(unapproved)
LICTON SPRINGS COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Unapproved Minutes January 22, 2020 6:30-8:30 P.M.
Cascadia School Library
Directors present: Amanda Crosley, Janice Lichtenwaldt, Ellen Beck, Liz Kearns, Lindsey Webb, and Kathleen Braden
Janice started the meeting at 6:30.
People introduced themselves.
Minutes of Nov. 20, 2019 were approved as distributed. The treasurer’s report 11-19-2019 through 1-15-2020 was approved. Ellen noted that there was an additional deposit made and she would include it on the subsequent treasurer’s report. Amanda discussed her work with Randy Wiger on the proposal for the off-leash dog area at Mineral Springs Park. M/S/A that Licton Springs will contribute the value of Amanda’s work hours on this project for the future development of the proposal. She estimates it as $100 thus far. The group also discussed using the funds earmarked for Licton Springs Park, possibly for a summer event, with Liz’s approval because of her work as the forest steward for the park.
The group discussed the designation of Licton Springs Park for historic status, given its significance to the Native American communities of the region. The process is underway and has almost reached the last stage for approval.
Debora Juarez (referred to in these notes below as DJ) and her staff member, Shayna Daitch (SD), joined us (delayed due to police activity in downtown Seattle due to a shooting incident earlier). DJ discussed her understanding of the history of some issues associated with the Duwamish tribe and their designation. She said the Parks Dept .(Superintendent Jesús Aguirre) had informed her of the designation decision.
The results of a survey of Licton Springs area residents was discussed. DJ had it with her as LSCC had sent the results ahead and distributed a summary on our listserv (attached below)
DJ was asked to update the group on plans for a feasibility study of an Aurora-Licton Springs Community Center. She discussed the role of Jesús Aguirre and the Parks Dept. which will work with a community group to start the process. $150,000 has been designated. SD will be the point person staff contact. DJ noted that the 6 year cycle for funding for Parks and Recreation is approaching and the feasibility study should be completed in a year. She discussed her effort to secure the funding and the fact that the neighborhood is located in a “community center desert” in the City. The PDOC (Park District Oversight Committee) is key to the process and once the 2020 census data comes in, that should help make the case. DJ noted that this neighborhood has seen much growth of families in particular.
DJ then discussed all the activity occurring in District Five and how the Aurora, Northgate, and other neighborhoods are morphing into true family-oriented areas. She talked about the need for sidewalks, a perennial problem in North Seattle. (note: residents from the Licton Springs neighborhood attended and asked her questions during the meeting so some of these notes are her responses to the questions). Subsequent to the 2019 general election, she has met with Council members Dan Strauss (District 6) and Alex Pedersen (District 4) to coordinate on issues impacting North Seattle and she is encouraged about how the representatives will work together.
She focused on infrastructure and development around Northgate and emphasized that much of the construction will be down with local union labor. Newer low income housing will be constructed in the Northgate area and any current resident displaced will be able to move back in.
Asked about plans for the North Precinct Police Station, DJ reviewed what was the impediment to earlier plans to build a new station. Plans are till underway and there will be community hearings at North Seattle College. Lisa Herboldt is now chair of the committee that will deal with the issue and DJ is hopeful action will happen. DJ noted that the City is still handicapped by the insufficient number of police officers and we need to be attracting many more.
Lindsey Webb asked about plans for a grocery store at Northgate and DJ said she is pleased with cooperation from Simon (major property owner) but City officials can only do so much where private property is involved. She has discussed, however, the demographics and character of the neighborhood and her preference for a union-shop grocery store to move into the new development.
Neighbors from Interlake Avenue asked about attention to development west of I-5, such as the need for a supermarket, and raised concern about the focus not being solely around the Northgate area. The group then discussed with DJ the need for attracting businesses along the Aurora corridor, including small enterprises, and reviewed pushback from Aurora Merchants to past efforts such as the moratorium and other work spearheaded by ALUV. Again, DJ reiterated that where private property and a state highway (99) is involved, the City has a more limited role. She discussed her efforts to work with Seattle Public Schools as the owner of the Oak Tree Village property, but that headway has not yet been made for any firm plans.
Janice Lichtenwaldt noted the work of ALUV and the new group, “For North” and that she has been attending some ALUV meetings and in contact with Casey Pier and there is hope to have a new phase of cooperation with business owners in the Aurora area. Amanda Crosley asked what LSCC can do to be helpful about encouraging business development, for example, with the west side of the upcoming pedestrian-bicycle bridge across I-5. DJ noted the complications because of N Seattle College and University of Washington ownership of much of the land where the bridge ends up on the west side.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the bridge construction is coming up soon. SD noted that there is a need for letters of support for DJ who is calling for speeding up the Sound Transit plans for the 130th St light rail station to make it designed for a 2024 opening (to match Lynnwood link) rather than wait until 2031, which doesn’t make sense. SD will email Kathleen Braden with appropriate contact addresses to pass along.
The group was very happy to receive the news from DJ that the Home Zones projects are approved for money in the City budget. In addition, SDOT has allocated $40,000 out of the regular SDOT budget for a Licton Springs Home Zone, a project supported earlier by LSCC, spearheaded by Amanda and Tim Crosley.
The group thanked Council Rep. Juarez and Shayna Daitch for attending and then proceeded with other business after they had to leave:
Resident Brigette Arden suggested that the survey done by LSCC be repeated on a regular basis to have a longitudinal record of responses and members of the LSCC Board agreed. The group discussed clean-up issues and problems with the 95th and Interlake area, especially associated with litter. Tracy Cramer, with Seattle Public Utilities and the person who deals with clean-up, attended and discussed how to report problem areas and the best way to send information to the City so that there can be a good response. She noted in particular the limitations the City or Public Utilities are under legally with respect to RVs and a 25 ft perimeter where crews are constrained about removals of trash. She took the information and said they will try to send out a crew to do cleanup on Stone Ave. N.
Amanda gave a report on the December 21 Mineral Springs holiday celebration and thanked everyone who participated. About fifty people attended despite the rain. LSCC plans to do this event again in 2020.
Kathleen noted that we now have an electronic archive of the minutes dating back to the 1990s although there are some missing years from the mid-1990s. It will be posted on the LSCC web site and can be searched using keywords.
Janice Lichtenwaldt noted the upcoming grants workshop Jan. 25 at Bitter Lake if anyone wanted to attend.
Kathleen Braden noted the KIRO radio selection of Liz Kearns for their “Hometown hero” award in December. Liz said she would be doing a work party for the park with second-graders from Cascadia School. Amanda reported on the Jan 20 tree plating at 85th and Meridian.
Several Board members attended the January 5 Open House at North Seattle College on the I-5 Pedestrian-Bicycle Bridge.
Ellen proposed that LSCC order more copies of the Licton Springs brochure and the item will be on the agenda for the Feb. 26 meeting.
Notes submitted by Kathleen Braden, Secretary
ATTACHMENT: 2019 Survey of Licton Springs Residents
- Survey ran from November 13th, 2019 to January 6th, 2020 and received 69 responses
- Top themes included concerns over RVs in our neighborhood, state of the sidewalks (especially north of 100th), interest in additional retail / commerce. Many neighbors expressed thanks for the efforts of the community council.
- Top issues for the neighborhood include safety & crime, cleanliness/litter control, need for a community center, and business development.
- The majority of respondents are long term residents, living in Licton Springs for more than 5 years.
- Only 29% of respondents had ever attended a LSCC meeting.
- Facebook, Nextdoor, LSCC emails and LoveLicton are the main sources of information for the neighborhood.
- 30 respondents expressed interest in occasional service, 11 expressed interest in an advisory neighborhood group and 11 expressed interest in committees.
Top issues for the neighborhood include safety & crime, cleanliness/litter control, need for a community center, and business development.