Search Results for 'HB'

[WSeaFam2]

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped us out buying items, or just stopped by to look and chat at our Moving Sale. While we are so sad to leave West Seattle, we were so glad to have neighbors like YOU for the past 8 years. Thank you again

[blackwatch]

UPDATE:

I have to give my neighbors a RAVE: The dog noise has gone to nothing, good for them. Though now I have a sulking neighbor who gives me dirty looks every time we see each other…

I’ll take the sulking neighbor as long as the dogs shut up…..

[transplantella]

According to ValueAppeal, of the neighborhoods released by the assessor so far this year, “Fauntleroy in West Seattle has by far the most over-assessed homes, with more than one in four home owners likely to be receiving an unfairly high tax bill. “Eastern West Seattle” comes in second with 18% of homes likely to be over-assessed. The ranked list of most over-assessed neighborhoods will change as the assessor releases new assessments for additional neighborhoods throughout the summer.”

Graphics and article at http://seattlebubble.com/blog/2010/07/09/why-are-property-tax-assessments-often-so-inaccurate/#comments

[squareeyes]

Can you put wedges (matchbooks, magazines) at the bottom of the doors so they don’t slide? Or maybe straighten a wire hanger, thread it between where the two doors overlap, and then rebend it in a way that the doors won’t slide? No idea if something like that would work…just thinkin’ out loud.

[WSB]

Thanks, I know we dump a huge amount of info onto the site every day and it’s impossible for anybody to keep up with it all, but on this one particular issue, we have made a point of trying to stay as plugged in as possible. It frankly annoys me that nobody else, whether neighborhood or citywide media, bothers to cover this, but that’s the way things have shaken out. City Light put on a briefing today about a program that affects West Seattle and several other neighborhoods in the city – I went to Rainier Beach for the briefing (the story will be up overnight) and again, no other media there (but the Seattle Channel, bless ’em).

Again, it may be a well-kept secret that we do have coverage categories (list is at the bottom of the sidebar) and if you are following something in particular, whether it be the Alaskan Way Viaduct, the Alki Homestead, The Kenney, parks issues, if we have a category for it, you can just click it on the list (or bookmark it, or use the RSS feed to follow in your reader) and catch up to see what’s new, when you get a chance.

Next three days, we’ll be live at Summer Fest, so come say hi. I believe WSDOT has a booth again too, so seriously, you can come ask them your viaduct questions directly!

[Diana]

Keep us posted. It is often very difficult to determine what city departments cover certain issues but I think you are making progress. Be patient, as best you can, as it will take awhile. These are your tax dollars at work. Budget cuts have delayed response times but the system works. The information you provide as to the outcome will help others.

[SomeGuy]

I think that is true; the current issue of The Stranger has an interesting article, with the following excerpt:

“The numbers for the tunnel—once it’s completed—don’t look very good. The current Alaskan Way Viaduct carries about 110,000 cars a day. Once the tunnel opens in 2015, the number of cars using Highway 99 through downtown Seattle will drop to 46,000 cars a day, according to a tolling study by the state. That means 64,000 additional vehicles a day will be forced onto downtown surface roads, along the waterfront, and onto I-5. Why? Cars that want to go downtown can’t use the tunnel because it will have no downtown exits. And people who don’t want to pay the toll won’t use it. During peak hours, the trip will be $4 one way and $3.50 the other. That’s $7.50 to use the tunnel. Many of the cars diverted from Highway 99 will pour into Pioneer Square instead, further clogging that neighborhood’s already traffic-clogged streets.”

Link to full article:

http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/what-could-possibly-go-wrong/Content?oid=4399657

[anonyme]

A few years ago, that’s what police used to do. It was wholly insufficient, but better than what we have now in terms of enforcement – nothing. I don’t believe that people who blatantly break the existing laws would get a permit either, even if that were an option. Nor do I think it would be fair to allow one individual, or several, to threaten an entire neighborhood merely because they got a permit to do so.

I also don’t understand the rationale that anyone who isn’t down with having to drug their pets senseless for several days(if not weeks)or go without sleep for days on end should be banished to Canada. Respect for others, as well as respect for law, is a far better indication of an understanding of the Declaration of Independence than blowing stuff up.

As other posters have pointed out, the City has once again missed out on a great opportunity to fill the budget gap by failing to hand out the $1,000 tickets these yeehaws deserve. It’s ironic, but if the cops actually did their job on this one, we might be able to afford to pay them – or even hire more of them.

[cookie addict]

ALL the neighbors know. There are a bunch of little ones on the street so there are other worries as well as the possibility of theft. The guy in the ally behind is almost militant about them leaving. Apparently, the cops came yesterday and talked to them about the noise and drinking, but no real action…. I guess we will wait and see.

[anonyme]

If the tenants are breaking the law it makes no difference if they are there at the invitation of the homeowner or not. Loud sex is disturbing the peace, and screaming indicates a possible assault. While the police may not be able to take action due to their presence alone (or health & hygiene issues) they most certainly CAN take action against other illegal activities.

Based on your description of this pair, I’d also be concerned about the possibility of theft or burglary. If you have a block watch, I’d make sure the neighbors knew what was happening.

[cookie addict]

Diana, Pam & anonyme:

Thank you for the response and the note of sympathy! Taking the advice My wife called department of P&D. They agreed that it is unacceptable and filed a complaint. They will investigate and then contact the homeowner. It could take a while (30 days or so), but they can have the couple relocated.

The health department also opened a case, but they admitted it could take a while (2+ weeks) for the investigator to make any determination. The police… unless there are needles in the yard, blood on the grass, firearms, exposure with malicious intent, etc… it would take them a while to respond. They have more important things to do other than deal with this and I can understand that. The desk Sgt at the SW precinct was VERY sympathetic, but asked that we try all other avenues before involving the police as their hands are virtually tied because the new tenets are guests of the homeowner.

[Mookie]

Just noticed a baby bird crouched on the cement on the side patio. No parents fluttering or calling nearby, no overhead tree he could have fallen out of. I’d like to keep neighborhood cats from mauling him, and also while he’s currently in the shade, the sun is moving. What should I do?

I’ve carefully put him in a large cardboard box in the shade with some netting over it for now…

[pam]

I don’t know either – sounds awful. Don’t suppose the yard sprinkler would reach if you ‘had’ to water your yard at 5:00 a.m.????

[anonyme]

Sounds like there are several code, health, and legal violations here. The problem is, can you get police, or any other agency, to respond?

Public urination is a crime; it can also be considered a sex crime depending on how and when it’s done, witnesses, etc. I would say that no access to a toilet for ‘immediate’ needs would be another actionable issue, as is the Homer bucket. Where do they empty it?

Calling police if someone is screaming (for any reason) is justifiable & who knows what else they might find when/if they investigate? Wasn’t there some speculation that these two might be abusing drugs? I know firsthand how difficult it is to get action from the City, but it is possible if you’re persistent. Any violation you can find, no matter how seemingly irrelevant, might do the trick.

Good luck & keep us posted.

[angelescrest]

Cookie,

You have our sympathies. I have followed this thread, and though I have no suggestions, I just wanted you to know that it sounds deplorable (and, yes, the homeless need homes, mental health care, etc.)and unfair. It doesn’t take a lot to change a neighborhood. We hope there is a solution. Shoot.

[Diana]

I suggest contacting the Seattle Department of Planning and Development, Code Compliance department. They have a list of codes they enforce and are really helpful. Then I’d try the health department.

[cookie addict]

No, not normal for the neighborhood… Would this be normal in any West Seattle neighborhood that you know of? Do half-naked men pee in the ally behind your home?

There is nothing the police can do as there is no statute that outlaws homelessness in Seattle nor camping in a backyard once invited by the owner – if he now wants them to leave then they actually have squatter’s rights and it could take months to make evict them. For the health or police department to act they have to be caught in the act of doing something illegal. If that happens then they are cited and depending on the severity of the violation, then it could still be 30 to 60 days to have them removed.

We looked into this before I posted. What we were looking for was someone else who has been in this situation and what they did or if anyone has an idea about some obscure city ordnance that can be used here.

[JanS]

so I wonder if eventually, the police/health department can be notified that the campsite is a health hazard., using the yard/alley as a urinal, etc. That’s not exactly de rigueur for a neighborhood , is it?

[EmmyJane]

I’m so happy to see how this store turned out. The beer selection is great and the owner, Morgan, says he’s going to be expanding his selection even more. I also like the section where frequent customers can recommend their favorite beers. This is a great addition to the neighborhood!

[Stargater]

Maybe somebody was just sick of seeing your signs all over the place cluttering up the neighborhood. I know I am!!!

[cookie addict]

We have talked to the owner and have talked somewhat sensibly with the male “tenet.” They have restricted use of the shower in his house and use the public bathrooms at the library down the street. Cooking is done both in and outdoors. Peeing is done in the yard, orange home depot bucket or ally. Both of the people in the back seem to have alcohol issues, but the female also seems to have a chemical dependency problem and possible mental disorder. Both the homeowner and her companion have apologized for her repeated screaming, cussing, throwing of trash (the used feminine hygiene pad has taken the prize so far), behavior, drunkenness, etc…

Barter for good behavior? Do you have kids? Do you know what happens when you barter for better behavior or grades – you lose influence and it makes the unwanted behavior worse. Imagine a 40 year old drunk kid… Bartering is not an option. Bees though…

[carrieann]

Glad to hear it! Looks/sounds like a really awesome display. Now if someone would just return the giant inflatable Oogie Boogie, lifted from our neighbor’s Halloween display. We miss the big green guy!

[DOC]

Agree with JanS, more information for better responses.

[JanS]

so…a few questions come to mind. Where do they cook? Where do they bathe? Brush their teeth? Wash their clothes? Does this guy provide them with running water? Do they clean up after themselves? Get rid of garbage? What do they do if they have to go in the middle of the night? Just go in the yard? Inquiring minds want to know (maybe – lol).

[DOC]

If you have talked to the home owner about it, and he is fine with them living there, did you at least raise concerns about there behavior? If he still doesn’t care, have you tried talking to them directly? (As with the rules of Rants)

I guess if talking doesn’t work, liquid ass is always an option. Or getting drunk and having fun. Or competing with the extacy. But really you could just talk to them and explain that they are lucky they found a place to stay. Perhaps even barter with them. One home cooked meal a week in exchange for their respect for the neighborhood. That could work.