University Community Urban Center
Sounding Board----------------------
Meeting Notes
University Heights Center for the Community
Thursday, July 15, 1999----------------------
Meeting Minutes (Draft)
University Stakeholders Sounding Board
University Heights, Room 112Present:
Julian Saucedo, Roosevelt Neighborhood Asso.
John Deeter, University District Council
Clayton Young, Wallingford
Brian Ramey, Friends of Brooklyn
Hans Aschenback, Roosevelt Neighborhood Asso.
Nancy Bocek Roosevelt Neighborhood Asso.
Scott Soules University Chamber of Commerce
Mike Chartrey University District Parking Asso.
Barb Berry Ravenna Urban Village
David Goldberg Seattle City Strategic Planning Office
Deirdre Grace Seattle City Department of Neighborhoods
Bob Doupe’ University Park
Matt Fox University District Community Council
George Halsey University District Community Council
Patty Whisler University Park, Ave Group
Bill Talley University of Washington
R’ykandar Korrciti Ravenna Urban Village
Henry Markus King Co. DOT
Bridgett Chandler University of Washington University Relations
Roger Wagoner University Park
Joshua Carr University Park
Laura Dixon-Dybrad, Ravenna Urban Village
Karen Ko Seattle City DON Neighborhood Service Center
Jack Whisner King Co. DOT Metro Transit
Jusirh Geil Ravenna Urban Village
Larry Fogdale University Presbyterian ChurchPatty Whisler chaired the meeting.
Brian Ramey took the minutes.The following issues were on the agenda:
1. King Co. DOT planned off street Metro Bus Layover Stations:
Henry Markus, Project Manager
Mr. Markus described the project as including development from the east side of 11th Avenue NE, north of NE 45th to NE 47th and west of 12th Avenue NE. Also in the development plans was the area owned by the UDPA between Brooklyn Ave. NE and 12 Avenue NE and north of the Meany Hotel and south of the Baptist Church and Apartment Building on Brooklyn.
Mr. Markus indicated that the design criteria would be developed by the stackholders including the property owners (UDPA), King Co. Metro Transit, the Baptist Church, the Meany Hotel and others who are in the immediate area of the proposed development. Mr. Markus told the Sounding Board that there would be up to 16 buses at one time in the proposed facility. The Trolleys would be accessing the site off of 11th Ave NE and NE 47th and proceed to University Way and 15th Avenue NE to begin their runs.
Larry Fogdale asked if the Layover Station would become more than just that and possibly more of a transfer point for passengers. Mr. Markus said that Metro is looking at all the possible uses and that the model of the Vancouver BC “C Bus” Terminal is one that is being looked at. It includes passenger facilities, retail, and housing.
Hans Aschenbach expressed the caution that no incorporation of commercial business should be included without disincentives for parking. Hans expressed the opinion that Metro should seek uses that are non-car oriented.
Mr. Markus indicated that the preliminary design brought up concepts such as commercial facing NE 45th Street and possibly Brooklyn. Hans concurred that this would be an appropriate place for commercial. Mr. Markus indicated that efforts would be made to configure the development in such a way that employees and residents would be encouraged to use transportation other than personal auto.
The UDPA indicated that it would need to be able to triple the current available parking (202 Stalls) area in any development proposal for a total of at least 606 stalls. The parking would need to accommodate its current customer base, the new residents of the proposed development and businesses.
David Goldberg stated that the City of Seattle wants to maintain and to protect public parking for business use and when existing public parking is developed for private use and not all those uses are public parking.
Brian Ramey expressed the concern that with what ever design is chosen, the idea that customers of businesses will not use a short term parking area that is not secure. He gave as an example the Larry’s Market underground parking on south Queen Anne. The level of crime in that parking garage has deterred people from its use. Customers prefer street parking at the Larry’ s Market which puts a burden on the residential community and other businesses.
Julian Saucedo asked that the design include usable open space at street level and pedestrian oriented.
Mr. Markus responded that one concept for the design of the building on 11th Ave north of 45th was for parking in the center of the complex, housing on the outside upper floors with a lid over 12th Avenue to housing on the west side of 12th Avenue and Businesses on Brooklyn. He stated that the lid over 12th Avenue would be designed with public open space incorporated into it. The possible vacation of the Alley between Brooklyn and 12th Avenue was also discussed.
Hans and Brian expressed the concern that uses which impact NE 47th Street need to take into consideration the pedestrian orientation and “green street” designation of NE 47th.
George Halsey expressed the opinion that the proposed development in “University Gardens” is not alike to any garden and that it seemed as though it was being paved over more than it currently is.
2. The need for a fiscal agent for the Sounding Board was discussed.
The University District Community Council is acting in the capacity right now.
3. Sounding Board meeting place:
Brian Ramey has secured the space for meeting of the Sounding Board on every third Thursday of every month. The University Heights has indicated that it would donate the space after the August 19, 1999 meeting.
4. Sector Manager from the Department of Neighborhoods
Diedre Grace, Sector Manager from the Department of Neighborhoods was introduced and it was suggested that she come to our next meeting to talk about her role in the Department of Neighborhoods.
5. Ravenna Woods:
Laura Dixon-Dybrad, Ravenna Urban Village detailed the progress they are making on preventing the development of congregate housing on the site of the proposed park, Ravenna Woods. The public hearing is scheduled for August and she will make sure that all of the people who expressed an interest and signed the petition are notified. The city will also notify those who signed the petition.
Laura told of her and her neighbors frustrations at not being able to get the city to move fast enough on the appraisal and purchase of the property. The proposed developer of the housing bought the property for $540,000, after the Ravenna Woods proposal had been told it would sell for 350,000. Laura is working on a grant for $500,000 to $800,000.
Bridgett Chandler indicated that the University of Washington would be willing to sign a letter of support.
The University District Community Council will be asked to be the fiscal agent for this grant.
Laura asks us to send emails to our elected officials. Send letters to Councilwoman Sue Donaldson.
Next meeting Agenda:
1 Noise Ordinance, David George from DCLU
2 Diedre Grace from DON
3 Sounding Board BusinessRespectfully submitted, Brian Ramey