West Seattle, Washington
21 Saturday
Just posted on the new SPD Blotter site: A 17-year-old girl told police a 19-year-old “male acquaintance” had sexually assaulted her in his home in the 5900 block of High Point Drive SW (map) on Monday; she called police the next day, and they arrested the suspect for investigation of rape. (Reminder, the latest entries from SPD Blotter’s Southwest Precinct page are automatically posted on the WSB Crime Watch page.)
A follow-up to last week’s pedestrian-safety rally at 35th/Juneau in High Point (WSB coverage here and here): One of the organizers, Denise Sharify from Neighborhood House, got word from SDOT about results of extra police patrols on 35th that day (photo above) and the following two days: 30 tickets were issued during the 10/7 rally, and 61 more – 45 of them for speeding – on 10/8 and 10/9, by four officers working 35th between Willow and Juneau, with the top ticketed speed listed as 55 in a 35 zone. As the precinct has reminded us before, this is a regular spot for patrols, too.
Every little detail of the development process may not be your cup of tea; we chronicle it so the information’s there when you do want to find it (you never know when one of those big city signs might go up in your ‘hood). As you may know, for big projects in our city, the Design Review stage of the process is often the only time there’s a public meeting about a project (usually at least two) where you can show up and have a say. Each area of the city has its own board; the Southwest Design Review Board looks at West Seattle projects, usually the second and fourth Thursdays of the month, if there are projects requiring review (no meeting if there aren’t; this is usually decided several weeks in advance, and you can watch this page for word of upcoming meetings). Next SWDRB meeting is October 23rd at Madison Middle School, with 4106 Delridge reviewed at 6:30 pm, The Kenney‘s “reinvention” project (previous WSB coverage here and here) reviewed at 8 pm. Following up on the SWDRB’s last meeting this past Thursday, we have two things to report: first, details on a prominent board member’s hiatus; second, details on what led up to the decision to advance the 35th/Graham High Point project on to the next stage. Read on!Read More
(Originally posted at WSB backup site) Short version just so we can get you the headline while we deal with tonight’s technical trouble: The 35th/Graham mixed-use project (see the presentation here) is advancing out of “early design guidance” after its second EDG meeting, tonight at Hiawatha Community Center, but not without a whole lot of suggestions by Southwest Design Review Board members, who all but redesigned it during an extensive session that sent tonight’s meeting into overtime. Lots of public comment tonight, too, though it mostly focused on pedestrian concerns and hopes/dreams for the project’s retail spaces, remarks targeted more at the developers and managers who were in attendance than the design reviewers looking at the project’s looks. More later.
Lots happening today/tonight, per the WSB West Seattle Events calendar – here are two highlights: A record 43 venues all over West Seattle (here’s the map) are joining in tonight’s monthly WS Art Walk, 6-9 pm, listed here (participants include WSB sponsors Hotwire Coffee, Dream Dinners, M3 Bodyworks, Seattle Wellness Programs, Skylark Cafe & Club, and Click! Design That Fits, where as we mentioned Tuesday, you’ll find the photography of Karen Derby). Also tonight: The second Southwest Design Review Board public meeting for the 35th/Graham mixed-use project (presentation previewable online here), 6:30 pm, Hiawatha Community Center.
Want to help organize an “Eat Local Now!” dinner to raise awareness and $? Tonight, you are invited to join the first organizing meeting for what will be the first such dinner in West Seattle. Read on:Read More
Three hours after the safety rally at 35th/Juneau ended, a minor car accident tonight briefly blocked part of 35th at the exact same spot. No major injuries, and it cleared fairly quickly – police were pulling away as we pulled up, so the image at left is all we could get – but it underscored what neighbors like Lynda Bui told us at the rally — this is a spot with frequent problems, and they’re pretty sure they know why:
(VIDEO CLIP NO LONGER AVAILABLE)
The rally wasn’t just about that spot on 35th, but the speeding (and other) problems that have earned it the nickname “I-35.” Organizers chose this spot because it’s where a crash injured a High Point teenager last month. The city didn’t let today’s rally go unanswered. In fact, we got e-mail from SDOT communications director Rick Sheridan hours earlier, noting that city reps had met with organizers ahead of time and that the two groups “had a very positive discussion about making 35th Avenue SW a better corridor for all. As noted in our handout, drivers can help this effort by obeying the speed limit and being more aware of pedestrians.” More on that handout – a city-prepared document – plus organizers’ reaction and other followup, ahead:Read More
This Thursday night, the High Point mixed-use proposal at 35th/Graham — officially, 3420 SW Graham (map) — comes back before the Southwest Design Review Board, which voiced major concerns in August about the first design proposal and asked for a second round of “early design guidance.” Tonight, you can preview the presentation that will be given to the board on Thursday, because the city has posted it on the Design Review website (download the 43-page PDF here). Thursday’s meeting is at 6:30 pm at Hiawatha Community Center.
Not only were concerned residents out along 35th at Juneau for this afternoon’s rally — so were representatives of organizations including the High Point Neighborhood Association, Neighborhood House, Providence’s Elizabeth House, and Safe Futures, including these young participants:
A major city contingent was on hand too: SDOT reps including communications director Rick Sheridan, and Seattle Police including Community Police Team Officer Kevin McDaniel:
A radar-wielding motorcycle officer was stationed on the west side of 35th as well:
On the east side, just north of the rally site, there was an SPD cruiser with radar-equipped speed readout on the east side. SDOT reps actually met with organizers including Neighborhood House’s Denise Sharify yesterday to talk about what has been done on the street and what they plan to do next, and Sharify tells WSB she’s “very optimistic.” We’ll post another report later with video as well as details of what the city says it will do. Meantime, you’ll likely see something about this on tonight’s TV news, as we counted at least three photojournalists at various times during the hourlong rally.
Highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar (besides this of course being the night of Presidential Debate #2):
PEDESTRIAN-SAFETY RALLY: As first mentioned in this report, everyone concerned about safety on West Seattle streets is invited to join a rally 3-4 pm today at 35th/Juneau in High Point (map) – that’s the intersection where a 15-year-old girl was hit last month.
SCOUTING: Another local Cub Scout pack is signing up new members tonight – the sign-up meeting for Cub Scout Pack 799 is at 7 pm tonight, Arbor Heights Elementary lunchroom. Boys 1st-5th grade are invited.
DENNY/SEALTH PROJECT DEPARTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE: As mentioned in our report from last night, this group is reviewing the request for zoning “departures” required by the Denny/Sealth combined-campus proposal – less parking, more height. The public’s invited to tonight’s meeting, 7 pm at the Denny cafeteria (more info here).
(WSB photo from 35th/Juneau crash scene, 9/4/08)
Just in from Denise Sharify, who works for Neighborhood House in High Point and has been active on area pedestrian issues: A pedestrian-safety rally is set for 2:30-4 pm October 7 at 35th/Juneau, where a High Point 15-year-old was hit and injured just a few weeks ago. Everyone concerned about pedestrian safety in our area – not just on 35th – is encouraged to join in; Denise’s note to community members also mentions the California/Dawson crash that killed 92-year-old Rosemary MacCorkindale yesterday and the 35th/Brandon crash that killed 39-year-old Gregory Hampel last month. More details on the rally when plans are further finalized.
OK, who said retirement means shuffleboard? We found that pool table upstairs from the great room that was headquartered for today’s grand-opening party at the newest retirement community in West Seattle, Bridge Park (WSB sponsor). Guests of honor at the party — Bridge Park’s first residents:
Highlights from today’s event, ahead:Read More
The centerpiece of tonight’s High Point Neighborhood Association meeting was a presentation about Somali/East African culture – including Gurey Faarah (pictured) talking to attendees. Non-Somali speakers on hand got a bit of a language lesson too (sample, from a handout distributed tonight: “Nabad miyaa” means “how are you?” – literally “are you at peace?”). All this, under a peaceful moonrise (which we photographed near the meeting scene at the Commons Park Amphitheater):
High Point doesn’t currently have a venue in the West Seattle Second Thursday Art Walk, but almost everywhere else in West Seattle does, from Delridge to Alki to The Junction and beyond. WSB video cam #1 (celebrating its first anniversary tonight!) was along for the ride at Twilight Art Collective, where Grayface (Christopher Hydinger on keyboards, and Space) played:
Then we strolled up the street for a look at art we thought WSB dog fans might enjoy – canine portraits at Clementine by Janet Wold:
Next West Seattle Art Walk is October 9th.
One of our newest sponsors is throwing a party this weekend, and as we welcome them to WSB sponsorship, they’re welcoming you to a party: Sunday marks the grand-opening celebration for Bridge Park, the new retirement community offering “gracious retirement living” in High Point, at 3204 SW Morgan (map). Here’s what Bridge Park‘s management wants you to know: Bridge Park is a new 156-unit independent living retirement community managed by Holiday Retirement of Salem, OR, the nation’s leading provider of independent senior housing. “We are very excited about providing outstanding senior housing in West Seattle’s newly redeveloped High Point community,” says Ray Harris; he and wife Kathy make up one of two on-site management teams. “Bridge Park will be a major part of the senior community by providing a vast array of social events and activities for all seniors to enjoy.” One of Bridge Park‘s special features is that it’s pet-friendly — pets are very much welcome, and NO deposits are required for residents who have pets. We talked on video with one of Bridge Park‘s first residents, Claudia Enlow, who has two dogs and a cat:
Bridge Park says its other community amenities — besides pet-friendliness — include live-in management teams, three meals chef-prepared for scratch daily, weekly housecleaning and linen service, scheduled local transportation and diverse activities, special events, and volunteer opportunities. One more note: Suites are available on a month-to-month rental basis, with no long-term leases involved. You can get an up-close look during the grand-opening event on Sunday — guided tours will be offered, along with door-prize drawings, refreshments, and live entertainment; festivities are scheduled to run from 11 am to 5 pm Sunday, with the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1:30 pm. Bridge Park‘s phone number is 206/938-6394. You can see the full lineup of current WSB sponsors here, along with information on how to join them!
From Denise Sharify, who works for Neighborhood House in High Point and has long been an advocate for pedestrian-safety improvements in the area, we get word that the 15-year-old HP girl hit by an SUV at 35th/Juneau on Thursday is out of the hospital. Denise says, “It is a miracle she seems to be okay with a concussion and minor abrasions.” Denise is hoping to work with the HP Neighborhood Association and the city on pushing for more improvements; we will have more on that, plus a safety-related plea from a local police leader, in another WSB report later tonight; first, we wanted to pass along the good news about the accident victim as soon as we heard it.
(Investigation photo added 4:12 pm)
Just got two reports about this, and we’re en route to check it out in person: Some kind of crash has closed 35th between Findlay and Graham (High Point area; here’s a map), so obviously stay clear. (There’s been an open “medic response” call at 35th/Juneau since just before 3 pm, so likely that’s related.) More to come. 3:44 PM UPDATE: Our crew’s getting closer and confirms people are being turned around at Findlay. 3:50 PM UPDATE: We’re being told at the scene that a pedestrian got hit, 35th/Juneau. A witness tells us it may have been a teenager – books and clothes are visible in the street – and that the injuries are believed to have been life-threatening. An official police/fire spokesperson is expected at the scene shortly. 4 PM UPDATE: Police briefing just concluded — teenage girl hit while crossing 35th at Juneau, west to east, black SUV hit her, crime investigators have just arrived – trying to get in touch with witnesses and hope to have the street open within the next two hours. The girl was taken to Harborview Medical Center; no word on her condition. 4:50 PM UPDATE: Adding video of what Sgt. A.T. Bailey of Seattle Police told reporters at the scene:
Also, here’s the vehicle that police say hit the girl:
ADDED 5 PM: Thanks to the commenters who have added information (as well as discussion). This is about a half-mile from the scene of the deadly car vs. pedestrian crash near Camp Long that killed Gregory Hampel last month; we also have covered previous non-fatal crashes at 35th/Juneau (here is a sample report from earlier this year). 5:04 PM UPDATE: We just checked back at the scene – 35th is still closed – “traffic is a nightmare,” according to our crew – please avoid the area. 6:52 PM UPDATE: 35th is now open.
The new stoplight at Lanham/Morgan is still in test (blinking) mode, but there’s an update since we reported on the start of testing last week – when we passed by a short time ago, we noticed the barricades are gone and, for the first time in years, Lanham is open for drivers to get onto/off Morgan in High Point, at the intersection with Commons Park and the new Bridge Park retirement complex. (The photo was taken on Lanham, looking south across Morgan.) By the way, as posted at highpointneighborhood.org, the High Point Neighborhood Association‘s quarterly meeting is set for Commons Park a week from Thursday, 6 pm on September 11th.)
Just posted on the High Point Neighborhood Association website – a call from the HP Green Living Committee for High Point residents who work downtown to commute together via the Elliott Bay Water Taxi next Wednesday, and maybe weekly after that if it works out. (The EBWT season continues through 10/31.) To get in on this, start here.
For anyone who said they wouldn’t believe it till they saw it – there you go – as of a little while ago, the light at High Point’s long-closed Lanham/Morgan intersection (by Commons Park and the new Bridge Park senior-living community) is in its “blinking” test phase, and by all accounts, that means the intersection will be open within a week or so. Not far away, minutes after we took the Lanham/Morgan photo, we also spotted SDOT getting ready to do the same thing with the upgraded light at 35th/Raymond:
Thanks to Scott C for the tip that, while the upgraded signals at 35th/Raymond (previous WSB coverage here) still aren’t unbagged and turned on, a left-turn lane has just been painted onto 35th (a little hard to photograph in the monsoon, but we tried). Meantime, a little ways southeast, the Lanham/Morgan light isn’t unbagged yet either, though multiple sources had suggested it would start its week of blinking tests (here’s our 8/8/08 update; here’s an update on the High Point Neighborhood Association site this past week. Maybe a rain delay? We’ll keep watching – let us know if you see either one go into test mode before we see it!
Kay from the Youth Tutoring Program in High Point says some WSB’ers stepped forward to help when we last mentioned one of their open calls for help – and it’s time for another one, as the new school year gets closer. Here’s her announcement; hope you can spare a little time to make a huge difference in local kids’ lives:
Tutor Great Kids!
The Youth Tutoring Program is looking for tutors in West Seattle!
YTP is a non-profit tutoring program that provides one-on-one academic support to students living in low-income housing. We operate five tutoring centers throughout the city. We are in great need of volunteer tutors at our High Point tutoring center located on 35th Ave. SW in West Seattle.
Tutors commit to one evening per week for two hours and work with one student at a time on homework, math and language arts skills. Available sessions are Monday through Thursday from 5:30-7:30 pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-5 pm.
Many of our students cannot get the homework help they need at home and depend on our tutors for academic support!
Our School Year Tutoring Program will be starting the week of September 22nd and we need hundreds of dedicated tutors! New tutor trainings will be held the week of September 8th!
Make a difference in the life of a child in your neighborhood. Apply today at www.ccsww.org/ytp or call 206-328-5659.
Less than a week ago, we reported the Southwest Design Review Board told the developers of the 35th/Graham (map) mixed-use project it needed some work, so they’d have to come back for a second round of “early design guidance.” (WSB coverage here) Today, the city website shows the date for that has just been set – it’s been added to the agenda for September 11, which already had the next review for Spring Hill (BlueStar‘s mixed-use building at 5020 California, south of The Junction). Both projects will be reviewed that night at Hiawatha Community Center — 5020 California SW at 6:30 pm, 3420 SW Graham at 8 pm.
That’s the $13 million High Point Neighborhood Center that should be up and running by fall of next year; an unconventional “groundbreaking” ceremony and community celebration on Saturday moved the project to its next stage, even as fundraising continues (leaders from the parent agency, Neighborhood House, revealed that $10.6 million of that money already is in hand). One speaker had a slip of the tongue and almost called the event a “groundbaking,” appropriate enough given the sizzling midday heat at the Commons Park Amphitheater, where ceremony attendees were summoned with the rhythms of African group Naby Camara:
(video no longer available because of blip.tv shutdown)
The actual groundbreaking itself didn’t involve the traditional dignitaries with shovels; instead, it involved stones, handed out to attendees beforehand, with pens, for them to inscribe the stones with their hope/dream for Neighborhood Center. See how that worked – and hear short highlights from many of the speakers — just ahead:Read More
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