University Community Urban Center
Sounding Board----------------------
Meeting Notes
University Heights Center for the Community
Thursday, September 16, 1999----------------------
Attendees:
Announcements
1. Sound Transit will hold a Station Area Planning Workshop October 5, 5:30 to 7:30, at University Heights. The City, UW, and Sound Transit have had satisfactory meetings aimed at settling outstanding UW issues. Wednesday Sound Transit issued requirements for qualification for tunnel construction and subway station segments from Convention Place to NE 45th. Brian Ramey asked if any stake holders are on the design/build team. Dave Goldberg said sound Transit will decide on the team's makeup. Station design and architecture is a separate contract.
2. Rich Snider reported that University Heights is talking to the City about purchase of the building. Elizabeth Butler is the City contact person.
3. Jeannie Hale described the NESI proposed challenge grant whereby the Seahawks would pay for impact mitigation. A transporation management plan for Seahawks, if not for the whole area, is a possibility. However, the grant doesn't generally allow for the kinds of projects requested by NESI. Brian suggested we ask for more time from Jan Drago to work this out.
Transportation Planning
John Deeter brought up the need for a plan. Even though we may not see more arterial improvements, we need to know how to manage the resources we have through tools such as an origin and destination corridor analysis. Jorgen Bader remarked that such efforts might compromise local lighting and paving projects, but Roger Wagoner noted that leadership is needed to make sure we avoid project balkanization. Time must be spent to get on top of all that's going on, and first we have to know the facts. Brian added that data should be collected and fine-tuned. John said that one more factor to be included is the study coming up for 45th from Ballard to the District.
Dierdre Grace commented that the transportation scene is balkanized, indeed, and that a plan should include a lot of elements. It's hard to know what to analyze first, but right now there's no budget or staff to begin the process. Susan Sanchez, however, is seeing how it can be done. Deirdre suggested we work with SPO on what we want a plan to look like and lean on the City Council for funds. The result would be a coordinated look at all the systems now in the works. For instance, UW shuttles might be used for public transport. We decided to ask Susan Sanchez, SPO, to come to the October meeting. Peter Dewey, UW, and Dierdre should also be there.
Ravenna Woods
Laura Dixon Dybvad explained that a non-profit group has been formed to preserve the woods. Nature Conservancy is the parent organization. Members are submitting a Matching Fund grant application of $250,000 toward purchase of the property. A benefit concert at St. Stephens is also planned. An EIS will be required for the proposed development at the site. UW will write a letter in support of the group.
Design Guidelines
Laura Yates and Mike Podowski summarized the changes in the guidelines last reviewed in April. All the former categories have been condensed into one document. The recommendations of the North Ave group have also been incorporated. Specific segments for the UCUC are noted as augmented guidelines, though some may be adopted city-wide. The package will go to the Council in January. Comments should be in to Laura by October 8th to be discussed at our next meeting on the 21st. University Village Master Plan will be a pilot for a proposed process for similar sites. The draft legislation and criteria will be out October 1st.
Organization
Ideas were floated on how to run this group. After some discussion, we decided to rotate the chair month by month, the chair being responsible for contacting speakers and resources. Brian will do the honors next month, and the subject will be transportation planning.
P.S.
The UW will hold an open house to review the transportation element of its Master Plan on October 3rd, noon at the Hub and 6pm at U. Heights. The open house for the whole plan will be November 16th.
Notes by P. Whisler.