Three topics: (1) Can bus riders and neighborhood parking survive SDOT’s proposed “cycle tracks”? (2) What is a Metropolitan Park District, and how would parks, public finance, and accountability be affected by one? and (3) Will controls and incentives really protect the Sandpoint Historic District?

SEATTLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FEDERATION

Monthly Meeting, Tuesday, June 25, 2013, 7 p.m.

Central Area Senior Center, 500 30th Avenue South  98144

[This beautiful facility with free parking and a grand view of Lake Washington is just three blocks east of Martin Luther King, Jr. Way S. and one block south of S. Jackson Street]

AGENDA

Three topics:  (1) Can bus riders and neighborhood parking survive SDOT’s proposed “cycle tracks”?  (2) What is a Metropolitan Park District, and how would parks, public finance, and accountability be affected by one? and (3) Will controls and incentives really protect the Sandpoint Historic District?

Seattle’s draft Bicycle Master Plan is up for public comment (deadline is July 26).  Among its proposals are 50 miles of “cycle tracks,” converting an arterial traffic lane on one side of the street into a physically separated two-way bicycle path--eliminating parking on one or both sides now used by retail business customers and by residents, some lacking driveways or alley access.  Because buses can’t cross a cycle track to reach the curb, many bus stops could be eliminated, increasing riders’ walk distance; or buses may stop in the roadway, blocking traffic and requiring riders to cross in front of fast-moving cyclists.  We’ve invited SDOT to join us in exploring these and other issues occasioned by the Bicycle Master Plan. 

A committee appointed by the City Council and Mayor is considering a Metropolitan Park District (MPD) for Seattle’s parks, community centers, nature centers, and other Park Department facilities.   An MPD would be a new government entity controlled by the City Councilmembers under a separate state charter and answerable to state laws and regulations but operating outside Seattle’s Charter, ordinances, and regulations.  It would bring additional taxing authority not requiring voter renewal so long as the MPD remained in existence.  For background, click on pro (http://seattleparksfoundation.org/metropolitan-park-district) and con (http://metropolitanparkdistrict.wordpress.com).

Please join us June 25 for discussions on these two important topics.  Included also is our monthly Round Robin to share news about your neighborhood’s issues and projects.  If you have informational materials to distribute at the meeting, please bring them or e-mail electronic copies or links to jeannieh@serv.net. 

7:00     Introductions/Minutes /Treasurer’s Report / President’s Report

7:10     SDOT’s proposed Bicycle Master Plan

8:00     What would a Metropolitan Park District mean for Seattle?

8:30     Sandpoint Historic District Issues

8:45     Round Robin of issues and projects in your neighborhood

9:00     Adjourn

The Seattle Community Council Federation (http://seattlefederation.blogspot.com/) is one of the nation’s oldest and most active coalitions of community associations.  It was founded in 1946 to facilitate resettlement of Seattle’s Japanese-American residents who had returned from wartime internment to reclaim their homes and businesses; and to help Black veterans coming back from the war.  Over the decades, SCCF has grown to cover the entire City.  Its monthly meetings are open to the public, and suggestions for agenda items are always welcome. Yearly dues for member groups are $50, and new groups are always welcome.  Individual donations are also welcome, and go very far, as SCCF is all volunteer.  Please mail your check to SCCF, 2370 Yale Avenue East, Seattle, WA 98102-3310.  For questions, contact Treasurer Chris Leman at 206-322-5463 or cleman@oo.net.