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Affordable homeownership or mixed use? Options for ex-substation site emerge @ HPAC ‘to get moving on a path forward’
October 27, 2021 11:09 pm
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 |   Development | Highland Park | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

Eight years have passed since Seattle City Light declared its ex-substation at 16th/Holden to be surplus, along with several others in West Seattle, and proposed putting it up for sale. The site’s underlying zoning was for single-family housing, but community members counterproposed that commercial development might be better. It was rezoned for mixed use a few years later – as described during a Highland Park tour with then-Mayor Ed Murray in 2017 – but has continued to sit idle.

Now there are some possibilities in play, and HPAC heard about them at tonight’s meeting. City Councilmember Lisa Herbold, who shepherded the rezoning years ago, first explained that City Light still owns the site and remains amenable to a no-cost transfer of the site to the city Office of Housing. So OH and Enterprise Community Partners have been evaluating the feasibility “to explore further what’s possible at the site.” She said they’re opening a dialogue to “get moving on a path forward.”

Enterprise Community Partners’ Jess Blanch explained her organization is national and works on affordable housing from policy to finance to development. “We cover it from end to end.” She directs the program Home and Hope – housing on publicly owned tax-exempt land, like this site. She says “a few issues are in play” – it’s zoned NC-40.”Given the site size [10,000 sf], it is really too small of a site for affordable rental housing, the way (that) is financed.” But affordable homeownership might be a possibility. It would have to be 100 percent “public benefit” for the land to be given for this purpose – that means low-income community members – making no more than 80 percent of the area mean income – would have to be served in its commercial space, such as a food bank or preschool. It could also be live-work space.

Erika Malone from the Office of Housing explained her department doesn’t develop, own, or manage projects so if the property is transferred to them, they would then put out a Request for Proposals. The site would have to be developed as “permanently affordable housing.”

Herbold said that “if there’s interest in a ground-level use that provides a public benefit, it makes it more possible to develop the property for affordable housing.” They wouldn’t be able to do a low- or no-cost transfer if it was going to be ground-floor retail and housing above it – they’d probably have to sell it to a for-profit developer.

HPAC co-chair Kay Kirkpatrick said having commercial space there would be a public benefit in its own way because Highland Park needs more walkable businesses; the guests said that wouldn’t meet the technical definition of public benefit. Kirkpatrick and attendees pointed out that an adjacent property is currently up for sale. But that site (about 5,000 sf) wouldn’t add enough land to make affordable rental housing “pencil out,” said Blanch.

Some brainstorming ensued; community ideas about ways to have a business that served low-income residents included a FareStart-type café, serving the public and training people emerging from homelessness.

So what’s the next step? Herbold said they want to know if HPAC would be OK with a potentially non-commercial ground-floor use. Then the Office of Housing would explore seeking a nonprofit homeownership organization – Community Land Trust, Habitat for Humanity, for example. “There are still a lot of iunknowns regarding what’s possible,” Malone said. Then discussiojns between oH and SCL would ensue; if they worked out how it could be transferred, Permanently affordable homeownership vs. development that would include bjusinesses – which would mean a for-profit developer.

Enterprise has worked up some concepts, Herbold said. Blanch said she didn’t want to share those publicly but said the site could hold 8 to 10 townhouses, for example. Since the site is adjacent to single-family homes, that puts “some constraints’ on the “developable envelope.” Or, “condo apartments” would be an option.

What kind of a timeline are they working on? Kirkpatrick asked. Enterprise has a contract with the city that’s being renewed at least through next year, Blanch said. So a decision on a direction can apparently wait until early next year (this was HPAC’s last scheduled meeting until January).

(We’ll report on the rest of tonight’s HPAC meeting – two discussions with SDOT – in a separate story Thursday.)

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West Seattle woman running New York City Marathon to help save kids’ lives
October 27, 2021 9:39 pm
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 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS & Sports

Maybe you’ve seen Alisha Timm out running in her orange shirt. She is in training for this year’s New York City Marathon, just a week and a half away, and wants to explain why:

Hi There! My name is Alisha Timm and I am a proud five-year West Seattle resident – I’m also the girl running around in the orange ‘Imagine a World Without Cancer’ shirt. It’s been so fun to run around all of the neighborhoods in West Seattle and fall even more in love with this beautiful community
.
Growing up I played competitive soccer and ran cross country, but after a terrible knee injury and a horrific car accident found myself being told I shouldn’t run any more. Well, twelve half-marathons later, I’ve found myself training for my first marathon, the 50th New York City Marathon. After being postponed last year, it is officially happening on November 7th this year.

When I started on the pursuit of completing the NYC Marathon, it was a check off the bucket list for me – but, I couldn’t bring myself to a place where I could imagine not taking the opportunity to raise awareness and do good for something bigger than myself. Joining Fred’s Team was a no-brainer for me as every single person in this world has been impacted by cancer; driving awareness and funding research is critical to making a change. Fred’s Team is affiliated with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NY, the largest and oldest private cancer center in the world. As part of the team, you can select if you’d like to contribute to a certain type of cancer – I went with childhood.

Raising awareness for childhood cancer was my choice for several reasons, but the largest being that these kids have their whole life ahead of them and are starting out with this unfathomable battle, I cannot even begin to imagine being the child or family in that situation. Below are some statistics that really surprised me when I started digging in:

-#1 cause of death in children
-Only 4% of research dollars spent annually are on childhood cancer
-95% of survivors have significant health-related issues due to treatment options
-43 kids per day in the US are diagnosed with cancer

Statistics are based on US only; imagine adding in the rest of the world.

Should you decide to learn more, my page is here.

Thank you for your interest in reading about this, it means a ton and is such a large part of my life!

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WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: Sound Transit still looking for Community Advisory Group members
October 27, 2021 6:55 pm
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 |   Sound Transit | West Seattle news

Want to get more closely involved in the West Seattle light-rail planning process as it approaches the next milestone? Sound Transit just announced it’s extending the deadline for people to apply to be on the Community Advisory Group for the West Seattle-Ballard extension. From the announcement:

We’re looking for people who:

-Live, work and/or volunteer along the project corridor.
-Are a part of, or have a deep understanding of, one or more of the communities along the corridor.
=Have knowledge and/or interest in public transportation, mobility and how transportation affects the lives of people in the region.

We ask that members be prepared to:

-Act as a community ambassador, willing to share information with community members and bring forth community values, concerns, and ideas.
-Consider the community as a whole and go beyond personal interests.
-Participate collaboratively with group members whose views may be different from their own.
-Attend approximately six monthly meetings from fall 2021 through early 2022, participating fully in the process. Members will receive a stipend for their participation.

You have until 5 pm next Monday (November 1st) to apply. Go here to find out more, including how to apply.

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WEST SEATTLE HALLOWEEN: Here’s your business trick-or-treating lineup
October 27, 2021 4:17 pm
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Now that we’re midway through Halloween week, time to review the local business-district trick-or-treating plans:

ADMIRAL DISTRICT: 3-6 pm Friday at participating businesses.

ALKI BEACH: 10 am-noon Saturday – check here for map updates.

WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION: 10 am-2 pm Sunday as part of Harvest Fest week – here’s the map to more than 20 “candy stations” you’ll see, in addition to merchants handing out treats:

The Harvest Fest and Trick or Treat page is updated here.

WHITE CENTER: Starting at 3 pm Sunday – see the latest list of participating businesses here.

(Westwood Village is not having a trick-or-treat event this year, according to merchants we’ve talked to.)

In addition to what’s above, we’ve heard from a few individual businesses/venues with additional plans:

BROCANTE BEACH HOUSE: Participating in the Alki Beach trick-or-treat and open special hours on Saturday beyond that, with special plans for shoppers too, 10 am-6 pm at 2622 Alki SW – details here.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Trick or treat at the home of West Seattle’s history (61st/Stevens) on Saturday, noon-4 pm. Also spooky storytime and crafts, 1 and 3 pm.

YOUNGSTOWN COFFEE: The Morgan Junction coffee shop (6032 California SW) is offering candy and stickers all weekend, Saturday and Sunday.

PAPER BOAT BOOKSELLERS: The Morgan Junction shop (6040 California SW) will give out candy bags on Sunday (open 11 am-5 pm).

TAILS TO ASTONISH: It’s the first Halloween for the comic-book store just south of The Junction (4850 California SW) and they’ll be open noon-7 pm on Sunday with candy and comics for everyone in costume. Plus 10 percent off back issues, toys, and statues. And a costume contest at 6 pm – prize is $20 in store credit.

Lots of other Hallo-week fun (starting tonight) in our West Seattle Halloween Guide, and we’re still adding to it, so email us your event at westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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FERRIES: Help name first hybrid-electric before it’s built on Harbor Island – here are the finalists
October 27, 2021 2:27 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

The state Transportation Commission, which has the final say in naming state highways, bridges, and ferries, has announced six finalists for naming the next new state ferry. They are:

Wishkah
Stillaguamish
Snoqualmie
Enie Marie
Stehekin
Muckleshoot

The nominated names are explained here, which is also where you’ll see how to comment. The commission chose those six from what it says were 19 proposed names that met its requirements and guidelines. Their decision is due in mid-December. The name will be given to a 144-car hybrid-electric Olympic Class ferry that’ll be built starting next year on Harbor Island, at the Vigor shipyard, and launched in 2025.
;;

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TRAFFIC ALERT: East Marginal Way fully open again
October 27, 2021 1:13 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Just in case you hadn’t heard: East Marginal Way south of the South Park Bridge reopened at mid-morning, three days after gusty wind brought down utility poles, power lines, and trees. But though the road is open both ways, the work isn’t quite done yet – the advisory says Seattle and Tukwila crews “continue to work together to restore permanent power connections to some traffic signals which are currently running on temporary generators.”

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SDOT at HPAC, and what else is up for the rest of your West Seattle Wednesday
October 27, 2021 11:59 am
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 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Thanks to Al for the photo of Tuesday’s rainbow)

Today’s belated look at what’s up for the hours ahead, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Halloween Guide:

SCAVENGER HUNT: This continues as part of the West Seattle Junction Harvest Fest – get your map at a participating business! More info in our previous coverage.

CITY BUDGET: Today’s the second of third days for the City Council to go through the nearly 200 amendments they’re proposing for next year’s budget. (We went through the agenda and didn’t see any West Seattle specifics of note, but you can review by going here (where you’ll also find viewing/listening info). After lunch break, they’ll resume at 2 pm.

FAMILY FUN: Family Harvest Festival at the Salvation Army Center in South Delridge (9050 16th SW), 5-7 pm.

HPAC: The community council for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge has a big agenda tonight, online at 7 pm, including SDOT on 16th SW speed calming and the Delridge-Highland Park stretches of Stay Healthy Streets, plus a possibility for the long-idle Dumar Substation site at 16th/Holden. More info, and connection details, here.

GIMME SHELTER CONCERT: 7:30 pm online, the annual benefit for DESC – whose properties include the Delridge supportive-housing complex Cottage Grove Commons – features local fave Billy Joe and the Dusty 45s. Registration info is in our calendar listing.

‘ROCKY HORROR’: 8 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), watch “Rocky Horror Picture Show” with guest host Old Witch. “It’s time to do the Time Warp at the Admiral Pub.”

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BIZNOTE: Delridge Grocery Co-op plans pet-treats pop-up Saturday, annual meeting next month
October 27, 2021 10:21 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Pets | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Two news bites from the Delridge Grocery Co-op (5444 Delridge Way SW):

DGC Annual Meeting on November 13, Special Dog Treat Pop-up on October 30

The Delridge Grocery Co-op annual meeting is going virtual again this year — taking place on Saturday, November 13 at 3 pm. Please consider spending some time with us that Saturday as we’ve got a lot of news to share about our volunteer-run, community-focused co-op. It’s open to everyone in our community — from owner-members who have paid their ownership share to West Seattle neighbors near and far.

We’ll be looking back on the last year, when we began to be open for limited market hours on weekends while continuing to offer our weekly Essentials produce box. We’ll also provide updates on some of our food access initiatives, including working with the West Seattle Food Bank on a new voucher program, our continuing partnership with Fresh Bucks Seattle, and our gifted produce box program (funded through kind donations from our community).

Turning our eyes to the next year, we’ll talk about the challenges and opportunities we have with opening the store more fully — from more volunteer staffing to funding for more equipment like refrigerators.

DGC owner-members who have paid a full $100 ownership share can also vote on up to three Board of Director positions.

Reserve your spot for the DGC’s annual meeting on Zoom by signing up on our Signup Genius page.

We’re also excited to start a series of pop-up events at our store, where we’ll be highlighting a variety of local producers and focusing on women- and BIPOC-owned businesses. Our first pop-up will bring Puddles Barkery to the DGC on Saturday, October 30, from 9:30–1:30. Head chef and owner Kari Kalway and her pup Kora will be showcasing her handmade, natural dog treats, including biscuit treats, pupcakes, and creamy doggy cannolis!

You can reserve your Puddles Barkery order to pick up next weekend (Oct. 30-31), or place an order for an Essentials produce box delivery and the dog treats will be included.

Questions? info@delridgegrocery.coop

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY! West Seattle has a new centenarian – Rev. John Van Lierop
October 27, 2021 9:13 am
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Happy 100th birthday to West Seattle’s newest centenarian! His family sent the announcement:

Rev. John Van Lierop is turning 100 today (born October 27, 1921 in Yakima) at The Kenney in West Seattle, where he has been a resident in Memory Care the last 7 years. His son John, Jr. is planning a small celebration party today.

Rev. Van Lierop is a retired Presbyterian minister, having served for 42 years pastoring 7 churches in 4 states. He retired from his last church in Sandy, Oregon, in 1986 and moved back with his wife to the Gatewood Hill home to live with his grown children. In 1987 he was asked to be the new Chaplain of The Kenney, where he served until 2004. Rev. Van Lierop returned to the Kenney Home as a resident of the Memory Care in 2014 following a fall that fractured his hip. A number of the present Kenney staff still remember him when he was chaplain and have fond memories of his working there.

Rev. Van Lierop’s hobby was collecting used books. At one time he had 20,000 books. His friends kidded him that he had enough to run a used book store. Even the owner of the famous Powell’s Book Store in Portland, Oregon, offered to buy Rev. Van Lierop’s entire library for a lump sum when he retired, but it was to no avail since he couldn’t part with his books. Rev. Van Lierop is the first of the Van Lierop clan to reach the milestone of 100. His son credits his longevity to clean living, since he lived what he preached!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Wednesday notes
October 27, 2021 6:04 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:04 AM: Good morning!

WEATHER

Rain is again in today’s forecast – but probably not much.

REOPENING/CLOSURE

The South Park Bridge has reopened.

But East Marginal Way south of the bridge is not expected to reopen until sometime today.

OTHER BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

585th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here are views of other bridges and routes:

Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

Are movable bridges opening for boats or barges? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed is back as of last check. 1st Ave. South Bridge openings are tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page.

ROAD WORK – TODAY AND UPCOMING

26th SW – Ongoing closure between Roxbury and Barton for RapidRide H Line prep work, at least a few more weeks, the county says.

NEXT WEEK: More RapidRide-related work:

Starting as soon as November 1, crews will set up traffic control to begin construction at the 26th Ave SW and SW Roxbury Street intersections. Work will include demolishing the existing pavement, installing underground utilities, paving the roadway, and making improvements that will serve current Routes 113 and 120, and the future RapidRide H Line. This work is expected to last through mid-December.

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

Regular Metro schedule, except for the rerouting in RapidRide H Line work zones – on 26th and 15th SW in particular. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of trip cancellations.

For ferries and Water Taxi: WSF is still on a two-boat schedule on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run. Check here for alerts/updates. The Water Taxi remains on its new schedule (no weekend or off-peak shuttle buses).

Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.

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FOLLOWUP: What’s next for Admiral Church’s overnight-shelter plan, after meeting with neighbors
October 26, 2021 11:52 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Admiral Church‘s two-thirds-of-an-acre campus hosts more than a congregation. It’s also home to a preschool, recovery groups, anti-racism classes, bystander-intervention training, rental space for local arts organizations, and a rest stop for Metro bus drivers.

The church’s congregation has decided to open it to another use: An overnight shelter where up to 10 men can sleep.

One week after the congregation made that decision in what pastor Rev. Andrew Conley-Holcom called a “near-unanimous” vote, it opened the sanctuary Sunday afternoon to neighbors who came bearing questions.

Read More

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WEST SEATTLE HALLOWEEN: Skeleton Theatre returns!
October 26, 2021 9:34 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

After an online-only 2020 show, Skeleton Theatre is back – in-person and online! Just got the word from Maia Low at Skeleton Theatre:

Skeleton Theatre will be live AND virtual this year! We put together a short show called “Get Silly” that will run on Halloween and November 1 between 6 and 9 pm. We opted for a short show to avoid large groups of people gathering for an extended time. We will also post a pre-recorded version of the show on skeletontheatre.com on Halloween. Here are the details:

Skeleton Theatre 2021 – “Get Silly”
Show length: 6 minutes

Live Performance
Show times: 6 pm-9 pm, about every 10 minutes
Show dates: Sunday, October 31 and Monday, November 1

Please wear a mask and observe social distancing while watching the show.

Virtual Performance
Available starting on October 31
skeletontheatre.com

We’re looking forward to celebrating Halloween with our neighbors again!

Skeleton Theatre is an outdoor animatronic show in a yard at 36th/Hanford.

P.S. We’ve just added this to the WSB West Seattle Halloween Guide, which has other event listings, including trick-or-treat events, plus photos/locations of decorations suggested by neighbors all over the peninsula. Still more to add – email westseattleblog@gmail.com if you have decorations or an event for the page!

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WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: Eagles rescued from entanglement
October 26, 2021 6:47 pm
|      35 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

Two Bald Eagles are flying free again after a scary snarl in a West Seattle back yard. WSB reader Robin thought just one eagle was entangled in the bushes when she emailed us wondering if local naturalist/urban-wildlife first responder Kersti Muul might know what to do. Robin had already called the state Fish and Wildlife Department and said they didn’t have much to offer. We connected her with Kersti, who tells the story from there (and sent the photos):

When I arrived on scene, I realized that there were actually two eagles. Not only were they really entangled in vegetation, but also were locked onto each other’s legs.

I first pruned the morning glory and blackberry off of the wings. Then waited for assistance.

Brett Rogers, a Seattle Animal Control officer, came to assist me. We netted the one on top, which seemed to be bigger (perhaps a female) And then I proceeded to prune heavily on the rhododendron. Once the whole area around them was clear, I figured they would start paying attention more to us than each other, and that’s exactly what happened. Once freed up from the vegetation, The wings started flapping and the wheels started turning.

They let each other go. The bigger one on top flew off immediately, landed on the deck for a second and then took off. The smaller one hopped and flew out, got entangled in another vine but quickly got out and landed on a fence post. He stretched his wings momentarily, And then flew off. About 5 minutes later, I could hear one calling.

Neither one was Bey. This wasn’t her territory anyway, but good to know!

(That’s a reference to this eagle rescue last February.)

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TRAFFIC ALERT: South Park Bridge has reopened
October 26, 2021 3:48 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   South Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

3:48 PM: The South Park Bridge has opened again to vehicle traffic, two days after it was closed because of utility poles and trees down on East Marginal Way, blocking access to its east end. Here’s some of what they cleaned up (photos courtesy SDOT):

4:25 PM: Though the bridge is open/accessible again, SDOT says parts of East Marginal are still closed – to be specific, between 16th Ave South & South 86th Place.

5:40 PM: In an email update, SDOT elaborates, “Although SCL has completed work to clear debris and repair equipment within Seattle city limits, damaged traffic signal equipment in Tukwila continues to make the road unsafe to reopen south of the bridge. SDOT and Tukwila Public Works are continuing to work closely together to respond to the situation.” The stretch of East Marginal that remains closed isn’t expected to reopen before tomorrow.

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FOLLOWUP: West Seattle-based Pliable gearing up to run city’s new vaccination hub in High Point – and looking to add vaccinators
October 26, 2021 2:25 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | High Point | West Seattle news

(WSB photos/video)

Nicole Warner and Tara Biller are the West Seattle nurse practitioners who started the mobile health-care service Pliable as a pandemic ‘pivot” in their careers. And now their company is on board as the vaccination providers for the city’s new clinic at Neighborhood House High Point Center (6400 Sylvan Way SW). We first reported on Monday that the city had chosen this location for the West Seattle clinic it’s been promising for a month, and today Mayor Jenny Durkan led a media briefing there. Here’s our video:

The mayor was joined by City Councilmember Lisa Herbold and Neighborhood House executive director Janice Deguchi, as well as by the Pliable co-founders. Here are the basics: The clinic will be open 11 am-7 pm Fridays and 8:30 am-4:30 pm Saturdays for starters, beginning this week (but skipping some dates such as the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving). They have capacity up to 800 vaccinations a day – you can make an appointment if you want a guaranteed time, but they will accept walk-ups too. They’ll have all three vaccines, with separate rooms in Neighborhood House (this is indoors) for each one – first shots, second shots, or boosters – what you get is what you request. (Yes, they’ll do mix-match boosters if that’s what you request.) If you want to make an appointment, you can do it through the city website.

They’re also prepared to scale up once vaccinations are approved for younger kids – they’ll have a separate pediatric area at the clinic. Warner noted that if you’ve been to one of their pop-ups, you know they try to make it a “fun” atmosphere. They say they’re excited to help “fill in the gaps” in the local vaccination-access system.

Pliable also tells us they’re adding to the team of vaccinators – “We are looking for medical professionals (retired medical professionals are also great) to help vaccinate.” This is paid-hourly work (if someone would rather do it on a volunteer basis, they’re open to that). Here’s the flyer; the link to sign up for shifts is here.

P.S. Here’s how to get to the new clinic location – including free rides.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Police hope mask description will help solve robbery
October 26, 2021 1:00 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Delridge | West Seattle news

On October 16th, we reported briefly on a street robbery in South Delridge. Today police are releasing more details of the case, including a description of the robber, in hopes of finding him. From SPD Blotter:

Detectives are seeking assistance identifying a man who robbed a woman at knifepoint in the Delridge neighborhood.

Around 10:30 PM on October 16th, the victim had gotten out of her car in an alley in the 8800 block of Delridge Way Southwest when a man came up behind her, grabbed her by the throat, and held a knife to her ribs. The suspect then grabbed the woman’s purse, punched her in the face, and fled. The woman called 911 a short time later. Officers and a K9 team searched the area but were unable to find the suspect.

The woman told police the suspect was a Black man in his late 30s, 5’10, wearing a black jacket, white shoes, a black mask with three white stripes on it, and sunglasses. While police do not yet have photos or video related to this case, detectives are hoping the description of the distinctive mask will help lead them to the suspect.

If you have any information about this incident, please contact SPD’s Robbery Unit at 206-684-5535.

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UPDATE: Seattle Fire rescues man after steep fall at Schmitz Park
October 26, 2021 11:25 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(Added: WSB photo)

11:25 AM: A Seattle Fire “rope rescue” response is arriving at the Admiral/Stevens entrance to Schmitz Park [map]. The call is described as a man in his 30s falling down an embankment and unable to get out on his own.

11:31 AM: SFD is calling for SPD help blocking Admiral Way while the rescue continues.

11:35 AM: Firefighters told dispatchers the man is not believed to have major injuries – his main complaint so far is leg pain.

11:41 AM: SFD says the man is “directly under the bridge” – if you’ve been to Schmitz Park, you know how steep that embankment is.

11:54 AM: Added a photo as they work to lift the man out. SFD confirms to us at the scene that he has only minor injuries and will be taken to a hospital by private ambulance.

(Added: WSB photo)

11:56 AM: He’s out, firefighters just told dispatch. … (Added above a minute later, photo from our crew.)

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BIZNOTE: New restaurant tenant for ex-Chaco Canyon Café space in West Seattle Triangle
October 26, 2021 10:57 am
|      40 COMMENTS
 |   Triangle | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

More than a year after Chaco Canyon Organic Café closed at 3770 SW Alaska in The Triangle, there’s word of a new tenant for the space. While looking through city permit files, we found a renovation application in the name of West of Chicago Pizza Company, the pizzeria that’s been operating out of the KBM Seattle Commissary Kitchen in Delridge. The specialty: Deep-dish Chicago-style pizza. West of Chicago proprietor Shawn Millard tells WSB he’s not ready to disclose details of the plan for the Triangle space, but he’s looking forward to starting work on the overhaul, with the hope of being open in February.

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CITY BUDGET: 6 proposed amendments of note as next phase of process begins
October 26, 2021 9:04 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Today, with meetings at 9:30 am and 2 pm, the City Council launches into the next phase of shaping the next city budget: Going through proposed amendments. Almost 200 of them will be rolled out over the next three days. We read the documents for today’s reviews and found six of particular note:

*Almost $500,000 to add air conditioning to the non-A/C area of Southwest Library, for “climate adaptation”

*Two amendments for Camp Second Chance, West Seattle’s only tiny-house encampment – $80,000 to connect the camp to a sewer system in the area, $100,000 to ensure a mobile city hygiene trailer visits CSC regularly

*$380,000 for “Indigenous-led energy efficiency projects in the Duwamish Valley,” described as potentially involving work at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse

*200,000 to support youth leadership programs in the Duwamish Valley, such as the Duwamish Valley Youth Corps

This is just the first of three days in which proposed amendments will be presented – we’ll be going through the documents for the other two days too. Today, the many other proposed amendments also include another of note from West Seattle/South Park Councilmember Lisa Herbold (who also proposed the Camp Second Chance and youth leadership amendments mentioned above) – almost $400,000 for animal-control patrols in city parks.

HOW TO COMMENT: There’s still a lot of time to comment before the council gets to the point of finalizing its version of the budget. Most meetings, for example, start with a public comment period; two more public hearings are planned in November. This page has all the information.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Tuesday notes, with South Park Bridge closed
October 26, 2021 6:05 am
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:05 AM: Good morning!

WEATHER

More rain in today’s forecast – some wind but not as much as the past two days.

CLOSURE

The South Park Bridge and a stretch of East Marginal Way, between 14th Ave South and South 86th Place, are still closed for power line/pole repairs. Here’s the nearest camera:

OTHER BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

584th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here are views of other bridges and routes:

Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

Are movable bridges opening for boats or barges? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed is down again. But 1st Ave. South Bridge openings are tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page.

ROAD WORK – TODAY AND THIS WEEKEND

26th SW – Ongoing closure between Roxbury and Barton for RapidRide H Line prep work, at least a few more weeks, the county says.

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

Regular Metro schedule, except for the rerouting in RapidRide H Line work zones – on 26th and 15th SW in particular. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of trip cancellations.

For ferries and Water Taxi: WSF is still on a two-boat schedule on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run. Check here for alerts/updates. The Water Taxi remains on its new schedule (no weekend or off-peak shuttle buses).

Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.

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CORONAVIRUS: 68 new cases reported in Seattle Public Schools’ weekly update
October 25, 2021 10:06 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Every Monday, the Seattle Public Schools COVID-19 data dashboard is updated. This week, it shows 68 new cases (compared to 58 new cases a week before) among the district’s more than 90 schools. Here are the school-by-school breakouts for our area, with the changes compared to what was on the dashboard last week – again, the numbers are cumulative for the entire school year so far:

Denny International Middle School – 18, up 3
Chief Sealth International High School – 18, unchanged
Highland Park Elementary – 10, up 1
Roxhill Elementary – 10, unchanged
Genesee Hill Elementary – 8, up 2
Madison Middle School – 8, unchanged
Lafayette Elementary – 7, unchanged
Arbor Heights Elementary – 6, unchanged
Gatewood Elementary – 5, up 1
Concord International (Elementary) – 5, unchanged
West Seattle Elementary – 5, unchanged
Sanislo Elementary – 3, unchanged
West Seattle High School – 3, unchanged
Pathfinder K-8 – 3, unchanged
Alki Elementary – 2, up 1
Louisa Boren STEM K-8 – 2, unchanged
Fairmount Park Elementary – 2, unchanged
BRIDGES @ Roxhill – 1, unchanged

The dashboard still does not break down student cases/staff cases school by school; for the Southwest Region – West Seattle and South Park – 91% of the cases are among students.

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FOLLOWUP: After 6 years, Beach Drive complex no longer devoted to ‘sober living’
October 25, 2021 8:50 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

Six years ago, the Beachwood Apartments at 4027 Beach Drive SW were momentarily in the spotlight because of community questions regarding their takeover by Seattle Sober Living. The organization stressed that it wasn’t a halfway house or treatment facility – just a building renting apartments to men committing to drug- and alcohol-free living. The years passed and it didn’t return to our radar until this past weekend, when a reader emailed to say the building looked empty. Checking the Seattle Sober Living website, we found the Beach Drive location was no longer listed; though in 2015 it was the organization’s only location, now SSL lists buildings in Capitol Hill and Kirkland. Unable to find anything else about the West Seattle building’s status, we emailed David Gould, director of SSL then and now (and a West Seattle resident). He replied:

We have found another property in the Seattle area which we believe is even better suited for our tenants. SSL is no longer renting the property at 4027 Beach Dr SW.

Speaking for myself and representing feedback I’ve received from tenants and their families, the West Seattle community is owed a debt of gratitude for welcoming us. This is a beautiful area and hundreds of recovering addicts who have come through the Beach Drive home hold a special place in their heart for this community. Lives have been changed. Thank you, West Seattle.

Alliance Multifamily is managing the building now. While stressing that he wasn’t speaking for the ownership, Gould said he had “heard it was going to be rented as standard housing.” And indeed, when we subsequently went over for a photo of the building, we noticed sandwich boards advertising “Now Leasing.”

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FOLLOWUP: Sneak peek inside Three 9 Lounge, opening Thursday at West Seattle Bowl
October 25, 2021 7:27 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS beverages

Nine days ago, we brought you first word of the new identity of West Seattle Bowl‘s Highstrike Grill – Three 9 Lounge. Since then, we’ve stopped by for a look inside, as they finished the furnishings and decor, down to the glassware.

From the pineapple hanging lamps to the tinted windows, WS Bowl manager Jeff Swanson told us they’re going for a “warm” vibe.

With high-tech touches – USB jacks under the bar, next to the purse hooks.

They’ll have seven signature cocktails, and plan to offer 35 different rums from all over the world. As for the food, they’re continuing to serve classic American fare in the bowling alley, while Three 9 will offer island-style bites – from malasadas to lumpia to skewers. (You can see the menus on the website, just launched today.) It’ll seat 50, including huge padded corner booths on each end.

Three 9 opens Thursday (October 28th) and will be open 4 pm to midnight, 7 nights a week. 21+

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