Residents Weigh In On Neighborhood Plan Update

Last evening several dozen residents attended the second public meeting about the Broadview – Bitter Lake – Haller Lake Neighborhood Plan Update.  The meeting was at the Bitter Lake Community Center.  Most of the time was spent in small group meetings reviewing some of the issues that have been raised in the planning process so far.  Facilitators at each round table discussion helped move the discussion along, and recorded comments.  One quick way to get an overview of the issues is to view the map with issues posted on it

The next public meeting will be held some time this fall.  A goal of that meeting will be to get public input on setting priorities. 

The 3rd Annual Armadillo Consignment Sale is coming up!

  

 

The 3rd Annual Armadillo Consignment Parking Lot Sale For Charity is coming up and I hope you’ll particpate in this popular event. 

 When:  July 23, 2011                                 

 Time:  9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

 Where:  Armadillo Consignment
  12421 Greenwood Avenue North
  Seattle WA 98177
Here are 4 ways you can be involved:

1) Lease a space for yourself.

A 10×10 space is only $25.00. All profits are yours after a 15% donation to charity.
Charities will be chosen at random – suggest yours when you sign up! (Setup begins promptly at 8:00 a.m.)

2) Tell others.
This is a great opportunity to sell stuff, make some money on the side, and donate to a worthy cause!

3) Make a general donation which we’ll include when the local charity is chosen.

4) Come and shop!

MORE INFORMATION:
206.363.6700
sales@armadilloconsignment.com

Will We Lose Our Bitter Lake Community Center? Community Center Operations Analysis Underway…

Community members from many neighborhoods in the City congregated last night at the Bitter Lake Community Center for the first of two meetings about Community Center Operations. The room was packed and I’ve already seen a clip on TV this morning. There’s a duplicate meeting tonight at the Jefferson Community Center.

 Christopher Williams, the Acting Superintendent of Seattle’s Department of Parks and Recreation, began the meeting by saying that financial pressure makes it necessary to re-examine how community centers operate. He said hundreds of hours have been spent by people from all sectors of the City and input is still being sought before any changes are made.

 Sally Bagshaw, who Chairs the City Council’s Parks and Recreation Committee, then explained that this event is part of work in progress to respond to a statement of legislative intent (SLI) directing the department to conduct research and analysis that will identify a range of options for changes in how recreational services are provided through community centers. (See www.seattle.gov/parks/centers/operations.htm)

She wants a real community approach to decision making and is working to assure citizen participation from individuals, organizations, and all interested parties.

 The remainder of the meeting consisted of presenting the nine options that have been arrived at by groups and individuals working on the project to date. Carol Everson, Budget Director for Parks & Recreation, talked through each option and a question-and-answer period followed.

Bottom line: If you want to participate, you need to go on line and complete a survey which can be found at www.surveymonkey.com/s/cc_ops_survey. This is where you can rate the options presented at this meeting. Responses are to be tallied and sent to the Mayor and City Council to help inform future decisions regarding community center operations. The survey deadline is July 1. Contact person for the project is Susan Golub, susan.golub@seattle.gov.

Pat McCoy, President

Broadview Community Council

Updates on Broadview SPU Projects

Here is the latest about what we have been working on in Broadview related to reducing sewer backups and stormwater flooding, and helping to protect Piper’s Creek.

 Infiltration Reduction Pilot Project

 •           Project will inspect, clean and repair (if needed) both mainline sewer and residential side sewers, then grout them to prevent stormwater from infiltrating into the sewer system

•           If the pilot is successful, SPU may expand the areas in which we do this grouting

•           We held a meeting (April 27th) with pilot candidates (see LIST SERV message May 4th)

•           To date, 92% of the households in the pilot area have agreed to participate; work is expected to begin in June

 Backflow Prevention Program

 •           SPU has offered to purchase and install backflow prevention devices in some Broadview homes. 

•           We are meeting with potential candidates tonight (June 16th) and will send you a summary of the meeting via e-mail next week

•           Next we will survey homes of potential candidates to determine eligibility.

 Piper’s Creek Flow Control Plan

 •           We are studying changes to the watershed since the area was developed and exploring potential solutions to reduce run-off and increase creek capacity.

•           The plan aims to improve instream flow conditions and the projects developed from the plan would focus on the most effective methods and locations that would protect the creek and benefit the community.

 Venema Creek Natural Drainage System (Green Stormwater Infrastructure Project)

 •           Currently analyzing soil conditions in the area to ensure we have the best design for the area

•           Once technical analysis is understood, we will be sharing that information with the community and gathering input to inform project decisions.

 Broadview Sewer & Stormwater Improvements Long-Term Project

 •           Results from all the projects listed above will help to identify the best way to provide long-term improvements, which could involve expansion of the new programs, green stormwater infrastructure, traditional capital projects and a variety of integrated solutions

•           Contract for consultant support for this project is currently being finalized and we hope to have a contractor on board by September or soon after

•           SPU will be working with Broadview community members to assess options, and we plan to host a community meeting to gather your input this fall

 Thanks for helping us improve the sewer and drainage infrastructure in Broadview.  If you have questions or comments, please contact Celeste Duncan at (206) 684-8527 or mailto:celeste.duncan@seattle.gov

MAYOR’S TOWN HALL NEEDED MORE PARTICIPANTS IN THE AUDIENCE TO MATCH THE CITY’S WORK IN STAGING THE EVENT…

Mayor Mike McGinn

Seattle residents in three zip codes (98133, 98117, and 98177) out here in the Northwest Seattle section of the City were invited to this Mayor’s Town Hall meeting last night. Given the amount of time and attention invested in staging these events, the turnout was a bit disappointing. I’d estimate attendance at around 70 to 80 folks from the area not related to staffing a table or working for the City. Considering that thousands live within these three zip codes and robocalls, emails, and hard-copy flyers were distributed, I’d love to have seen a larger crowd. These town halls are being staged as part of the Mayor’s Engage Seattle initiative this year, in order to ensure that as many people as possible who live, work, or play in Seattle can voice their concerns and offer feedback directly to the Mayor.

Pat and Jayne

BROADVIEW COMMUNITY COUNCIL table was right inside the door at this event thanks to Thomas Whittemore, our Department of Neighborhoods staffer. This gave us a great spot to talk to neighbors, get a few new members, greet the Mayor, and talk personally to other City staff as they entered the event.  About a dozen City departments and other community organizations staffed tables lined up around the periphery of the gym at the Bitter Lake Community Center. I picked up literature from other community councils and City departments being the paperholic that I am.  Thanks from me to Board members Dale Johnson and Jayne Williamson for “working the table” with me!

Broadview was represented not only by our table but also former Board member Richard Dyksterhuis featured his Bitter Lake United Friends and Neighbors (BLUFAN) group and had great visuals to bring focus to our Bitter Lake issues. Gloria Butts made sure that the Broadview Historical Society, the Dunn Gardens, and the Bitter Lake

P-Patch groups had information available at various spots around the room. Both GAIN Broadview and GAIN The Highland were represented with a table and information as well as the Phinney Ridge, Green Lake, and Greenwood Community Councils. The Broadview/Bitter Lake/Haller Lake Neighborhood Planning Committee at members at a table to get out information about next Tuesday’s NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN UPDATE WORKSHOP #2 (6:30-8:30 at the same venue).

 Among City departments were, of course, the Department of Neighborhoods and Departments of Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Public Utilities, Human Services, Planning and Development, and even the City’s Customer Service Bureau. You can learn anything you want or need to know about where to go within our huge City government by checking out www.seattle.gov/customerservice.

 The Mayor took the microphone right on time at 6:40 and proceeded to wade through a question-and-answer session that lasted right up until 8. Unfortunately, not every question was covered. However, I’m told by the Mayor’s Office that they publish a blog post about town halls at http://mayormcginn.seattle.gov, and include a link to the recap.

 Thanks to those of you who took the time to attend and participate!

 Pat McCoy, President, Broadview Community Council

Traveling Sales Crews in Broadview

News from Seattle Police Crime Prevention

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

SUBJECT:  DOOR-TO-DOOR SELLERS

 This is the peak time of year for door-to-door sales, including those using traveling sales crews.  There are many legitimate companies in this industry with professionally trained salespeople, selling between the hours of 8:00am and 9:00pm, and a long history of law-abiding customer service.  There are, however, less reputable companies in this business willing to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals who trust people knocking at their door.  Sometimes residents forget to practice good personal safety. 

 Seattle Police officers respond to calls from citizens concerned about door-to-door salespeople.  The results have ranged from the officers checking identification and sending the seller to the City of Seattle Revenue & Consumer Affairs office for their business license, to arrests of individuals posing as residential sellers, but wanted on warrants. There have also been arrests for aggressive behavior, threats made against the resident, burglaries, and assaults.

 Homeowners may consider posting a sign indicating “No agents,” “No peddlers,” or “No Solicitors.”  In Seattle, it is unlawful for any residential seller to attempt to gain admittance for the purpose of selling at any residence displaying one of these signs. 

 With these facts in mind, what should you do when a person knocks at your door?

 BEFORE OPENING YOUR DOOR: LOOK FOR PROPER IDENTIFICATION.  Acknowledge the knock since ignoring it may lead to an attempted burglary.  It is preferable to speak to strangers through your door.  In Seattle, all door-to-door sellers must display the residential sales identification which includes the seller’s photograph on their outer clothing.  The residential sales agent’s license has the name of the licensee as well as the agent.  It shall be endorsed with the type of product or service being sold. The license is only valid for the product or service specified.  If you have any questions about whether a company is properly licensed, call the City of Seattle’s Office of Revenue & Consumer Affairs at 206-684-8136.

 DISCLOSURE REQUIRED:  Each residential seller shall, immediately upon contacting the prospective buyer, disclose their name, company and the product or service represented.  If requested to do so, they shall leave the premises immediately.  If the individual does not leave, or if an attempt to gain access is made by asking to use the bathroom, the phone or get a drink of water, refuse the request and ask the individual to leave.  If you feel intimidated, pressured, or threatened at any time, call 911.

 USE GOOD JUDGEMENT: It is safer not to allow the salesperson into your home.  You are encouraged to avoid paying immediately.  Do not give the salesperson cash or a check, as it may be pocketed and you will never receive the product ordered.  Instead, find out from the seller how you can order directly from the company or receive the bill upon receipt of the product/service.  If the salesperson is concerned about losing their commission for the sale, offer to provide their name when placing your order.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: In Seattle, if you make a purchase, the salesperson must tell you of your right to cancel the order and the contract must include a statement regarding the right to cancel.  For each sale of ten dollars or more, the seller must provide a receipt or contract to the purchaser.  Do not leave any blanks on your contract.  Be sure the contract or receipt is dated and that it states the terms of the transaction, the amount of payment made and the name and address of the residential seller.  It must also include a notice informing the buyer of their right to cancel the order any time prior to midnight of the third business day after the date of the transaction.  A completed Notice of Cancellation (in duplicate) must be provided to the purchaser at the time they purchase from the seller.  You do not need to provide a reason for canceling your order.

 DO NOT GIVE IN TO HIGH PRESSURE TACTICS:  Never be afraid to say “NO!”  If a salesperson in your home tries to pressure you into buying their product, terminate your conversation with them.  Take the time to contact the company directly if you still have interest in the product or service.  Avoid making an immediate purchase in order to receive a “free gift.”  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Also, the excellent work continues from SPD North Precinct patrol officers and watchful neighbors.  To quote one of the Patrol supervisors “a very very well-known Ballard burglar” was booked into jail on Sunday, June 5th after he was called in as a “suspicious person”.  The thief had been breaking into garages on the street, and had made one attempt to break into a home but was seen.  The caller gave an excellent description.  The burglar had many tools with him and a package addressed to one of the nearby neighbors.  Thanks for being our ears and eyes.   tj

Seattle Police Crime Prevention

206-684-7711

Carkeek Park Volunteer Recognition Day – Saturday, 6/11

Carkeek Park Volunteer Recognition Day
Volunteers of Carkeek Park, both past and present, are welcome to gather in celebration of the park this Saturday, June 11th, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
The Carkeek Park Advisory Council will be on hand to discuss ways to continue preserving the park’s ecology.
Volunteers will meet at Carkeek Environmental Learning Center (ELC).  For more information, please contact Nancy Malmgren at 206-363-4116.

Update on Sunday’s SWAT raid

An excerpt for our Block Watch Captains communication:

Hi Neighbors – I contacted our new SPD crime prevention coordinator, Terrie Johnston, about Sunday morning’s police activity at 14038 Palatine Ave N. Terri was able to tell me “Three people were arrested there. The case was one of the Edmonds Police Dept. so I don’t have much to report except that they served a search warrant and got the 3 people, 2 men and 1 female.”

I’m told by a neighbor who saw a lot of the activity and chatted with officer(s) that: The search warrant was in relation to a residential burglary in the Meadowbrook neighborhood of Edmonds. In that burglary, guns were stolen.

The house has been foreclosed. The people who are/were living there are doing so illegally. None of the people detained or arrested have a valid driver’s license and a few of them are on active Dept Of Corrections supervision. Narcotics may be an issue as well.

There are also people living in the rear structure, which is legally only to be used for storage. I filed yet another complaint with DPD [Dept of Planning & Development] Monday.

You are encouraged to keep an eye on this property and to immediately report any and all suspicious activity to the Seattle Police Department non emergency line (206) 625-5011

King 5 featured this property in a story titled ‘Neighbors irked by junk filled yard’ October 2010

http://www.king5.com/news/slideshows/Evicted-neighbor-turns-front-yard-into-junkyard-104389099.html

COME TO THE TABLE – YOUR BROADVIEW COMMUNITY COUNCIL TABLE…

 Two events in the next few weeks will involve your Community Council in setting up tables, talking to potential new members, greeting current members, and talking about what we are doing for our community. We invite any member to join us at the table and interested blog readers to come and talk to us about joining and helping develop our overall sense of community. Copies of our 2011 Annual Plan will be available.

 FIRST IS THE MAYOR’S TOWN HALL AT THE BITTER LAKE COMMUNITY CENTER ON TUESDAY, JUNE 14:

 We’ll have a table with Board and other members present to showcase area projects in progress and to grow our membership. Call or email me if you’d be willing to show up and help out. We’ll be there to set up our table at 5. Here’s the schedule:

 5:30-6:30 Meet Greet: City Departments and local volunteer organizations will have information tables, answer questions and offer volunteer opportunities.

6:30-6:40  Youth performance.

6:40-8:00 Open questions and answers session with the Mayor and city staff.

 NEXT IS THE BROADVIEW/BITTER LAKE/HALLER LAKE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN UPDATE WORKSHOP #2 ON TUESDAY, JUNE 21:

 Again, we’ll be setting up our table at this workshop at the Bitter Lake Community Center and invite you to join us at 5:30 p.m. to help out. Call me on this one as well if you can show up. We’ll be talking to our neighbors that attend this workshop and encouraging folks to join us and help your Council grow. There’s a social hour with refreshments beginning at 6 p.m. We encourage maximum participation in this workshop because you can help the Neighborhood Advisory Council and the City’s staff people fashion our long-range plan as it undergoes updating.

 The location for both events is at 13035 Linden Avenue North.

 Pat McCoy, President, Broadview Community Council

206-293-0725 or patamccoy@gmail.com