_{The Montlake Flyer}

A newsletter for the entire Montlake community

Volume 35, Number 7 September 2001

Hamlin-Shelby Position Statement
Concerning Trans-Lake Project

By Peter Staten

This Spring, the residents of Hamlin and Shelby Streets, east of Montlake Boulevard, met with representatives of the Trans-Lake Washington Project (TLWP), to learn the effect the Project’s several alternatives would have on this neighborhood. As the Hamlin-Shelby statement and proposed MCC resolution (page 3) show, the residents were very concerned that most of the TLWP designs show massive encroachments on wetlands and shoreline zones, as well as relocation of the highway as much as 200 feet to the north of the present highway, which would encroach on many Hamlin Street houses.

Moreover, the Project has proposed a second crossing of the Montlake Cut—by tunnel or bridge—which, together with the paved approaches, occupies even more shoreline and wetlands, not to mention the effect on views and loss of access to public lands from Montlake.

The Hamlin-Shelby residents then organized as a group and wrote letters to both the TWLP and the City of Seattle, expressing these concerns. They also drafted a resolution that was adopted (slightly modified) by the Seattle Community Council Federation and Northeast District Council. An expanded version of this resolution appears in this Flyer as a proposed Resolution for adoption by the MCC at its September meeting.

The Hamlin-Shelby residents also recently lobbied the City of Seattle to prepare and adopt a city resolution reaffirming the strong position the city took in its 1997 Trans-Lake Resolution (no additional car traffic on local streets, mitigation of all impacts, encouragement of transit alternatives to auto use, etc.). The reception we got for this proposal from the city has been very encouraging, and we will advise everyone of the city’s plans as soon as we know more.

We invite you to attend the September MCC meeting. The neighborhood could sure use your ideas, help and encouragement.

Editor’s (Soap) Box

With hopes that all have enjoyed the summer and well-deserved vacations, we invite you to help us usher in the new season at the Montlake Community Club. This month the Club will hear from the Washington State Department of Transit on the subject of freeway ramp metering. Ever noticed what happens on Montlake Boulevard when those two yellow lights at the east-bound entrance to SR-520 are flashing? Here’s a chance to find out what the DOT thinks is happening.

For those of you unfamiliar with MCC, September is a great month to get acquainted. If you have not attended meetings, a quick look back at the year’s agenda to-date shows what an interesting and varied fare President Clarissa Easton puts together for us. We have been addressed by three Mayoral candidates (all on the same evening!), learned about salmon-friendly gardening, received CPR training from Medic 2, been informed by the Seattle Emergency Operating Center of how neighbors can and should be prepared for natural disasters, and attended a free Montlake evening at MOHAI. And of course, we’ve kept up to date on Trans-Lake Washington transportation plans, University of Washington development plans, Seattle Parks and Library improvement projects, and the Arboretum Master Plan. Not least among MCC events is the annual and sometimes soggy Evening Before Opening Day Concert by the Cut.

We invite you to set aside a few second-Wednesday evenings to join with your neighbors and enjoy the program at the MCC General Meeting. We hope to see you soon.

--Jeff Wood, ed.

ATTENTION MONTLAKE WALKERS

Delivery people are needed for the monthly Montlake Flyer. The delivery takes from 30 to 45 minutes—or maybe an hour if you walk slow, as I do. The routes vary from 55 to 70 Flyers and you don't have to deliver in July or August.

Its a good chance to take a walk, meet your neighbors and help all of Montlake with a continuous delivery of the Flyer. If you would like to help please contact Jeannine Jacobson at (206) 323-0l79, email jjacob30@aol.com.

Proposed Resolution

The following resolution will be considered at the September meeting of the Montlake Community Club.

MCC resolution regarding the Trans-Lake Washington Project, proposed by Peter Staten.

The Montlake Community Club supports the position of the Montlake Hamlin-Shelby Residents in asking that Mayor Paul Schell and the Members of the Seattle City Council strongly and immediately reaffirm the positions stated in the City of Seattle Trans-Lake Resolution (No. 29574) of April, 1997, regarding the Trans-Lake Washington Project and to do so prior to any action taken by the Project to select alternatives or preferred designs to be studied in the forthcoming environmental impact analysis.

Specifically, we support the following Hamlin-Shelby positions: (1) That, in order to prevent irreparable damage to state shorelines and wetlands, to public parks, and to nearby residential properties and institutions, all proposed alternatives be confined to the existing SR-520 right-of-way, which is capable of accommodating 6 lanes; and specifically, that the proposed expansion of the SR-520 right-of-way by as much as 200 feet to the north, and construction of four lanes north of the present roadway is not acceptable to this community; and (2) That current Project alternatives proposing a second crossing of the Montlake Cut, as well as current designs for approaches across Seattle shorelines, wetlands, critical natural habitats; and create unacceptable impacts of noise and view obstruction, and loss of privacy and public access for adjacent built environments, all of which are unacceptable to the Montlake community; and (3) That no alternative shall result in increased vehicular congestion on local Seattle streets or arterials; and (4) That each alternative shall include a clear and enforceable program of Transportation Demand Management (TDM) as an integral element of such alternative; and e. That the City of Seattle promptly embark on a legislative program to initiate TDM measures in the City of Seattle, notwithstanding any actions taken by the Trans-Lake Washington Project.

We urge you to attend and exercise your right to vote on this proposed resolution.

Announcements and Notices

Updated 2001 Football Schedule for Husky Stadium

By Bruce Balick

Here are the most recent dates and times for this season’s Husky Stadium games. Two-game weekends are shaded.

Day	Date	Time	Teams
Saturday	8/18	6:30pm	Seahawks v Arizona*
Saturday	9/1	1:00pm	Seahawks v New Orleans*
Saturday	9/8	12:30pm	Huskies v Michigan
Sunday	9/16	1:15pm	Seahawks v Kansas City
Sunday	9/22	12:30pm	Huskies v Idaho
Sunday	9/23	1:15pm	Seahawks v Philadelphia
Saturday	10/6	12:30pm^¤	Huskies v USC
Sunday	10/7	1:05pm	Seahawks v Jacksonville
Sunday	10/14	1:15pm	Seahawks v Denver
Saturday	10/20	12:30pm^¤	Huskies v Arizona
Sunday	10/28	1:15pm	Seahawks v Miami
Saturday	11/3	12:30pm^¤	Huskies v Stanford
Sunday	11/4	5:30pm	Seahawks v Oakland
Saturday	11/17	12:30pm^¤	Huskies v Wash State
Sunday	12/2	1:05pm	Seahawks v San Diego
Sunday	12/16	1:15pm	Seahawks v Dallas

* Exhibition game
^¤ Contingent on television schedule

' Emergency: 911
Police, non-emergency/parking enforcement 625-5011
Seahawks Transportation Hotline 1-800-981-6465

Montlake Community Center News

By Peter Anderson, Summer Programs Administrator

Our summer programs are coming to an end, and thus far our camp programs have served more than 550 kids within the Montlake community. With the end of summer comes a new lineup of activities for you at Montlake. Our Fall Program brochure will be available in our office after August 22. This Fall we will be starting a variety of new teen programs and tennis instruction. Our pottery classes will return after a recess in support of the conservation effort. Registration for fall classes will begin on September 4 and classes start on September 17. For your convenience, our facility will be open 10am to 6:30pm on Veterans Day. We will also be offering a one-day camp for your elementary students. Thank you all for a great summer.

Taste of Greece at St. Demetrios

St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church is once again welcoming visitors to experience a “Taste of Greece” at its annual three-day festival, September 28, 29 and 30, at the church at 2100 Boyer Avenue East. Hours are 12 noon to 9pm Friday; 10:30am to 9pm Saturday, and 12 noon to 7pm Sunday. Enjoy mouth-watering gyros, sizzling souvlakia, flaky baklava and other pastries dripping in sweet syrup.

St. Demetrios will offer a luncheon special for those able to slip away from work on Friday. September 28 only, from noon to 4pm, enjoy a complete Greek-style chicken or fish lunch for only $7.00. The popular class, “Greek Cooking in an American Kitchen” will be available for those who wish to try Greek cuisine at home. Entertainment includes Greek folk dancing in authentic costumes, performed at regular intervals by the young people of our parish. Church tours will be conducted for those who wish to learn more about the Orthodox faith. There will also be demonstrations of the art of iconography. For information call 206-325-4347 or visit our web page at www.saintdemetrios.com.

Pacific Northwest Garden Competition Winners: Tour benefits Arboretum
Saturday, October 13, 2001, seven spectacular Snohomish County gardens, all bright with fall color, will welcome visitors for the Arboretum Foundation’s fall Winning Gardens tour. Five of the gardens are in the Snohomish area; two are in Monroe.

The self-guided tour includes winning gardens from the annual Pacific Northwest Gardens Competition. Gardens open at 10am and close at 4pm. Tickets, including driving directions, are $20 each and will be available at many area nurseries and garden centers or at Washington Park Arboretum’s Graham Visitors Center. For information, call (206) 325-4510.

Committee Reports

Beautification Committee Report

By Mimi De Burle

The summer started with a clean-up day at the pocket park at the southwest corner of Boyer. A small group of volunteers managed to do a great job, in spite of the rain.

On June 24 the Montlake Garden Tour was held. It was another rainy day, but the gardens still looked beautiful. All those who attended were rewarded with a look at gardens they might otherwise not get to see. I want to thank Kari Olsen and her committee for all the effort they put in to organizing the garden tour, and all the Montlake residents who generously opened their gardens for the tour.

The triangle at 23^rd and Newton is still in the works. The Small and Simple Grant has been approved, but we are still waiting for a street use permit from SeaTrans.
I am hopeful that by the time this Flyer is delivered that will have happened. All those who volunteered to work on that project will be contacted as soon as we get the go ahead from the city. We still could use more volunteers, so if you think you might have a few spare hours this fall, please contact me at 322-8660. If you don't have time, but would like to make a monetary contribution to offset some of the costs that are not covered by the grant, please send it to the Montlake Community Club treasurer, and earmark it for the Beautification Committee.

Montlake Advisory Council News

The Montlake Advisory Council usually meets on the first Monday of each month in the new building at the Community Center 7 to 9pm. Because of the Labor Day holiday, the September meeting is tentatively scheduled for Monday September 24. Please check with contact Roger Peter, director Montlake Community Center to confirm the meeting time and date.

The Council will be working on the second phase of the project—plans for the approved levy. Projects in the first phase of the levy are underway. You can get information on the planning process and progress by visiting the Seattle Parks websites at www.ci.seattle. wa.us/parks. You may go directly to specific pages by adding the following suffixes to the main Parks web address:

Pro Parks Levy: /communitynotices/Levy.htm
2001-2002 Pro Parks Levy Projects: /proparks/proparksmap1.htm
Pro Parks Levy Oversight Committee: /communitynotices/levycommittee.asp.

NEDC Meeting Report

By Paul Gibson

Summer 2001: The NEDC and the other district councils have the annual task of prioritizing projects that have been proposed by citizens within their respective districts to be funded with City monies. District rankings of these street and general maintenance projects are reviewed by the pertinent City departments and forwarded to the City Council for final funding decisions. At its June meeting the NEDC heard presentations from several of the proposers including one from Montlake; and, at the July meeting the ranking was done. The Montlake proposal, resurfacing Shelby and Hamlin Streets, west of Montlake Boulevard, came out near the middle of 16 ranked projects—probably not high enough to get funded. Some of the other neighborhoods in the district routinely submit several projects, which may indicate that Montlake is in better repair than other locations or that the residents of the other places are more apt to capitalize on the opportunity afforded by this program.

The NEDC also adopted several resolutions of some interest to Montlake. One of these, pertaining to airport developments, called on local officials to: (1) request a moratorium on expansion SeaTac until noise issues are effectively addressed; (2) insist on maximum utilization of the Duwamish/Elliott Bay Corridor for arrivals and departures; and (3) advocate for establishment of a commission to determine a location for a new regional airport.

In a resolution pertaining to Sound Transit and light rail, the NEDC expressed its preference for the continued development of the northern portion of the line, as opposed to the Mayor’s proposal to build the southern portion first and also encouraged the Sound Transit Board to study the feasibility of a tunnel under the Montlake cut as a cost saving measure.

The third resolution encouraged the City Council and Mayor to oppose granting of a street vacation to the Broadmoor Golf Club for that piece of public right-of-way which lies on the Club’s driving range. The right-of-way represented both a source of revenue for the City and a possible means of some day creating a pedestrian route between Foster Island and Madison Park. (Editorial note from your correspondent: Unfortunately the Council paid no heed to the NEDC resolution and subsequently granted the vacation, a gift of about $350,000, to the golf club. The principal culprits in this shabby affair were, in my view, the Mayor and Councilmember McIver.)

Board Meeting Minutes

June 6, 2001 The board of Trustees of the Montlake Community Club convened at 8:l5pm. Attending were Clarissa Easton, president; Jonathan Dubman, vice president; Moira Connor, treasurer; Neil Weschler, Scott Coughlin, Don Argus, Jeannine Jacobson, Shane Doran, board members; and Jeff Wood, editor, The Montlake Flyer.

The meeting convened late, as a result of the slow exit of the, Trans Lake Wash meeting that preceded the board meeting. Mimi DeBurle announced a work party from 12:00 noon to 4:00pm, on 6/10, at the southwest corner of 24^th and Boyer. The Garden Tour party was scheduled after the tour at her house.

The Montlake Flyer delivery date was discussed. The possibly of changing from the current two weeks before the general meeting, to just one week before the meeting was raised. No decision made at this time.

A committee was named to bring interesting stories and community news to the Flyer. The committee members are: Shane Doran, Moira Connor and Scott Coughlin. Send ideas to them.

Jeff Wood urged attendance, and bringing a neighbor, to the Trans-Lake Study being at MOHAI June 12. Discussion turned to the Resolution Process for MCC: how and when resolutions are proposed, voted on, and what constitutes a quorum. Jeff Wood suggested that we could go to ballots, to allow community members who are not present at the general meeting to participate in the vote. The issue was raised that a change in process could require amendment of the by-laws. Jeff Wood and Marty Lindemann will head the committee to explore this idea. The meeting adjourned at 9:05pm.

General Meeting Minutes

June 13, 2001 The minutes for the June meeting of the Montlake Community Club were not available at press time. They will be published in a subsequent issue. general meeting was suspended to hear from the three Mayoral Candidates.

Letters to the Editor

Hi, Montlake Alums,

If you enjoy the dialog on the Montlake forum, I’d like to call your attention to another forum, started by a group former students of Montlake School (so far from the 50s and early 60s). We’d like to invite any Montlake alumni to join the discussion. Right now our growing group is just getting reacquainted. Only one so far, Allan Seidenverg, still lives in Montlake.

I remember being in 6^th grade in 1961-62 and listening to the rhythm of pile drivers as they built the Evergreen Point Bridge. We used to race our bikes down the hill from I-5 after it was paved and before it was open, and our Boy Scout troop hiked to a Jamboree at Woodland Park by way of the Ship Canal Bridge express lanes. The main thing that bugged me as a youth about the Evergreen Point Bridge was after my parents moved to Clyde Hill in 1966, there was no way for me to walk or bike across the bridge to visit my old friends. I tried to walk it one time and got picked up by the State Patrol. I still think making way for bicycles would be a good idea, and might help a bit with traffic congestion. So, there’s your history lesson from a Montlake old-timer.

Our group can be found on the world wide web at: groups.yahoo.com/group/Montlake.

Volkert "Kert" Volkersz
Snohomish, WA
Montlake class of '62