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Arboretum Trail Meeting Held

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On January 28, 2015, a public meeting was held to gather input regarding the new Arboretum Multi-Use Loop Trail.  Representatives from the Seattle Park Dept. and the Dept. of Transportation (SDOT) and WSDOT hosted the meeting.  The plans for the trail are now complete and construction contracts will be put out for bids this spring.  Constuction will begin later this year,

Much of the discussion was about the location of the south end of the trail and how to make it safe for pedesttrians and bikers.  The  park dept. does not want to disturb the trees and landscape features at the entrance to the Arboretun at the intersection of Lake Washington Blvd. and Madison St.  So the trail will start on 31st Avenue East, at a new Arboretum entrance, about 1 block north of Madison, near the rear of the stone cottage on Lake WA. Blvd.

Thirty-first Avenue East is  a narrow 2-lane street at this location.  The staff wanted to hear from residents on 31st and nearby streets what the impact would be if 31st was changed to a one-lane, one-way only, northbound street.  The other lane of the street would become a bike lane. Unfortunately, only one resident from this area was in attandance.  He felt this change would be a mild annoyance, but something residents could accommodate.  It was less disruptive to the neighborhood street traffic than some other plans SDOT was considering.

The President of the Madison Park Community Council, Maurice Cooper, was at the meeting.  He asked the staff to attend the next neighborhood meeting of the MPCC to discuss this traffic issue with additional residents. The staff agreed to do this so that more input would be gathered about this potentional change for 31st Ave E.

The staff reviewed several features of the Loop Trail for those who were not familar with the plan:

1.  Arboretum Creek will be day lighted.

2. The trail will allow dry access to wetlands that are usually off limits most of the year.

3.  Paving material will be appropriate for walkers, strollers and slower-paced bicyclists.

4.   The trail will connect with the 520 Bridge-Montlake area trails when the funding for the final phase of the bridge project is allocated and built. Until that time, the trail will cover a loop, east of Lake Washingon Blvd. from 31st Ave. East to the Graham Visitors’ Center.

SR 520 Final Concept Design: Transportation & Neighborhood Activists Respond – Have You? 

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RestofthewestWSDOT and the City of Seattle have posted the SR 520 West Side Final Concept Design Draft and it is available on Montlake.Net Everything 520 Page and here.  A printed copy will also be available for review at the library later today. This draft was prepared with input from Montlake Community Club members in cooperation with the city appointed 520 coordinator, SDOT, and the WSDOT and city’s design team.  In August, the Seattle Design Commission conducted a thorough review of the plan and made specific recommendations that touch both the interchange in Montlake and the Portage Bay Bridge.  While the draft marks some significant progress from previous WSDOT proposals in terms of pedestrian and bicycle mobility solutions, some concerns exist.

In response to this draft, Montlake Community Club board member Lionel Job, Montlake Neighborhood Greenways, Neighborhood Greenway activists, and pedestrian and bicycle groups have sent the letter below to Mayor Murray with council members, state representatives and senators in copy.  The letter thanks the city and WSDOT for their cooperation in the last 18 months, highlights concerns with the lack of flexibility with the layout of the off and on ramps and suggests a number of improvements that could ease some concerns.

WSDOT’s draft will be reviewed this month by the City Council. Furthermore, this concept design was used as an element for the 2015 Transportation budget presented by the governor in Olympia.  If the budget is passed, based on the Final Concept Design, WSDOT will gain access to the funds and approval to build.  This draft represents only a 5% design and may change; however, it can be used to obtain 100% of the project funding.  Therefore, it is critical that neighbors review the draft and submit comments without delay.  All comments should be sent to the city council members, posted here or following this post WSDOT Seeks Community Feedback on “Rest of the West” Design.

Letter

Dear Mayor Murray, 

Thank you for your leadership building a transportation system that moves people efficiently throughout the region, and creates healthy places to live, work, and play. We are glad you share our vision of a modern transportation system that furthers Seattle’s economic, social justice, climate, livability, public health, and safety goals. We want to start by thanking you for the significant improvements that have been made to the SR-520 design over the past year. The collaboration between SDOT, WSDOT, and consultants has resulted in better solutions than previous iterations.

We understand WSDOT has unduly constrained this collaborative effort, and been unwilling to reconsider some of the underlying assumptions. By locking down the requirements for the number of access ramps and the Montlake interchange configuration, WSDOT has closed the door to innovations that would significantly improve the comfort and safety for people walking and biking (such as options X, Y, and Z on page 44 of the SR 520 Final Concept Design document). We recognize these constraints are unlikely to be reexamined before funding is secured this legislative session.

We recommend the following changes that would make this project safer and healthier for Seattle. This $1.5 billion project will be set in concrete for the next eighty years. It must work for kids walking to Montlake Elementary, elders walking from the Husky Light Rail Station to the Arboretum, or a physician in scrubs biking from the Central District to the UW Medical Center. We urge you to continue to lead us towards a better transportation future.

Top SR-520 Design Innovations and Remaining Opportunities

We support the following design innovations proposed by WSDOT

  1. North-South: A Montlake Cut walking and biking bridge will alleviate the failing level of service on the existing bridge for people walking and biking. Alignment B would add the most value to Seattle’s transportation system by connecting to the proposed protected bike lanes on Montlake Boulevard and to the future UW Light Rail Station. This connection is part of the 2014 Seattle Bicycle Master Plan.

  2. North-South: The “Land Bridge” will provide a useful and iconic connection over the SR-520 highway mainline.

  3. East-West: An E Roanoke Greenway and short E-W protected bike lane along E Roanoke St will form the critical East-West connection in this system for people of all ages and abilities.

  4. East-West: The Portage Bay Bridge Trail will be a critical piece of the healthy transportation infrastructure for the city and region. This facility is part of the 2014 Seattle Bicycle Master Plan.

We strongly recommend the following design improvements

  1. North-South and East-West: Given that separated above grade options have been taken off the table for now, it is incumbent upon WSDOT to create the safest possible Montlake interchange pedestrian crossings along both sides of Montlake Blvd for people of all ages and abilities. To accomplish this, all on-ramp and off-ramp conflict points should be raised crosswalks, lane widths should be reduced to NACTO standards, turning radii should be consistent with NACTO standards, and the on-ramp storage lanes should be narrowed to a single lane at pedestrian crossings. These improvements are consistent with WSDOT approved NACTO and SDOT’s ROWIM.

  2. North-South: A two-way protected bike lane on the east-side of Montlake Blvd from E Roanoke St, across a new walking and biking bridge, to the University Light Rail Station at Husky Stadium is important to creating a safe and convenient system for people biking through this area. This facility is part of the adopted 2014 Seattle Bicycle Master Plan.

  3. North-South: Funding for neighborhood greenway improvements along the Lake Washington Loop from the SR-520 Lid south will simultaneously improve a key link in the non-motorized system and improve the livability of the neighborhood by mitigating cut-through traffic from the relocation of the eastbound SR-520 ramp. These improvements are part of the adopted 2014 Seattle Bicycle Master Plan.

Thank you for your continued commitment to improving the SR-520 project. Please see our full comments in the attached letter.

Sincerely,

Barb Chamberlain, Washington Bikes

Bob Edmiston, Madison Park Greenways, Seattle Board of Park Commissioners

Cathy Tuttle, Seattle Neighborhood Greenways

Dennis Shaw, MD, Montlake Greenways

Elizabeth Kiker, Cascade Bicycle Club

Forrest Baum, University Greenways

Jerry Fulks, Arboretum Neighbors for Safer Streets

Lionel Job, Montlake Community Club Transportation Committee, Montlake Greenways

Lisa Quinn, Feet First

Mike Archambault, Capitol Hill Community Council, Central Seattle Greenways

Shefali Ranganathan, Transportation Choices Coalition

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The Point of No Return | Union Bay Watch

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This week’s post covers cedar waxwings. They were photographed eating berries near to Montlake Cut. Have you ever wondered why they are called waxwings? Are you curious what they have to do with, “The Point of No Return.” See the photos and learn more on:

Union Bay Watch

Have a great day on Union Bay…where nature lives in the city!

Larry

 

 

 

What’s Happening In & Around Montlake

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wh0108

Events in and around Montlake for the week of Jan 8th – Jan 14th.

Upcoming Special Event

Sunday, January 25thMontlakeGardens

In Montlake

Station 22Saturday, January 10th

Tuesday, January 13th

Wednesday, January 14thBusinessCardLogo

Ongoing

Around Montlake

Tuesday, January 13th

Visit our neighborhood calendar to keep track of upcoming events. All registered users of Montlake.net are authorized to submit events via our Post Your Event tool.

Cafe Lago: Building A School Garden Shed, One Pizza At A Time

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MontlakeGardens

Montlake Elementary School

After hearing the Montlake Elementary School Garden Program was in need of a new garden shed, Carla Leonardi, owner of Cafe Lago, had this to share, “Because we are trying to reach the community more and more each year, we feel that the school garden is a perfect place to start. We are going to be working with the students at the restaurant and the garden. So naturally, their need for a tool shed is something we love to help make happen. Also, a benefit at the restaurant will help the community come together for a common good. We love sheds!”

Proposed Shed Design

Proposed Shed Design

Montlake Elementary School has created a thriving greenhouse and garden program.  Now in its 14th year, all students, “Urban Famers,” at Montlake participate weekly and focus on cooking, nutrition and the arts. But this success comes with challenges, Cheri Bloom, garden program coordinator shared “as the program has become more established, we have outgrown our greenhouse space.” The addition of a storage unit would enable the school to create more space for students in the greenhouse, especially for classroom time and also for projects when weather does not permit us to be outdoors.

With the assistance of Cheri Bloom, Montlake Elementary PTA and Montlake Community Club members, Carla has organized a benefit Pizza Party.  Café Lago is donating all food, beverages and labor for the delicious and family friendly event which provides for 100% of ticket sales going to the garden program shed fund.  Neighbors and Community members are invited to join this wonderful event. To provide a comfortable experience for those attending, two seating times are available – 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm or 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm. Tickets are available online by clicking HERE.

Café Lago Benefit Pizza Party – Build a Garden Shed
2305 24th Avenue East
Seattle, WA 98112

January 25, 2015 (Choose One Seating)
Noon – 1:30pm or 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Tickets: BUY NOW

Tickets: Adults $20 and Children (14 and under) $5
Includes Pizza, Wine, Beer & a Non-Alcoholic Beverage option (Ex. Juice)

UPDATE: Sincere apologies as we have been notified that many have not received email receipts of their ticket purchases. Rest assured all the purchases have been received by Montlake PTA and parties are listed on the reservation sheet. The payment will appear as “MONTLAKE COMM SCH ASSOC” on your bank statement. If you did not receive your receipt and you need a copy sent, please click to email receipts@montlakepta.org or LeAna to request your receipt. Thank you for supporting the garden program. 

Happy Holidays! | Union Bay Watch

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Red-breasted Sapsucker

Red-breasted Sapsucker

This native west-coast woodpecker has a taste for rare, imported european food. In the spirit of the holidays the sapsucker shares its bounty. Visit Union Bay Watch to find out who is making good use of this free flowing food source and learn more about our local bird with a taste for the good life.

Union Bay Watch

Montlake Community’s Gateway Parks History

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gateway parkDid you know? 

In 1976, W. Smith gave his lots at the east and west corners of 24th Ave E and Boyer Ave E to the Montlake Community Club. He did so because he understood MCC’s interest in protecting its green spaces and “its civic and benevolent direction”.

In 1984, neighbors restored the west corner to a park after a Gas Station was closed and removed.

In 2004, neighbors began restoration of the east corner to a park, removing the jungle of bushes by hand.

In 2011, MCC was awarded a Department of Neighborhoods grant to build a path and install northwest plants in the east park. The neighborhood raised $19,000 in cash and volunteer labor to match the grant.

In 2011, MCC was awarded a Cleanscapes prize to build a Kiosk, two solid cedar benches, and install a memorial plaque to Elizabeth Duncan, who was killed by an out of control car while waiting to cross the intersection.

Our neighbors in our community built these two parks for our enjoyment, safety, and beauty; continued maintenance will honor their dedication.

Please join in helping maintain these parks by donating your time this Saturday.

Gateway Parks

 Fall Weeding & Planting Party

October 18, 2014

9:30 until noon

Refreshments will be served. Bring your gloves, weeders, and a shovel, if you can help with plantings.

New Bike Path Coming To Montlake

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CANG_Website_MapSMLast month the Seattle Dept. of Transportation held an open house to show the public their plan for changes to the 23rd Avenue-24th Avenue corridor. This project will bring changes to 23rd Avenue starting at South Rainier Avenue and continuing to East Roanoke Street in the Montlake neighborhood.

There are 2 components to this project. Along 23rd and 24th, changes will be made to improve safety for pedestrians and cars. Sidewalks will be widened and smoothed for walkers, strollers and wheelchairs. From Rainier Ave. to East John Street, the lanes will be changed to one lane in each direction with a left turn lane in the middle. Street parking will continue.

The second component will be a designated “greenway” for pedestrians and bikers who do not want to ride or walk on arterials with heavier and faster traffic. The greenway will be on a residential street parallel to the arterial. The greenway streets will have sidewalk improvements to smooth and widen the path for walkers and young bikers. The street pavement will be painted with a bike lane and crosswalks where the greenway crosses arterials.

In Montlake, the greenway will begin at Roanoke Street and 22nd Ave. East. It will head south to Lynn St. and continue on 23rd Ave to Boyer Ave. A new crosswalk will be placed at Boyer and Howe St. so walkers can safely cross Boyer. A wider bike-friendly pathway will be installed between Boyer and Interlaken Blvd at Howe St. replacing the current steps that currently allow walkers to enter Interlaken Park.

At this intersection greenway uses can choose between 2 routes to get up the hill to Galer St on Capitol Hill. One route is Interlaken Blvd which has the gentler grade. But it is longer, has no sidewalks and is not well-lit at night. The second route is more direct and has sidewalks and lighting but is quite steep:  22nd Ave. to Peach Court to Crescent Drive.

The project will begin construction this fall with Phase I which is the corridor from Jackson St. to East John. Montlake is in Phase III which will be the last part completed, hopefully by the end of 2015.

Julee Neuhart

 

Summer of the Sapsucker

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EB2R8258This week’s post features Sapsuckers seen on Whidbey Island. Have you ever seen any in our neighborhood? (I am still looking.) Can you tell the difference between a juvenile and a mature Sapsucker? If you would like to learn more take a look at this week’s post on Union Bay Watch.

 

The Mystery of Great Expectations

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EB2R4705This week’s post on Union Bay Watch has a couple of wildlife, birding mysteries. You might also learn how to tell a young Great Blue Heron from those with a bit more experience. To see the photos and learn more visit Union Bay Watch.

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