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month : 09/2012 340 results

4755 Fauntleroy Way design review, report #2: Early look at ‘true retail-based mixed-use project,’ and what’s next
September 30, 2012 11:53 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The Southwest Design Review Board‘s first decision about West Seattle’s biggest development proposal in years – sending it back for a reboot – wasn’t a surprise to the development team.

But they have some challenges to hurdle before they can bring back 4755 Fauntleroy Way SW for a second round of Early Design Guidance, at a yet-to-be-scheduled date.

Round one was last Thursday night. We reported the toplines immediately afterward. This story’s for anyone interested in the detailed play-by-play.

The cast of characters was a unique mix. For one, the board members included two substitutes – both past members, Catherine Benotto and Vlad Oustimovitch – filling in for Robin Murphy and Daniel Skaggs. Oustimovitch and Benotto joined Myer Harrell, serving as chair, Norma Tompkins, and Layne Bennion. They were joined by city Department of Planning and Development staffer Bruce Rips, the city’s point person for this project.

By our estimate, at least 40 people were in the audience.

First: If you would like to see and hear how it went for yourself, we recorded most of the meeting on video. (Due to a camera change, we’re missing a few minutes of board deliberation. Also forgive us some odd camera angles during the public-comment period, since some of the speakers didn’t come to the front of the room, and the best we could do was to turn the camera in their general direction.) Here’s the first hour, beginning with the developers/architects’ presentation, continuing with board members’ questions, and then public comment:

The second section, 24 minutes, continues the public comment – this begins where clip 1 left off, with the most impassioned commenter – and then moves on into the start of board deliberations:

At the end of that clip, we lost about six minutes of board discussion before the final recorded section, about 40 minutes.

Now – on to what was said, and what happens next:

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Quick reminder: School district deadline for levy feedback
September 30, 2012 9:30 pm
|    Comments Off on Quick reminder: School district deadline for levy feedback
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Something to say to Seattle Public Schools about the latest draft of the BEX IV levy? After the most recent round of community meetings – including the one we covered last Monday – the district asked for feedback by September 30th. That’s tonight. So hurry up and send it to capacity@seattleschools.org. P.S. And if you want to offer public comment at this Wednesday’s regular Seattle School Board meeting, you have to sign up by phone or e-mail TOMORROW – as explained in this district document.

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West Seattle scenes: Saying ‘so long’ to September
September 30, 2012 9:17 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

So many wonderful photos shared this weekend – thanks again. Here’s one final (we think!) set for the weekend – both of these are by Craig Young. Above, tonight’s moonrise; below, Friday’s sunset (didn’t get a chance to share it till tonight, but it’s certainly representative of what we’ve been enjoying):

Though the National Weather Service forecast envisions some clouds early in the week, there’s no rain predicted – so far – for at least another week.

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Update: Traffic alerts, including full 99/Viaduct closure next weekend
September 30, 2012 8:12 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Here’s the weekly list of traffic alerts – including a look ahead to NEXT weekend, when a full 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct closure is planned from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon:

TONIGHT (Sunday 9/30): Southbound 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct will be closed between the Battery Street Tunnel and West Seattle Bridge fromm 9 pm tonight till 5 am Monday morning.

MONDAY (10/1): Two West Seattle projects continuing all week: First: Intensified work at the Barton Pump Station Upgrade Project may lead to intermittent lane closures at and near the Fauntleroy ferry terminal as soon as today, as explained on the 2nd page of this flyer. Work hours are expected to run 7 am-5:30 pm, Mondays-Fridays. Second: Ongoing Arbor Heights sidewalk and signal work at and south of 35th/Roxbury.

TUESDAY (10/2): Same as Monday. (Added: Highland Park Way work during the day, explained here.)

WEDNESDAY (10/3): Same as Tuesday. (Added: The West Marginal Way manhole work announced Tuesday – details here.)

THURSDAY (10/4): Same as Wednesday, plus: One brief early-morning closure for the almost-complete Spokane Street Viaduct Widening Project. (Moved to Saturday)

FRIDAY (10/5): Same as Wednesday.

SATURDAY (10/6): In addition to the 99/Viaduct closure (see next item), the offramp to 1st Avenue South from the westbound Spokane Street Viaduct is scheduled for closure 3 am-9 am.

NEXT WEEKEND, AVOID 99: Both directions of 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct will be closed between the Battery Street Tunnel and West Seattle Bridge for the semiannual inspection and maintenance, 6 am Saturday 10/6 till 4 pm Sunday 10/7. And a North Seattle note: Highway 99 across the Aurora Bridge will be one lane in each direction from 9 pm Friday 10/5 till 2 pm Sunday 10/7.

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West Seattle scene: Fireboat Leschi, with a show & rainbow
September 30, 2012 4:34 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy Thomas Marx)
The fireboat Leschi was off West Seattle’s north-facing shore this afternoon, and WSB’ers shared two very different views (thank you, Thomas and Carolyn!) – above, the beautiful expanded-fleur-de-lis-like sight of its multiple streams, and below, a rainbow prism through the mist:

(Photo courtesy Carolyn Newman)
Want to know more about the Seattle Fire Department‘s fireboats? Go here.

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West Seattle scene: WSUU rallies for marriage equality
September 30, 2012 3:37 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(Photo courtesy Whitney Young)
We’ve reported previously on two West Seattle faith organizations taking action to support marriage-equality Referendum 74 on the November 6th ballot, the Alki UCC/Kol HaNeshamah-led phone bank at their shared home on Thursday nights. Today, another local congregation took action – Westside Unitarian Universalists demonstrated at noontime in The Junction.

(Photo courtesy Rev. Peg Morgan)
WSUU’s Rev. Peg Morgan tells us they’ll be back this Friday, and are inviting you to join them there, 5-6:30 pm (that’s October 5th), as well as noon-2 pm on Sunday 10/14, Saturday 10/20, and Sunday 10/28.

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Happening now: CityFruit cider-pressing, bake sale
September 30, 2012 1:52 pm
|    Comments Off on Happening now: CityFruit cider-pressing, bake sale
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

That’s Betsy from CityFruit pouring some just-pressed cider at West Seattle Nursery, where CF welcomes you to bring your own apples – or enjoy cider from theirs – till 4 this afternoon. Along with the free cider, we discovered it’s a baked-goods-and-more sale too – apple pies, plum jam … But the real fun is helping with the press:

This is the first of at least three cider-press events in West Seattle and vicinity this fall. On October 13th, at 1 pm, you can go to Village Green Perennial Nursery (WSB sponsor) to be part of theirs (details here, including pumpkin carving!); on October 14th, 1-4 pm, there’s a cider-press party in the North Delridge P-Patch (details here). And if you want to do some cider pressing yourself – you can check with the West Seattle Tool Library to see if theirs is available!

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Happening now: Beat the Burn family festival, post-5K
September 30, 2012 10:09 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

10:09 AM: About 150 runners and walkers participated in this morning’s Beat the Burn 5K run/walk from Jack Block Park, along Harbor/Alki Avenues and back, presented by Port of Seattle firefighters, benefiting a camp for young burn victims.

(That’s the starting siren you hear first – followed seconds later by the runners & walkers)
Kelly Spady was first to finish this morning – as he was at the Alki Beach Run last month.

Kathy Edris was the first female finisher.

But today, unlike most 5K events, the race was just the start of the fun. A festival on the path by the park’s beach is under way till 2 this afternoon, with live music and free family fun, as well as a few things you’ll want to bring $ for (the Lumpia World food truck is here, for starters, and there’s a beer garden). More photos to come, including the Kids’ Dash that just began (added – two photos):

(The littlest Kids’ Dash-ers had some adult encouragement:)

Scroll all the way down this page for the schedule of events.

11:20 AM: Ryker is one of the Northwest Disaster Search Dogs scheduled to give a demonstration at the festival this afternoon (12:45 pm):

The live music is courtesy of Slacker – covering some great oldies (from the ’70s to the ’00s) while we were there:

And you can get a close-up look at Port of Seattle Fire Engine #2:

Kids’ games/crafts, too, and Alki Kayak Tours is on hand with stand-up paddleboards (this is the same beach opened to the public for the first-ever Northwest Paddling Festival they sponsored last year). Again, you have till about 2 pm to go join the fun.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Stolen truck; found mail
September 30, 2012 8:31 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes this morning:

That’s Sean‘s truck. He sent the photo and this report:

Got up this morning to hitch up my boat and sure enough no truck. Stolen sometime before 4 am. Police report filed. Not sure what dimwitted fool would steal it considering how identifiable it is; the truck is covered with fishing decals. 2008 Toyota Tacoma, WA St. B48224E, Silver w/canopy.

If you see it – police ask that stolen vehicles be called in via 911. (Sean didn’t mention which neighborhood so we have e-mailed back to ask.)

Also, Sheridan sent this note Saturday afternoon:

I wanted to give you a heads up. I was just at my parent’s house in 24th just south of Roxbury, and we found some stolen mail in the yard of an abandoned house next door. I called the non-emergency line, and per their instructions, packaged it up to give to the mailman on Monday.

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West Seattle Sunday highlights: Beat the Burn 5K; cider press
September 30, 2012 8:07 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Sunday highlights: Beat the Burn 5K; cider press
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Thanks to Claire for the photo from this morning’s moonset. Today’s big event: The Beat the Burn 5K at West Seattle’s Jack Block Park, and the festival that follows – the run/walk (to help young burn survivors go to camp) is at 9 am but that’s just the start. Events continuing till 2 pm, free to the community (including Bubbleman at 11:30 am), are listed toward the bottom of this page.

Also today, a cider-press event at West Seattle Nursery, with City Fruit, noon-4 pm – bring your own apples, or if you don’t have any, they’ll share.

Lots more going on – all listed on the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar.

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West Seattle wildlife: Seal pups need space offshore, too
September 29, 2012 10:30 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

That’s Skittles the seal pup, nicknamed by Seal Sitters, who spent much of this past week trying to protect the too-thin pup while s/he tried to rest along Alki-area shores. The last update from Seal Sitters’ Robin Lindsey noted that Skittles was resting on an offshore platform/raft as night fell on Thursday. And that has led her to put out this reminder:

We would like to stress that people need to stay away from the two platforms when seals are resting there. We are getting increased reports of harassment, forcing the pups at times to abandon the rafts. Seal Sitters wants to remind everyone that disturbing a marine mammal – whether on shore or in the water or on a platform – is a violation of federal law, the Marine Mammal Protection Act. It is considered a disturbance or “take” if you so much as wake up a pup. Please stay 100 yards away when possible. Our hotline has been flooded with calls about kayakers, paddle-boarders and boaters in motorized craft getting to close. We have advised people to email us photographs of anyone who is close enough to disturb these resting seals and we will forward them on to NOAA’s Office for Law Enforcement for investigation. Alki Kayak has been very proactive in telling rental clients to stay away from any pup on shore or on the rafts. We hope that kayakers and paddle boarders will help spread the word among themselves to stay back.

These pups DESPERATELY need rest to survive. They are already struggling and can’t afford to waste precious calories. We don’t want these pups forced on shore where it is even more dangerous for them. PLEASE keep a distance when you are out in the Sound. It is truly a matter of life and death for these pups. And if anyone spots a pup on the beach, please call our hotline immediately at 206-905-7325 (SEAL).

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West Seattle High School alums: Don’t let traditions die!
September 29, 2012 7:48 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle High School alums: Don’t let traditions die!
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Are you a graduate of West Seattle High School? During this WSHS Homecoming Weekend, your fellow WSHS alum Jim Biava has a message, with a request:

Attention all West Seattle High School Graduates!

Congratulations to all West Seattle High School Alumni for having made it this far and for your successes, whatever they may be! Many of us West Seattle High School Alumni still live in West Seattle the place we call home. It’s a wonderful place to live.

The West Seattle High School Alumni Association benefits all of us in our community. The Alumni Association helps many students get the needed resources to continue their education to improve their lives. This year the Alumni Association awarded over $64,000 in scholarships. We facilitate keeping in touch with fellow classmates from whatever year you graduated. The Annual All-School Reunion, the Hall of Fame, the Scholarship Awards, the publication of the Chinook, and the Membership Chairperson who keeps us connected are direct benefits that the Alumni Association provides to all Alumni. The WSHS Alumni Association is the glue that keeps our community together.

The WSHS Alumni Association needs your help now.

We are the reportedly the largest High School Alumni Association in the country. However, we find ourselves with a few open and vital positions on the Alumni Board. We need people like you to join us and keep the Alumni Association the proud and benevolent association that it is. We need fresh new ideas and new faces to join us in keeping the tradition going that started many years and generations ago.

It takes a little time, one meeting a month, and some work. The personal satisfaction of helping your community and the camaraderie you receive are priceless!

Please contact Jim Biava at 206-387-2683 or e-mail to jim@JimBiava.com for more information on the opportunities. The Alumni Association is counting on you.

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Fire response in South Delridge: Barbecue trouble
September 29, 2012 6:13 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

6:13 PM: If you’re seeing/hearing the fire response to the 9400 block of 20th SW, near 20th/Cambridge (map) – according to radio communication, it’s a small fire that firefighters believe began with a barbecue. No report of any injuries.

6:52 PM UPDATE: Firefighters on scene confirmed they were dealing with a barbecue-caused fire, no major damage.

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New 5K: First-ever West Seattle Monster Dash in 4 weeks
September 29, 2012 3:48 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Tomorrow, the Beat the Burn 5K (and festival!) is set for Jack Block Park. But that’s NOT the last 5K of the year in this area – a new one has just been announced, the West Seattle Monster Dash, on October 27th. It’s a benefit for the West Seattle Co-Op Preschools (WSB sponsor) – and it’s planned for a course in upper Lincoln Park. It’s a Halloween theme, organizers say, “so costumes are STRONGLY encouraged,” and they’re planning prizes for best individual and group costumes. Registration info’s here.

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Update: Elsie the dog back home, for ‘ransom’
September 29, 2012 2:58 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Pets | West Seattle news

2:58 PM: Elsie‘s owner says she is missing and believes she was stolen out of his yard this afternoon in the 2800 block of SW 102th (just east of Arbor Heights, in the county), though he did not see it happen, so he doesn’t have any suspect description to share. He describes Elsie as “an extremely loving pit bull of about 60 pounds, ‘fawn’ coat, and pink lips.” If you see her, you can call him at 206-661-7427 – he says that number is also on her collar, light green with pink flowers on it. We are also crossposting to the WSB Pets page.

9:16 PM: Elsie’s owner says she’s home: “She was in fact taken from my property by car, and after much searching and fretting, she was returned for a small ransom.”

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Happening now: In-person RapidRide/Metro info at Westwood
September 29, 2012 12:49 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

If you’re still looking for printed timetables and/or answers to questions about the bus changes that took effect today – including the launch of RapidRide C Line – look for the red-and-yellow bus at Westwood Village, and the balloon-decorated tent next to it. Metro reps will be there till 4. County Councilmember Joe McDermott was there in the early going, right after 11, as was “RapidRide Man”:

For info links related to today’s changes – check our roundup from last night.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Burglary, car-prowl alerts
September 29, 2012 12:20 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

We have two reader reports to share, both with break-in alerts. The first one is from an Arbor Heights resident:

Just wanted to give an alert out: My house on 35th Ave SW & 114th Ave SW was broken into (Friday) between 8 am and 2 pm. They came in through a side window, stole my computer, iPod & ransacked some rooms and then left through the front door. My dog was home in her crate, luckily they did not take her or hurt her (but they were not deterred by her either because she was crated).

And from the 1500 block of 42nd SW in North Admiral:

About 415 am we heard our dog bark incessantly. We didn’t think much of it until the morning when we went into our vehicle that was parked in front of our home, and it had clearly been rummaged through. Meaning, everything from inside the glove compartment and console had been pulled out. There was no visible damage to the car and nothing of significance was stolen. We believe our dog scared him/her off and we also believe that whomever it was exited through our backyard, as our dog eventually began barking toward the back of the house. Be on alert!

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West Seattle Saturday: Drug Take-Back Day; ‘Meet RapidRide’; tour Lincoln Park…
September 29, 2012 8:33 am
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

We featured that very regal dog’s photo – shared by Evie, who took it outside PCC (WSB sponsor) – on the WSB Facebook page last night, asking for captions (check ’em out here; a couple commenters note the dog’s named Aslan). Seemed like a fun way to unleash a weekend. Now, here are today/tonight highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

YARD/GARAGE SALES: Weather’s still nice, so the season’s not over! Find the newest (free!) listings in the WSB Forums. And if you’re having a sale – here’s how to announce it there.

SCHMITZ PARK WORK PARTY: Help get the park/forest ready for fall/winter! 9 am-noon.

BLOOD DRIVE IN THE JUNCTION: 9 am-3 pm, the Bloodmobile is scheduled to be at 42nd/Alaska. Details here.

GUIDED TOUR OF LINCOLN PARK: Think you know the park well? Join Friends of Lincoln Park for a closer look, 10 am-noon, details here.

DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY: 10 am-2 pm, get your expired/unneeded medications to the Southwest Precinct for the latest edition of Drug Take-Back Day. More details, and a map, in the listing.

FREE YOGA! Longtime WSB sponsor SoundYoga presents one of its periodic free sessions, 10:30 am.

‘MEET RAPIDRIDE’ AT WESTWOOD: As we showed you first thing this morning, RapidRide is indeed up and running in West Seattle. Come get questions answered, take a closer look at a bus, and meet RapidRide Man, 11 am-4 pm at Westwood Village.

FOOD BANK DRIVE AND BLACKSMITH DEMONSTRATION: Both happening at Village Green Perennial Nursery (WSB sponsor) today – the food drive for White Center Food Bank is all day, the blacksmith demonstration (info here) is 1-3 pm.

VIETNAMESE STORY TIME: At Delridge Library (Delridge/Brandon), 11:30 am-noon – details here.

JUST SHAKE IT! Benefit dance party at The Bridge, 4-9 pm – read about it on the FB event page.

SWYFS GALA: Tonight, Southwest Youth and Family Services is “Celebrating West Seattle” with their annual fundraising gala, with doors opening at 5:30 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy. Ticket info here.

NIGHT HIKE AT LINCOLN PARK: Owls, raccoons, and more … depending on who shows up … wildlife-wise, and you! With naturalist Stewart Wechsler. 6:30 pm. Details on his website.

LOTS OF LIVE MUSIC: Check the WSB calendar for all the listings.

‘ANDREW JACKSON’ CONTINUES: At ArtsWest, 7:30 pm tonight, the “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson” run continues.

WATER TAXI FOR WSU-OREGON GAME: The county’s added one extra late run for tonight’s Cougars-Ducks game.

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High-school football: West Seattle HS Homecoming 2012
September 29, 2012 7:15 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Under the direction of new music teacher Ethan Thomas, the West Seattle High School Band made its marching debut Friday night, at halftime during the WSHS homecoming game at Southwest Athletic Complex.

(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
The band’s debut was one of the bright spots, considering the game was a 47-7 loss for WSHS. But it had its moments on the field:

(West Seattle’s #2 Siddique Newkirk gets some yardage with help from teammates Thomas Tuong, left, and Garrisson Smith)
More of Nick Adams’ WSB photos, with game notes, ahead:

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Video: RapidRide C Line service officially begins in West Seattle
September 29, 2012 5:24 am
|      30 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

For posterity’s sake, we went to Westwood Village to record the start of the first-ever RapidRide C Line trip. The online Trip Planner said 4:58 for the station on SW Barton west of 26th; driver Arthur told us his schedule said 4:57. His bus was parked in the Metro holding area a block west alongside Roxhill Park when we went over to say hi.

“Brand-new bus,” he told us. “Smells new.” Indeed, it did.

Arthur says this is his first RapidRide route; previously, he drove the articulated buses on routes including West Seattle’s 21 and 22.

P.S. No passengers at the first stop for the first run, but then again, it’s Saturday. Our coverage of the RapidRide debut and other local route changes continues later today; as noted in our final reminder story last night, Metro plans an informational event at Westwood Village – by Barnes and Noble – later today, with a RapidRide bus and even RapidRide Man (whom we photographed at countless community events in recent months), 11 am-4 pm.

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High-school football: Chief Sealth wins big over Franklin
September 29, 2012 12:50 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Seahawk Spirit triumphed not only in the stands but also on the field Friday night at Memorial Stadium downtown, where Chief Sealth International High School trounced Franklin HS in varsity football, 60-26.

More notes and photos ahead:

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West Seattle development notes: Demolition; design review
September 28, 2012 10:41 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

Two development notes tonight:

DEMOLITION DONE: At 5247 California SW, the former home of (among others) “Psychic Barber” Rick Cook (who is now at The Classic Barber Shop) and other businesses is now rubble. We had noted previously that the house behind the commercial building was taken down first; then a plywood facade went up along the California SW street front,and finally yesterday the one-floor building came down. A three-story mixed-use building with underground parking is planned, according to online city records.

DESIGN REVIEW MEETING FOR VESSELIYE: The third Southwest Design Review Board meeting about a four-story mixed-use building at 9051 20th SW in South Delridge, is now on the schedule. 35 apartments and four live-work units are now proposed for the project called Vesseliye (described at the 1st Design Review as a Slavic word meaning “joy”), which was originally two buildings, as noted in this WSB report from June, but was changed into one and so went back for a second round of Early Design Guidance. Its third and possibly final review is now set for October 25th at 6:30 pm, Senior Center of West Seattle. P.S. For those interested in fine-point details, the developer of this project has documentation online including the floor plan from its master-use-permit application.

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1 more reminder: Metro changes & RapidRide debut, hours away
September 28, 2012 7:28 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

It’s been almost five years since the term “RapidRide” first appeared on our site (in this story). Now, it’s a matter of hours before the new bus route hits the West Seattle road. Shelters and lit-up signboards are in place – and they do look a lot like what was shown in renderings way back at the start of 2008:

But tomorrow’s changes go far beyond RapidRide’s debut. Some routes have been changed, some dropped, some added, and those changes happen tomorrow too.

*All bus riders, all routes, will pay when entering the bus (and remember,there’s no more downtown Ride-Free Area) – info here
*For the list of which routes have been dropped and added – and new schedules for others – see the links here
*For the changes on the new Route 50 – until two road situations can be resolved – see this story
*For Metro’s answers to more than 20 specific questions asked by WSB’ers in a special Q/A, see the two links in the WSB Forums

Tomorrow, 11 am-4 pm, Metro will be at Westwood Village for a special RapidRide C Line launch event – here are the details:

The C Line gets going with the start of morning service on Sept. 29. It replaces the Metro Route 54 and will offer frequent all-day service between Westwood Village and downtown Seattle.

Residents can learn more about the new service and its amenities from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday (Sept 29) at Westwood Village. A RapidRide coach, Metro staff and RapidRide Man will be located in the parking lot in front of Barnes and Noble bookstore to share information about the new C Line and provide trip planning advice.

The C Line will offer 10 to 15-minute service most of the day – so frequent riders won’t even need a timetable. Metro has nearly doubled the number of trips provided in this corridor; half of the new trips began in 2011 and the other half will be added when C Line service begins.

New RapidRide buses will come equipped with low floors, three doors for easy boarding, environmentally-friendly hybrid technology, on-board WiFi and security cameras.

As many residents have already seen, 34 RapidRide stops have been added all along the C Line corridor. The stops include well-lit shelters, extra benches and a light beacon that riders can turn on to let bus drivers know they are waiting for the bus at night.

Larger RapidRide stops are called stations and will feature real-time “next bus arrival” signs and provide off-board ORCA card readers. The C Line corridor will also have a transit-signal priority system that gives buses the green light through busy intersections. The majority of these features will be in place for the launch of the new line.

We’ll be covering the launch and route changes throughout the day – and for the first commute on Monday. We’ll be interested to hear from you on observations not just from RR, but from other services too. Here are all the ways to reach us (besides commenting on stories and posting in the Forums!) 24/7.

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