Montlake.net

Montlake Block Watch Meeting March 7th

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BlockWatchPlease join us Monday, March 7th from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Montlake Public Library Branch meeting room for a Block Watch presentation by Seattle PD Crime Prevention Coordinator, Terrie Johnston.

Sponsored by the Montlake Community Club, this discussion will focus on crime prevention including home and neighborhood security, how to set up a Block Watch, how and when to report criminal activity, and several other safety related topics. If you are concerned about crime in your area, this is your opportunity to ask questions and be prepared.

Should Montlake Change Its Southern Boundary?

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Boundary-Map

Montlake Boundary Map

UPDATED with MCC President comments

A request to change the southern boundary of Montlake Community Club (MCC) has been brought before the Montlake Community Club.  According to the “official” description in the bylaws, the southern boundary line is E Galer St.  Residents that live just south of E Galer St have approached the MCC about expanding the boundary because, even though they feel they are part of Montlake, they are not truly recognized as “Montlake”.

The MCC Board approved a motion to officially bring to a member vote the proposal to make E Helen St the southern boundary line which is four blocks south of E Galer St, the current boundary.

The only way to change the official boundaries is to change the MCC Bylaws which requires a vote by the MCC members.  MCC members include all residents and business owners within Montlake.  This proposal must be posted on the Montlake Flyer for at least 30 days for the community to consider and members can submit their vote by mail or on-line.  This post serves as the official notice.

To be approved, the proposal must receive 2/3 approval from all of the votes submitted by members.  You must submit a vote for it to count.

Update: Voting Has Closed

Or look for “Vote” at the top of the web page and follow the instructions. Alternatively, you may submit a vote by mail. A ballot is provided in the paper version of The Montlake Flyer that is currently being distributed to Montlake residents within the next few days.  The results of the vote will to posted on Montlake.Net after the required time period.

UPDATE:

I would like to thank everyone for their online comments and suggestions regarding the proposed boundary change which is obviously a controversial topic.  I’ve been following the conversation closely and now I would like to try and provide some history and answer questions about this issue.

What is a Montlake Community Club (MCC) “official” southern boundary change?  Is it a land grab?

No, a community club doesn’t grab land.  MCC and other community clubs and councils aim to foster community and offer representation.  An “official” boundary change is simply a change of the area the community club represents.  It is not a neighborhood definition change.  There are many common interests between residents of Montlake currently falling with the boundaries of the club, and residents of areas not within the boundaries.  Common interests include bicycle and pedestrian safety, traffic, bus service and schools.  Joining together gives members a louder voice so that hopefully we will be heard.

If the boundary change is approved, does that mean my neighborhood will change from the Arboretum to Montlake?

No, of course not.  But, in addition to pooling resources with neighbors to work on specific issues, you can get the support of the Montlake Community Club, its representation, its support in obtaining grants, improvements to streets, access to parks, school issues, etc.  You also can volunteer on the MCC Board, represent the MCC at East District meeting to vote on grants, etc.

How and when did this proposal start?

The idea to change the “official” southern boundary has been discussed for a while.  It first began as conversations with some residents who live south of E Galer St, our official southern boundary.  They expressed a desire to be included in the Montlake Community Club representation area.  As they are not officially part of Montlake they are ineligible to serve on the MCC Board which is a well organized neighborhood group recognized by city and state officials.

Because of this, The Montlake Community Club started doing some research on the area south of E Galer St, east of 23rd Ave E, north of E Madison St, and west of Lake Washington Blvd, an area where exact neighborhood boundaries have sometimes seemed unclear.  We found that, according to the Madison Valley Community, their northern boundary is E Madison St.  Some say it is E Helen St, but if that is true, it is not backed up by their own neighborhood description which is clearly stated on their website.  Last year the past MCC President, Julee Neuhart, contacted the Madison Valley Community Council and she reported that they supported a club boundary change.  A few months ago, I contacted Zachary Pullin, the President of the Capitol Hill Community Council, and he confirmed their east boundary is 23rd Ave E and he also supported a club boundary change.  Residents that identify as the “Arboretum” proved to be more difficult to communicate with as a whole, however, we did find that the people we did speak to supported the idea.  Considering all of this, the MCC felt a change in the boundary was worth pursuing.

According to the MCC Bylaws, the only way to change the boundary is through a vote by members, which must receive 2/3 approval.  Unfortunately, according to the Bylaws, only members that live inside the official boundaries are allowed to vote.  The decision to bring this to a vote was made and approved at the December MCC Board meeting, ballots were printed and distributed in the Montlake Flyer and on the Montlake.Net website.

What is Montlake Community club’s motivation to change the club boundary?  What are the Pros?

We simply want to provide representation to everyone who lives in Montlake and Arboretum neighborhoods because we all share common interests.  A larger group certainly speaks with a louder voice and maybe E Helen St should have been the southern border all along.  We also benefit by possibly getting more volunteers that have the desire and drive to get involved and make a change.

What are the Cons?

The MCC does not recognize any Cons at this time.  If you fall within the boundary area, you automatically become a member.  No forced fees, no obligation whatsoever.  You can, in fact, ignore the MCC if you want to.

Bryan Haworth
Montlake Community Club, President

New 520 Off-Ramp Opens in Montlake

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OfficersMontlake traffic is in the news again. Yesterday, the new west bound 520 off-ramp opened and, based on all of the press coverage, it does not appear the first day went very well. TV news cameras captured several cars running the newly installed stop signs at the intersection of Lake Washington Blvd and 24th Ave E likely because it was dark and the new signs are a major change.

KIRO-NEWSI spoke to a KIRO news reporter who witnessed several close calls between cars and pedestrians so caution is advised. The problem is so bad the State Patrol temporarily posted officers at the intersection to help bring attention to the new four way stop. Another problem is the high volume of traffic using the exit during the afternoon rush hour resulted in cars being backed down the ramp and onto 520. This new off-ramp is just one one of many changes Montlake will experience as construction of 520 continues so please try and be patient. The Montlake Community Club along with other “safe streets” advocates will continue working with WSDOT and SDOT to try and resolve these and other problems because keeping our neighborhood a safe place is our number one goal.

Bryan Haworth
MCC President

The President’s Message

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Dear Neighbors,

I have just completed 5 years on the Montlake Community Club (MCC) Board of Trustees. I held a trustee position for 3 years and I have been President for 2 years. As I retire from the board, I am pleased to report that the focus of the board is much more active than 5 year ago when I first joined. At that time the board spent most of our time and energy dealing with WSDOT and the 520 design and construction. Later we worried about Sound Transit digging a train tunnel under the neighborhood. Although we are still keeping a close eye on the bridge and Sound Transit, our focus now is how to make Montlake an even better place to live while these construction projects continue.

1. Traffic Safety: Board members, Lionel Job and Rainer Metzger have established a solid connection with SDOT. Through their efforts some traffic and pedestrian improvements for our neighborhood are now on the city’s To Do List. Thank you, Lionel and Rainer!

2. Business District Connection: The board designated a trustee position for a business district liaison, so we can work with our business owners to enhance our small commercial area. Board Secretary Kathy Laughman has led this effort. This year for the first time we were able to help the businesses with holiday lighting to brighten up 24th Avenue during December. With increased financial support this year, we hope to expand this for 2015. This year a board committee with business owners will work on a design for sidewalk improvements and look for grant funds for this project.

3. National Historic District Designation: Following several years of work on our application, we expect this fall the National Park Service will recognize Montlake as a National Historic District and we will be listed on that national registry. Jon Decker, former MCC board member has headed this project. This gives the neighborhood some protection during 520 construction. The federal government recognizes that construction projects they help to fund must be conducted in a manner that will not damage historic building with a historic district.

4. Liaison with Montlake School: The board designated a trustee position for a member of the PTA who can help communicate between the school community and the MCC board. Our goal is to keep neighbors without children at the school, informed about school activities. The board would like to see more neighborhood support, especially for the school’s fund raising efforts which enhance the school’s programs.

5. Celebrating our Neighborhood Talent: Nathalie Gehrke, retiring MCC Vice President, is chairing this project. Again this year we are showcasing our resident writers, artists and musicians. But rather than a Sunday afternoon event at the community center, this year we will be using a different venue. Our talented neighbors will be sharing their music, art and writing at the library or at one of our businesses. We call these events “Montlake Unabridged”. This format will give a better look at their talent and let participants sell their work. Watch this website calendar for the dates of these events.

6. Volunteers: The board is hopeful that some volunteers will step forward and help with projects for 2015-16. This includes help with our annual October yard sale, the Snow Brigade, the holiday lighting project and maintaining our gardens at the pocket parks on Boyer and 24th Avenue.

We also have one Board Trustee position open for 2015-18. The requirements for serving as a Trustee are simply to attend or monthly meetings (second Tuesday of the month at the Boyer Children’s Clinic). We hope someone who cares about the neighborhood will volunteer for this position. Someone with some new ideas and a willingness to help with our on-going projects would be especially welcomed. You can contact the board to volunteer at board@montlake.net .

7. Election of Officers for 2015-16. Since we are not holding a neighborhood meeting this month, our election of officers will be held on-line. LeAna Alvarado-Smith, our Flyer Editor will be sending out the on-line ballot at the end of the month. Please participate. This is also an opportunity to give feedback to the board on any topic of concern.

I wish you all a wonderful summer. I hope to see you at some of the Montlake Unabridged events.

Montlake Snow Brigade Is Standing By

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montlake snowToday is the first day of winter.  So it is a good time to remind Montlakers that our neighborhood Snow Brigade is ready and standing by.  Last winter, our MCC Board Secretary, Kathy Laughman, recruited and organized a group of about 40 neighbors, forming the Snow Brigade.  These hearty folks volunteered to assist snow bound neighbors who needed help  with: (1) snow removal, (2) urgent errands, (3) and/or dog walking.  The volunteers weren’t called on last year because we saw hardly one flake of snow.

This year about a dozen of last year’s volunteers told us they are still available.  In case we finally get a real snow storm, we would like to recruit additional Brigade volunteers.  If you enjoy being out in the snow and can perform any of the 3 services listed above, please contact me at:  president@montlake.net.

Neighbors who think they may need help from the Brigade this winter should keep this phone number and e-mail address handy:

(206) 402-3192; snowbrigade@montlake.net.

OK, Mr. Weatherman, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Julee Neuhart, MCC President

Montlake Historic District Update

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montlake historical homes

SR520History.Org

On Tuesday, December 2, 2014, a public meeting was held at the Community Center.  The purpose was to report to the neighborhood on the progress of our application to have Montlake designated as a National Historic District.  The neighborhood is eligible for this designation because of the large number of homes and buildings constructed in the early 1900’s that show distinct architectural styles, and that have been maintained in their original form over the years.  The evaluation team has reviewed over 1100 of our 1200 homes. They are still hoping to collect from owners any unique information about their home’s history.

The team reviewed the benefit of having Montlake receive this historic designation. While there are not regulations imposed on the property owners, there are federal regulations that must be observed if a federal project is conducted in the district.  These regulations protect the district from potential damage to historic structures by limiting the vibration and noise that can occur during a construction project.  The SR 520 bridge construction which is partially funded by the federal government must observe these standards.  The Montlake Community Club board has supported this application for Historic District designation so that vibration standards would be in play and hopefully will reduce the likelihood of damage to our old and beautifully maintained homes near the construction zone.

520 Bridge Update Meeting Held

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As promised, the Washington State Dept. of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Flatiron Construction Co. began monthly meetings to inform the neighborhood of construction activities.  The meeting began with a review of the scope of the construction during this phase (the West Approach Bridge-North project, “wahban”) which will last until 2017.  This phase does not include the Montlake lid over 520 nor any of the features slated for the  top of the lid.  The staff reminded neighbors that the legislature has not uet funded any of these enhancements nor any construction for the road bed or the Portage Bay Bridge west of Montlake Blvd.

The WSDOT staff reported that three homeless encampments have been established in areas where construction is now taking place.  The individuals who have been living in these areas were evicted by the Seattle Police Dept.  and the areas have now been cleaned up.

The fence is now in place in all areas that are closed to the public.  “No Trespassing” signed have been posted.  The staff asked for cooperation in not moving the fences or entering the property.

Several concerns were brought to  the attention of the presenters.   There was a request that the meetings start at a later time when residents who work can attend.  This meeting started at 4:30pm.  Staff agreed to change the schedule of future meetings to a later starting time.

One resident reported that construction activities near the MOHAI building were very noisy and on going in the middle of the night.  This is a violation of the city’s noise ordinance.  Construction Co. staff agreed to investigate this to make sure that the noise ordinance was not being violated.

The next meeting will be held at the Montlake Community Center on Wednesday, December 3, 2014.

City Council Hears Montlake Concern

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From left to right: Kari Olson, John O'Neil, Julee Neuhart and Lionel Job, four Montlake residents,were among the speakers at a City Council hearing requesting safety improvement for walkers and bikers in our neighborhood.

From left to right: Kari Olson, John O’Neil, Julee Neuhart and Lionel Job, four Montlake residents,were among the speakers at a City Council hearing requesting safety improvement for walkers and bikers in our neighborhood.

The Seattle City Council recently held a hearing to listen to residents supporting additional neighborhood projects that maybe funded by the 2015 budget.  Several Montlake residents spoke to the council requesting an additional  project  be added to the 23rd Avenue/24th Avenue Greenway Street Improvements Program that is now underway.  The request is a pedestrian-activated stop light at the intersection of 24th Avenue East and Interlaken Blvd.  Many bikers and walkers try to cross 24th at this location where the street is 5 lanes wide and there is no crosswalk and heavy traffic is often present.  The Montlake Community Club considers traffic calming at this location a high priority as the city seeks to improve safety in this corridor.  Adding this stop light would improve safety for bikers, walkers and drivers crossing through this busy intersection.

 

3 New Trustees For MCC Board

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Following the May election of officers for the Montlake Community Club board, the roster is as follows:

President:  Julee Neuhart
Vice President:  Nathalie Gehrke
Secretary:  Kathy Laughman
Tresurer:  Jim Roe

Continuing Trustees:  LeAna Alvarado-Smith, Bryan Haworth, Lionel Job, Michele Layton and Rainer Metzger.

New Trustees:  Casey Catherwood, Bob Delay and Lori Sabado

  • Bob is a recent retiree who has lived in Montlake and north Capitol Hill for many years. He brings to the board a wealth of historic information from his many years as a resident of our area.
  • Lori  is a physical therapist who has a private practice with her partner in the Eastlake neighborhood. She has lived in Montlake with her family for eight years.  Her daughter has just graduated from Montlake School and plans to attend TOPS next year along with her brother.
  • Casey does not live in Montlake but works at Mr. Johnson’s Antique Store.  Casey volunteered to join the board when we were searching for a liaison between the MCC board  and our business owners to better develop a mutually beneficial relationship.

One trustee position remains open at this time. In September, we hope to find a volunteer from Montlake Elementary School PTA or a parent with close ties to the school to fill this position. The board wants to develop a closer link with the school to better support their activities and keep neighbors informed about the great things happening there.

The MCC board members can be contacted by e-mail at board@montlake.net

Julee Neuhart

Montlake Community Club unveils ‘Everything 520’ Page

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520_elevation

There is a lot happening behind the scenes with 520 these days. In order to keep Montlakers up to date and informed on all things Five-Twenty, the Montlake Community Club Board of Trustees has developed a webpage on Montlake.net devoted to news about the project. It’s called the Everything 520 page. We hope to make this the “go to” place for the latest and most thorough 520 news. The site will post updates about the construction and have links to other websites where readers can get detailed information about different aspects of the 520 project. Look for the drop-down menu links in the upper right hand corner of our Montlake.net website.

 www.montlake.net/everything-520

WSDOT is working this summer to update their 2012 designs for the Portage Bay Bridge and Montlake Lid. A public open house is expected in September. Montlake Community Club Board members Lionel Job and Rainer Metzger are following the project closely and will advise us as progress is made.

520 Projects Coming up this Summer

The pre-construction inspections of homes near the 520 on Lake Washington Blvd and Hamlin St have been completed. Work is continuing on our application for federal Historic District designation. This project will be completed in the fall.

The Seattle Design Commission is working with WSDOT on design options for the Portage Bay bridge connecting 520 from Montlake Blvd to the I-5 freeway. The Commission is also advising on the design for the Montlake and Roanoke lids in consideration of previous pubic comments. See the Everything 520 page for more details.

By the end of the summer WSDOT will  start widening sidewalks on Montlake Blvd to better accommodate walkers and bikers. WSDOT will  also be moving utility poles in the 520 corridor in advance of construction starting this fall. And soon an extra lane will be added the eastbound exit ramp from 520 to Montlake Blvd (the Hop-In exit). This will create three exit lanes: one for left turn only, one for left turn and thru traffic crossing to Lake Washington Blvd and one lane for right turn only for traffic heading south on Montlake Blvd. Hopefully this will help reduce congestion that often backs up into the mainline 520 lanes.

As always, please send comments, questions and concerns to board@montlake.net.