MCC President’s Message

Here is an update on two major issues in the neighborhood: parking and our historic district status.

PARKING VIOLATIONS:
The first is related to the continuing problem of parking violations. Recently the University of Washington Community Relations staff prepared a letter for our neighbors in the Shelby-Hamlin area. To discourage drivers who ignore the 2-hour limit and leave cars on Shelby and Hamlin streets while working or attending classes at the UW, residents can place a copy of the letter on the violator’s windshield. The letter, which has letterhead from the UW and the MCC asks the driver to observe the 2-hour limit. It also warns drivers that their car may be ticketed by Seattle Police Traffic Enforcement officers. The letter has been available for several weeks and the MCC board is now wanting some feedback about whether or not neighbors are using the letter and if it is having the desired effect.
If the letter is deemed a useful tool to reduce this chronic problem, the board can make a similar letter available to residents who live further south in Zone 1. Please let us know if you are using the letter and it seems to be working. You can give us feedback at president@Montlake.net.

OUR HISTORIC DISTRICT:
Are you living in a historic house? On Jan. 16th, a public meeting was held at the Montlake Community Center to discuss the final phase of applying for recognition for the Montlake neighborhood as a federally designated Historic District.
SOME HISTORY: This project started about 4 years ago when the state department of transportation (WSDOT) was planning the design of the replacement SR-520 bridge through our neighborhood. The Montlake Community Club board determined that having a designation as a Historic District would give us a small amount of protection when the area becomes a construction zone. Under the Historic District statute, a federally funded construction project, such as the 520 bridge must be conducted in a way that does not damage the historic buildings with excessive vibration, noise and poor air quality. At the same time, the designation does not impose regulations on home owners about what they may or may not do with their property.

Staff from WSDOT is leading the project as part of their requirement to provide mitigation for the construction headaches we may experience when the west end of the bridge construction starts. You may see members of the WSDOT team in the neighborhood taking photographs of homes and other buildings. In this final phase new photos are being collected, adding to the huge collection Jon Decker, former MCC board member, and his committee cataloged when the project started in 2009. Any building 50 years or older is eligible to be included in the application.

A small number of historic buildings and/or homes will be featured in the application to illustrate the scope of distinctive architecture and design found in our neighborhood. The team will gather more extensive photos and historic information about these structures. If you feel your home could be one of the featured homes, or maybe your neighbor’s home, please let us know. The team would also like to hear stories about older homes. Any interesting information about the history of your house could be included in the final application. Please e-mail your stories to Jon Decker: jdecker@deckerarchitects.com) Jon is also looking for Montlakers who want to help with this project. Activities will be on-going until Fall, 2014. 

Julee Neuhart, President
Montlake Community Club