We first reported September 30th that the city Parks Department is seeking proposals from private concerns that would be willing to make renovations at West Seattle Stadium — renovations the city estimates would cost at least $4 million and doesn’t have the money for — in exchange for an agreement to “operate and maintain the Stadium including the track and field areas, but not the parking areas … a multi-year contract that allows (the operator) to recoup its capital investment and support its own business.” Following up on that – this is scheduled for discussion at the Delridge District Council meeting this Wednesday, according to district neighborhood coordinator Ron Angeles (7 pm, Southwest Precinct meeting room, public invited). He also forwarded updates on how to formally comment on the stadium’s future and the forthcoming “request for proposals,” including the previously mentioned public hearing before the city Board of Park Commissioners on October 23rd, the board’s November vote, and various ways to send comments right now. Read on for full details, including a recap of the repairs the city wants the future stadium operator to make:
First, from this document included in our September 30th report, which included timelines, an overview, and a draft “request for proposals,” here’s what the city sees as essential repairs (there’s actually an application on file on the DPD site):
a. North Grandstand:
• New Bleachers with a capacity seating that will include seating that is ADA accessible.
• Walkways. ADA improvements; renovate stairs & walkways.
• Locker Room. Upgrade, including new HVAC.
• Bathroom Fixtures. Renovate fixtures.
• Fire Suppression/ Sprinkler. Renovate to current Fire Code requirements.
• Press Box. Replace flooring.
• Painting. Scrape, caulk, seal and paint exterior surfaces.
• Concession Building. Complete proposed restrooms.b. South Bleachers.
c. Improving Overall Circulation And Layout.
• Better access is needed between main track area and west area.
• Better circulation for all activities.
• Perimeter Fence. Replace.d. Playing Field. Turf replacement.
Now, the recently released official city how-to on having a say in West Seattle Stadium’s future, at this stage in the game as the city prepares to seek proposals. (Note that the briefing materials for the Park Board are likely to be publicly available within a week or so, and we will bring you those details when they are):
To submit written testimony on the Board of Park Commissioner’s public hearing for West Seattle Stadium Use:
• On October 23, 2008, the Board of Park Commissioners will hear a briefing on the West Seattle Stadium Use at Park Headquarters at 100 Dexter Avenue North, 7 pm. The briefing will immediately be followed by a public hearing. The public may testify during the public hearing for up to two minutes each.
• At its November 13 meeting, the Board will discuss the Stadium and make a recommendation to the Superintendent. This meeting will also be held at Park Headquarters at 100 Dexter Avenue North.
You may also submit written testimony for the Board’s consideration until the November 13 discussion and recommendation via e-mail, fax, U.S. mail, or hand delivery. The Board does not accept telephone testimony.
All testimony should be sent to Sandy Brooks, Park Board Coordinator, who will forward it to the Board members and to Rebecca Salinas, Seattle Parks Director of Partnerships. Please send your testimony as early as possible to allow the Board adequate time to read.
Written testimony sent to the Park Board receives the same consideration as verbal testimony given at the public hearing.
• E-mail: send to Sandy Brooks at sandy.brooks@seattle.gov. E-mails are forwarded as soon as possible after receipt.
Deadline is 5:00 pm, Wednesday, November 12.• Fax: send “Attention: Sandy Brooks” at 206-233-7023
or
• U.S. mail/hand-delivered: send to Sandy Brooks at 100 Dexter Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109-5199, or drop off at the front desk at 100 Dexter Ave N.
Deadline is Thursday, November 6, to allow time for copying and mailing to the Board.If you have any questions, please contact Sandy Brooks at 206-684-5066 or e-mail at sandy.brooks@seattle.gov.
According to this document from last month with the draft “Request for Proposal,” the official RFP will be put out in mid-November, after the aforementioned Park Board vote on Nov. 13. One more note: In comments following our September 30th report, Christine Palmer of Historic Seattle pointed out that the stadium has been evaluated and suggested as eligible for city landmark status.
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