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Turkey Trot Returns – Save the Date!

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The Montlake Community Club’s 5K Turkey Trot & Kids Run is back! On Thanksgiving morning, before you dive into the turkey, bring your kids,  relatives, and friends to join this Montlake tradition, now in its third year. Last year, thanks to people like you, we raised over $23,000 for the University District Food Bank. This year, net proceeds will again go to the food bank. More info about the race will be posted on Montlake.net later this month.

Running not your thing? We invite you to join our Volunteer Team to give back and feel good on Turkey Day. To learn more email Jamie Cobb at jamieccobb@gmail.com. We welcome high school students looking for service learning hours. Want to be a sponsor? Contact Chris Cumming at chris@motofish.com.

3 Ways to Celebrate Freeway Revolt Anniversary in September

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This year marks the 50th anniversary of Seattle’s Freeway Revolt and you are invited to join us in celebrating.  Seattle ARCH (Activists Remembered, Celebrated and Honored) and six community councils (including your Montlake Community Club) are co-sponsoring a community open house on Sunday, September 23, from 3-6 p.m.  Two other events on September 19 and 26 will also showcase this important time in Seattle history.  
 
Freeway Revolt 50th Anniversary Open House
Sunday, September 23, 3-6 pm
Central Area Senior Center, 500 30th Ave S, Seattle 98144
 
In1968, two grassroots organizations – Citizens Against the R.H. Thomson and Citizens Against Freeways – formed to challenge plans for a dense network of freeways in Seattle.  These and other groups helped build a diverse, citywide coalition that took on powerful pro-highway forces and kept Seattle from becoming “the Los Angeles of the North.”   
 
Learn about the dense network of freeways planned for Seattle and view flyers, letters and other materials from the citizens’ resistance at this free public event.  Former activists will be on hand to share their experiences.  Light refreshments will be served and visitors may drop in at any time.  
Schedule: 
3:00  pm:   Doors open
3:30  pm:   Welcoming remarks 
3:45  pm:   “Open mike” – reflections and recollections 
4:30  pm:    Excerpts from freeway revolt documentary 
 

The open house is co-sponsored by the Laurelhurst Community Club, Leschi Community Council, Montlake Community Club, Mt. Baker Community Club, Portage Bay/Roanoke Park Community Council, and Ravenna-Bryant Community Association.

MOHAI History Café on Seattle’s Freeway Revolt

Wednesday, September 19, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Museum of History & Industry, 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle 98109 
 
Former anti-freeway activists Donald Gibbs, Jean Godden, Larry Gossett and Junius Rochester will share personal stories from their involvement in Seattle’s Freeway Revolt.  Priscilla Arsove, who co-founded Seattle ARCH (Activists Remembered, Celebrated and Honored), will provide a brief overview of the movement.  Held in the Museum’s cafe, this is a popular, free event that often draws a large crowd.  See the MOHAI.org website for visitor information.
 
“Ramps to Nowhere” Documentary Film
Wednesday, September 26, 7:15 pm
Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave, Seattle 98122
 
“Ramps to Nowhere,” an experimental documentary by filmmaker Minda Martin, will be shown at the Northwest Film Forum’s “Local Sightings” film festival.  The film highlights the coalition of communities that participated in Seattle’s freeway revolt, interweaving archival information from the 1960s and 70s with Martin’s personal narrative about living next to freeways.  Contemporary interviews with former activists are also featured.   Check the Local Sightings website for ticket information.

Sign up for the Montlake Yard Sale

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As summer draws to a close, it’s time to sign up to participate in the sixth annual ALL-MONTLAKE YARD SALE, organized by the Montlake Community Club. The sale takes place on Saturday, September 15 between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm.

The MCC handles much of the publicity for this event: signage, ad placements, and an online interactive map with sale sites for buyers.

Click here to sign up now.

The sign up deadline to be included on the interactive map is  Tuesday, September 11.

For questions, or if you’d like to volunteer to help distribute flyers or put up signs, please email yardsale@montlake.net.

 

Hold WSDOT accountable and continue the fight to save the Montlake Market

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The community has demonstrated over and over how much they care about the Montlake Boulevard market, and yet WSDOT continues to plan for demolition. The Montlake Community Club, along with the Montlake Market store and property owners are continuing the fight to save the Montlake Market and once again need your help.

WSDOT has never prepared an environmental impact statement (EIS) addressing the impacts of destroying the Montlake Market.   Recently, WSDOT issued a second “re-evaluation” explaining its latest rationale for continuing to rely on the seven year old EIS that did NOT evaluate destroying the Montlake Market. WSDOT prepared and issued the re-evaluation without seeking public comment. This is the second re-evaluation that departs from their promise to avoid destroying the market, even though the market was identified as a community priority and slated for protection in the project’s final EIS and Record of Decision. This re-evaluation is also the second time that WSDOT has said the condemnation and demolition of the property will not result in any adverse social impacts, business displacement, or noise impacts to the community.

We are running out of options to save the Market. However, there is a provision in the law that may compel WSDOT to hold a public meeting to address the adequacy of their latest re-evaluation. We cannot use this provision unless there is massive support from the community asking for a public hearing.

How can you help? Please use the sample letter below and send it to WSDOT, the State Attorney General’s Office and the Federal Highway Administration (emails below).  Copy president@montlake.net and the MCC will also make sure that each letter is printed and sent by mail.  We need at least 50 people to do this, but would be thrilled with many more.  Please sign your letter with your name and mailing address no later than Friday, 8/17/18.  The individual email addresses are as follows:

 Example letter:

We are requesting, in accordance with WAC 197-11-610, that the Washington State Department of Transportation and all other appropriate agencies hold a Public Hearing concerning SR 520, Project Program #852004B and Project #U52004B for the Environmental Re-evaluation #2, dated 7/18/18, within its jurisdiction to obtain comments on the adequacy of adopting the Environmental Re-evaluation (a federal environmental document) for the demolition of the Montlake Boulevard Market as a substitute for preparing a SEPA EIS.  WSDOT is required to reconsider its adoption of Environmental Re-evaluation in light of the public comments.

Summary is as follows:

    1. The new Re-evaluation incorrectly states that there is no social impact in tearing down the Market and the gas station.  Both WSDOT and the State Legislature has recognized that there is a social value of the Market and gas station to the community.
    2. The new Re-evaluation fails to meet the terms and conditions of the Legislative Mandate to make the necessary efforts to save the Market.
    3. The new Re-evaluation is not in accordance with the Health Impact Assessment for the SR 520 Project guidelines.
    4. The process fails to meet the guidelines established by the WSDOT Design Manual and the WSDOT Environmental Manual.
    5. The demolition of the Market fails to meet WSDOT “Context Sensitive Design” guidelines.
    6. The Programmatic Agreement, through the FEIS and the ROD, contemplated that the Market would stay.  In fact, the plan was to preserve it.  Those signatory to the agreement should be able to rely on this representation.  The programmatic agreement would have been a substantially different document had the parties known that the Market and the gas station would be demolished.

We formally object to the SR 520 Re-evaluation #2, dated 7/18/18 and the demolition of the Montlake Boulevard Market and gas station.”

Thank you for your support.

Sept. 23 Event To Celebrate Seattle’s Freeway Revolt

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A community-wide open house celebrating the 50th anniversary of Seattle’s Freeway Revolt will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, September 23, at the Central Area Senior Center, 500 30th Avenue South, Seattle. Community members are invited to attend.

The Montlake Community Club is one of six Seattle community councils co-sponsoring the event along with Seattle ARCH (Activists Remembered, Celebrated and Honored). According to organizers Anna Rudd and Allan Davis, the open house aims to inform current residents about the citywide movement that helped quash plans for a dense network of freeways in Seattle. Rudd and Davis are among several former activists who will be on-hand to talk with visitors.

The free event will feature information on the planned freeway grid as well as materials from the citizens’ resistance, including, including maps, flyers, letters and more.  A special preview of the forthcoming documentary by filmmaker Minda Martin will also be shown.  Light refreshments will be served.

Visitors are welcome to stop by any time between 3 and 6 p.m.   The program schedule includes:

3:00 p.m.        Doors open, displays and information available

3:30 p.m.        Welcoming remarks

3:45 p.m.        “Open Mike” – former activists and others are invited to share their recollections and    thoughts about the freeway revolt

4:30 p.m.        Preview of “The Ramps to Nowhere” freeway revolt documentary

Communities across Seattle can be proud of their role in helping Seattle remain the vibrant, livable city it is today, say Rudd and Davis.  “We wanted to create an opportunity to celebrate this amazing grassroots movement and honor those who did so much to save the city,” says Rudd.  “We hope their actions will be a source of inspiration to current and future generations.”

Anti-freeway activists helped to defeat or dramatically reduce three planned freeways:  the RH Thomson Expressway, a major north-south freeway parallel to I-5; the Bay Freeway, which would have connected I-5 to the Seattle Center along South Union; and a massive,14-lane I-90 bridge (downsized to 8-lanes with two earmarked for transit).

Participants included communities from Mt. Baker to Lake City and organizations ranging from Allied Arts to the Citizens Planning Council, League of Women Voters and Black Panthers.

The Montlake community took an early role in opposing freeway plans.  In June 1968, then Montlake Community Club President Maynard Arsove became president of the newly formed “Citizens Against the RH Thomson” (CARHT). That same year the MCC joined six other Seattle community councils in endorsing a CARHT resolution opposing the RH Thomson Expressway and third and forth Lake Washington bridges.  In 1969, the MCC was among twelve community councils that signed a letter protesting the “slumlording “ of Highway Department-owned homes in the RH Thomson Corridor.

Citizen opposition culminated in Seattle voters’ defeat of the RH Thomson and Bay Freeways in 1972 referendums.  Battles over I-90 continued into the decade, as citizens successfully fought for design modifications that dramatically reduced its scope and impact.

Other sponsors of the September 23 open house include the Laurelhurst Community Club, Leschi Community Council, Mt. Baker Community Club, Ravenna-Bryant Community Association, and the Portage Bay/Roanoke Park Community Council.

More information on the freeway revolt is available in an online publication, Seattle’s Freeway Revolt: A Directory of Historical Resources, hosted on the Seattle Public Library’s special collections online.  The directory was funded by a grant from 4Culture/King County Lodging Tax Fund.

Now Enrolling for Rising Stars Preschool at Boyer!

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Are you looking for preschool options for your child? Then check out Boyer Children’s Clinic, located in both Montlake and Magnuson Park! We’ve been serving the community for over 75 years, and whether you’re interested in our Tiny Stars Playgroup (10-20 months) or Rising Stars Preschool (20-42 months), you’ll love our low child-to-staff ratio, unique programming, and the opportunity for your child to learn side-by-side with children of all abilities. All classes are staffed by a Master’s-level certified teacher and a teacher’s aide, and support creativity, curiosity and holistic development, all while having FUN!

To learn more or enroll, please visit our website or contact Denise Swanson, Education Program Director, at denise.swanson@boyercc.org.

Annual Fourth of July Montlake Neighborhood Parade

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The Montlake Family Co-Op annual Fourth of July Montlake Parade is around the corner!
 
Date:  Wednesday, July 4th
Time:  10:00 am
Location:  Montlake Community Center
 
10:00 am – Come to the Montlake Community Center to decorate your bike, trike, stroller, or simply yourself!
10:30 am – We’ll march around the block!
11:00 am – Fire truck visit! (if not needed at emergencies)
 
Immediately following the parade, join your neighbors for a popsicle and a pack-your-own picnic.
 
We would welcome volunteer support for the parade, specifically:
– set-up of the decorations area (9:45-10:30)
– parade route guides and Statue of Liberty volunteer(10-10:45)
– popsicles/clean-up (10:30-11)
 
Please email Melinda Early early.melinda@gmail.com if you can help out. The co-op looks forward to seeing you there!

Rock n Roll Marathon in Montlake This Sunday

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The Rock n Roll Marathon is coming through Montlake this Sunday, June 10. Road closures will occur in Montlake between 6:30 am and 10:30 am. A course map and more information are available online.

Reminder: Montlake Community Club Meet and Greet this Wednesday at Purr

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What: Montlake Community Club Meet and Greet

When: Wednesday May 16th @5pm

Where: Purr Cocktail Lounge 2307 24th Ave E. Seattle, WA 98112

Why: Come enjoy free appetizers and happy hour drink specials courtesy of the Montlake Community Club and learn more about what this organization does for the neighborhood. The board members will be on hand to introduce themselves, discuss current initiatives the club is working on and field questions.

Did You Know: The Montlake Community Club works to maintain and improve Seattle’s Montlake neighborhood for all residents and business owners of Montlake. All residents, property owners and business operators, 18 years of age or older, with street addresses in the Montlake neighborhood are members of the Montlake Community Club. The Club is always looking for interested members of the neighborhood to contribute to the clubs’ continued success – we look forward to welcoming you to Purr.

Montlake Community Club Board Elections Open

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Board elections kicked off during the Montlake Community Club’s Annual General Meeting this past Tuesday. Trustee & Officer candidates were presented and voting opened. In keeping with the past two years’ format, the election will take place through online voting. We are electing two new trustees and one vice president. Below you will find the current list and summary statements for each trustee nomination as well as the officer candidate. Only current board members may run for officer positions. By clicking on a candidate’s name, you may view their LinkedIn profile.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR VOTE

TRUSTEE CANDIDATES

 

JOHN CORDY

John and his wife have been Montlake residents since 1979, and raised three children in the neighborhood. John has been active in the community in various ways including delivering the Montlake Flyer for many years, parking cars for football games at the Montlake School, and jogging in the Arboretum. John is retiring from employment with the State of Washington this summer and now has time to get more involved through the Montlake Community Club. John’s wife, Carol Cordy, is currently serving as the MCC Board Treasurer.

 

 

JIM TOOMEY

Jim has lived in Montlake for 28 years and has worked for Microsoft for 20 years. Jim lives on a major arterial (24th Avenue East) and has engaged the city frequently over the years on traffic and safety issues. Jim states that, “I have seen all of the changes that have occurred, understand the challenges we continue to face, and have a lot of passion about managing change in our community. My interest area, besides general community representation, is in traffic and pedestrian safety issues.” Jim continues by saying, “I believe MCC has shown and will continue to have influence over city design practices.” Jim is excited to apply his varied skillset to the MCC, applying his background in managing technology, large programs, strategy initiatives, and design activities. “I have an understanding of engagement and accountability and managing the same with peers and partners (e.g. SDOT) and look forward to driving efforts within the MCC.”

 

OFFICER CANDIDATE

 

VICE PRESIDENT – TIM BURKART

Tim and his wife Darcy live on Boyer Avenue. Tim has lived in King County since 1990 and in Montlake since 2006. Tim writes that, “I like our Montlake neighborhood and would like to try to preserve and improve it for our residents. I worry about our city, however, and feel that any positive changes will need to be made from the grassroots up and hope my service on the community board might in some small way help our city.” Tim is an owner with the firm of KHBB LAW in Seattle. His practice focuses on the areas of estate planning and estate and trust administration. He received his BS degree from Fordham University and JD, summa cum laude, from the University of Arizona and is a member of the Washington and Arizona State Bars. He also is a frequent lecturer on estate planning, trust and probate issues. Tim is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel; Chair of the Estate and Gift Tax Committee of the Washington State Bar Association; member and past chair of the University of Washington Estate & Gift Planning Council; and a member of the Seattle Estate Planning Council.

A special thanks to Hamlin Street resident Jean Leed who is taking over the position of Yard Sale Chair as a volunteer.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR VOTE