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WSDOT Resubmits Noise Variance – Comments Reopen, Feb 15 Meeting

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Due to a procedural technicality, WSDOT has to resubmit its Noise Variance application for night time noise during the Montlake Phase of 520 Construction. The public comments period is only open until February 20th. We need to tell WSDOT that the variance is NOT acceptable at a public meeting on Feb 15. and by submitting comments online. See all the details from WSDOT below, as well as a statement from the Montlake Community Club.

FROM WSDOT:

On Jan. 17, 2018, WSDOT resubmitted the Montlake Phase noise variance application to the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI). WSDOT resubmitted the application to provide more accurate public notice based on the location of known nighttime construction and staging areas. The technical analysis in the application has not changed. SDCI has now published the resubmitted application on its website, and has launched a new comment period for the application, Jan. 25 – Feb. 20.

How to comment on WSDOT’s nighttime noise variance application

 The Montlake Phase nighttime noise variance application is available on SDCI’s Land Use Information Bulletin (Project #3030792). Comments can be submitted via the following ways between Jan. 25 and Feb. 20:

  • Mail:SDCI, PRC, P.O. Box 34019, Seattle, WA, 98124-4019 (please reference project # 3030792)
  • Email:prc@seattle.gov (please include project #3030792 in the subject line)
  • In person:

SDCI public meeting on Feb. 15, 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
University of Washington – Kane Hall
4069 Spokane Lane
Seattle, WA 98105

Parking

o    Paid parking is available at the Central Plaza Garage. Parking permits are available at any campus gatehouse for $10.
o    Paid street and lot parking is available on local streets near UW campus.

FROM THE MCC TRANSPORTATION CHAIR:

The importance of attending the SR 520 meeting concerning the revised WSDOT noise variance cannot be over stated.  WSDOT’s revised application for the noise variance marginalizes health impacts to people living in this densely populated area of Montlake, Laurelhurst, Madison Park, Portage Bay, Roanoke and North Capitol Hill.  We have asked that threats to public health from night time construction of the SR520 bridge replacements deserve more review before the variance is granted.

The WSDOT noise variance presents an interesting moral question. Is it morally justifiable to subject the population living adjacent to SR 520 construction project to the discomfort, psychologic stress, cognitive impairment as well as the effects of hypertension including myocardial infraction, stroke, and death in order to advance a project more readily?  And for a period of ten years.

In opposition to WSDOT’s first night time noise variance, more than 250 emails from impacted neighbors, and a letter undersigned by the Seattle delegation to the Washington State Legislature did not prevent the City of Seattle under the Murray administration from granting a night time noise variance for the SR520 Montlake phase.

Our requests to the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) were ignored. We asked SDCI to grant a noise variance for no more than 6 months at a time, and no more than 12 hours a day with no night time work, including heavy equipment use and trucks hauling material to and from construction sites.  SDCI is now poised to approve the night time noise variance for up to five years.  

No analysis was provided for WSDOT’s claim that it is imperative to have construction work during night time hours.  We asked that WSDOT’s noise variance be held to Seattle Municipal Code, Chapter 25.08 – NOISE CONTROL – “Exterior sound level limits not to exceed 45 decibels (dB) between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. during weekdays, and between the hours of 10 p.m. and 9 a.m. on weekends and legal holidays.”

We request any noise variance include a table of acceptable decibel limits no higher than 55dB for demolition, construction and noise from construction vehicles.  The negative effects of noise, especially at night, have an even greater impact upon children and seniors.  The approved WSDOT/SR520 noise variance allows noise levels as high as 80dB — because of the way decibel scales work, this is over 15X times higher than the 40dB nighttime limit per WHO standards.  

Solid scientific study demonstrates the noise residents adjacent to SR 520 will be subject to elevation of blood pressure and heart rate as a result of the release of “fight and flight” catecholamine hormones and endogenous steroids. Data cited by the World Health Organization document that these stress induced reactions are associated with an excess of stroke, myocardial infarction, and cardiac death.

The winning contractor will have submitted a ‘minimum bid’ to the RFP in the design build process. According to the revised WSDOT application, the contractor will provide a “Noise Management and Mitigation Plan” to WSDOT for their approval.  The minimum bid will surely result in a minimum level of effort for noise mitigation.  

 

Reminder: SR 520 Public Meeting This Evening

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Visit the Seattle Yacht Club this evening (January 18th) from 6 to 8 pm to be heard on 520 issues!

Please join the staff of Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal for a public discussion regarding the SR 520 project.  Zach Carstensen, Director of Outreach and Engagement, and Sarah Brady, Constituent Services Coordinator will be leading the conversation.  

They want us to use this as an opportunity for constituents to convey concerns and thoughts to their office.  Your perspective is important, as they are trying to gather as much information as possible about the project.  Please note, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal will not be present at this meeting.

Details

What: SR 520 Public Meeting
Where: Fireside room, Seattle Yacht Club (1807 E Hamlin St, Seattle, WA 98112).
When: January 18, 2018 6-8 pm

If you would like to provide comments, but cannot attend this meeting please complete this Privacy Release/Intake Form and send it back to Sarah.Brady@mail.house.gov.  The form is in PDF format and can be opened and completed on most PC and Apple computers.  Instructions for filling it out:

 

  • A Social Security number and “wet” signature are not necessary for completing the form
  • We do need address, phone number, email and other contact information in order to confirm residence in the 7th District (Section 1).
  • In the comments section (Section 2) please describe the project’s impact on your daily quality of life.  Be as specific as possible.  For instance, “ongoing noise and light pollution from construction on Wednesday evenings results in me getting 4 hours of sleep” is better than “There is so much noise.”
  • In the comments section please provide a request for the type of mitigation/response that would help improve your quality of life.  For instance, “I would like to see WSDOT work closely with the neighbors to collaboratively address construction impacts.”

 

If you need help, here is an example that you can copy and paste:

I am requesting that Representative Jayapal help us mitigate the impacts of the 520 project.  This project has negatively impacted my family and community by causing stress and uncertainty about the design.  I am particularly concerned how the project will affect traffic, noise, and our ability to get into and out of our neighborhood.  I would like to see WSDOT and SDOT take action on the items important to the community such as keeping the Montlake Market open during construction as well as implementing traffic concerns and suggestions that have been voiced but are absent in the NTMP.

Please send forms to Sarah.Brady@mail.house.gov by January 31, 2018.  For questions please call 206-674-0040 or email Sarah or Zach.

 

Contact information

Zach Carstensen

Director, Outreach and Engagement

Office of Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07)

(206) 674-0040 (office)

(206) 473-2533 (cellphone)

zach.carstensen@mail.house.gov

www.jayapal.house.gov | www.facebook.com/RepJayapal/ | www.twitter.com/RepJayapal

SR 520 Public Meeting This Thursday

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Please join the staff of Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal for a public discussion regarding the SR 520 project.  Zach Carstensen, Director of Outreach and Engagement, and Sarah Brady, Constituent Services Coordinator will be leading the conversation.  

They want us to use this as an opportunity for constituents to convey concerns and thoughts to their office.  Your perspective is important, as they are trying to gather as much information as possible about the project.  Please note, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal will not be present at this meeting.

Details

What: SR 520 Public Meeting
Where: Fireside room, Seattle Yacht Club (1807 E Hamlin St, Seattle, WA 98112).
When: January 18, 2018 6-8 pm

If you would like to provide comments, but cannot attend this meeting please complete this Privacy Release/Intake Form and send it back to Sarah.Brady@mail.house.gov.  The form is in PDF format and can be opened and completed on most PC and Apple computers.  Instructions for filling it out:

  • A Social Security number and “wet” signature are not necessary for completing the form
  • We do need address, phone number, email and other contact information in order to confirm residence in the 7th District (Section 1).
  • In the comments section (Section 2) please describe the project’s impact on your daily quality of life.  Be as specific as possible.  For instance, “ongoing noise and light pollution from construction on Wednesday evenings results in me getting 4 hours of sleep” is better than “There is so much noise.”
  • In the comments section please provide a request for the type of mitigation/response that would help improve your quality of life.  For instance, “I would like to see WSDOT work closely with the neighbors to collaboratively address construction impacts.”

If you need help, here is an example that you can copy and paste:

I am requesting that Representative Jayapal help us mitigate the impacts of the 520 project.  This project has negatively impacted my family and community by causing stress and uncertainty about the design.  I am particularly concerned how the project will affect traffic, noise, and our ability to get into and out of our neighborhood.  I would like to see WSDOT and SDOT take action on the items important to the community such as keeping the Montlake Market open during construction as well as implementing traffic concerns and suggestions that have been voiced but are absent in the NTMP.

Please send forms to Sarah Brady by January 31, 2018.  For questions please call 206-674-0040 or email Sarah or Zach.

Contact information

Zach Carstensen
Director, Outreach and Engagement

Office of Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07)

(206) 674-0040 (office)

(206) 473-2533 (cellphone)

zach.carstensen@mail.house.gov

www.jayapal.house.gov | www.facebook.com/RepJayapal/ | www.twitter.com/RepJayapal

What You Can do Now on 520 Issues – Online Form & Upcoming Meeting

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Thank you to all who attended the SR 520 listening session with Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal’s staff on December 20th at the Queen City Yacht Club. It was a great opportunity for Montlake and surrounding neighbors to express concerns with Representative Jayapal’s dedicated staff members.  The goal of the meeting was for staff to gather as much information as possible about how the 520 project is affecting the 7th District constituents.  For the first hour, folks that have long been involved in 520 issues as well as the Presidents of both Montlake and Portage Bay community clubs, had a one-on-one meeting with the staff.  This enabled them to update them on the most pressing SR520 issues, including the ongoing legal effort to prevent WSDOT from condemning the Montlake Blvd. Market. For the second two hours, her staff met with and heard from all the folks that attended.  They were particularly interested in how the project is affecting our daily lives and how often we use the Market.

Given that the meeting was held during a busy holiday time and on rather short notice, the staff of Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal will be holding another public discussion regarding the 520 project on January 18th from 6-8pm at the Seattle Yacht Club at 1807 E Hamlin.  Zach Carstensen, Director of Outreach and Engagement, and Sarah Brady, Constituent Services Coordinator, will be leading the conversation. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal will not be present at this meeting.  Please park and access the Boyer Children’s conference room from the parking garage, which can be accessed via E. Howe Street.

For those that are unable to attend this meeting, Rep. Jayapal’s office still wants to hear from you.  Please complete THIS FORM, which can be opened and completed on most PC and Apple computers. Numbers matter and we need all the voices we can to effect change! Here are the instructions for how to fill it out.

  • A Social Security number and “wet”/real signature are not necessary
  • Complete your name, address, phone number, email and other contact information in order to confirm residence in the 7th District (Section 1).
  • In the comments section (Section 2) please describe the project’s impact on your daily quality of life.  Be as specific as possible.  For instance, “ongoing noise and light pollution from construction on Wednesday evenings results in me getting 4 hours of sleep” is better than “There is so much noise.”
  • In the comments section please provide a request for the type of mitigation/response that would help improve your quality of life.  For instance, “I would like to see WSDOT work closely with the neighbors to collaboratively address construction impacts.”

If you would prefer the option to cut and paste comments, you can use the following example:

I am requesting that Representative Jayapal help us mitigate the impacts of the 520 project.  This project has negatively impacted my family and community by causing stress and uncertainty about the design.  I am particularly concerned how the project will affect traffic, noise, and our ability to get into and out of our neighborhood.  I would like to see WSDOT and SDOT take action on the items important to the community such as keeping the Montlake Market open during construction as well as implementing traffic concerns and suggestions that have been voiced but are absent in the NTMP.

Please send completed files to Sarah Brady, Sarah.Brady@mail.house.gov, by January 31, 2018. For questions please email or call 206-674-0040.

Some may ask how a federal representative can affect change for a state project.  The bottom line is that we don’t know and they aren’t promising anything.  But we are her constituents and she cares about the issues that we do.  She is the first politician to take a real interest in the issues we are facing so it is important that we take advantage of this opportunity.  While her staff was clear to stress that they can’t promise anything, the first step is identifying that there is indeed a problem and for that we all need to speak up!

 

Rep. Jayapal Office Hours in Montlake – Wed, Dec. 20

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Congresswoman Jaypal’s ‘office hours’ aim to get input on key issues
Queen City Yacht Club, 2608 Boyer Ave. E. , Wednesday, 12/20, 4 pm -7 pm

Thanks to several neighbors, Zach Carstensen, Director, Outreach and Engagement for Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) is conducting an office hours listening session on Wednesday (12-20-17) 4 pm to 7 pm at the Queen City Yacht Club, 2608 Boyer Ave. E.

Stop by and hear your neighbors who have made appointments to comment about oversight of the SR520 Bridge Replacement Project, and specifically federal monies granted or on loan that are tied to public health and environmental compliance.

In addition to SR520 federal compliance oversight, comments about any of her committees and caucuses are welcome.  She serves on the House Budget Committee, House Judiciary Committee, and subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security. She is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and LGBT Equality Caucus.

The 7th Congressional District extends from Lynnwood to Des Moines, Vashon Island to Lake Washington.  Consider this a good way to meet one of her representatives, and share your concerns about what’s going on in the other Washington.

Rep. Jayapal Hosting Office Hours in Montlake on Dec. 20

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The Office of U.S. Representative Jayapal is hosting office hours in the Montlake neighborhood on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 from 5-7 pm at the Queen City Yacht Club.  The office hours are the result of hearing from a number of people in the neighborhood who have concerns with the ongoing SR 520 project.  These office hours are a chance for residents in the neighborhood to share their thoughts with district staff.  Your comments will help inform Rep. Jayapal’s understanding of how this project is impacting residents. The Montlake Community Club encourages all interested residents to attend. Click this link to RSVP for a speaking slot.

 

What Montlake neighborhood office hours
Where Queen City Yacht Club (3rd floor meeting room.  Guests may park in the Members Only Parking Lot.  Enter from the parking lot door and take the stairs or elevator to the 3rd floor.  Street parking is available near-by).
When December 20, 2017 5-7 pm
RSVP Please RSVP by signing up for a slot to speak with our staff using this Doodle Link.

(Please Sign Up for a 15 minute time slot using with your first and last name)

East Gateway Park Clean Up Rescheduled to Sunday Dec 3

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Due to the terrible weather forecast for this Saturday, the East Gateway Park Clean-Up is rescheduled to this Sunday, December 3. Come meet your neighbors and garden with us at the East Gateway Park (24th and Boyer) Fall Clean-Up Work Party! 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, Sunday, December 3. Bring your gardening tools (or tools will be provided), bring a friend, and bring your work gloves. Help us get this Montlake Pocket Park ready for winter. Coffee and snacks provided. Rain or shine.

Questions? Contact 23rd Ave E resident and clean-up organizer Tom Brown – tbrown1200@comcast.net

What’s Happening in Montlake This Week

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Lots going on Montlake this week – don’t miss out!

The deadline to order Christmas trees and decorations from the Montlake Elementary Evergreen Sale is Thursday, November 30 at 3 pm. All proceeds benefit the PTA. Place your order here.

The East Gateway Park Fall Work Party and Clean-Up is this Sunday, December 3 from 10 am to 1 pm (this was moved to Sunday due to the terrible forecast for Saturday). Head on over to 24th Ave E and Boyer to help out and have fun. Did we mention free coffee and snacks? More info here.

On Sunday, December 3 help the Montlake Community Club pay for the business district holiday lights by eating at Cafe Lago and entering a raffle for great items from local businesses. The annual Light Up the Night Fundraiser takes place from 5 pm to 9 pm. Free glass of cider or Prosecco with your meal and some great raffle items. Make a reservation to be sure to get a seat.

Thanks again to everyone in this amazing community for making the Montlake Community Club’s 5K Turkey Trot & Kids Run an overwhelming success. If you missed the wrap up and photos we sent out, you can view them here.

-The Montlake Community Club

Last Call for Christmas Trees from Montlake

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The deadline to purchase your Christmas trees and wreaths from Montlake Elementary PTA is this Thursday, November 30! Make sure to get your order in on time; items must be pre-ordered.

Montlake Elementary PTA has a great way to help you support your local community while decorating for Christmas.  Purchase your Christmas Trees, Wreaths, Door Swag, and Garlands from Montlake Elementary.  All proceeds go to support student teaching and activities at Montlake Elementary.

Also, did you know there is a regional shortage of Christmas trees this year? Around the time of the Great Recession, growers had an oversupply of trees after planting too many in the early 2000’s.  Subsequent low prices forced many farmers out of the Christmas tree business, leaving other growers to tend to the market.

Northwest farms harvest the most trees in the United States, exporting them to places like Asia and California.  But now, with only so many trees to go around, remaining farmers can’t keep up with demand — and they might not catch up for years.  It can take nine years before some trees are ready to be cut and sold.

Although many people will see tree prices increase significantly this year (~10%), we have managed to keep most of our trees at the same low prices as last year.  Only our popular Nobles have increased $2 to $3 over last year’s price.  In addition, all of our lovely wreaths, door swag, and garlands are being offered at the same low prices as last year.

So don’t delay and secure your Christmas tree and greenery today by going to http://montlakepta.org/evergreens.  Orders must be in by November 30 at 3 pm and the pick up day is on December 9 from 10am to 12pm.  All trees and greenery are pre-sold.

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to email Matt Wenger or Fran Wall at evergreens@montlakepta.org.

Turkey Trot Raises over $22,000 for Food Bank

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Wow, what a race! The Montlake Community Club thanks all of you who volunteered, ran, walked, and sponsored the 2017 Montlake 5K Turkey Trot & Kids Run on Thanksgiving morning. While we still have some lose ends to tie up, our conservative estimate is that we raised $22,500 for the University District Food Bank (more than double what we raised last year) and collected 160 lbs of food. 839 people signed up to run the race this year, compared to 593 last year, the first year of the race.  In addition to race registration fees, runners also donated an extra $5160 to the food bank, which got them entry into a raffle for Cafe Lago gift certificates.  RoseMary Reed and Vineet Kumar were the luck winners of the grand prizes, Lasagne dinners for 10 (valued at $250 each). Carol Cordy, Jill Blitz, Melissa West, Mary Davis, Karen Zeribi, and Mike Mecham won the $50 Cafe Lago gift certificates.

This year saw a new race course on the new Arboretum Loop Trail. The MCC extends a big thanks to the Washington Park Arboretum and Seattle Parks and Recreation for giving us trail access. Race results are posted here. The overall winner of the 5K, Izaic Yorks, clocked in an impressive time of 14:17.  Perhaps not surprising since as a member of the UW track team he set an NCAA record for the fastest mile!  Coming in second place was Nick Wojtasik.  The overall female winner was Sarah Mirkin, followed  by Stasia Demick in second place.  Don’t miss the slideshow at the bottom of this post!

Over 60 Montlake residents of all ages, University District Food Bank employees, sponsors, and other Seattleites volunteered to make the race happen. Thank you all! The MCC could not have done this without you. We especially thank MCC Board President, Sharsti Sandall, who founded the Turkey Trot and served as its chairperson for the second year running.

This year the MCC undertook a big sponsor recruitment effort. We are grateful to those sponsors for underwriting event costs. Please thank these sponsors, many of them local businesses, when you see them.

We are always working to improve the Turkey Trot as it grows. We underestimated the volume of same-day registrations (149 compared to 43 last year) and are working on improvements for next year. Post any feedback or comments about the race on this page, or email turkeytrot@montlake.net.

Are you a Montlake resident looking to get more involved in Turkey Trot and other community happenings? Consider joining the Montlake Community Club board. We love being board members and want you to join us. Contact board@montlake.net to learn more.

Enjoy this race day slideshow with photos by MCC board members Chris Cumming and Bryan Haworth.

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