SEATTLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FEDERATION Monthly Meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013, 7 p.m. at the Central Area Senior Center, 500 30th Avenue South

SEATTLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FEDERATION

Monthly Meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013, 7 p.m. at the 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]

All are welcome to explore...

Two topics:  (1) Are the Department of Planning and Development and the City Council doing enough to address problems from unregulated micro-housing?  (2) What are the public interest issues in a proposed Metropolitan Park District, and what can be done to ensure they are fully and publicly addressed?  

First on the agenda will be discussion with City officials and neighborhood leaders the current and proposed policies regarding micro-housing that, unregulated, is changing the character of Seattle’s neighborhoods.   The City Council invites comments on the legislation proposed by DPD; to view it, click here or go to http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/codesrules/changestocode/micros.   

Second discussion topic is a possible Metropolitan Park District (MPD).  A committee appointed by the City Council and Mayor is considering one for Seattle’s parks, community centers, nature centers, and other Park Department facilities.   An MPD would be a new government controlled by the City Councilmembers under its own state charter, answerable to state laws and regulations but not to Seattle’s Charter, ordinances, and regulations.  It would bring additional taxing authority not requiring voter renewal.  For background, click on pro (http://seattleparksfoundation.org/metropolitan-park-district) and con (http://metropolitanparkdistrict.wordpress.com).  For the City Neighborhood Council’s letter on parks funding and a possible MPD, click here or go to http://seattle.gov/neighborhoodcouncil. 

Please join us October 22 for these 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     What are the Department of Planning and Development and the City Council doing to address the problems posed by unregulated micro-housing, and is more action needed? 

8:00     What are the governance issues in a proposed Metropolitan Park District, and what can be done to ensure they are fully and publicly addressed?   

8:30     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.

The July 23, 2013 Federation meeting has been cancelled

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.

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SEATTLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FEDERATION

                                                                        May 30, 2013

Council President Sally Clark and

Members of the Seattle City Council
601 Fifth Avenue, Second floor

P. O. Box 34025
Seattle, Washington 98124-4025

RE:                  Council Bill 117781 regarding Marijuana Siting and Distribution Issues

Dear President Clark and Members of the Council: 

            At its May 28^th meeting, the Seattle Community Council Federation voted unanimously to urge you to postpone your June 3^rd vote on Council Bill 117781.  Federation members studied and discussed the proposed ordinance keeping in mind the provisions of Initiative 502 legalizing the recreational use of marijuana.  We believe it is premature to vote on the CB 117781 because of the many issues in the initiative that have not been addressed in the proposed ordinance, the apparent lack of coordination with the Washington State Liquor Control Board and the inadequate public involvement in the local process. 

            For one thing, the proposed ordinance does not distinguish between the state law governing medical marijuana and the provisions within I-502 governing the recreational use of marijuana.  CB 117781 addresses the siting, distribution, production, selling and delivery of marijuana with no regard to the provisions of I-502 and the proposed state rules governing licensing for producers, processors and retailers and tax issues.  It is clear from I-502 that home grown marijuana for recreation use and sale is illegal—that the drug for recreational use must be purchased from a state-licensed retailer—but  the proposed city ordinance does not address this discrepancy. 

            The proposed ordinance seems to allow the growing of less than 45 marijuana plants in single family neighborhoods with no regard to proximity to schools, playgrounds, community centers, parks, libraries—contrary to the provisions of Initiative 502. 

            These are just a few issues we have identified with Council Bill 117781.  The Federation strongly urges you to postpone a vote on this measure and to allow a broader public process and coordination with the Liquor Control Board.  Thank you for considering our comments. 

                                                                        Sincerely,

                                                                       

                                                                        Jeannie Hale, President

                                                                        3425 West Laurelhurst Drive NE

                                                                        Seattle, Washington  98105

                                                                        206-525-5135 / fax 206-525-9631

                                                                        jeannieh@serv.net

cc:  Washington State Liquor Control Board

SEATTLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FEDERATION

Monthly Meeting, Tuesday, May 28, 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

Why is there a lack of low-cost, high bandwidth internet,

TV cable and telephone choices?  What can be done about it?

A roundtable of invited speakers, with audience participation

AND

Designation of the 18-acre Battelle/Talaris property as historic

Internet, cable TV, and telephone access in Seattle and throughout the United States is more expensive, with less data capacity and less consumer choice than in many other countries--and the gap is widening.  Just a few companies control the glass fiber lines needed for better telecommunications, and they are minimizing improvements and maximizing profits while lobbying to keep their monopolies.  What solutions can Seattle seek in Washington, D.C. and Olympia?  What can Seattle do itself to promote more competition and investment?  Join in this roundtable, which will include the latest on Seattle’s agreement with Gigabit² to install ultra-high broadband in 14 demonstration neighborhoods. 

Friends of Battelle/Talaris will brief the group about their nomination to the Seattle Landmarks Board for historic protections of the 18-acre open space site complex between NE 41st and 44th streets, just south of where NE 45th turns in to Sand Point Way in Laurelhurst.  Learn about the process and share your views.

The May 28 meeting will include our monthly Round Robin with the opportunity 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     Why does Seattle (and the U.S.) lack low-cost, high bandwidth internet, TV cable, and telephone choices, and what can be done about it?

8:05     Possible Landmark designation for Battelle/Talaris property

8:40     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.

SEATTLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FEDERATION

Monthly Meeting, Tuesday, April 23, 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

The teen employment crisis:  What is working and what more can be done?

A roundtable of invited speakers, with audience participation

An important part of growing up is the experience of working.  Teen employment teaches work skills, provides valuable mentorship, and introduces youth to possible careers.   Yet openings for teens, including in the summer when they are most needed, are scarce.  Why are teen jobs and rewarding volunteer positions harder to find than in previous generations?  What government and business programs exist to provide teens employment and volunteer opportunities?  What can youth and their parents and schools do to find them a rewarding position?  Please join us as a roundtable of experts (aided by your own questions, experiences, and suggestions) discusses the crisis in teen employment and its solutions. 

The April 23 meeting will also include our monthly Round Robin with the opportunity 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    The teen employment crisis:  What is working and what more can be done?

8:30    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. 

 

SEATTLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FEDERATION

Monthly Meeting, February 26, 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

Comprehensive Plan “transit communities” proposal and other amendments:  what are the neighborhood implications?

featuring Irene Wall, chair of the City Neighborhood Council’s Neighborhood Planning Committee AND Tom Hauger,  DPD Manager of Comprehensive & Regional Planning

Each year, the City Council considers amendments to the Comprehensive Plan.  This year’s amendments (Council Bill 117697) are particularly significant, especially the “transit communities” proposal which could disempower neighborhood plans, promote upzones by definition in areas deemed to have “frequent” transit service, and disadvantage other areas in getting transportation and park funds. 

Irene Wall, member of the Phinney Ridge Community Council, has been leading the critique of these Comp Plan amendments as chair of the City Neighborhood Council’s Neighborhood Planning Committee.  In this timely and important meeting, she will walk us through the amendments and lead a discussion on their implications and what we can do to ensure a good result.  Tom Hauger, DPD’s expert on the issues, will be on hand to answer questions and help guide the discussion.

Also at the February meeting is our monthly Round Robin with the opportunity 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     Comp Plan amendments:  Implications for neighborhoods--and what can be done

8:30     Round Robin of issues and projects in your neighborhood

8:45     Other business

9:00     Adjourn

SCCF (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.

January 2013 Minutes

FED.01.2013.Minutes

SEATTLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FEDERATION

October 27, 2012

Minutes

Meeting called to order at 7:05pm; introductions. Minutes from October were held for completion of motion; to be approved at January meeting.

President’s report: Jeannie Hale asked attendees to forward any suggestions for future meetings. She directed attention to a website: onehouseperlot.com

Speaker: Bill Mills, Senior Land Use Planner for DPD for 22 years. Bill said there were no regulations to speak of prior to the 50's. At that time, 5000 square foot lots were considered single-family home lots. There were some platted lots smaller than 5000 ft.; these exceptions were grandfathered in. In the early 80's, the current code was adopted and other exceptions were added. The City Council's policy at that time was to allow in-fill housing. More restrictions were added in 1988: cannot demolish a house and build two in its place.

There was an increase in researching these platted tax lots to legalize smaller lots. There was not much guidance under the regulations to determine what was a segregated tax lot. A standard front yard was 20 ft and a standard backyard should be 20 ft.

(See attachments of Land Use Code and Summary of exceptions to the land use code.)

Jeannie Hale asked why not have a registry for lots that could be developed? Right now, it is not transparent. She said that Hearing Examiners assume validity on the part of DPD.

Bill answered that there is no presumption of validity in a variance case and mentioned the criteria for variance, including steep slopes, neighborhood and character.

Chris Leman said that meeting family neighborhood needs should involve infill that doesn't clash. Seattle has been known for successful single-family neighborhoods and now developers are working against that. Twice in the last 25 years, there have been attempts to wipe out zoning regulations.

Concerns expressed about height, bulk and scale of new developments in single-family home neighborhoods.

Another concern brought up was that the Parks Opportunity Fund ratings were released with the highest rating for the Aquarium; this fund is supposed to be for neighborhoods.

No motion was made regarding the development concerns as Jeannie asked that we each take the issue back to our community councils and defer any action to January. 

SEATTLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FEDERATION

Monthly Meeting –Tuesday, Jan. 22, 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

Gun Violence:  what should government and citizens do to reduce it?

featuring Beth Flynn, Executive Director of  Washington CeaseFire

Recent mass killings are only a fraction of gun deaths.   In Washington state alone, nearly 6,000 people have been killed by guns in the past decade--more than died in traffic accidents.  On Jan. 16, President Obama unveiled legislative proposals to reduce gun violence, and took many administrative actions toward that end. 

Washington CeaseFire (http://washingtonceasefire.org) is proposing measures to reduce gun violence at the state and local level.  Other states have closed the gun-show loophole, banned the sale of military-style assault weapons, limited handgun sales to one per month, carefully regulated concealed weapon permits, and banned open carrying of guns.  None of those policies apply in Washington state, which ranks among the most loosely regulated states in terms of guns, and has state laws that prevent local governments from addressing gun violence.

Join us at the Jan. 22 meeting in welcoming Beth Flynn, Executive Director of Washington CeaseFire, as we discuss what government and citizens can do to reduce gun violence.  Also included is our monthly Round Robin with the opportunity 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     Gun violence:  What should government and citizens do to reduce it?

8:15     Round Robin of issues and projects in your neighborhood

8:45     Other business

9:00     Adjourn

SCCF (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.