West Seattle, Washington
24 Saturday
“We really bumbled out of the gate,” acknowledged Metro‘s Robbie Frankel at last night’s HPAC meeting, referring to how the proposed bus-stop closures in Highland Park/South Delridge were – and were not – initially communicated. As first reported here, the only initial notification was via paper notices posted at the stops, and they pointed would-be commenters to an email address that bounced. That emailbox – which apparently had been deactivated since the last time Metro gathered feedback on stops in this area – has since been reactivated, and Frankel said the feedback already has likely taken one pair of stops off the table for closure consideration: He says they’ve heard a lot about the importance of the SW Thistle stops, two of six stops proposed for changes on the original list.
Otherwise, Frankel stressed that the proposal is in the very early stages. As to why stop closures are being proposed at all, he said it’s because of the City of Seattle’s plan to give Metro money to beef up weekend/night service on Route 125, and to improve some of the stops – maybe adding shelters, benches, paved pads, etc. They wouldn’t want to waste that money on stops that might eventually be removed in a future Metro review of the route, so they stepped up the review (though otherwise their next look at local routes isn’t scheduled until 2026).
It was stressed to Frankel that 16th SW serves South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) and the community really wants to ensure the college is getting the support it needs to thrive, so that’s another reason to tread lightly with this route. It was also suggested that Metro will want to reach out to the 16th SW Safety Committee that’s been active in advocating for traffic calming and other concerns closer. Meantime, the extended deadline for comments is two weeks from today – March 14 – and you can email your feedback to busstopsw@kingcounty.gov.
P.S. More on the rest of last night’s HPAC meeting later.
Lively agenda announced for Wednesday night’s online meeting of HPAC, the community coalition for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge. They’re bringing in Metro to talk about the changes recently reported here and here – bus-stop closures (and a relocation) plus city-funded plans to add more service hours to Route 125 (which we have since learned was buried in this SDOT announcement). Public-safety concerns are on the agenda too. So is the recurring noise that some speculate might be a return of “The Hum” (traced more than a decade ago by HPAC’s then-leadership and WSB to dry-cargo unloading on the Duwamish River). Don’t miss this meeting, 7 pm Wednesday – connection/call-in info is in the preview here.
11:34 AM: From today’s city-circulated Land Use Information Bulletin, word of a key land-use approval for the Highland Park Improvement Club rebuild. Two and a half years have passed since a fire shut down the community organization’s historic headquarters at 1116 SW Holden, and HPIC has been working ever since to reach the rebuilding stage. They’ve obtained some major grants and other donations, but are still fundraising; meantime, the announcement of this city approval opens a two-week window for appeals of the decision – this notice explains how. You can read the full decision here. We have a message out to HPIC for an update on the project status (this is by no means the last stage of the permit process); meantime, here’s our coverage of their most recent “town hall” about the project, one month ago.
3:22 PM: Responding to our request for comment, HPIC board president Rhonda Smith says this is very good news for the project:
We also received notice this morning that SDCI has approved the MUP [Master Use Permit]. Finally we know that we can proceed with the building permit process without having to make any changes to the design we submitted that triggered the MUP. This is a huge day for HPIC and the community as we were not certain which direction SDCI would take.
We can now finalize the standard building permit set for the project and reactivate plans to remove unusable portions of the building. This involves the architects and our general contractor’s schedules. Demolition work will be the first opportunity for community hands-on involvement on the property since the fire, and will make such a big visual change to the site to get ready for construction.
In addition, we can begin in earnest actively fundraising now that we know the City is on board with this project. As we reported at the January Town Hall, we have about a $2M funding gap. This is where we will be emphasizing our focus this year, along with community outreach and events.
SUNDAY: The photo and report are from Juan:
I noticed that a number of bus stops along 16th Ave SW in Highland Park had signs stating the stops were under consideration for closure by Metro. The provide a deadline of February 29, 2024 to submit comments. I have not seen this information provided anywhere else and this came as a complete surprise.
The feedback address on the sign is busstopsw@kingcounty.gov. We’ll be inquiring with Metro on Tuesday (since offices are closed for Presidents Day tomorrow); if you’ve seen closure alerts elsewhere, please let us know.
ADDED MONDAY: We traveled along 16th for a closer look at where the stops are posted for removal. We saw the signs on some – not all – stops from south of Donovan to south of Holden.
Someone has stolen one of the art banners that’s been beautifying the fence around the fire-shuttered Highland Park Improvement Club. HPIC trustee Kay Kirkpatrick sent the report and images:
(HPIC fence pre-theft – the banner on the right is the one taken)
HPIC trustees are sad to alert folks that someone has stolen one of the current Art Banner pieces from our fence along SW Holden St. This happened on February 13th at some unknown time (a Valentine’s Day gift?). The artwork was part of a series that we have been displaying in collaboration with Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery featuring themes of community and resilience, titled ART FOR BRIGHTER DAYS.
HPIC and Nepantla installed the three vibrant 5′ x 8′ banners displaying the art of three local artists: Raquel Garcia, Jake Prendez, and Rolando Avila. The art was curated by Nepantla and was installed on the construction fences facing Holden, and scheduled to remain in place indefinitely, or until the building demolition occurs.
If you happen to have seen anything, or have seen the missing panel ~ which is the piece on the right (images at bottom of poster) by Rolando Avila, please contact HPIC1919@gmail.com
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Another in-person meeting last night began the 2024 calendar for HPAC, the community coalition for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge. They’re testing various locations since their longtime meeting quarters at Highland Park Improvement Club remain out of commission, so last night’s meeting was held at Southwest Library, which meant an earlier start and fixed cutoff time, since the branch clears meeting rooms 15 minutes before 8 pm closing time.
Nonetheless, the 1 1/4-hour meeting facilitated by HPAC co-chair Kay Kirkpatrick delivered plenty of information. Here’s how it unfolded:
SEATTLE POLICE: The Southwest Precinct team that’s appeared at multiple recent community meetings, Lt. Josh Ziemer and community liaison Officer German Barreto, were asked about the shooting death at Southwest Pool/Teen Life Center on Tuesday, but said they could not divulge any updates. In crime stats, so far this year, Highland Park had three assaults, 6 motor-vehicle-related thefts (car prowls, etc.), 7 motor-vehicle thefts and attempted thefts, including “one restolen from a tow lot,” 1 aggravated assault, 1 attempted burglary, 1 store robbery, 1 residential burglary. 2 larceny (one attempted mail theft and one mail theft). Year to year, 2023 compared to 2022, homicides, aggravated assaults up, motor vehicle thefts up, burglaries down.
For South Delridge, also in HPAC’s coverage area – so far this year 2 assaults, one motor vehicle theft, one hit-run, one business burglary, one robbery (phone snatch) – robberies are down year to year, thefts down, except for vehicle thefts, which are up.
Asked about the 1st/Cloverdale encampment just off the sharp turn west of Highway 509:
That’s a photo from the Dick’s Drive-In truck visit to Highland Park Corner Store last May. It’s returning this Saturday (January 27), this time as one of three ways to help nearby Highland Park Elementary School students, via the PTA.
First – show up for a community cleanup at 10 am Saturday – meet on the west side of the school (1012 SW Trenton) by the dumpsters.
Second – At 11 am, head to the HP Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), where the Dick’s truck will be selling burgers and shakes until 2 pm as part of a fundraiser for the PTA.
Third – While you’re at HPCS, grab a Mighty Mustang soda, and/or a pint of local beer, and bid on raffle items, also at HPCS, as the PTA works to raise money for new stools and acrylic paint for the school’s Art Room. grab a Mighty Mustang Soda or a pint of local beer, and bid on raffle items – the proceeds of which will go to support the Highland Park Elementary PTA. The PTA thanks Dick’s, The Bridge, and HPCS for supporting the school, and hopes you’ll be there to help.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The Highland Park Improvement Club rebuilding project needs more donated dollars. But as much as – or maybe even more than – that, iHPIC needs your talent and time.
That was the message at this week’s online “town hall” updating where the project stands, two and a half years after fire ravaged HPIC’s historic community-owned-and-operated building at 12th/Holden.
The meeting, facilitated by HPIC’s board president Rhonda Smith and member Kay Kirkpatrick, lasted less than an hour, and you can see it in its entirety in the HPIC-provided video above. It was the first “town hall” update on the project in more than a year (here’s our coverage of the previous one, in November 2022), and the sixth since the fire.
The project has been far from idle in the ensuing 14 months – it’s been slogging through the city review process, as explained by architect (and Highland Park resident) Matt Estes of Wittman Estes. Key permits are likely just weeks away. But that’s just one hurdle to clear – to make the project reality, it’ll take more community involvement and more fundraising. The latter has made a lot of progress: Read More
(Reader photo by Jon from May 2021)
With work starting on the Lincoln Park South Play Area replacement, we asked Seattle Parks about the schedule for Westcrest Park, since that play-area replacement is part of the same contract awarded to LW Sundstrom. Today we got the reply: Work at Westcrest Park – where the play structure was closed for safety concerns in May 2021 – is expected to begin in March. It’s a narrower scope than Lincoln Park, so both are expected to be finished “approximately (in) June,” according to Parks spokesperson Karen O’Connor.
This week brings a multitude of meetings of note in West Seattle. The newest one announced is Highland Park Improvement Club‘s Wednesday night online town hall. A major topic: Progress report on the reconstruction plan for HPIC’s building at (corrected) 1116 SW Holden, gutted by fire in June 2021. Our last major update on the project was back in August; it’s still moving through the permit system, and nonprofit HPIC continues fundraising to cover what insurance won’t. HPIC also has openings for more community involvement. The meeting is at 7 pm Wednesday (January 17) and you’ll find the attendance link and phone options by going here.
Both Highland Park Elementary and Public Health – Seattle & King County have sent announcements about a big health/wellness fair at the school this Saturday (January 13), 10 am-2 pm, open to the entire community, not just people who are connected to HPES. Among the services available are childhood vaccines; flu, COVID, and mpox vaccines; blood-pressure and blood-sugar checks; mammograms; and health-insurance enrollment if you don’t already have it. A free lunch will be available and other giveaways, including winter jackets. This flyer has more details (including the phone number for a mammogram appointment – other services are walkup) on the overall event; this flyer has more details on the available vaccinations. HPES is at 1012 SW Trenton.
(Highland Park Way/Holden pole installation last Wednesday – photo by Kay Kirkpatrick)
Another SDOT alert for people traveling in the Highland Park Way/Holden intersection vicinity – the next phase of the installing the permanent traffic signal:
We recently installed new metal traffic signal poles at the Highland Park Way SW and SW Holden St intersection. We will now add the mast arms, which are cross bars that attach to the poles and extend out over the street. These mast arms will hold the new permanent traffic signals.
This work is scheduled for the week of January 8, though that could shift based on weather and crew availability. Our work hours are from 7 AM – 4 PM and the installation process and other related work should take about three days.
Alternating traffic lanes will be closed during installation, but there will always be one lane open for cars to get through. There will also be temporary sidewalk closures and detour routes for people walking.
The permanent signal replaces the cable-suspended lights that were installed shortly after the March 2020 West Seattle Bridge shutdown started overwhelming the intersection with detour traffic.
Almost four years ago – days after the West Seattle Bridge’s sudden shutdown – SDOT hurriedly put up a “temporary” traffic signal at Highland Park Way and Holden, after that already-busy intersection was quickly overrun with detour traffic. SDOT promised the signal eventually would become permanent, since a “safety project” was in the works for that intersection anyway. This week, one of the final steps – pole installation. Here’s the alert:
This week, we will install new metal traffic signal poles at the Highland Park Way SW and SW Holden St intersection. This is part of the process to replace the existing temporary traffic signal with a more durable, permanent one.
When
This work is scheduled for Wednesday, January 3 and Thursday, January 4 from 7 AM – 4 PM. This timeframe could shift based on weather and crew availability.
What to Expect
Alternating traffic lanes will be closed during installation, but there will always be one lane open for cars to get through. There may also be temporary sidewalk closures. This is not particularly noisy work, but if you live or work in the area, you may hear construction equipment running and some beeping when crews are backing up equipment.
For a second consecutive night, police are investigating gunfire in Highland Park. They responded to a call from someone who reported seeing someone fire a gun out a car window in the 8100 block of 8th SW around 8:23 pm. The caller then said they found at least one shell casing while police were on the way. No injuries are reported; the only description so far is that the person fired toward a building from the passenger side of an “early model sedan” that was last seen heading west on SW Elmgrove. This is about half a mile south of where last night’s gunfire happened.
1:33 AM: After 911 calls reporting suspected gunfire near 12th/Holden about 15 minutes ago, police have found evidence in an alley. Officers have told dispatch they’ve located at least six casings. … A nearby resident also is reporting two bullet holes in their apartment. No injuries reported so far.
2:10 AM: SPD says “multiple units were damaged.”
From the WSB inbox, sent by Ralph:
This morning, Saturday, December 23, I found about 10 pieces of mail in the middle of my street, 7700 block of 14th Ave. SW.
The mail was was addressed to various recipients in the 8100 and 8400 blocks of 7th Ave. SW, and one item, a Christmas card, had been opened.
I turned in the likely stolen mail to the Post Office at Westwood Village.
2:58 AM: Seattle Fire is arriving at a house in Highland Park (added: 8800 block 9th SW) where a 911 caller reported seeing flames from the basement. Possibly a vacant building, as the incident command has called for “derelict building” protocol.
3:02 AM: The incident commander says it’s a “small fire.” It’s confirmed to be a vacant building.
3:07 AM: The response is being downsized. The fire has just been declared “tapped” (out) and firefighters told dispatch it was actually an exterior fire.
3:11 AM: One more note – our archives indicate it’s the third fire in two months in one block.
(2013 image via Seattle City Light)
A decade after Seattle City Light (SCL) started the process of divesting itself of the former Dumar Substation on the southwest corner or 16th/Holden, it’s finally happening. At this afternoon’s Seattle City Council meeting, a unanimous vote gave approval to transferring the 10,000+-square-foot parcel from SCL to the Office of Housing (OH). Now OH will start the process of finding a developer to build affordable-homeownership units, and commercial space, on the site. OH will give SCL $424,000 (its current appraised value) for the site, which the utility has owned since 1945. In discussion of the plan at a committee meeting last week (WSB coverage here), OH reps were asked where exactly that money’s coming from; they didn’t have the answer at the time, so we asked before today’s vote. According to OH spokesperson Nona Raybern, the source will be Mandatory Housing Affordability fees from developers who choose to pay fees rather than build affordable units in their projects. The property will eventually be “transferred to the developer who is selected through the RFP process at no cost,” Raybern added. It’s zoned Neighborhood Commercial 40 (four stories), as the result of neighborhood advocacy – to which Councilmember Lisa Herbold gave a shoutout at today’s meeting – for both building housing and business space on the site. Affordable-homeownership development has strict criteria, both for choosing buyers and for what can be done with the units – they have to be owner-occupied, for example, no renting, and if they’re sold, the buyers must meet the same eligibility rules (such as, making no more than 80 percent Area Median Income). It’s envisioned up to 16 units could be built on the site.
47 minutes into that video, you’ll see the City Council Public Safety and Human Services Committee‘s relatively short discussion of the former substation site at 16th/Holden in Highland Park. As reported here Monday, council legislation would transfer the site from Seattle City Light to the Office of Housing. The latter department then would seek proposals for developing the site into up to 16 units for “affordable homeownership,” plus street-level commercial space. The units would likely be lofts or townhouses, available for purchase by people making up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income. The plan got unanimous approval in Tuesday’s meeting of the committee chaired by outgoing District 1 Councilmember Lisa Herbold, who has long championed this kind of future for the site, which SCL declared “surplus” a decade ago (it was decommissioned in the ’00s). Next step is a full council vote, expected on Tuesday (December 5).
What a team! From left are Seattle Storm entertainment emcee Shellie Hart, forwqrd Jordan Horston, and mascot Doppler, with Seattle Public Schools superintendent Dr. Brent Jones, during a visit this afternoon to Highland Park Elementary. There, in partnership with WaFd Bank, the Storm donated $5,000 to HPES’s PE program, led by educator Chellie LaFayette. In Q&A, player Horston – named this year to the WNBA’s All-Rookie Team – was asked why she felt it’s important for kids to work out; she replied that not only do you feel good about exercising, it’s a good way to release energy and aggression you might feel. She played just about “every sport” possible as a kid, and currently, besides basketball, also runs, does yoga, and hikes. And she stressed that academic achievement is important even if you want a future in sports – for college, for example, a good academic record can vault you over other contenders for a spot in a program. The Storm visitors also told the students they were all invited to come see a Storm game next spring.
(2013 image via Seattle City Light)
More than a decade after the city started the process of selling off six former Seattle City Light substation sites in West Seattle, one of them is edging closer to a new use. City Councilmember Lisa Herbold‘s newest weekly newsletter previews committee consideration tomorrow for the 10,376-square-foot site on the southwest corner of 16th/Holden known as the former Dumar Substation:
(I)n my Public Safety and Human Service Committee we will be hearing legislation that:
-Approves transfer of the Dumar site from SCL to the Office of Housing (OH) in exchange for $424,000
-Authorizes OH to: Conduct a competitive process to solicit proposals for the development of resale restricted homeownership and negotiate property transfer to the selected developer
As Councilmember Herbold goes on to recap, the site is not considered suitable for rental housing, but instead was determined most likely to work for the type of “affordable homeownership” provided with units developed by organizations such as Homestead Community Land Trust or Habitat For Humanity. Here’s the summary from the slide deck that’s among the documents linked to the agenda for Tuesday’s committee meeting:
The inclusion of commercial space was the result of longtime community advocacy, as Highland Park is fairly short on supply of that, and the intersection includes businesses at two other corners (Fire Station 11 is on the third); the site was rezoned to Neighborhood Commercial in 2019 to ensure that. Tomorrow’s committee meeting, which includes an opportunity for public comment (either in person at City Hall or via phone, as explained on the agenda) starts at 9:30 am.
The plan to build “natural drainage systems” along a block and a half of SW Holden west of 16th SW is at mid-design, according to Seattle Public Utilities, and the project team plans another informational pop-up in the neighborhood this Saturday (November 18th) for Q&A. That means they’re 60 percent of the way to fully designing the project, which is intended to “capture and treat stormwater runoff before it reaches Longfellow Creek and Puget Sound … to improve water quality in the creek, increase landscaping diversity, and provide roadway and pedestrian safety improvements.” Here’s a narrated presentation of the mid-design updates (which you also can see here):
Whether now or after the Saturday pop-up, SPU is interested in your feedback on the design so far – you can provide it here. You can also share your comments with project-team members at 17th/Holden 10 am-noon Saturday. Construction is still a ways off – now not projected to start before early 2025.
The big screechy blue-and-black birds called Steller’s Jays are fairly common in local neighborhoods – but none are like the one now permanently perched in Highland Park. Five days after the installation of the 17-foot-high sculpture “Where’s the Party?” at Highland Park Way/Holden, its artist Matthew Mazzotta visited late today to talk with interested community members:
He’s from New York, which is home to different jays. But he explained to the streetside gathering that his inspiration was not only the bird itself but also the significance of its location, where Seattle’s biggest forest – the West Duwamish Greenbelt – makes way for “the built environment” in a changing neighborhood:
The artwork was funded by the city’s longrunning public-art program, as part of the safety-improvement project at the intersection where it sits on the southwest corner. As Mazzotta said, now that the sculpture is done and in place, his role is over – its future is in the community’s hands, and hearts.
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