RBCA Meeting Minutes for Wednesday, September 13, 2000

Chair: Patricia Barber

In Attendance: Jorgen Bader, Patricia Barber, Julie Bittner, Michael Bittner, Jody Chatalas, Eileen Farley, Barb Holya, Paul Kennard, Terri Kimball, Beth Meshke, Donna Pacanovsky, Larry Sinnott, Bob Solomon, Alison Walker

• A motion was made and passed that the summary (graciously typed up by Jorgen) from the August 9th meeting be approved.

• A representative from the University of Washington presented handouts and an overview of the UW Master Plan. On October 16th the plan will be publicly released, on November 9th there will be a meeting, the comment period ends November 29th, and on December 6th there will be another public meeting on the draft. The campus is anticipating growth of up to 12,000 people (including both students and staff). This is driving their need to look at any empty space available on their properties both on and off campus. A question was asked about parking and traffic. The UW wants to keep their trip level at the 1991 level (they are still maintaining that currently). In addition, there are 12,300 approved parking spaces although the usage is currently under that amount and they plan to maintain that through the use of various incentives and parking increases. Bill Clark, our representative for CUCAC will keep the board further informed in the coming months. Eileen suggested that a small group form to meet with Bill Clark and develop focused community opinions with regard to the UW Master Plan so that Bill can present these at the CUCAC meetings.

• Pat McDonald, the Executive Director of the Ronald McDonald House presented the expansion plans for that site. The House recently became partners with Children's Hospital and Medical Center. The current house has 22 rooms which are always full, and the average stay is approximately 9 months. They would like to change the existing Kid Village buildings from 39 units to 62 units. Construction is set to begin in June 2001, with a 2002 re-opening planned. The board was supportive of this growth, citing that the Ronald McDonald House has always been a good neighbor. If you have any questions contact Pat at 206-527-3866 or on email: pat@rmhcseattle.com.

• Newsletter articles will include an update on the Roosevelt station by Larry Sinnot, Blakeley Crescent happenings by Mary Whitfield, Saxe Floral and Varsity Inn development by Barb Holya, and 19th Ave NE whirligigs admired by Jorgen. All articles are due by September 27th. Jody will coordinate.

• Five letters written by Jorgen Bader were approved by the board. The issues included the Fair School Lighting on 100' poles, a DCLU proposal for general amnesty for nonconforming uses, endorsement of NEDC's scoping comments regarding SR520, approval on NEDC bylaw change on voting and inactive membership, and a thank you letter to Silver Cloud for their $10,000 contribution to Blakeley Crescent park.

• The board also ratified by vote the previously approved NEDC bylaw concerning membership of listed organizations.

• Bob and Beth discussed briefly the latest on the Calvary Cemetery development. There will be a community meeting on October 2nd at 7:00 p.m. at Eckstein Middle School. Seventy-five people signed a petition asking for a meeting with regard to the cemetery. Beth will post new information on the RBCA website as it becomes available.

• Board member Beth Meshke will chair the newsletter folding party board meeting on Wednesday, October 11th. Eileen Farley will chair the RBCA General Community meeting on Monday, October 23rd. Topics will include an RPZ follow-up by Julie Erickson, the latest on the Calvary Cemetery, Jody will try to find people to come talk about both sides of the two initiatives on the November ballot, and Alison Walker will present the latest on University Village development.