No, parking is not restricted on Stay Healthy Streets

| Sunrise Heights | Transportation | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(34th SW, looking south from SW Webster)

Though their long-term future isn’t finalized yet, West Seattle still has three stretches of what the city calls “Stay Healthy Streets” – High Point/Sunrise Heights (map), Puget Ridge/Highland Park (map), and Alki Point (map; also known as a “Keep Moving Street” due to its park proximity). When these and others were launched citywide 11 months ago, SDOT explained them as streets closed to through traffic, to increase the chances people could walk, roll, or ride while safely distancing. The chosen routes were also chosen as convenient to neighborhood businesses. What the city did not do was restrict parking. But somebody along one of the original SHS stretches seems to think otherwise, leaving notes such as this one on parked cars:

The photo was sent by Nicholas Marianetti of nearby Best of Hands Barrelhouse, who posted in the WSB Community Forums about the “annoying note-leaver” almost six months ago, then emailed us this week to say it’s still happening. He and patrons of his business at 35th and Webster, one block west of the SHS, have received them. The note-leaver contends that Stay Healthy Streets is off-limits to “apartments, businesses, bus-takers.” That would be contrary to city policy that street parking is open to everyone, not just nearby residents. And SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson verified to WSB today that the note-taker’s contention is wrong;

Stay Healthy Streets are not restricted to residential parking only. Like any residential street, cut-thru traffic is discouraged but local access is allowed. Local access includes people who live or work on the street, are visiting people or local businesses, deliveries, waste pickup and emergency vehicles.

Marianetti says, “I don’t mind if someone wants to waste their time & resources doing this, but I am concerned that it can be harmful to my business as well as other local businesses by scaring potential customers away from being able to park, especially with all the construction currently going on. And as I mentioned before, I find these notes strewn about the street, sometimes in plastic baggies, causing more litter.” 35th/Webster has more than half a dozen businesses, occupying all four corners.

AMD March 5, 2021 (7:13 pm)

Wow, what a jerk. People who live in apartments ARE residents of the neighborhood. Hopefully it’s obvious that the notes aren’t written by anyone with an official capacity and people aren’t deterred by them. And hopefully whoever is writing them either realizes the environmental impact of their new hobby and stops, or maybe uses this time finding a place to live with adequate street parking so they don’t need to worry so much about how other people are storing their cars.

John Smith March 6, 2021 (12:09 am)

AMD, people are not supposed to be “storing” their cars on Seattle streets. That’s why there is a 72 hour parking limit. The 72 hour parking limit is currently not being enforced, but that’s in case someone is living in the car. The limit used to be 24 hours; I think the 24 hour limit was changed to 72 hours years (maybe decades) ago.
- AMD March 6, 2021 (6:14 am)
  
  If I store my belongings in a locker at the gym while I work out for an hour, that’s still storage. I did intend to say I hope the note-writer can find a home with adequate OFF-street parking so they don’t need to worry. Didn’t catch that mistake in time and I realize it changes what I said entirely.
Bob Neel March 6, 2021 (5:31 am)

I’m familiar with this person, who lives in the Hillcrest Apts. on 35th. Hillcrest was built long enough ago to have ample off-street, underground parking for all its residents. Sadly, they charge extra for parking privilege so many don’t pay and flood the local streets with their parked cars, clogging on-street parking for local residents. The garage is rarely more than half full (as reported by the manager). Presence of ample long-term vehicle storage isn’t the problem. Its economic model is.
- Matt P March 6, 2021 (11:02 am)
  
  This is why apartments should not be allowed to charge for parking in Seattle. It should be baked into the rent automatically. Every apartment gets X number of spots and then they can horse trade amongst themselves if they don’t need them. Empty garages at apartments is a huge waste of resources in a very resource limited city.
- chemist March 6, 2021 (12:34 pm)
  
  The city actually changed city laws around rentals to prohibit “bundling” of rent with automobile parking. If the rental places haven’t properly priced the convenience of parking in that area you end up with unused off street parking spaces (which were still constructed so they’re already a sunk cost baked into the property’s mortgage). The city council also mandated bike parking rooms that accommodate parking at multi-family residences at 1:1 with new constructed units, but I don’t think they required bike parking not be bundled with the lease.
- Ws prayers March 10, 2021 (8:44 am)
  
  I recently received one of those letters and posted it on the West Seattle connection Facebook group I found to be very offensive really thought the person was a home owner who was patroling parking on her street-its so funny to learn that the person leaving these notes actually lives in the same apartment building I do the parking in our garage is ridiculous it’s very very small spaces plus the extra charge to park there is ridiculous I had stopped parking in the garage due to the stress of getting my car in and out of such a small narrow space beteen car next to me and cement pole combined with the fob they gave me open the garage door never wanted to work plus just to have to pay more money to park there it was more stressful but then I got the note on my car I made a decision just to park in the garage now I find out the person actually lives in my apartment building wow just wow
Complimentary close March 6, 2021 (9:58 am)

Ouch. Maybe they aren’t a jerk so much as perhaps an elder who is confused by the SHS rules, and is concerned for those who are wanting to utilize the street for exercise and recreation, as it’s currently intended. Maybe they got it wrong, but I can see that, if a lot of cars are coming and going and parking on this street, it might be impeding on it’s SHS usage, which is why they may be concerned and speaking up.

Seattlescofflaws March 5, 2021 (7:34 pm)

Take that note leaving energy and apply it to where it is actually needed. Leave notes on the windshields of all the scofflaws with out-of-state tags committing licensing fraud by not registering their vehicles indicating you are going to report them to WSP.

Brian March 5, 2021 (11:31 pm)

This is a terrible idea what is the matter with you?
- John Smith March 6, 2021 (12:01 am)
  
  Brian, it’s a fairness thing. Taxpayers report 30+ day out-of-state plates because WA taxpayers have to pay for their tabs and think people who moved here more than 30 days ago should also have to pay for tabs/plates. It’s the law, after all.
  - Mp March 6, 2021 (9:28 am)
    
    Unless that person is active duty military in which case they are well within their rights to keep their car registered in their home state.
  - alki_2008 March 6, 2021 (2:08 pm)
    
    30+ days if they are permanently moving to WA, but some people live here only a few months of the year. It’s one thing to have out-of-state tabs that are active, and another to have them if they are expired.
spooled March 6, 2021 (8:47 am)

For over a year I have reported a car nearby still getting away with 2019 california plates. SPD has no resources and State Patrol takes no action. We’re on our own.
- Pessoa March 6, 2021 (7:24 pm)
  
  I moved up from Los Angeles during the pandemic and “skated” for three months. Make sure you have your BP medicine handy when you read this.

Blbl March 5, 2021 (7:44 pm)

This is exactly why the SHS are a terrible idea. The streets are for everyone, including, even especially (gasp), cars.

Darius March 5, 2021 (9:15 pm)

I don’t follow your logic. How is this an example of how Stay Healthy Streets are a terrible idea? The idea is to open up non arterials for pedestrians, bikers, and neighbors, and generally reduce the enormous footprint of property dedicated solely to cars in this city.

But I do concur that this note writer is a huge jerk.
- Blbl March 5, 2021 (10:04 pm)
  
  No, it opens up the streets to the entitled homeowners who want to walk down “their” street without having to deal with the riff raff of “others” parking on the their streets. Obviously I’m not the only one who thinks this.
  - Darius March 6, 2021 (5:53 am)
    
    Stay Healthy Streets have absolutely nothing to do with parking, local or otherwise, and are open to all. A huge portion of High Point is LR1+ or Seattle Housing Authority controlled. If you think it’s full of haughty, rich homeowners, you’re gravely mistaken.
  - KM March 6, 2021 (7:47 am)
    
    People do this crap regardless if there is a SHS or not. I cannot believe the amount of people who think that it is rude for people to park on a public street in front of their house, or get concerned about a car they don’t “know” on their block. I think is a favorite past time of some of the older members of my family—handwringing and stressing about who is legally parked in front of their homes.
  - Elle Nell March 6, 2021 (9:03 am)
    
    I disagree. I live 1 block away and I totally think this was a jerk move BUT the closed streets are great for ALL the folks out walking that have to detour to social distance. It’s a no brainer and very simple.
  - Elle Nell March 6, 2021 (9:07 am)
    
    I disagree. I live 1 block away and I totally think this was a jerk move BUT the closed streets are great for ALL the folks out walking that have to detour to social distance. It’s a no brainer and very simple. Cars and folks and dogs and things
  - Complimentary close March 6, 2021 (10:05 am)
    
    Maybe if you got out and enjoyed one of these stay healthy streets regularly and with how it’s intended, you’d have a more positive understanding. But if you just don’t want to, don’t begrudge others their opportunity.
  - nonni March 7, 2021 (11:41 am)
    
    Come take the barricades and stick ’em by your house, if you are so envious of our “entitlement”. I never asked for them, the city did not consult the people who actually live here, and the ugly signs are routinely made uglier by graffiti and accumulating piles of debris.

RenterCansReads March 5, 2021 (8:21 pm)

This is truly offensive. Already neighbors treat apartment dwellers & renters like second-class citizens. What this person should take into account is that the number of renters actually outnumbers owners in Seattle now and some of us can actually read our local laws. SHS have been so poorly established and managed it just emboldens people like this looking down their noses at the “peasants.”

bolo March 6, 2021 (10:45 am)

RenterCansReads, how do you know the note writer is not an apartment dweller or renter?

Jeff March 5, 2021 (8:25 pm)

My wife and I just got one of these the other day, while enjoying an afternoon beer in the sun at Best of Hands. We laughed about it and commented on how miserable the person who left it must be, to spend their energy on such a thing.

nicholasa March 5, 2021 (8:57 pm)

Yes, what the note leavers are doing is very obnoxious and willfully misinformed (as well as causing a mess). As if the small businesses in the neighborhood haven’t had enough to contend with this past year. When I posted in the forums I cited a link to SDOT’s page outlining the rules. Thank you Tracy & WSB for the assist!

CarDriver March 5, 2021 (8:58 pm)

seattlescofflaws. Off this subject but to let you know i sent WSP license numbers of my local out of staters(all with expired tabs too). Sent 3 times over 3 months. It’s been a year-no action.

Brian March 5, 2021 (11:33 pm)

Reporting out of state cars to the police is something a literal sociopath would do.
- Jort March 6, 2021 (12:40 am)
  
  Sociopath! Whoa! Majorly charged word choice there, my friend! So you think it’s better for somebody to choose to break the law and deliberately and brazenly refuse to register their car in Washington, than report such antisocial, illegal behavior to the police? People say I am over the top when I mention “car brain disease” but here, again, we see another example! I sure hope YOUR car is registered in state, Brian, because if it isn’t, I am reporting your criminal behavior to the police and you can deal with it in the justice system, where it belongs!
  - Rick March 6, 2021 (8:07 am)
    
    Well then Mr Jort. Maybe we should leave decision and choice making for everything to you since you’re superior and all knowing in all matters. Maybe you should be shadowed 24/7 and all infractions, now matter how minor reported and immediate police actions will be demanded. Don’t spit on the sidewalk. You’d be surprised of a lot of laws that are actually still on the books.We’re all entitled to our opinions but some really tire me.
  - spooled March 6, 2021 (8:55 am)
    
    Woah, in a rare case, I agree with Jort here. Nothing wrong with reporting expired tabs or cheaters loitering on their out of state plates forever. Too bad this too goes unenforced like a lot of things in this city.
    - Mp March 6, 2021 (10:01 am)
      
      Again, not all people with out of state plates are “cheaters”. This is why everyone should just mind their own business and worry less about other people’s license plates. Aren’t there way bigger issues in Seattle than where someone’s car is registered? This is passive aggressive BS.
    - J March 8, 2021 (2:28 pm)
      
      On a related note, am I the only one that gets frustrated with the number of tinted out license plate covers people are sporting around here? People only get those so they can avoid paying tolls, right? Another common one is the empty bike rack completely obstructing the plate. Just more evidence that honor is dead and people often just take as much as they can with no mind for fairness.
  - Mp March 6, 2021 (10:05 am)
    
    Jort, I typically agree with what you post here. I have to point out to you that not everyone with out of state plates is “brazenly refusing” to register in Wa. Active duty military has the right to maintain their car registration in their home of record. If this issue is so concerning, perhaps a neighborly conversation with the car’s owner/driver could clear up any issues. There’s no need to go around all willy nilly reporting out of state plates.
- Seattleacofflaws March 6, 2021 (6:52 am)
  
  No Brian it is holding people accountable. A few years ago my neighbor was involved in a hit and run. Eventually he was found a few blocks away. Guy that hit him had expired out of state tags so old that the issue my state (Ohio) had no record of them. Had he gotten away, there would have been no way to track him down.
- JaxS March 7, 2021 (1:53 am)
  
  I don’t know if they are sociopaths, but they clearly have too much time on their hands and need a constructive hobby. “Reporting” fellow residents is something that happens in fascist states.
John Smith March 5, 2021 (11:47 pm)

CarDriver, AFAIK, WSP needs the address where the person with out-of-state plates (30 days of being in-state requires a WA plate) resides. SPD Parking Enforcement can “write a ticket” (they have a handheld gadget that prints the citation) for SMC 11.72.145 (Expired or improper license plates) https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT11VETR_SUBTITLE_ITRCO_PT7STSTPALO_CH11.72STSTPARE_11.72.145EXIMLIPL Minimum infraction fee is $47, which should at least get the attention of car tabs tax evader(s) such that he/she/they at least park(s) elsewhere.
- NotOnHolden March 6, 2021 (1:57 pm)
  
  All of you doing this are absolutely horrible. You really don’t know the situation of folks that are either out of state or expired. You are most likely going to cause financial harm to folks who can least afford it.
  - Seattlescofflaws March 6, 2021 (7:10 pm)
    
    It’s the law, period. If they are active duty military or a full time student in WA (other exemption) then they have nothing to worry about it. Most of the cars I’ve reported are nice, so I’m not too worried about someone who drives a $50K car.
    - NotOnHolden March 7, 2021 (8:31 am)
      
      Again, you really don’t know what people are dealing with and you should stop doing. I’m not going to argue this with you, it’s just wrong what you are doing. There are much more important things to focus on than creating financial issues for folks. It’s not your job, how would you feel if your neighbors came in and scrutinized every facet of your existence looking for a wrong to report and penalize you for? What kind of neighbor does this? You don’t think of them as your neighbors, you’ve othered them.
    - Seattlescofflaws March 7, 2021 (12:14 pm)
      
      No let us please argue about this. I see it as me doing these freeloaders a favor. The monetary penalty for getting caught doing this is $1500; much not than cheaply registering your car here.
    - flimflam March 7, 2021 (8:52 am)
      
      Yeah, my old neighbor had her Maryland plates on her car for over a year – she was definitely not military. Most people doing this are just avoiding paying…

flimflam March 5, 2021 (8:58 pm)

these street closures have been a strange experiment with public rights-of-way. this note writer is clearly in he wrong. the neat cursive is pretty telling in my opinion…

We Saw This Coming March 5, 2021 (9:16 pm)

Note leaver thinks their Stay Healthy Street is now a gated community. I’m a neighbor. Perhaps I’ll be using this street for through traffic now instead of 35th. 🤷‍♀️If I was SDOT, I’d revoke their SHS because it’s being abused.

Darius March 5, 2021 (10:38 pm)

How is that productive? Do you think the Stay Healthy Street engendered this exclusivity in this guy? Public space is public space, and too much of it is dedicated to cars already, but to exclude neighbors and visitors, whoever wrote this note needs to move to an HOA in the suburbs. They don’t represent the spirit of the neighborhood or of the SHSs

trickycoolj March 5, 2021 (9:32 pm)

No offense but based on the handwriting style this person is likely retired with too much time on their hands. No one under 50 learned this style of cursive.

1994 March 5, 2021 (10:12 pm)

Hee-hee, good one about the cursive writing. How about the PKing abbreivation on the top line? Creative.
StopLeavingNotes March 6, 2021 (12:02 am)

Seriously, no one under 85 learned this style of cursive. It’s very much like the writing in the birthday cards from my grandmother and great aunt and they were born in 1907 and 1910. I would guess this is a person who should just be glad to be still living in their own home. It’s sad that this is how they’re spending their final years.
- Complimentary close March 6, 2021 (10:13 am)
  
  If you believe this person is an elder of 85+, how incredibly disrespectful and unkind your comments are.
  
  Stop writing unkind comments.
uncle loco March 6, 2021 (6:04 am)

The lack of spelling errors makes me think you are correct.
- Sixbuck March 6, 2021 (6:39 pm)
  
  Haha!!! Good one, Loco!
learnedcursive March 6, 2021 (3:38 pm)

trickycoolj, I am 53, I learned that style of writing, and I am a long way from retiring. Do you actually think people retire at 50? And stopleavingnotes, your a very misguided individual. Based on your comments, I would assume your parents probably had the read the note to you so you could understand it. See, ageism is mean, isn’t it?

CJ March 5, 2021 (10:43 pm)

Karen….

Karen W March 7, 2021 (10:28 am)

Please stop doing this.

Jort March 5, 2021 (11:54 pm)

Not a problem for me as I always walk or bike to drink delicious Best of Hands beers, the tastiest and best beer brewed in West Seattle! It tastes great whether you choose to drive a car or not!

John March 6, 2021 (8:44 am)

It’s probably a good thing that you aren’t driving after you drink your favorite beer.When did you start doing “celebrity endorsements”I must have missed something.
skeeter March 8, 2021 (4:01 pm)

Finally we have a commercial endorsement from Jort. I’ll be visiting Best of Hands more often know that I know Jort likes this business. Jort, if I ever figure out who you are I’m gonna treat you to a beer. You’re an inspiration!

Sally March 6, 2021 (7:39 am)

Great maybe some of you people who have made comments should order a workbook from Amazon and learn to cursive write during the Covid pandemic instead of typing on your IPad and send your mom a nice letter in the mail using old fashioned cursive writing.

wseaturtle March 6, 2021 (9:12 am)

What a cute note. Courteous too. Probably an older person concerned about their street. Even though misinformed about the law, the intent was probably good. Not a “jerk”. I wish my writing were that nice.

AMD March 6, 2021 (9:51 am)

Yeah, the underlining for emphasis on “residents” and “no parking” doesn’t look at all like some well-intentioned person letting people know what they think the law is. Saying parking is for residents and then being really specific that it’s not for apartments is a jerk move no matter what the contents of the rest of the letter, or what they chose to emphasize. People who live in apartments are residents of the neighborhood too. Classism is not “concern” or “good intentions.”
- Complimentary close March 6, 2021 (10:35 am)
  
  Another commenter mentioned they know her and she lives in an apartment building. So, the negative assumption that she is classist towards renters, wouldn’t seem to be accurate.
Beth March 6, 2021 (10:00 am)

Nothing about the note is cute. It is in fact, rude, inaccurate and a waste of time if people are finding these letters strewn about the street.

R2 March 6, 2021 (10:18 am)

What a coincidence! I just paid a visit to Best of Hands for the first time the day before. I circled the blocks a few times without any luck before I realized I could actually park on the blocked off street. As I was parking, a person walking their dog stopped in their tracks, and watched me intently the entire time. They were still standing there watching me as I walked away. I offered a friendly greeting, but got a chilly response. Although I was pretty sure I could legally park there, I most definitely did not feel welcome on that particular block.I was only there for a half hour at most, and didn’t find any note on my car, but it definitely makes me wonder how many potential customers get discouraged and leave.

bolo March 6, 2021 (10:40 am)

LOOK at that penmanship! They don’t teach that in school anymore.

jack March 6, 2021 (10:55 am)

“Stay Healthy Streets are not restricted to residential parking only. Like any residential street, cut-thru traffic is discouraged but local access is allowed. Local access includes people who live or work on the street, are visiting people or local businesses, deliveries, waste pickup and emergency vehicles.”
With nothing really restricted, just discouraged, I can’t help but wonder what’s the point of Stay Healthy Streets. If the street is basically open like any other then it’s not a place play in.

Rick March 6, 2021 (11:35 am)

Gladys Kravitz lives!

waikikigirl March 6, 2021 (6:15 pm)

Rick…LOL!!!!!

cloudyglasses March 6, 2021 (11:37 am)

I am going to print this article and drop them in their mailboxes….a neighborly message for them that they don’t have that ” privilege'”

rme March 6, 2021 (12:03 pm)

Uhhh be careful, it’s illegal to put things in mailboxes if you’re not a mail carrier.
- alki_2008 March 6, 2021 (2:20 pm)
  
  A commenter above said the note-leaver is a resident of Hillcrest Apts, so another resident could post a sign at the mailbox bank (not necessarily inside a specific mailbox). My property manager sometimes slides notices into residents’ mailboxes. I didn’t know that was illegal.

Winniegirl March 6, 2021 (12:10 pm)

This is one of my main problems for this program. The signage indicates that streets are closed and they are not. If the signs said local access only it would be more accurate. I see this as a precursor to more contentious interactions about who belongs where. Apartment dwellers don’t belong? What’s next? Young men in hoodies who look “out of place”? I’m always nervous when driving to my cousin’s house who lives on one of these streets that some neighborhood watch type is going to challenge me and tell me I shouldn’t be there. Who gets to decide who belongs in the neighborhood? These street belong to everyone.

simple March 6, 2021 (12:22 pm)

I find the discussion about cursive writing and penmanship as the most interesting part of this. I’m a 53 year old apartment dweller. I enjoy writing with pen and ink, journaling, the flow of words onto the page, I take a certain satisfaction when a capital R is especially nice :). I’ve noticed my penmanship is not what it used to be. Penmanship starts to go for some people as they get older. It never occurred to me that someone may make judgements about me, my ideas, based on my handwriting.

YouDontGnomeMe March 8, 2021 (3:44 pm)

As a person with terrible penmanship, I can absolutely assure you that people judge you based on your handwriting.

Zipda March 6, 2021 (5:24 pm)

Someone has way too much time on their hands it seems

Peter March 6, 2021 (5:28 pm)

Sadly, Seattleites leaving rude notes on cars parked on “their” street is nothing new. Some are ignorant, some are jerks, and some are intentionally trying to claim the public right of way as their personal property.

SLQ March 7, 2021 (10:38 pm)

Yes. Several years ago, I received periodic notes on my car. These people somehow knew that I was renting a mother-in-law apartment in a north Seattle neighborhood of single family homes. The note-leaver complained that I was taking up one of “their” spaces in front of “their” home. It was aggravating to be cast as a lower class of citizen. But I ignored the notes because it was public street parking. Imagine the horrible inconvenience of these entitled people having to park in front of their next-door neighbor’s house instead of directly in front of their house, in their driveway, or (gasp!) in their garage that they use for storing stuff other than their car(s). So, yes. Nothing new.

ProudPugetRidger March 8, 2021 (12:47 pm)

The note writer is correct, technically. The rules specify specifically (examples of) who can drive on those streets, thus getting to the parking site is illegal. Otherwise, per the written rules…”only drive on these Safe Healthy Streets ‘if your destination is on it’ “.One unfortunate impact of the SHS program is the increase of traffic, as well as scarcity of parking, on neighboring streets. It’s not very often that WSB is incorrect. Tracy, if you have a source that specifically addresses some sort of an exception to the drive restrictions related to parking, please share.Per City of Seattle’s SDOT website: https://sdotblog.seattle.gov/2020/04/16/announcing-stay-healthy-streets/People with destinations along Stay Healthy Streets – like residents, essential workers, emergency service providers, delivery providers, and garbage and recycling collectors will continue to have vehicle access.

Be predictable 

Only drive on Safe Healthy Streets if your destination is on it

Stay alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road 

Make eye contact with people walking, biking and driving as they approach to make sure you are seen 