West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
Something new at New Luck Toy: One patron now has a seat at the bar with his name on a plaque.
That’s Brent Amaker, local musician and entrepreneur – you might remember him as the headliner on West Seattle Summer Fest night 2 – seen below with New Luck Toy co-proprietor Chef Mark Fuller.
Story goes that Fuller told Amaker the plaque was OK as long as he installed it. That happened Thursday afternoon – instead of a guitar, Amaker wielded a power tool. Final result – crafted by Jimmy Davies of Craftsman Copper in Olympia:
The bar-with-Chinese-food at 5905 California SW has been open almost 10 months.
(WSB photo: Kayleen Dunson, before Delridge Playfield game in July)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
When the Pan American Women’s Softball Championships start tomorrow in the Dominican Republic, West Seattle will be represented.
Not by a player.
By an umpire!
We’ve introduced you to Kayleen Dunson before. She is in her fifth year as Umpire In Chief for USA Softball in this area (Seattle Metro Softball Umpires Association).
And she is one of two USA umpires chosen to go to the 20-nation championships in Santo Domingo.
(King County Assessor photo)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Where a burned-out former auto shop (above) now sits at the corner of Delridge and Henderson, a sawtooth-edged 31-apartment building will rise, if the project that just made it out of the first stage of Design Review gets built.
All four appointed-volunteer members of the Southwest Design Review Board – chair Matt Zinski, Alexandra Moravec, Don Caffrey, and Crystal Loya – voted to advance the project to the second and final stage. This was their first look at the project – the Early Design Guidance phase – which focuses on “massing” (size, shape, placement on site). Here’s the design packet put together for the review:
Along with the board members and architects, assigned city planner Abby Weber was at the meeting, plus two members of the public, West Seattle neighborhood advocates Kim Barnes and Diane Vincent. Both spoke during community-comment time. But first = here’s how the meeting began:
The Adarna is onstage outside Hiawatha Community Center right now, for the third show of this year’s Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series. The lawn is in the shade by this time of the evening so it’s a good place to get away from our extra-warm temperatures.
Lots of room to sprawl – the shows usually continue until about 8 pm, so grab a chair/blanket and get to Walnut south of Lander! We’ll add video later. (Update: Here it is.)
Three more shows this season – next Thursday (6:30 pm August 10th), it’s Adrian Xavier.
Watch out if your heading south on SR 509 near Cloverdale. Crews are battling a brush 🔥, and water is getting on the highway. #SlowForH2O pic.twitter.com/IqbUbensly
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) August 4, 2017
(Added: Video tweeted by @WSDOT_Traffic)
Thanks to the person who texted about this – Seattle Fire now has a big response headed to a brush fire reported along southbound Highway 509, south of Cloverdale. They’re also checking out the top of the slope along Myers Way.
(Slide deck shown for T-5 update at this week’s meeting)
No tenant yet for Terminal 5 in West Seattle – but port commissioners took steps this week to get closer to readiness for the modernization project they’ll launch if and when one is signed.
As previewed here Monday night, the steps were taken at Tuesday’s meeting of Seattle and Tacoma port commissioners as managing members of the Northwest Seaport Alliance.
One intriguing question was debated toward meeting’s end – Could, and should, the port pursue a “railroad quiet zone” even before, or without, signing a tenant? Specifically, commissioner Fred Felleman wondered whether it would be the right thing to do for the community.
Currently, the “quiet zone” is a condition that will have to be met for the modernized T-5, but train horns long have been a vexing issue for nearby residents, particularly on Pigeon Point. (Here’s one story we published in 2008, which also includes a summary of what a “quiet zone” entails.)
Before voting on what port staff called an “important milestone” in getting ready for T-5 modernization, three years after the terminal was closed, they got a briefing on where things stand.
(2015 photo of T-5 by Long Bach Nguyen)
They were told that an area resident’s appeal of the “shoreline substantial development” permit was settled a week and a half ago. The appeal, staff said, was mostly focused on concerns about construction noise, especially pile driving. The settlement includes a promise not to pile-drive on Sundays and federal holidays.
The building permit could be “essentially ready to go” in as little as a month and a half, as the result of other agreements approved by commissioners, with other parties including two tribes. If the tribes have no further issues, the Army Corps of Engineers could issue a permit within about a month.
Commissioners wondered whether the permits might be getting issued too soon, considering there’s no tenant, and asked how long they would be good for. Reply: Seven years in all – they would have three years to start the construction, then three years to complete it with up to a year’s extension.
As for the “quiet zone,” that process is starting early, port staff said, because “to be blunt, we have to deal with Burlington Northern, and they are very safety conscious.” While the port is agreeing to cover the $5 million cost, it was explained that the permits would be sought by SDOT, while the railroad “helps design and will actually implement it.”
So, the question then came up, would the “quiet zone” be built if there’s no T-5 tenant?
No, was the reply, “because it’s a condition” of the T-5 project. “We’re not building anything without a tenant.” But – it was clarified at that point – it COULD be built without a tenant. And that’s when Felleman suggested considering whether there might be “community benefit” no matter what.
After the commissioners voted to approve everything brought before them regarding T-5 – see the agenda items, with documents linked, here – they got budget updates, including a mention that interim uses of T-5, including military ships that have spent time there in the past few months (the Military Sealift Command ship Sgt. Matej Kocak and the recently seen Missile Defense Agency radar ship SS Pacific Tracker), have brought in about $1 million. The decommissioning of cranes at T-5, meantime, has been delayed. Next year’s budget timetable was mentioned – a public hearing on the Seattle-specific budget is planned November 14th, wth adoption November 28th.
(We monitored this meeting, held at Sea-Tac Airport, via its livestream on Tuesday. The archived video is not yet available online.)
SIDE NOTE: T-5 will undoubtedly be a topic when the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce gets its annual “State of the Port” briefing September 14th at Jack Block Park.
(WSB photo: Chris Langeler in 2016, photographed on the day WS Helpline was announced as WS Chamber Nonprofit of the Year)
Another West Seattle nonprofit is in for a change at the top. Just announced by the West Seattle Helpline:
The West Seattle Helpline is hiring a new Executive Director to lead the organization into the next phase of its efforts to put a stop to homelessness in West Seattle and White Center. The current Executive Director of the WS Helpline, Chris Langeler, will transition out in September 2017 after 2 1/2 years leading the organization.
Langeler says, “It has been a true honor to serve the West Seattle and White Center communities in this role. When I was hired, I made a commitment to our Board of Directors to give my all for 2-3 years to help the organization grow and reach its full potential. I’m so proud of the strides that we’ve made and immensely grateful to our incredible donors, volunteers, partners, and staff that have made this possible. I’m not yet sure about my next steps, but I am sure that I will always cherish my time here and will never stop supporting the West Seattle Helpline.”
The WS Helpline has grown significantly in the last two years, adding multiple staff members and more than doubling the number of volunteers. The result has been a significant increase in the number of West Seattle and White Center residents served through emergency rent & utility assistance, bus tickets, and the Clothesline, an all-ages clothing bank, recently moved to a new location in the WS Junction. The organization just finalized a two-year strategic plan for 2017-2019 and is seeking a new leader to implement that plan and further its mission:
Board member Rev. Ron Marshall says, “As one of the founders of the WS Helpline, I can say for certain that our organization is stronger and doing more to serve our community than ever before. We’re thankful to Chris for helping the organization grow and expand its impact over the last two-and-a-half-years. Now is the perfect time for us to select our next leader to help us take the next step toward put a stop to homelessness in West Seattle & White Center.”
The job description was posted online this week and the deadline to apply is Monday, August 23rd at 9:00 am. The WS Helpline encourages everyone to share the description widely with qualified candidates who may be interested in applying. More on the opportunity and how to apply is available (here).
WS Helpline is headquartered in High Point. Its annual fundraising events include the always-popular Taste of West Seattle; this year’s edition back in May brought in a record amount.
(WSDOT photo)
Back on Monday, we reported that WSDOT was launching (and advertising) an info campaign about the Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition that’ll start after the Highway 99 tunnel opens, expected in early 2019. As part of it, an “online open house” was set to go live today. While it wasn’t ready when we looked this morning, it is now. Go here to check it out, including some of the side topics that have been discussed here, including the transitional tunnel-to-Viaduct plan, and what happens to the Battery Street Tunnel. The last page of the “open house” site includes a chance to comment – and remember there’s also an in-person open house downtown a week from tonight (drop in 5-8 pm Thursday, August 10th, 1400 Western Ave.).
(WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)
If you noticed a sizable police response in the Admiral area this past hour, here’s what we’ve found out. WSB’s Christopher Boffoli reports that, in the 2600 block of 45th SW, “SPD at the scene told me that this began as a court-ordered warrant service. The subject was initially cooperative with officers but on the way to the car he apparently changed his mind and started a scuffle. One officer was treated at the scene for some scrapes and cuts. No serious injuries with either the subject or the officers.”
Another commercial space at The Whittaker (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor) has been leased. Orangetheory Fitness will move into a 3,905-square-foot space in the south building, Weingarten Realty confirms. Orangetheory Fitness is a chain with hundreds of locations, specializing in what it calls “heart-rate-based interval training.” You can see its future location on Weingarten’s Whittaker “site map” above, which also shows that nobody is signed yet for what was to be the Whole Foods space – the site map indicates that could go to two tenants. (The other four businesses shown on the site map – BECU, CityMD, MOD Pizza, and T-Mobile – were announced a year ago and expected to open later this year.)
Another red sunrise today – photographed this time by Ann Anderson. The visibility otherwise appears to have improved a bit – at least, looking to the west, where Vashon is more in view than it’s been for a while. But remember, the burn ban continues. Meantime, here’s what’s on the highlights list, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:
BLUE ANGELS PRACTICES: The Navy jets, visiting for Seafair, will be practicing together today during two windows that, as mentioned in our morning-traffic report, also include I-90 closures east of I-5 – now through 12:15 pm and 1 pm-2:40 pm. As usual, they take off from, and land at, Boeing Field, not far east of West Seattle.
BEE STORY TIME: 11 am, story time moves out to the West Seattle Bee Garden in High Point Commons Park! (Graham/Lanham)
WADING POOLS AND SPRAYPARK OPEN TODAY: Lincoln Park wading pool, 11 am-8 pm; Highland Park spraypark, 11 am-8 pm; Hiawatha wading pool, noon-6:30 pm; EC Hughes wading pool, noon-7 pm. (Find addresses here)
PLANET EARTH ROCKS! For ages 7 and up, 2:30 pm at Southwest Library: “Become a geologist and learn how rocks can tell us stories about everything from the formation of the planet, to fossils or asteroids and meteors from space with staff and exhibits from the Burke Museum!” Free, registration NOT required, just show up – more info here! (9010 35th SW)
JACK AND THE DRAGON: Oregon Shadow Theatre puppets and live music at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, 3:30 pm – details here. (2306 42nd SW)
FOOD TRUCK: One of the West Seattle spots with regular food-truck visits is Ounces beer garden/tap room (all ages) in North Delridge – you can check their calendar to see who’s coming on what night. Tonight, it’s scheduled to be Peasant Food, 5-9 pm. (3809 Delridge Way SW)
GO SKATE ALKI! You’re invited to “grab your skates and bring your friends and family for an Alki Beach skate night!” Meet up at Seacrest (by Alki Kayak Tours) 6 pm; post-skate gathering planned too. If you need skates, Alki Kayak Tours rents them. (1660 Harbor SW)
RIVERSIDE MEMORIAL CLEANUP: 6 pm, you can join the Southwest Seattle Historical Society in cleaning up the memorial area for this weekend’s tour. (3810 17th SW)
SUMMER CONCERTS AT HIAWATHA: As previewed here last night, The Adarna performs, free, 6:30 pm on the east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center: Bring a chair/blanket, picnic if you want to, all the friends and family and neighbors you can gather, and enjoy the third of this year’s six free Thursday night concerts presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association. (Walnut south of Lander)
DESIGN REVIEW FOR 8854 DELRIDGE WAY SW: 6:30 pm at the Sisson Building/Senior Center, it’s the Southwest Design Review Board‘s first look at 8854 Delridge Way SW, a four-story building with 31 microstudio apartments and a commercial space, proposed for what’s currently the site of a closed-by-fire-damage ex-auto shop. The design-packet link and other info can be found in our preview from last week. The meeting includes a public-comment period. (4217 SW Oregon)
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: 7 pm at Lincoln Park, GreenStage presents “Comedy of Errors.” Free! More info in our calendar listing. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
Family and friends will gather Sunday to remember Denis Lavoie. Here’s the remembrance being shared with the community:
Denis J. Lavoie, 54, passed away July 30, 2017, surrounded by his loving family and friends.
He will be remembered for his kind heart and his adventurous spirit.
Denis leaves behind his wife Cindy and sons Thomas and Lucas.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 6, at 2:00 at Fauntleroy Church in West Seattle.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
In case you’re wondering, work really has begun on the long-closed, arson-damaged restroom/storage building at Riverview Playfield. Our photo above is from Wednesday morning – as we pulled up, workers were visible on the roof and operating the equipment that’s in the photo, but they were out of view before we got the camera out. Neighborhood advocates had been aghast to hear at one point that the relatively new facility might remain closed, waiting for repair funding, for several more years, but Parks confirmed in May that $200,000+ had been allocated from the levy-funded Seattle Park District, and during the Highland Park Find It/Fix It Walk days later, Parks confirmed the plan. They then said work would start with the roof, and that’s what a building permit has been issued for. Parks expects the building will be ready to reopen in fall.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
6:55 AM: Good morning! No traffic incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far.
Reminders:
PAVING: The crews repaving a section of north Beach Drive at Andover are scheduled to move next to 63rd SW between Admiral Way and Alki Avenue. Details here.
BLUE ANGELS CLOSURES: I-90 is scheduled to close east of I-5 for Seafair (Blue Angels) practices and airshows today through Sunday. From the WSDOT website:
Thursday, Aug. 3: 9:45 am – 12:15 pm; 1- 2:40 pm (practices)
Friday, Aug. 4: 12:55 – 2:40 pm
Saturday, Aug. 5: 12:55 – 2:40 pm
Sunday, Aug. 6: 12:55 – 2:40 pm
WATER TAXI SERVICE INTERRUPTION STARTS MONDAY: The West Seattle and Vashon Water Taxis will be out of service for up to a week starting Monday while their downtown dock is moved to a temporary location north of Colman Dock. Here’s our coverage of the media briefing this past Monday as construction of the temp dock began.
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