Phinney Council Needs You

We are seeking 3 new board members for PRCC, and our meetings are the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m., open to all, and we invite everyone to come to discuss neighborhood projects, events, needs, politics, give us an educational talk, share ideas and get to know more neighbors.

The PRCC boundaries are Aurora Ave to 8th N.W. and 46th Street to North 75th St. Along with people who live in that area, anyone who owns a business or property within those boundaries is eligible to serve.

We are normally quite informal and consider our primary goal just to be in place, then if something happens in the neighborhood that needs attention or a “community voice” we are able to respond quickly and speak up for our neighborhood early in the planning process.

The minimum involvement as a board member includes attending the monthly meetings and weighing in on the occasional group e-mail. There are opportunities to do more, such as attending meetings or writing letters on PRCC’s behalf, but it is not required.

Our agenda is shaped largely by input from people who attend our meetings – most frequently Phinney Ridge residents who are feeling frustrated by the response, or lack of response, they are getting from the city on a problem that most commonly includes traffic, safety, zoning and land use. PRCC board members often bring agenda items to the meetings based on their experiences or at the request of neighbors. We also get occasional guest speakers such as candidates running for office, city planners hoping to build support for a new or proposed city policy, or those who can help shed light on a complicated issue.

Most often we give advice and help connect neighbors with problems to other neighbors who can, or are willing to help. If we decide to take a side in an issue, we often draft a statement, then send it to the appropriate parties. If there is a neighborhood issue someone wants to deal with, the PRCC is a great way to find other people who might share your views and can help.

The board is a nice group of open-minded people, pretty low key, so all input and all styles of people are welcome and encouraged. We really could use some fresh faces, especially any neighborhood business owners and condo and apartment dwellers as they are currently not represented on the board at all.

Even if people are not interested in serving on the board, we are trying to raise awareness that we are there and really encourage “drop ins” at our meetings.

Diane Duthweiler dduthweiler@comcast.net (206) 782-1420

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Upzoning in Greenwood: How it can impact your home’s value.

Around 35 Greenwood neighbors showed up to the Greenwood Library on Tuesday night to discuss a new zoning proposal for the neighborhood’s urban core. Although the Greenwood Community Council has no power to change zoning on its own, it serves as liaison between Greenwood residents and the City Council. GCC president (and, currently, sole board member — contact him via the GCC website if you’d like to get involved!) Trevor Stanley emphasized the importance of getting input from the neighborhood before talking to City Council members.
The proposed rezoning plan would upzone the entire area around the planned Fred Meyer development project in Greenwood’s urban core, including some single-family houses that border the current Fred Meyer lot. Upzoning would mean taller buildings and more potential to bring new developers to the area, but it would also mean that those single-family dwellings could be replaced by Ballard-style townhouses.

Some neighbors expressed concerns that an upzone could also mean increased property taxes for residents who chose not to sell their lots to developers. Barbara L. Shale, of the King County Tax Advisory Office, addresse the issue by explaining that a jump from single-family to L3 zoning — L3 is the low-rise zone most commonly occupied by clusters of townhomes — wouldn’t increase anyone’s taxes overnight. She said that the value of a house often goes down when the value of the land itself goes up, and that taxes would likely stay about the same until the next physical property inspection of the area, in 2015 or 2016.

Although most of the debate was about the “buffer” of single-family homes, neighbors were also concerned about upzoning the commercial lots at the core of the Fred Meyer development. Proposed changes would allow buildings that currently top out at 40 feet to be raised to 65 feet. Although this is obviously attractive to developers, Stanley made it clear that the Advisory Group behind the zoning proposal was thinking about the future growth of Greenwood, not about Fred Meyer.

Fred Meyer’s plans for a new shopping center don’t actually include or require any zoning changes.
“I’m going to sorely miss Greenwood Market,” Stanley said, “but that’s not something [the GCC] have any control over. That’s not something we’re trying to have control over.”

The neighbors at the meeting felt they hadn’t been given enough time or information to make a decision about the new changes, so they unanimously passed Resolution 2. That resolution opposes the changes “at this time,” and urges the City Council to “demonstrate community support for [future changes] and the notify those impacted by the change.”

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Seattle’s Taproot Theatre Roars back to Life.

Fall in Seattle was a sad season, with the unbelievable realization that an arsonist had destroyed one of the Greenwood / Phinney Ridge most beloved cultural institutions. The arson devestation to neighborhood businesses and the Taproot theatre was both shocking and sobering.

Winter is a new season, and like a sparkling cover of fresh snow, the Taproot Theatre is back…. and with a roar. We visited the Taproot last night for their first show at the newly renovated location. The rejuvenation of the theatre in such a short period is truly incredible to see. The theatre space is new, modern, lively, and filled with the energy of the both the performers and community itself.

In some ways, the previously chosen C.S. Lewis, The Great Divorce represents the community’s own balance between the hell of the fire and the “heaven” that is the amazing performances at this theatre. There was no question that the audience was filled with the love and energy to see the Taproot back in such a beautiful space.

The show kicked off with the producing artistic manager thanking the community for its support, together with the Seattle Fire Department and specifically the team that saved the theatre that fateful October night. The fire is also an important reminder that the theatre’s continued vitality depends on the community’s continuing support. Although donations are great – just as important are the ongoing annual subscriptions to the theatre’s season.

The show itself – The Great Divorce – is not about marriage and divorce. It’s a 1940’s fantasy by the Christian focused author of the Chronicles of Narnia. The proselytizing show begins in a foggy Grey Town where passengers bicker as they await the “bus” to either heaven or hell. Characters in the play dress in either grab grey “ghost” clothing or very brightly colored spirit colors. C.S. Lewis himself is portrayed as a detached 3rd party observer of the scenes, allowing him to comment and participate.

The show was first produced just two years ago by a smaller New York company, and in Seattle just a cast of ten portray over 20 characters. Each scene displays the fight for conversion. Sometimes with husbands and wives – but each is a battle for the souls of the lost. The show’s lighting and the marble-like background changes with each scene to portray the mood.

The Taproot Theatre and the Greenwood community have proven their stamina with the rapid return of this cultural institution and a play that challenges both the intellect and the spiritual agenda. As the Theatre and community consider an expansion of the space into the now vacant area from the fires – the packed house and energy of the show are a strong endorsement to growth. Special deals for younger audience members including the pizza+ theatre special for only $10 are worth a look for students around the Seattle region. The Great Divorce plays the Taproot through February 27, 2010.

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Tree Risk Complaints at the Zoo

As the Woodland Park Zoo expands its West Entry, near Phinney Ave. and 55th St., some Seattle residents are concerned about what the new, improved gate is displacing: trees. The construction project required the removal of 14 trees, according to local arborist and tree advocate Michael Oxman.

Oxman has been keeping an eye on the project, and he’s concerned about the health and safety of the remaining trees. Construction may pose a threat to some of the Zoo’s old trees, and Oxman says he noticed trees that had not been properly fenced and mulched.

He filed a complaint with the City on December 31st, complete with photos of rebar and other construction material stacked against one tree, but he says inspectors didn’t find anything when they visited the site. The complaint is online, but still listed as “not resolved.”

The Zoo says their treatment of the trees has followed the tree protection plan they have in place, , although they did find and move the rebar after Oxman brought it to their attention. The Zoo has an arborist on site to make sure that its trees — some of which are over a century old — are properly cared for.

Although some trees were removed as part of the West Entry construction, Zoo spokesman David Schaefer said that the plans were drawn up with trees in mind. “We actually moved one building to protect a tree, so it didn’t come down,” he said

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Vote for change today. Wacktastic Light Show Greenwood-Phinney

It’s on. The two top homes for holiday lights in Greenwood Phinney are dominating the votes at the annual Wacktastic Light Show contest. Unless you make your voice heard – these homes will battle for the top prize. Check out what they have to offer – and contribute to our country’s democracy.

Awards Party

There will be a party at the Greenwood Collective (8537 Greenwood Avenue North) on December 20th 4p to 8p to honor the residents who won the community poll for favoritest lights!

4-6pm: Food and drink provided by lovely local Greenwood restauranteurs

Hot chai from Morning Glory Chai
a keg o’ beer from Naked City (we’ll have to make sure you’re over 21 for this goody)
… plus an ongoing slide show of entries and (if we’re really, really good) a roving Santa

… plus any donations to the Greenwood Food Bank collected

6-6:45pm: The Christmas musical stylings of band, Green Handshake

7 to 8p: Awards Ceremony and Prizes emceed by Rat City Rollergirl Mascot, Rocketman Houllahan. The results of the community vote revealed! The wackiest store display as determined by Esteemed Wacktastic Judges!

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Couth Buzzard Books – Opening Soon & Volunteers Wanted !!!

The new Couth Buzzard Books Espresso Buono Café (8310 Greenwood Ave. N) is counting down the days to their grand reopening! The tentative debut is now set for December 16th, pending final passage of the Seattle City Health Department Inspection.

In preparation for the big day, Couth Buzzard is actively soliciting volunteer help for sorting and shelving thousands of books. This Saturday and Sunday, (December 12-13) the owners will be hosting all-day work parties, so stop by if you have a chance and lend a hand!

Contact Couth Buzzard directly at 206 436-2960 or call Theo Dzielak (206 418-9522, melodyplay@earthlink.net) for more information.

By: Alicia Craven

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Celebrate the new soccer fields at Woodland Park

Seattle Parks and Recreation, the Green Lake community and sportsfield users are celebrating the renovated Lower Woodland Park fields #2 & #7 on Saturday, December 5, 2009 from 9 – 11 a.m. The event will include a special soccer clinic and games hosted by current Major League Soccer players and professional trainers, and a ribbon cutting ceremony. The fields’ inauguration is co-sponsored by Seattle Youth Soccer Association and Woodland Soccer Club.

The fields now have new green synthetic turf with markings for lacrosse, Ultimate Frisbee and soccer. As one of Mayor Nickels Seattle Jobs Forward projects, these two fields were planned, designed and constructed in less than one year.

“The local sports communities, and especially our youth soccer association, have been working hard for many years to get these fields renovated and into great playing condition,” said Ed D’Alessandro, Executive Director of Seattle Youth Soccer Association. “We are happy with the quick construction time and excited to have them back in play.”
The Seattle voters approved the Parks and Green Spaces Levy in November 2008 and this Levy provided the funding for the renovation. The original Olmsted design included playfields that have been a vital part of Woodland Park throughout its history.

For more information, please contact Parks Project Manager Ted Holden at (206) 684-7201; e-mail ted.holden@seattle.gov.

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Who will have Greenwood’s BEST Holiday Lights?

The Greenwood area hosts an annual holiday light contest and 2009 will be our best ever. This year Wacktastic Light Show is changing a wee bit to increase community participation even more. There will be two contests:

Contest 1: RESIDENCE WACKTASTIC LIGHT DISPLAYS
Folks can enter the contest at the Wacktastic website, and be placed on a map. Then, during the week of Dec. 10th thru 17th, anybody can vote online (once per household) for their favorite display and the top ten will be awarded prizes from esteemed Greenwood-Phinney businesses (i.e. you). We would like the prizes to be gift certificates to ease up our collection time (and backs–and if your business doesn’t have gift certificates, we will gladly supply you with Official Wacktastic Bucks). Then the prizes (and a slide show of all entries) will be presented at the Wacktastic Awards Party on Sunday 12.20.09 at The Greenwood Collective.

Boundaries from Aurora to 8th Ave between 105th and 65th.

Contest 2: RETAIL WACKTASTIC LIGHT DISPLAYS
This is where YOU can let your Wacky Flag Fly and win a free advertising package. Three local celebrity judge will travel from 65th to 105th and Greenwood and choose their top two favorite Business Light Displays that are The Most Wacktastic. Again, prizes will be awarded at the Wacktastic Awards Party, 12.20.09 at the Greenwood Collective.

There is also going to be food donation bins at local pubs Greenwood Pub Association for the Greenwood Food Bank.

Thank you for supporting Greenwood and power to the people! We cannot wait to see what your wacky minds dream up to display!

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Where do you want Greenwood-Phinney’s next park?

There’s a good chance that the Phinney-Greenwood corridor will get a new park in the next few years. The biggest question isn’t whether the neighborhod should get a park, it’s where the park should go. If neighborhood residents have their way, it will be on the northeast corner of 68th and Greenwood. The site was formerly a service station, and will soon become the temporary home of the Greenwood Fire Station. After that, though, it could become a centrally-located park with a great view.

Nearly 70 neighbors got together at the Greenwood Library with representatives from Seattle Parks and Recreation to voice their opinions about which parcel of land the City should buy for the park. The parks levy gave the City about $24 million to spend on new parkland, split between 20 different neighborhoods that were identified as lacking adequate park space, including Phinney Ridge-Greenwood.

The 11,000 square-foot spot at 68th was not the only option on the table. Four other sites were discussed, with varying degrees of enthusiasm.

• Another 11,000 square-foot parcel at 83rd and Greenwood, which is currently a dry cleaner.
• .38 acres on 85th St, across from Fred Meyer. Formerly a Pizza Hut, now a chained-off vacant lot.
• 81st and Greenwood, across the street from the library. Currently home to three businesses.
• 87th and Greenwood, where there’s currently a wall, mid-block, that connects to a large parking lot in the rear of several businesses.

Of these other four sites, only the 81st and Greenwood location received significant support. As the Parks & Rec representatives pointed out, though, the City would prefer to purchase land from a willing buyer, and relocating three different businesses would be difficult.

68th and Greenwood seemed to be the overwhelming favorite because, aside from the fact that it’s not in use right now, it’s halfway between Greenwood and Sandel parks to the north and Woodland Park to the south. It also wouldn’t displace a current business, only a lot that several people described as “blighted.”

There was some concern about cleanup costs, because the site was formerly a gas station, but a neighbor who had looked into the matter told the audience that the underground storage tanks were removed more than a decade ago, and recent environmental assessments said the area isn’t contaminated. The assessed value of the land is just under $1 million, which probably falls within the city’s budget for Phinney-Greenwood parkland.

Parks and Rec stressed that they wanted to have a backup plan, but support for a park on 68th St. was nearly unanimous. There’s no official timeline yet, but the next step involves the City making an offer for the land.

More information about the parks levy is available from City of Seattle Parks, which should be updated as the project moves forward.

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Seattle’s Greenwood Fire Was Arson.

The Greenwood Fire which destroyed four Seattle businesses including the Taproot Theatre was declared an arson by the Seattle Fire Department today. Phinneyridge.org first began our reporting on the potential for arson on Sunday, October 25th, in a photo-essay linking the fire to four other arsons in the Greenwood neighborhood. Our hearts to out to the impacted businesses, particularly the Taproot Theatre. The Taproot Theatre confirmed their commitment to the Greenwood neighborhood in a statement released tonight:

Taproot Theatre Company is brokenhearted to learn that the fire that devastated four of our neighboring businesses and damaged our theatre was reported to have been deliberately set. When Taproot Theatre moved into Greenwood, crime in the neighborhood decreased almost immediately. In the years since, we’ve watched Greenwood blossom into a vibrant community that’s focused on the arts, promoting small businesses and protecting the environment—values that we promote, as well, and that represent the spirit of Seattle. Greenwood deserves to have a top-notch theatre in its midst, and we at Taproot Theatre love this neighborhood and will continue bringing people from across the region to Greenwood for years to come.

Over 100 Seattle firefighters bravely fought the blaze for over two hours to contain the damage and protect surrounding buildings, including the PAWS Cat City shelter for felines. The fire began at approximately 4am in the morning on October 23rd.

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