address the traffic calming project and additional SDOT improvements in Bitter Lake.

In addition, community groups, using grants distributed as part of the Find It, Fix It Community Walk, are implementing neighborhood projects:

  • PTA’s playground cleanup project at Broadview Thomson K-8 (before/after)
  • Interpretive sign at Bitter Lake shoreline (in process)
  • Community Center art project (in process)
  • P-Patch art project (in process)
  • What do you love about Bitter Lake? (in process)

As a reminder, please continue to use the Find It, Fix It App to report issues. The app can be found in the iTunes and Google Play stores. In addition, please take our new survey and give us feedback on the walk.

Thank you again for your commitment to improving your neighborhood and the city of Seattle.

Best,

Lindsay Bingaman

Lindsay.bingaman@seattle.gov

Changes to Dept. of Planning and Development

city of seattle logoChanges to the Department of Planning and Development

New planning office takes effect January 1, 2016

2016 brings some significant changes to the leadership and organizational structure of the Department of Planning and Development (DPD). After 38 years with the City and 14 as director of DPD, Diane Sugimura will be retiring. At the same time, the department will become two – the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections and a new Office of Planning and Community Development. Current staff and services within DPD will remain in place for most of 2016. Staff in both departments will continue to work closely together to help ensure coordination as we move forward.

The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (Seattle DCI)
The new department will be led by Nathan Torgelson, current DPD deputy director. Seattle DCI will primarily include regulatory functions such as: permitting, construction inspections, code compliance, tenant protections, rental housing registration and inspections, but will also include a smaller unit for code development.

The Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD)
In June 2015, the Mayor issued an Executive Order 2015-04, announcing the creation of OPCD. Council approved the creation of the new Office as part of the 2016 Budget. This group will be primarily composed of staff from the City Planning division of DPD. As the Mayor stated, “I’m creating a new office to integrate all of our priorities and to better coordinate how we grow and invest.” The office will take our planning efforts and look at them through a lens of race, social justice and economic equity for all Seattle communities.

The search process for a new OPCD director is underway.  During that process, Diane will serve as interim director until the new director arrives. Major work items for the new office in 2016 include the update of the City’s Comprehensive Plan Seattle 2035, and assistance with implementation of the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda (HALA), which will include approval and implementation of plans such as the University District, and 23rd Ave. at Union/Cherry/Jackson.

This new Executive Office will be working closely with many departments, particularly the capital departments.  Departments are already starting to align their work more closely.

What Will Our Customers and Stakeholders See?

  • The department/office names will change on January 4, 2016
  • For the first part of the year, staff will continue to be in their same offices in the Seattle Municipal Tower (SMT), with the same phone numbers and email addresses
  • Around August, OPCD will be moving to the 5th floor of City Hall, and Seattle DCI will use the City Planning space on the 19th floor of SMT for a much-needed expansion

Questions?

  • For questions related to the organizational structure of Seattle DCI, please send them to Bryan Stevens at Bryan.Stevens@seattle.gov. Bonita Chinn (206-684-8899) will be assisting Nathan.
  • For questions related to  the organizational structure of OPCD, please send them to Diane Sugimura at Diane.Sugimura@seattle.gov. Harrietta Hanson (206-386-4010) will be assisting Diane.

Crime Prevention Tips For the Holiday Season

The Seattle Police Department has some tips on helping to prevent crime at the holidays.  There seems to be a spike of burglaries and car prowls at this time of year.

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When parking your vehicle to go shopping, remember where you parked it! Always park in a well lit and well traveled area. Do not park in a remote dark area.

 When you return to your vehicle, scan the interior of your car to be sure no one is hiding inside. Check to see if you are being followed.

 Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. You will be ready to unlock the door and will not be delayed by fumbling and looking for your keys.

 When storing items purchased at the stores, place them out of sight. The best place is in a locked trunk.

 Do not leave your purse, wallet, or cellular telephone in plain view.

 Don’t resist if someone tries to take any of your belongings. Don’t chase someone who robs you, they may have a weapon. Instead call 911.

 Lock your vehicle and put up your windows even while you are driving.

 If you go to an automatic teller machine for cash, check for people around and make sure it is well lit and in a safe location.

 Carry only the credit cards you need and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

 Beware of the “a good deal” scams. Things are not always what they appear to be.

 If you are purchasing toys for small children, be sure that they are safe. You will be surprised what a small child can swallow or what can injure them.