West Seattle, Washington
09 Wednesday
One week after our area went to Phase 2 of reopening, the city has announced it’s removing some of the obstacles for businesses interested in using more sidewalk/curbside space. Here’s the elected officials’ version of the announcement; below, from the Department of Construction and Inspections, what it means for businesses (and anyone else interested in the details):
If you’re interested in using space on the sidewalk or street in front of your business to add a temporary café or additional retail space or if you are a food truck owner who would like to try out new vending locations, you will need a Street Use permit from the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT).
Free temporary permits and new, flexible permit options for sidewalk cafes, merchandise displays, and food vending
We’ve created free temporary permit options to expand our support for restaurants, retail stores, food trucks, and other vendors. These permits are good for up to six months.
Temporary outdoor café: With this permit, restaurants can have a temporary outdoor café either on the sidewalk or in the curb space adjacent to their business frontage. In certain cases, we will permit cafes to extend beyond the business frontage.
To qualify for the temporary cafe permit option, the proposed café should be:
Fence free (abutting building) or with temporary fencing that provides cane detectability
Removed when the restaurant is closed
Not located in a loading zones (for curb space locations)
Not located on a principal arterial (for curb space locations)
Restaurants that would like a café in other locations or with more permanent installations can still apply for our existing sidewalk café or streateryTemporary merchandise displays: We want to make it easier for businesses to promote social distancing for customers while increasing their ability to serve customers. With this permit, a business can set up merchandise displays adjacent to their store or in the curb space.
To qualify for the temporary merchandise permit option, the display should be:
Removed when the business is closed
Not located in a loading zone (for curb space locations)
Not located on a principal arterial (for curb space locations)
With this permit, we are also allowing sales to occur outside instead of inside the store.Temporary Vending Permits: We are offering a temporary vending permit for up to six months that will allow greater flexibility for vendors to try out new sites and go to where people are located during the pandemic. This option is available for both trucks and carts vending food, flowers, or publications.
To qualify for the temporary vending option, the vending should be:
Up to a four-hour block of time daily (such as between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. for the lunch hour)
If vending food, not within 50 feet of a food service business, unless there is support from adjacent food businesses
Not located where an adjacent business is proposing to use the curb space (for curb space locations)
Not located in a loading zone (for curb space locations).
Additionally, we will allow more than two vendors per block with this permit type.
Vendors who would like to vend in other locations or with a traditional year-long permit can still apply for one of our existing vending permit options.Here’s how we’re making it easier to get these permit types!
No permitting fees and modified application requirementsTo make it easier to take advantage of these new permit types we’ve:
Eliminated permit and review fees
Waived daily fees associated with reserving parking spaces for outdoor cafés, merchandise displays, and vending in the curb spaceStreamlined timelines
For all these new permit types, our goal is to expedite and prioritize application reviews. The review time will depend on the complexity of the application, the volume of permit requests, and an applicant’s preparedness, resulting in varying approval times.Updated public notification requirements
To issue our permits faster, we’re not requiring the normal two-week public comment period for new temporary outdoor cafes and vendors. Instead, applicants for these permits will be required to notify nearby residents and businesses of the proposed temporary café, merchandise display, or vending location before they start operations.
Wondering how to apply? Scroll to the end here.
(Last Friday)
Another #SayTheirNames show of support on the Delridge/Oregon overpass this weekend – the announcement is from Nancy:
Please join us on the 51st anniversary of Stonewall to show support for our Black LGBTQ friends, family, and neighbors and to #SayTheirNames
What: #SayTheirNames
When: Sunday, June 28th, 4:30-5:30 pm
Where: Pedestrian overpass on Delridge at the Delridge Community Center/Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.
Please remember to wear your masks!
6:21 AM: Good morning – the 95th morning without the high-rise West Seattle Bridge.
ROAD WORK
*Major work has begun on the Delridge Way repaving-and-more project – here are the toplines – watch for next week’s preview later today.
TRAFFIC
Heading off-peninsula? First, the cameras for the 5-way intersection, and the restricted-access low bridge just east of it:
The main detour route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – which has up to 14 overnight closures planned next month. Meanwhile, here’s that camera:
The other major bridge across the river is the South Park Bridge (map) – this camera shows the SP-side approach:
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed for info about any of those bridges opening for marine traffic.
You can see all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.
TRANSIT
Metro – Some service has been restored – details here.
Water Taxi – Some service has been restored on the WT too, plus the 773 and 775 shuttles – see the schedule here.
Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
When SDOT goes public in a week and a half with lists of potential ways to deal with bridge-detour traffic, HPAC will be ready.
This month’s meeting of the community council for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge was mostly an open discussion of what’s been problematic since the West Seattle Bridge closure turned up the volume on traffic along routes to the 1st Avenue South and South Park bridges.
Ready for the mask mandate? On the eve of the order taking effect, here’s our nightly roundup:
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Public Health daily-summary dashboard, the cumulative totals:
*9,612 people have tested positive, up 110 from yesterday
*585 people have died, up 2 from yesterday
*1,561 people have been hospitalized, up 6 from yesterday
*153,505 people have been tested, up 3.409 from yesterday
One week ago, those totals were 8,987/582/1,537/135,003.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them, county by county, on the state Department of Health page,.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: See them, nation by nation, here.
MASK UP STARTING TOMORROW: That’s when the state order takes effect. The basics are here.
COVID CASE CLOSES COFFEE SHOP: Admiral Starbucks is temporarily closed after an employee tested positive.
WEST SEATTLE TESTING TOMORROW: Friday is the weekly drive-up testing day in the north lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), 10 am-3 pm.
TELL YOUR STORY: From the Seattle Public Library:
The Seattle Public Library is a repository of Seattle’s history – help us document local history by contributing your story to our new COVID-19 Community Collection.
The Library would like to see and hear how the events of the past few months have affected you. We are looking for stories, photographs, signs, artwork, short videos and other materials that will help future generations learn what life was like in Seattle during this unique period in history. Here are some prompts to get you started:
· What has your daily life been like?
· What are ways you are staying connected with friends and family?
· What will you remember the most 10 years from now?
You can submit stories and materials through our online portal; they will be made available through the Special Collections Online website. The Library also welcomes donations of physical materials, which can be mailed to our Special Collections Department. To learn more about how you can contribute to the project, please visit our website!
NEED FOOD? OR, GOT FOOD TO DONATE? Check out West Seattle’s newest Little Free Pantry.
PHOTOS? TIPS? westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302 – thank you!
(Natalia, Helena, and Lara Frazier, after filling the new Little Free Pantry for the first time)
The announcement and photo are from Jeana Frazier:
New Little Free Pantry at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church
Please spread the word about one of the newest “little free pantries” in the West Seattle area! Located outside the office at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, 3050 California Ave. SW (next to the West Seattle High School parking lot), this pantry is available for all members of the neighborhood to “take what you need or give what you can.” Church attendees will be stocking the pantry on a regular basis, but members of the public are encouraged to donate non-perishable food, personal-care items, paper goods, and so on.
Little free pantries are a no-barrier access point for food. They aren’t intended to replace food banks, but rather to work alongside them, getting food to neighbors who may be skipping a meal. It is our hope that the neighborhood will embrace the little free pantry at St. John’s Church and help to reduce food insecurity (made worse by Covid-19 and the recent economic downturn).
Want to put up a LFP? See this WSB story from last month.
The video and report are from Kacie at West Seattle Autoworks (WSB sponsor):
Just wanted to share that we were broken into around 3:20 this morning. They broke in through the front door, smashing the glass and stole a refurbished Samsung tablet and loose change. We consider ourselves very lucky that we only have to replace the front door and clean up glass.
SPD incident # is 2020-196715.
The Sound Transit board won’t decide on potentially delaying projects until July 2021.
That follows discussions at recent committee meetings, during which some board members had voiced alarm that “realignment” decisions with decades-long ramifications might be made too soon, too hastily.
At the board’s monthly meeting this afternoon, they agreed to a timeline (see it here) that would keep all planning of Sound Transit 3 (and remaining ST2) projects moving forward for now. As she had done at an Executive Committee meeting, CFO Tracy Butler reminded the board that current financial projections have ST coffers falling as much as $12 billion short through the life of Sound Transit 3’s plan (which has some projects in the 2040s, with West Seattle light rail currently scheduled to open in 2030).
The board also was reminded that if they chose, for example, to add a 5-year delay to all in-planning projects, that would be “affordable” within current reduced-revenue estimates. But planning director Don Billen also reiterated that a one-size-fits-all approach like that might not be wise, so the agency will embark on a more-nuanced process, including “public engagement” early next year, before finalizing a realigned plan next summer. (You can see the criteria they’ll use in the slide deck from the meeting.)
A two-in-one announcement from the new owners of Youngstown Coffee:
Married couple Autumn Lovewell and Monica Colgan are the new owners of Youngstown Coffee on 6032 California Ave SW in Morgan Junction, which was previously owned by Zoe Kritzer. The Delridge location is now permanently closed. Zoe is off to new adventures and everyone is going to miss seeing her at Youngstown, but now you will see her around town!
Monica Colgan owns HeartBeet Organic Superfoods Cafe, which shares the same building as Youngstown (where Harry’s Chicken Joint used to be). HeartBeet has another location in Queen Anne and has been in business for 12 years. The West Seattle location was opened during COVID and due to the To-Go nature of the business has been able to keep staff employed.
Monica and Autumn have been West Seattle residents for 5 years and have 3 kids, 2 who are at Louisa Boren STEM. Now they live in White Center. The whole family is active in the community working to protect Trans and LGBTQ youth.
Youngstown Coffee will be a platform for social-justice issues which is their passion. It’s an opportunity to have ongoing dialogue with the community and highlight local Black, POC, and LGBTQ organizations that are making an impact in West Seattle and White Center.
Youngstown Coffee is hosting West Seattle Pride – a social distance mini-march in Morgan Junction on Sunday, June 28 at 2 pm to bring attention to Black Trans Lives Matter and to honor the creators of the first Pride, which was a protest not a parade. This event is by and for West Seattle’s LGBTQ community. Details below:
West Seattle Pride – Socially distanced march for LGBTQ community
SAFETY FIRST! WEAR YOUR MASKS AND KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE! Free disposable masks will be available to those who arrive without one. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the march.
Organized by and for local LGBTQ families and friends. Benefiting Ingersoll Gender Center of Seattle.
Mini-March in the Morgan Junction area for our LGBTQ community in West Seattle! We will be honoring and remembering Black and Indigenous Trans/Queer Lives, the creators of Pride. Every year we must remember that the first PRIDE was a protest, not a parade. This year, let’s do both because there is so much work to do while we celebrate who we are.
ROUTE: Meet at Morgan Junction Park (next to Beveridge Place). Around 2:15 pm we will walk north on California Ave to SW Findlay St, use the crosswalk, and come back down California to end back at Morgan Junction Park. It’s a small walk designed with little legs and families in mind.
After the walk, please support your local LGBTQ and Black-owned businesses in West Seattle. Mention them in the comments.
Ingersoll Gender Center provides Seattle’s Transgender and Gender diverse community with mental health services, support groups, legal help, financial services, and job sourcing. Donations directly to Ingersoll via their mobile site are greatly appreciated! ingersollgendercenter.org
Multiple readers emailed today to ask why the recently remodeled Admiral Starbucks store had abruptly closed without explanation. We inquired with the corporate media team, and here’s the response from a spokesperson:
(W)we recently learned one of our partners at the store received a positive diagnosis for COVID-19 and is self-isolating at home for a period of time. Further to that, as soon as we learned of the diagnosis (on the same day), we quickly activated our protocols and closed the store to initiate a deep cleaning following all recommended guidelines from public health authorities.
It’s important for me to add that Starbucks takes seriously our responsibility to keep our partners and customers safe, and all partners who were deemed to have worked in close contact with this partner will be paid for the time they will miss during the recommended 14 days of self-isolation (from date of exposure). As far as re-opening, I don’t have an exact date but the store will resume operations next week.
(Reader photo from April, when low-bridge enforcement began)
As first reported here Wednesday afternoon, SDOT told the West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force that it recommended opening low-bridge access to all 9 pm-5 am and to school buses any time. Nobody on the CTF objected, so, SDOT says today, those changes are now in effect. Also mentioned briefly during the meeting: Future camera enforcement on the low bridge. There was not much elaboration on that during the meeting, but SDOT has more information today:
…SDOT is exploring the use of automated enforcement of Low Bridge restrictions and if feasible, could serve as a key milestone for equitably increasing access.
During (the) Task Force discussion, it became clear that most policy proposals to increase Low Bridge access in a way that is equitable and does not detrimentally impact public safety depend on the ability to enforce them.
A permanent SPD presence is not a preferred, scalable, or affordable approach and, thus, SDOT has begun to explore the potential use of automated enforcement mechanisms. This could mean that cameras are added to an existing contract managed by SPD, similar to red light enforcement cameras and school zone cameras.
The use of automated enforcement for Low Bridge access policies would have to be approved by City Council. If it were, SDOT anticipates this technology could be in place later this summer or early fall.
We look forward to sharing more about this potential solution in the coming weeks. …
Currently, as SDOT’s post notes, the city only uses camera enforcement for school-zone speeding and red-light running. Some other uses are now allowed after the Legislature passed a bill sponsored by local State House Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon (who is part of the CTF along with other local elected officials.)
Great day for a walk! That’s what Lou Cutler (with support team Denise and Juli) is doing right now – 11.5 miles around the peninsula, to celebrate his 69th birthday and raise money for Make-A-Wish!
As noted in our preview – not to mention annual coveerage! – Lou usually celebrates his birthday a few weeks early by returning to Pathfinder K-8, where he taught PE before retiring five years ago, and running one lap around the field for every year of his new age, with students and staff joining him throughout the day. This year, the campus was closed, so he’s walking one big “lap” around West Seattle. We caught up with him at Lowman Beach.
You can support Make-A-Wish – which brings hope and joy to seriously ill children – via Lou’s page, here.
Sorry for the short notice – our fault. But if you see this before the event starts:
On Thursday, June 25th, West Seattle Democratic Women will begin its first of a series of three on racism. It’s a midday meeting and begins at 11:00 am with the Discussion Group topic of “The Effect of C-19 on me!”. The membership meeting will follow at 11:30 am and the Program itself will begin at 12:00 pm. Via video, local author Ijeoma Oluo will be introducing her book “So You Want to Talk About Race.” We feel it’s a particularly interesting program during a time when we all have such a lot to learn! If you wish to register for the Zoom meeting and have a need for the appropriate Zoom codes or have questions, please email wsdwomen@yahoo.com or call Karen 206.920.2231.
6:12 AM: Good morning – the 94th morning without the high-rise West Seattle Bridge.
ROAD WORK
*Demolition is under way on the Delridge Way repaving-and-more project – here’s what’s happening this week – we drove the area last night and noticed the lane-narrowing in several spots.
TRAFFIC
Heading off-peninsula? First, the cameras for the 5-way intersection, and the restricted-access low bridge just east of it:
The main detour route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – which has up to 14 overnight closures planned next month. Meanwhile, here’s that camera:
The other major bridge across the river is the South Park Bridge (map) – this camera shows the SP-side approach:
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed for info about any of those bridges opening for marine traffic.
You can see all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.
TRANSIT
Metro – Some service has been added back – details here.
Water Taxi – This also has some service restored, plus the 773 and 775 shuttles – see the schedule here.
Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
Though major Pride festivities were called off for coronavirus this year, two local establishments are offering you the chance to celebrate West Seattle Pride this weekend. Their announcement:
The Lumber Yard Bar and Admiral Pub have teamed up to bring you West Seattle Pride this weekend, June 27th-28th. Space is limited so please reserve a table for any of the events you plan to attend. We are also taking social distancing seriously, so masks are required for all events and please keep reservations to 5 or less people.
June 27th – The Lumber Yard
3 pm-6 pm
White Center Pride Fundraiser.
Grill party on the patio with raffle tickets and jello shots8 pm – 12 am
Join us for a special one-night event to celebrate Pride with Dolly and the DJ. Limited seating available for this event in the Loading Dock. Reserve a table for you and three friends (due to social distancing). Full bar and menu available. Champagne toast to celebrate pride included.June 28th – Admiral Pub
11 am
Pride Brunch and the movie The Birdcage
Reserve a Table for Brunch1:30 pm
Pride Brunch and the movie To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar
Reserve a Table for Brunch4 pm
Pride Bingo
Free to play with some fun prizes6 pm to 11 pm
DJ Andy will be spinning all your favorite music videos
The Lumber Yard Bar is at 9619 16th SW; Admiral Pub is at 2306 California SW.
Two days until the mask mandate takes effect, and that’s where we start tonight’s roundup:
MASK ORDER: You can now see the full text of Secretary of Health John Wiesman‘s order here. As announced yesterday, it takes effect statewide on Friday – wear a face covering when you’re out in public.
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Public Health daily-summary dashboard, the cumulative totals:
*9,502 people have tested positive, 133 more than yesterday’s total
*583 people have died, 1 below yesterday’s total++
*1,555 people have been hospitalized, 5 more than yesterday’s total
*150,096 people have been tested, 2,198 more than yesterday’s total
++The county has ongoing “data corrections”
One week ago, the four totals were 8,893/575/1,531/130,354.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them, county by county, on the state Department of Health page,.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: See them, nation by nation, here.
GOT A COLLEGE STUDENT IN THE HOUSE? You might be interested in Gov. Inslee‘s announcement today “providing specific health guidance for four-year public and private institutions, as well as two-year community and technical colleges, apprenticeships, and private career schools.”
SPEAKING OF COLLEGE … the drive-up/walk-up graduation celebration for South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) is tomorrow!
UNPAID PROPERTY TAXES? If you couldn’t meet the extended June 1st deadline, the county is now offering a payment plan.
PEARL JAM’S #ALLINWA SONG: Tonight’s streamed benefit for the #AllInWA COVID-19 recovery fund included the superstar band with West Seattleites – here’s their song:
You can donate by going here.
GOT INFO? Email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com or phone us, text or voice, at 206-293-6302 – thank you!
Thanks to Jan for the photos from Luna/Anchor Park tonight. Don’t know the story behind the group jump – maybe YOU do?
ADDED THURSDAY: Thanks to Marc – whose son was the one doing the back flip – for sending this video:
He says, “They had so much fun doing this! Great kids too!”
7:53 PM: A bus is reported to have ‘sheared off” a pole in the 2800 block of SW Genesee. Avoid the area. We’re on our way to check it out.
8:11 PM: Genesee is closed at the bottom of the hill east of Avalon. Police tell us it wasn’t the bus driver who hit the pole, it was a car driver. No serious injuries. The bus, a 50 that just happened to be in the area, is backing out of the area.
9:36 PM: No word on whether the road’s clear and we can’t go back, but by now it shold be. Also, added Mark‘s photo (thank you) above, showing, as noted in comments, the car went through the fence and onto the golf course.
10:21 PM: Metro just sent a text alert that Route 50 is still routed off SW Genesee, so apparently the scene is NOT clear.
Two reader reports:
STOLEN ART MERCHANDISE: From Brigida:
I had about $400 worth of art prints, greeting cards and other products I was shipping out to customers stolen today just before 10 am from my front porch. I caught them in the act and briefly gave chase but no luck.
The car was a silver-gray four door sedan with a license plate number of BIS—. Although I didn’t get a good look at the driver, the guy who jumped out and stole the packages was white, probably between 20-30 years old, slim build, medium height wearing a black cap, black mask and dark clothing. They took off westward from the 3500 block of Charlestown towards California.
In case any of these items get dumped somewhere, there are eighteen 11×14 reproductions of watercolor art of PNW nature illustrations, plus some stickers and greeting cards.
They were mostly packaged in flat white rigid mailers, and one priority mail box. As a full-time artist and solo business owner, things have already been pretty tough this year, so this was an extra bummer on top of everything else. Thanks in advance if you find anything!
Police incident number is: 20-195744
HIT-RUN: Early Tuesday, a driver went through the fence at the 1250 Alki Ave. SW construction site:
Matt says neighbors think it was a small white SUV-type car. If you have any info, (206) 247-4136.
(WSB file photo)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The fourth month since the West Seattle Bridge’s closure started with the third meeting of the advisory Community Task Force.
The headline this time around was from the last item on the agenda, changes in the restrictions for use of the low bridge, which since the high bridge’s closure has been limited to transit, freight, emergency vehicles, buses, bicycles, pedestrians, and certain maritime workers. The meeting ended with concurrence on a plan to allow more access, as well as a mention that automated enforcementi is on the way.
First – the slide deck for the entire meeting:
We’ll add meeting video when it’s uploaded. Here’s our video:
Now – our summary:
LOW BRIDGE CHANGES? SDOT’s Adiam Emery opened the discussion by explaining that they’ve been continuing to analyze traffic volumes since implementing restrictions. Even with citywide traffic reductions and low-bridge restrictions, the low bridge is close to its safe capacity at some times, she said. In particular, weekends are “nearing maximum capacity” for the bridge. The 5-way intersection west of the bridge is the “key limiting factor” more than the bridge itself. They have a little more room for vehicles, so here’s the proposal for loosening up access a bit:
At noon this Friday, your phone may go off with a test alert that’ll be related to the West Seattle Bridge Emergency Response Plan. Here’s the announcement:
On June 26 at 12 p.m., the City of Seattle Office of Emergency Management will send a test message through the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system. The alert will only be sent to those who have opted in to receive local test messages through WEA, and to a small geographic area under and near the West Seattle Bridge. The message will state: “This is a test of Wireless Emergency Alerts by the City of Seattle. No action is required.”
The national WEA system is an essential part of the City’s emergency preparedness and response. This public safety system allows customers who own compatible devices to receive geographically targeted, text-like messages alerting them of imminent threats to safety in their area. The most common example of these alerts is the “Amber Alerts” sent by Washington State Patrol that directly ping mobile phones.
Though not predicted, the City has emergency plans in place to use the WEA and AlertSeattle systems among other methods to notify people under or near the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge in the event of an immediate collapse. The City has successfully used the system several times in 2020, though it’s important to test the geographical capabilities of the system to ensure the correct area is targeted. Twenty volunteers from Seattle’s Office of Emergency Management Auxiliary Communication Services will stage in locations on and surrounding Harbor Island during the test to confirm receipt of the message. Results will be collected by Seattle OEM to determine the reach of the system.
Mobile phone users who are in the geographical area and would like to receive the test message must take steps to enable the option on their phone. The capability of a phone to receive local test messages depends on the brand and model, as well as phone carrier. Review the instruction manual for the phone for information on how to enable this feature. Basic information for Apple and Android Phones is below:
Apple iPhone:
· To turn it on: Enter *5005*25371# and tap the green phone icon. You’ll get an alert that says “Test alerts enabled.”
· To turn it off: Enter *5005*25370# and tap the green phone icon. You’ll get an alert that says “Test alerts disabled.”
Androids:
· Go to “Settings” > “Apps and Notifications” > “Advanced” > “Wireless Emergency Alerts” and then switch “State/local test” option to ON.
Members of the public are encouraged to proactively sign-up for AlertSeattle to receive emergency notifications from the City of Seattle: alert.seattle.gov.
Two business-reopening updates today:
CLICK! DESIGN THAT FITS: The longtime WSB sponsor at 4540 California SW reopens for in-store shopping tomorrow:
Thursday afternoon we’ll be re-opening for in-store shopping and can’t wait to see your (masked) faces!
99 days ago we temporarily closed the shop in response to the (ongoing) COVID-19 pandemic. And what a 99 days its been. We’ve baked so many cookies, gotten really good at packing up online orders and marched with our community. We filled our website with your favorite items from the store and held a fundraiser that raised over $2,700 for social justice causes. We’re listening, learning and evolving day by day and are so looking forward to reconnecting with you again in person.
All the details on what to expect when we re-open are right here. Our hours for this week are shown in the image below (hours may change week to week).
A million thank yous for your support through this whole thing. See you soon.
While curbside pickup is continuing too, the in-store shopping hours this week will be 3-7 pm Thursday and Friday, 11 am-5 pm Saturday, 10 am-4 pm Sunday.
SKYLARK: The patio out back is open! Matt from Skylark sent a photo:
He says, “We now have our patio open! There are several tables with more to come, all of which have plenty of space between, as do our tables inside. This area is dog friendly, umbrellas are on their way, and we have no-contact ordering and payment options. Now we hope the sun sticks around!” (Overcast as we write this, but pleasant outside anyway. Skylark is at 3803 Delridge Way SW.)
(WSB file photo, future park site at 48th/Charlestown)
With the city getting ready to make budget cuts because of COVID-19 revenue losses- see the big picture here, in the slides from an upcoming City Council presentation – individual departments are announcing their plans today. Among them, Seattle Parks and Recreation, which says West Seattle’s three landbanked park-development projects will be “paused.” Here’s the full news release:
As the City moves to reopening and rebuilding, Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) must turn our attention to addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 on both the city’s budget as well as SPR’s budget.
The City is also looking across all city departments and city services to reallocate General Fund resources to support the rebuilding of our communities along with providing essential services.
During this pandemic crisis, SPR has significantly shifted to better serve our communities where it was needed most. Seattle Parks and Recreation has stood up three temporary shelters in community centers, quickly opened and increased service to over 100 restrooms across the city, continued to operate our free shower programs at four sites, operated 9 childcares for essential worker families, and created a new program to support social distancing in our public parks.
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic the City is proposing budget adjustments to City Council for consideration and approval on June 23.
In summary the savings from SPR that will help the city’s budget shortfall include:
-Leaving current staff vacancies unfilled, and reducing consultants and training budgets
-Reducing seasonal temporary employees in Park maintenance and facilities
-Pausing several capital projects including:
Battery St. Portal Park Development
Reduction in park acquisition budget
Landbank site development (48th and Charlestown, Ernest Park Addition, Morgan Junction, Wedgewood, West Seattle Junction)
-Greenway connection projects
-Athletic field conversion (Soundview, Ballard, and Queen Anne)
-Municipal energy efficiency program
-Park upgrade work through Seattle Conservation CorpAdditionally, SPR anticipates continuing to capture savings throughout the summer due to the closures of facilities and reduction in summer programming (Teen Summer Musical, wading pools, spray parks, summer pools, and other summer programs).
As a result of unfil;ed vacancies and reducing temporary staffing budgets, park and facility maintenance will have a decreased level of service (reduced mowing and park maintenance, along with slower response to fixing broken park amenities).
These reductions do not include layoffs or furloughs currently, however, SPR is holding approximately 10% of our regular positions vacant.
We are committed to keeping you informed about our operational and budgetary changes as we move through this difficult time
All three of the landbanked West Seattle sites had been moving toward construction years after the city bought them. (If you’re new – the Morgan project is the fenced-off ex-commercial site north of the current park along California north of Fauntleroy, and the Junction project is in the 4700 block of 40th SW across from the Alki Masonic Lodge building). We’ll add more followup info later.
| 37 COMMENTS