This week’s post ends up focusing on Prudence. The young owl that was mostly overlooked in last week’s post. Get the rest of the story on:
Have a great day on Union Bay…where nature lives in the city!
Larry
This week’s post ends up focusing on Prudence. The young owl that was mostly overlooked in last week’s post. Get the rest of the story on:
Have a great day on Union Bay…where nature lives in the city!
Larry
A packed agenda for your Montlake Community Club Board last Tuesday night (June 14), but the Board was up to it. President Bryan Haworth offered our Community’s thanks to the Board members completing their terms: LeAna Alvarado-Smith, Tomitha Blake, Kathy Laughman. He announced that Kathy Laughman, though retiring from the Board, has agreed to be Project Lead on the City funded initiative to create an improvement plan for Montlake’s business district. Haworth then gave election results and welcomed the five new Board members: Darcy LaBelle, Rohit Manokaran, John O’Neil, Tyler Blitz and Carol Cordy. Congratulations to these five new community members who’ve stepped forward to serve their Montlake neighbors. (Their photos and bios will appear soon on the Montlake website.)
Special guest, Paul Fuesel of Studio KPG kicked off conversation with the Board and guests about our Business District Improvement Project and the work KPG will be doing as the contracted consultants. Paul described how this project, funded by the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, will result in a plan crafted by KPG in collaboration with the MCC project team and designed specifically for our neighborhood. It will take advantage of what they’ve learned from changes that worked well in other locations in Seattle as well as surrounding communities.
The Project’s Functional Goals: Revitalization of the Business District to support Existing Restaurants and Service Businesses, Increase of Outdoor Seating; Pedestrian Safety, Accessibility & Street Crossings; Street Diet Traffic Calming on 24th; Safe Routes to School Children across 24th; Wider Sidewalks where feasible; Street Tree Replacement; Signal at E. Lynn Street; Friendlier Bus Stops.
The Project Aesthetic Goals: “Place Making”, so that the business district is “a place people want to spend time;” District Identity & Branding; Bike and Pedestrian Wayfinding (bike routes to/from Arboretum and the U-District; Support Historic Character; Public Art Integration; Connect ‘isolated section’ between Montlake Bridge & Business district; Enhance Montlake Boulevard Market at 520 “Look & Feel”; Enhance 22nd Ave E. Greenway Connections “Look & Feel.”
Fuesel responded to questions from the Board members and talked about next steps in the planning process. Up first will be outreach to the community. To that end, the Board agreed to schedule a Community Meeting inviting all Montlakers for an informative session, with opportunities for comments, questions, and input of ideas. That meeting is scheduled for July 26, with location to be determined. Be assured that you’ll get more details and reminders of this meeting as the date near.
Several other special guests were given time to present information or request action on other issues. Scott Forbes, former MCC Board member, explained that he was now a candidate for State Representative for the 43rd District. Allan Seidenverg and Ann Rudd asked the Board to offer a letter of support for the ARCH. It would use a highway ramp piece to be placed in the Arboretum as a concrete memorial structure reminding us of the courage of local citizens who led a successful campaign to stop the construction of the R.H.Thompson freeway in the early 60’s. Lyle Bicknell, Seattle’s Montlake liaison to the WSDOT 520 construction project, reported on progress of the construction effort through Montlake and highlighted positive changes to the design stimulated by earlier community input. He talked of the timeliness of our planning project in relation to the 520 work and the near-future Phase 3 City construction efforts along the 23rd/24th Avenue corridor.
Your truly, Nathalie Gehrke, was recognized for her agreement to serve as the community reporter for the coming year’s business district improvement planning initiative. Watch for my reports as things progress. I’ll try to keep them lively.
*You can get all the details of the evening’s agenda by visiting the Community Club Meeting Minutes at Montlake.net
A young owl leaves the nest and attempts to fly. Follow its struggles during one of its first attempts on:
Have a great day on Union Bay…where nature lives in the city!
Larry
Fred Hutch’s 4th annual Obliteride will be rolling through Montlake on Sunday, Aug. 14.
Hop on your bike or cheer on riders as they come through Montlake. Obliteride has routes for everyone from rookies to road warriors.
Riders are treated to a first-class event including fun parties, live entertainment and fantastic food from Tom Douglas Catering.
Montlake resident and cancer survivor Jeff Dossett has ridden in Obliteride every year since it started. He says he’s “lucky to be alive and grateful to participate in Obliteride each year to raise awareness and funds to end all cancers once and for all.” Read Jeff’s story here.
To be part of this exciting event, sign up to ride 10-165 miles or volunteer at obliteride.org.
Neighbors are invited to a public open house to learn more about the next phase of the SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program in Seattle. All remaining elements of the SR 520 Program from Lake Washington to I-5 are now fully funded by the 2015 Connecting Washington package and will be constructed in phases.
The open house will focus primarily on the next phase of construction: the West Approach Bridge South (WABS) and Montlake lid and land bridge.
The public meeting will be held:
At this open house, we will share the following:
The open house will provide an opportunity for members of the public to hear the latest about the SR 520 Program, view updated design renderings of the Montlake area, chat one-on-one with project staff, ask questions, and share feedback.
In addition to the in-person open house, we are also hosting an Online Open House, which will be available Monday, June 20th through July 8. Please visit SR520.participate.online to view design information about the next phase of construction, which includes the Montlake area and WABS, and learn about the future steps for the remaining Rest of the West project elements. This Online Open House will include a summary of the project’s design history, and an overview and details of the design character of the Montlake area and WABS. It will also include an opportunity for visitors to share their feedback.
We hope you can join us for these events! We look forward to continuing to share information with you as we move forward with building a new, safer and more reliable SR 520 corridor in Seattle.
How is one great blue heron nest different from the others? What will be the impact to these three young birds? Will they survive their parent’s choice? Will they survive their nest mates? Some of these questions get answered in this week’s post on:
Have great day on Union Bay…where nature lives in the city!
Larry
Your Montlake Community Club Board meets June 14, at 7:00 pm in the Boyer Children’s Clinic Conference Room (1850 Boyer Ave. East). The agenda includes two important items: Results of the recent MCC election with introduction of new board members; and Presentation by Paul Fuesel of Studio KPG about ideas for working with our community and businesses on the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods funded Business District Development Plan. You are all invited to attend this and any other monthly MCC Board meeting. To claim a good seat, come early to the lower level of the Boyer Clinic (Enter through the parking garage door on Howe Street).
Storm, our local pileated woodpecker, had a tough winter but her spring is looking up. See the photos and learn about the latest additions to her life on:
Have a great day on Union Bay…where nature lives in the city!
Larry
After all of her hard work what does a female hummingbird do to relax? Find out in the latest post on:
Have a great day on Union Bay…where nature lives in the city!
Larry
Thursday, May 19th found four intrepid Montlakers “Ubering” downtown to City Hall’s 4th floor for a high potential encounter of the third kind. The Montlake Community Club (MCC) Board members were heading for a first-time meeting with City department staff members who’ll provide support for Montlake’s exciting new business district improvement project.
Some Back Story. You first heard about this successful MCC proposal for Department of Neighborhood funds in the hand-delivered January 2016 issue of the Montlake Flyer. Remember that the one-year $25,000 grant will support the creation of a plan to re-imagine the business core—both Downtown (E.Boston to East McGraw) and Uptown (Hwy 520/bridge area)– and its connection to the neighborhood. That plan is the first step in creating a future Montlake that honors its history, while offering a vibrant, welcoming place to live and do business today.
Now Back to the Meeting. Karen Selander, our Department of Neighborhoods Project Manager, opened the May 19 meeting with introductions all around. At the table were, of course, those four intrepids, your MCC Board members who make up the project working team: Kathy Laughman (Project Lead), Bryan Haworth (MCC President), Juan Lopez (MCC Business Community Rep) and Bob DeLay (MCC V.P.). Also at the table, were project consultants from Studio KPG, Paul Fuesel and Elizabeth (Liz) Gibson. Joining to offer assistance on behalf of the City were: Jim Curtin, Community Traffic Safety Coordinator, SDOT; Erin Doherty, Landmarks Preservation Board Coordinator; Lyle Bicknell, Principal Urban Designer, Office of Planning & Development; and Michelle Marx, Urban Design & Complete Streets Strategic Advisor, SDOT.
KPG’s Paul Fuesel guided a lively exchange about challenges, hopes, and potential ideas for Montlake. Everyone recognized the timeliness of the MCC planning project to feed into the Greenways Construction for the 23rd /24th Ave corridor. (Montlake area construction on 24th is part of Phase 3.) The MCC Reps recounted the struggles of our businesses and neighbors facing increased high speed traffic and accidents on 24th; the challenges for old and young pedestrians crossing 24th Avenue while dodging the traffic and stumbling along deteriorating sidewalks; the continuing parking issues for residents and businesses.
Kathy Laughman and Bryan Haworth described some of the enhancements that seem desirable for Montlake. They mentioned wider sidewalks with trees appropriate to the location; clearly and attractively designated pedestrian crossings; traffic calming changes to the street to reduce the raceway driving mentality; beautification with public art and plantings, attractive signage; and preservation of the historical feel. Kathy Laughman noted, “We want Montlake to be recognized as a place, a real neighborhood where people live and work.”
The City Reps responded to the MCC team with expressions of understanding about the current struggles, and appreciation for the future envisioned. Lyle Bicknell commented on “lots of moving parts and changes” because of UW development plans, the new Link rail station, and continuing Highway 520 construction. The City reps nodded with interest at the improvement ideas the MCC team had in mind. Jim Curtin of SDOT pointed out immediately that the Greenway project was finding early phase success with similar elements. Consultant, Paul Fuesel showed how other neighborhoods in the City and beyond had used those approaches. Bryan Haworth of MCC added, “We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. We just want to roll it into our neighborhood.” The collected City reps were optimistic that a workable plan could be developed, and affirmed their readiness to work with the team to contribute to the success.
Next steps in the project include plenty of communication between the MCC project team and the City representatives through various channels including monthly reporting. Also early on the calendar will be “Robust Outreach” to the Montlake community–but, of course! So, here is what you can expect:
A Union Bay Bald Eagle as seen from the Marsh Island trail.
Some of the wonders of spring include young birds, cottonwood down, worms and osprey eggs. To see the photos and read about Spring on Union Bay please visit:
Have a great day on Union Bay…where nature lives in the city!
Larry
Save your clutter! The Annual All Montlake Yard Sale returns on October 1, 2016. On the first Saturday of October, join with your neighbors to clean house and earn some cash at this all-neighborhood event.
The Montlake Community Club (MCC) does the hard work of organizing and promoting the yard sale. All you have to do is sign up and attend your sale.
Last year the yard sale grew to over 80 locations within Montlake. Now in its 4th year, the yard sale has become a destination for garage sale aficionados.
Check Montlake.net in August for sign-up instructions.
Have you ever wondered how it would feel to live in Broadmoor? What about living in a tree far above the daily concerns and activities of earth-bound humans? One thing is for sure there are pluses and minuses. Learn more on:
Have a great day on Union Bay…where eaglets are learning to rule!
Larry
Board elections kicked off during Montlake Community Club’s Annual General Meeting held last evening. Trustee & Officer candidates were presented and voting opened. In keeping with last year’s format, we will offer online voting. We will be electing 4 new trustees and 1 secretary. Below you will find the current list & summary statements for each trustee nominations as well as the list of officer candidates. Only current board members may run for officer positions. By clicking on a candidates name, you may review their LinkedIn profile or any additional comments they submitted.
After you have reviewed the candidates, you may submit your vote via the link below.
TRUSTEE CANDIDATES
Tyler Blitz moved to Montlake in 2009, and currently lives near 21st & Boyer with his wife and son (2.5 years). His professional background is in marketing and business development and has worked for a number of technology companies, including Microsoft, focusing on the healthcare industry. As Tyler says, “I am interested in neighborhood issues, and have followed the 520 bridge plans and construction project and the proposed boundary changes to the SPS elementary school zones in recent years. Serving as a board member, I can offer a reasonable and open-minded perspective as a neighbor who wants the best for his family and community. Specific areas of interest include education (I previously taught high school math) and transportation.”
Rohit moved to Montlake in 2015 and lives near the Montlake play field. He is a engineer, currently with Google, and previously with Amazon. From Rohit, “In the 1960s Seattle designed a plan to build an expressway – what is now I-5 right though the heat of Montlake. At that time the Montlake community banded together and was able to alter the course of history to leave Montlake in one piece, as it stands today. A lot has changed between the 1960s and today. Just as technology has brought people from great distances together, it has also distanced neighbors from building community with one another. The percent of homeowners in Montlake are in the 70s when it once was in the high 90s. Today we live around an increasing transient population in a growing community. I want to bring that community together so that the Montlake 50 years from now is as amazing a place to live as the Montlake today.”
Carol and her family have lived in Montlake for 37 years where her children attended Montlake School. She has been active over the years in several volunteer activities, including volunteering at the Montlake School. Carol would like to join the Board of Trustees and become active in community projects. She currently practices medicine at Swedish.
“I am very interested in becoming a Board Member of the Montlake Community Club. As a resident of Montlake, I am very concerned about the social, economic, transportation issues and preserving the historic nature of the Community and surrounding areas. I believe the City can do a better job in providing Montlake the tools needed to produce even a better Community.”
“I have resided in the Montlake neighborhood since 1999 and have seen many changes in our neighborhood in that time. Some good like the upgrades to the Montlake Community Center and park. Alas, some not so good like increased traffic and crime. Moreover, our city does not seem to have its priorities straight. Our sidewalks and streets are in disrepair, yet the city spends thousands on projects that could be funded by individuals and private funds. I have relied on this special neighborhood while raising my two daughters but see a need to strengthen our community. I hope to bring a voice for positive change to the board.”
PRESIDENT – BRYAN HAWORTH is the current president and is running for a 2nd & final term as allowed in our by-laws.
VICE PRESIDENT – BOB DELAY is the current vice – president and is running for a 2nd & final term as allowed in our by-laws.
TREASURER – MICHELE LAYTON is the current treasurer and is running for a 2nd & final term as allowed in our by-laws.
SECRETARY
SHARSTI SANDALL
Sharsti is running for the open secretary position.
Sharsti joined the board in 2015. She has lived in Montlake since 2013, when her family relocated from San Diego. Although Sharsti is new to Montlake, her neighborhood ties run deep: her husband was born and raised on Shelby Street and she got engaged 15 years ago in West Montlake Park. She has three children and her strong family connection to the area inspired her to serve on the board.
Current Board (Officer & Trustee) bios available here: http://montlake.net/mcc/mcc-board-of-directors/
In honor of all our Mothers and Mother’s Day, this week’s Union Bay Watch post is called,
I hope you enjoy the photos and the story.
Have a great day on Union Bay…where the mother ship sails!
Larry
College rowing’s most picturesque setting hosts the sport’s most well-attended regatta as the Windermere Cup returns for its 30th year Saturday, May 7, on the Montlake Cut.
The weather forecast looks sunny so come down and cheer on the Huskies as they take on Russia, Cambridge, Stanford and University of San Diego.
The Windermere Cup is the feature of Seattle’s Yacht Club’s annual Opening Day of boating season, a tradition that dates back over a century. Get all of the details and race schedule here.
Battle of the Stations – Windermere Cup Media Cup Crew Races on May 4
On Wednesday, May 4, Seattle’s local TV news teams will battle it out along the Montlake Cut for the fifth annual Windermere Cup – Media Cup crew races. Led by captains Mike Ferreri (KOMO), Joyce Taylor (KING), Bridgett Turell (Q13), and Cale Ramaker (KIRO), the teams each consist of some of Seattle’s best known local media personalities.
The KOMO team has taken home the highly coveted Media Cup trophy four of the past five years after losing to KIRO in the race’s first year. Bragging rights are a major objective of these highly competitive crews, but they’re also in it for charity. The winning team receives a $500 donation from Windermere Real Estate to go to their non-profit organization of choice.
So come down to the Montlake Cut at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 4, to see an epic battle of the Seattle news teams. And then join us again on Saturday, May 7 for the 30th annual Windermere Cup Regatta.
More information about Windermere Cup can be found at www.windermerecup.com.
This week the nest building efforts of our Union Bay osprey were thwarted. However, there is hope for a symbiotic solution. Learn more on:
Have great day on Union Bay…where osprey yearn to nest in the city!
Larry
This week’s post covers the return of osprey to Union Bay. Their progress with nesting is both exciting and ill-advised. Learn more on:
Have a great day on Union Bay...where osprey are attempting to nest in the city!
Larry
This week’s post features two different and dangerous raptor encounters. The participants include a peregrine falcon, a bald eagle, a golden eagle and one local birder with a hands-on approach to birding. Read more on:
Have a great day on Union Bay…where nature lives in the city!
Larry