Monday, February 15, 2016

Residential Parking Zone impacts on Miller Park.

Several people on Nextdoor are concerned that the proposed RPZ expansion south of Madison will have knock-on impacts on our neighborhood, and that we should be working to get such an RPZ ourselves.


  • People interested in that? Chime in via the comments on this blog post
  • Anyone interested in heading up the effort?
  • Anyone interested in being an "Officer" for our neighborhood group. One of our co-chairs has left the neighborhood and the other would certainly like some help.
Some comments I've seen:

(from Nextdoor)

Hello, 
Don't know if anyone else was able to attend the SDOT's meeting on the expansion of Zone 2 parking zone. Basically everything South of Madison will be added to the RPZ. As a resident directly North of Madison, this is not going to be pleasant. We need to present a letter signed by at least 10 different residents from different streets in the Miller Park area. Let me know if you would like to help out. I have asked for a format letter from the SDOT. 
Regards, 


So, for the letter to SDOT, are you proposing adding Miller Park to the expanded Zone 2 or Zone 4 RPZ? I would support that. What boundaries: north of Madison, east of 19th (west of 19th is already Zone 4), west of 23rd, south of Aloha?

Are you looking to include your chunk of the 'hood to one of the RPZ's, or ask that the expansion not happen and both areas remain unzoned?
I support more RPZs or expanding current ones; I do not support fighting the Zone 2 expansion.

(comments to me)


I’m going to try to attend the Feb. 9 RPZ meeting at the Bullitt Center
I also propose convening a Miller Park Neighborhood meeting to discuss, once again, an RPZ in our neighborhood. With the Country Doc expansion (including apartments and no parking), Miller Playfield useage, upcoming Meany construction, and new apartments and businesses on 19th, parking for residents has become more difficult. I’ve even heard that Microsoft employees are parking in the neighborhood and then catching the commuter bus that stops in front of County Doc.

(From a while ago, from a neighbor about Meany School and the RPZ)

I just talked to the Land-Use attorney about Meany's renovation requirements, and because of the scope of the work (no new buildings more then 4000 sq. ft.) they will not be required to do a Type 2 Master Use Permit  (MUP) they may have to do a  Type 1 MUP, but that process doesn't help us. No hearings  or traffic studies required so no official accommodations.  TOPS had to do a Type 2 MUP which is why they had to go through a 90 day hearing process. The attorney is gong to try to find the recorded covenants between TOPS and the Eastlake neighborhood so we can use them as a template for an agreement between us and the school. Perhaps we can get them to agree to these without the MUP hearing process.

Vincent Gonzales, district project manager for Meany's renovation, is asking SDOT if they will do a traffic study of the streets around Meany as part of a collaboration between SDOT and schools having to do with student safety. We were told that Brian Doherty (hope that spelling is correct) is the SDOT liaison to the school district. Beyond the 23rd St. SDOT issues we should be talking to him as well.

It looks to me like the neighborhood is  on its own as far as Residential Parking Zone (RPZ) goes. I just looked up the Capitol HIll RPZ map and there IS at least one route that could easily continue onto our side of 19th.  One rule of the RPZ is that the zone must be at least 10 contiguous blocks which is why we want to modify the existing zone and bring it east across 19th on Mercer. From there we can propose to expand it as far as neighbors want. Certainly at least down and around Meany school.  I'm attaching the web page describing the process. They mention multiple times that it will take at least one year.  We need to add this to our SDOT agenda.  ALso, btw, the Capitol Hill zone is divide into "Area 1" and "Area 2". Area 1 is totally free to residents because it's institutional impact is Group Health. Area 2 residents pay $65./year/car (up to 2 cars), plus $30./year for visitors.  Coming down Mercer will be a continuation of Area 2, but maybe if we can show that we have multiple commercial and institutional impacts we can be  a free zone as well.   We need a neighbor to take this on and see it through which will be a long term commitment (at least one year).

Here is the RPZ web page;

http://shar.es/UoW2q

Seattle Department of Transportation, Residential Parking Zone Program (RPZ), City of Seattle


Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Proposed Residential Parking Zone

I learnt (via Nextdoor) of a proposal for a new Residential Parking Zone (RPZ) in an area between Madison and Union. It's south of our neighborhood, but it's very likely to displace cars from that neighborhood into our neighborhood.

Here's the scoop:

Suggestions of what we might do:
  • Go to the meeting and learn about RPZ's.
  • Have a Miller neighborhood meeting and decide if a RPZ would be good for us.
  • (I'll write soon with thoughts about how we might invigorate our neighborhood group).
  • Please add your thoughts to this message or E-mail them to andrew_taylor@me.com

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Central Area Neighborhood Greenway - 2 Way Update

(received October 12th: apologies for delay in posting. AFT)
Dear Neighbors,

Many of you have written in and I want to begin by thanking you for your organized efforts. We appreciate your feedback regarding the traffic changes planned for 21st Ave E between E Aloha St and E Roy St as well as on 21st Ave E between E Republican St and E John St.

I apologize for the delay in responding, however, after having received so many emails I wanted to ensure that those internal to SDOT were aware of your concerns and that we were able to respond accordingly. That being said, I’d like to start out by clarifying a few key points that may help to ease some of the concerns we’ve heard.

21st Ave E between E Aloha and E Roy Streets
The change on 21st Ave E between E Aloha and E Roy streets is intended to allow for two-way bike traffic on the Central Area Neighborhood Greenway. It will not remove parking and is also not intended to change the current operational movement of vehicles. In order to achieve this we plan to keep the “Do Not Enter” signs currently in place at E Roy St to prevent northbound vehicles from entering, and we will remove the “One Way” sign at E Aloha, so southbound drivers are aware that bicyclists may be coming northbound. Because there are no driveways along this stretch of 21st Avenue E, our expectation is that there should be no northbound vehicle traffic movement.

We have heard your concerns regarding coordination with Holy Names and have had conversations with the school as recently as September. We have done our best to keep them informed and involved in both the route selection and design of the Central Area Neighborhood Greenway. When we met last month and discussed the changes described above, Holy Names administrators and faculty understand that for drivers, the street will continue to operate as it does today.

21st Ave E between E John and E Republican Streets
The traffic change on 21st Ave E between E John St and E Republican St will again not remove any on street parking. The “Do Not Enter” sign and curb bulb at E John Street will remain in place to prevent northbound traffic from entering. In addition and after hearing your concerns, our traffic management team has decided instead of removing the existing “Do Not Enter” sign at E Thomas St, that we will leave the signage and add “except bicycles” to be placed underneath the “Do Not Enter” sign. This will keep vehicular traffic traveling southbound only, as it does today.  In sum, 21st Ave E between E John and E Republican streets will be one-way southbound for vehicles and two-way for bicycles.

We are working with the new Meany Middle School, which shares the greenway goal of reducing vehicle traffic and promoting walking and biking, to incorporate the Greenway design into their traffic operations plan. We are also working with Seattle World School, who currently occupy the Meany site, to relay information about the changes for bikes to faculty, students and staff. 

Thank you again for being in touch. Your feedback helps us make Seattle’s greenways work for everyone. If I’ve missed anyone on this email that you know would be interested in knowing about this project or the topic at hand, your help forwarding this on would be greatly appreciated. Otherwise, please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.

Sincerely,


Maribel Cruz


Maribel Cruz
Sr. Communications Advisor
City of Seattle Department of Transportation
O: 206.684.7963 | F: 206.615.1237 | maribel.cruz@seattle.gov


23rd Ave construction update: Major detour changes begin November 30, Cherry St work this Saturday


Major construction detour changes begin November 30
On Monday, November 30, crews will extend the northbound closure of 23rd Ave from E Cherry St to E Union St (Zone B) as construction progresses north. This means northbound 23rd Ave will be closed from S Jackson St to E Union St with detours to Martin Luther King Jr Way. Southbound traffic will be maintained in Zones A and B. 23rd Ave will remain open to traffic in both directions from E Union St to E John St. Read the latest construction notice for more information, including a map of the upcoming detour configuration.
Schedule update
Crews have made good progress rebuilding 23rd Ave since construction began in June, and the project is on schedule for completion in early 2017. However, the timing and phasing of the northbound detour has changed from original plans and now includes some overlap between Zone A and B. This overlap is needed to keep the overall project on schedule as a result of construction challenges encountered in Zone A with the planned locations for the new trolley poles.
Here is the latest schedule by zone:
Zone A (S Jackson St to E Cherry St)
  • Full northbound detour began June 2015 and is expected through spring 2016
Zone B (E Cherry St to E Union St)
  • Full northbound detour to begin November 30 and continue through summer 2016
Zone C (E Union St to E John St)
  • Early utility work is underway now through January 2016
  • Full northbound detour is anticipated to begin in spring or summer 2016 and extend through early 2017
We know construction can be difficult, and we appreciate your patience as we construct important safety and mobility improvements. For more information about the schedule update, read the new Frequently Asked Questions document on the website.
Intersection closure at E Cherry St November 21
Crews plan to close the E Cherry St and 23rd Ave intersection this Saturday from 7 AM to 10 PM to continue storm drainage and electrical work, though this work is weather dependent. View the detour routes for the intersection closure here. Don’t forget you can enter local access areas to get to businesses and residences near the intersection.
Mark your calendars for our December drop-in session
Tuesday, December 8, 4:30-6:30 PM
Garfield Community Center Multipurpose Room
2323 E Cherry Street, Seattle, WA 98122
Other construction activities
  • Crews will conduct night work near the intersection of E Pike St and 23rd Ave on November 20 – 21 in order to make temporary water main connections. Neighbors should expect construction activities throughout the night and into Saturday morning. This work will coincide with temporary water service interruptions.
  • On November 12, crews closed Garfield High School's southern driveway on 23rd Ave for up to two weeks in order to demolish and pave a nearby section of 23rd Ave. During this closure, school buses are using a temporary load zone on E Alder St between 23rd and 25th avenues. Expect increased bus traffic and travel delays long E Alder St during school pick-up and drop-off times.
  • Crews continue replacing the water main in Zone C. During this work, drivers can travel both north and south on 23rd Ave, though travel is reduced to one lane in each direction.
  • Crews continue to demolish and repave sidewalks from S Jackson St to E Yesler Way on the east and west sides of 23rd Ave. Please use caution and pay attention to sidewalk closures and pedestrian detours.

For more information

Visit: www.seattle.gov/transportation/23rd_Ave.htm
Email: 23rdAveCorridor@seattle.gov
Call the 24-hour project hotline: 206-727-8857

SEEKING CLUES IN THE CASE OF THE MISSING PARK BENCH


Have you seen a green park bench painted "miller park neighborhood"?

A couple of weeks ago, some parents were waiting our usual 5-20 minutes for the elementary school bus to reach its stop at 19th/republican.  We thought about how nice it would be to have a place to sit.  Feeling inspired and neighborly, a park bench was procured and placed in the dirt patch at 19th/republican, by the utility pole.  It was painted "miller park neighborhood".

It disappeared overnight.

The next day it was found along Republican, presumably by mistake/prank, and brought back to 19th/republican where it was secured by a heavy-duty cable & lock.

Within 24 hours, it disappeared again!

There was no evidence of the presumed cut cable, lock, or bench.  I erroneously assumed the adjacent property owner (apartment) was involved, but the manager/owner confirmed no.

Any information leading to recovery of this donated community resource would be much appreciated. It can live somewhere else if needed, I would just like to know where it is and why it was offensive in its prior location.

Thanks!
Stephanie


Thursday, October 15, 2015

How should Seattle grow over the next 20 years?



The Seattle Department of Planning and Development has prepared a Draft Plan and we have some Key Proposals we’d like your feedback on!

Come check out the Key Proposals at one of our upcoming open houses. At the meetings you can learn more about what’s proposed, and chat with staff to share your thoughts and ask questions. We’ll also have information available about the potential expansion of our urban villages, and the City’s proposed Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda.


Open House Dates and Locations


  • October 19, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (presentation at 6:30 p.m.)
  • Miller Community Center (multipurpose room)

  • November 5, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (presentation at 6:30 p.m.)
    Leif Erikson Hall
    2245 NW 57th St. (Google Map)
  • November 7, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.(presentation at 10:00 a.m.)
    Filipino Community Center (ballroom)
    5740 MLK Jr Way S. (Google Map)
  • November 12, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (presentation at 6:30 p.m.)
    Senior Center of West Seattle (Hatten Hall)
    4217 SW Oregon St. (Google Map)
  • November 14, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.(presentation at 10:00 a.m.)
    North Seattle College (Old Cafeteria)
    9600 College Way N. (Google Map)

Can't make it to an open house? No problem. 

You can submit your comments on the Draft Plan through November 20. Here’s how:
  1. Join the Seattle 2035 Online Community Conversation atseattle2035.consider.it and discuss the potential pros and cons of Key Proposals with your fellow Seattleites
  2. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
  3. Send us your comments by November 20, 2015:
    1. Email: 2035@seattle.gov
    2. Mail comments to the City of Seattle Department of Planning and Development, Attn: Seattle 2035, 700 5th Avenue, Suite 2000, PO Box 34019, Seattle WA 98124-4019.
Your feedback will help shape the Mayor's Recommended Plan, which will be sent to City Council in early 2016.

We hope to see you at one of our upcoming open houses. Thank you for taking the time to participate in the Seattle 2035 conversation!

23rd Ave construction update: Cherry intersection work October 17 and 24


E Cherry St intersection closed this Saturday and next
The E Cherry St and 23rd Ave intersection closure this weekend will be Saturday only, from 6 AM to 10 PM. Crews will likely follow the same schedule for next weekend’s work on October 24 as they continue to install storm drainage. Please see the construction flyer for a map of the detour routes, and don’t forget that you can drive or walk into the local access areas to reach homes and businesses near the intersection.
Additional weekend closures will be required for demolition and paving work in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for updates. 
Other construction activities
  • Remember—early utility work in Zone C is scheduled to begin on Monday, October 26. On that date, crews will extend their work area north of E Union St to continue replacing the water main. Crews are currently working on the water main in Zone B, between E Cherry St and E Union St. During this work, drivers can travel both north and south on 23rd Ave, though travel will be reduced to one lane in each direction.
  • Crews are working to demolish and repave sidewalks from S Jackson St to E Yesler Way on the east and west sides of 23rd Ave. Please use caution and pay attention to sidewalk closures and pedestrian detours.

For more information

Visit: www.seattle.gov/transportation/23rd_Ave.htm
Email: 23rdAveCorridor@seattle.gov
Call the 24-hour project hotline: 206-727-8857