The Wallingford Community Council meeting this past Wednesday did not have an agenda posted before hand, so attendance was light, although 2 city council candidates did attend. Kudos to Catherine Weatbrook and Michael Maddux for coming! Catherine Weatbrook is running against Mike O’Brien, who skipped the Wallingford debate in the last election cycle at the last possible second, with the excellent excuse that he needed to attend a fund raiser in Eastern Washington somewhere. More impartial reporting:
The first topic was live-in campers on N Northlake Way and the related problems. Related problems include trees used as camper fuel, human waste scattered around, needles, weapons, aggressive behavior towards pedestrians, and reportedly two murders over the last few years. The police take reports but take no regular action on parking enforcement (vehicles are supposed to move every 3 days), and nobody from government is cleaning the mess up. Businesses down there formed the Northlake Safety and Security Team a few months ago and are currently in the business of cleaning the street periodically and are trying to find a better solution. When they approach some of the vehicles they are being threatened.
Catherine kind of led the discussion as she’s been involved in working a similar situation in her neck of the woods, and she suggested in the short term regular scheduled cleanup / enforcement sweeps by government, possible installation of dumpsters and needle bins and other such stuff, and restricting parking further. Clearly the government is doing nothing to help at the current time, so I’m not sure they’d jump at the chance to regularly pick up human waste, but it’s a nice idea. One key problem is having a place to move people to, and there was a discussion about how we need something like a “Nickelsville” for camper vans in order to move the camper vans out of the neighborhood. I personally think in front of Bellevue Square Mall would be the perfect spot. We could call it Kemperville for campers!
The next topic was land use. Land use issues included a new development going in at the triangle of Midvale and 45th (30 units), which is apparently a project that is a good fit to the neighborhood plan and a developer that is working to alleviate neighbor and council concerns in the design. Yes, there’s only bike parking, but that’s city code we have no say in. The CVS development was mentioned, no red flags though, seems to be on track. Finally, the property between Harold’s and Meridian is being eyed for development, including mowing down Murphy’s, whatever the Rusty Pelican / Nicolas is these days, and the carpet place that is already ready with their going out of business sale signs. Except for the QFC lot, 45th street is zoned for 40 foot structures, but there is a desire to go to the next zoning level, which is 65 feet, but that’s unlikely to happen there. That project is just being looked at now and isn’t serious as yet.
There were also Lake Union waterfront projects being talked about. Emerald Landing is expanding and is supposed to be offering public access but it’s been closed off some. Lots of people want to build out the waterway at end of Stone Way into a pier, including Suzy Burke apparently. There were also a couple more waterfront projects being discussed but I forget as they were phrased in terms of waterway numbers. Apologies for being a bad reporter- next meeting I’ll bring a laptop so I can type faster. The council is clearly being overwhelmed by the number of projects and can’t police them all, and DPD is providing very little oversight.
Finally, there was miscellaneous stuff. The vote on NPSF projects will happen on Monday at the LUDC (on the calendar!), I’ll mention the Wallyhood feedback there. The WCC annual meeting will be in May and tentatively includes bringing in local candidates for the seattle city council. Unclear if that’s going to happen, the organization of the meeting seems a little haphazard at this point. The WCC is entirely volunteer driven, so it’s a matter of what people want to bring to the table. Guys that care about land use, they focus on land use (their Facebook is notices from DPD I think). Good stuff happens, but nobody is excited about sending out meeting agendas or rebuilding the Web site, so that hasn’t been happening. Greg Hill got chosen for the nominating committee as he skipped the meeting (I was there so I got to say “no thank you”). Anyhow, if you want to help, write to [email protected]. In fact, I expect they need a new “pres”!
The over height development between Harold’s and Meridian – sure Vince wasn’t pulling your leg with a little April Fool’s joke?
For perspective on the Northlake camper thing, how many vehicles are we talking about? The long term, destructive, menacing etc. ones, that is — there have always been and will always be some people sleeping in their cars down there, but this seems to be a new thing. Is it like half a dozen vehicles? Fewer?
No leg pulling, but Vince was clear that the proposal isn’t going anywhere. Rather than the height issue, I think the big take away is that those buildings are now on track to be torn down and replaced at some point. Unlike the owner of the CVS store lot, the owner wants to build up as much as possible.
I don’t know the number of vehicles we’re talking about on Northlake. Someone at the meeting someone said the problem existed in the 1980’s, went away in the 1990’s, then has been building back up ever since the 2000’s.
Wallingford is no longer in the district that Mike O’Brien represents, so I can see why he skipped us: http://www.seattle.gov/cityclerk/municipal-code-and-city-charter/council-districts
Wallingford is mostly in district 4, but the bit between 50th and 60th is in district 6. Not that it mattered in the last election, when all candidates were running city wide.
Let’s hate on people living in poverty because they live in their vehicles in ‘OUR’ (not their!) neighborhood.
Let’s bag on development because that’s the cool thing to do and it makes traffic and parking worse for us. At the same time, lets secretly hope that our homes will soon be worth over $1M so we can call ourselves rich.
What is wrong with this picture?
I believe a healthy community is full of a wide diversity of people that help support each other. What I’m experiencing and hearing loud and clear through this oped piece is a desire for homogeneity of community where everyone and everything conforms to one person’s wants. That’s not what I want from a community.
Ironically, as more money and development comes to the neighborhood, I’m fairly certain that this drive for homogeneity amongst those with significant means that are moving in will also push many of US out of the neighborhood.
How can we build a neighborhood and community the supports and celebrates all of its members, rahter than driving for homogenity around the majority and/or most privlidged?
The discussion of the campers was not to hate on people living in poverty. It was a discussion on how the Northlake area can be safer for the people who work, play and yes, live there. There have been pretty steadily between 13-20 vehicles with people living in them on that stretch for years. 3 of those vehicles are buses. The 2-5 a.m. no parking signs, the back in angle only parking signs, the parking tickets, the ‘no staying in one space for more than 72 hours’ rule are all ignored. A healthy community is full of diversity, yes. But a healthy community does not leave garbage in piles on the street, they do not refuse all services offered, they do not leave drug paraphernalia and human waste in bushes. Don’t jump to the Nimby accusation. That was not the discussion nor the intent. There will be further follow-up, both with the Northlake Safety and Security Team and with the WCC and with the current and prospective city council members at the next meeting, which will be publicized with plenty of notice. I suggest you come. Eric, thanks for your thorough and tongue-in-cheek recap which, I think, you managed to do entirely on your phone. Impressive!
A person living in an RV on the streets and defecating in the woods is not a stake holder in our community. When the feces backs up he/she can just move on. Leaving us here to deal with it. If any of my family members had a habit of leaving needles and feces in my yard I would not let them live with me for very long.
These people do need help but there are service (that we all pay taxes for) to help them. If they choose not to use the services that is their problem not ours.
Besides Bellevue is a very nice place to visit in the summer…Kemperville here I come.
Well said, Erika and Ken!
My point is that I believe we should be much more concerned about the fact that our historically somewhat economically and culturally diverse neighborhood is becoming gentrified and extremely privileged at a break-neck speed. For me, this is a bigger concern than a few people living in poverty on a more-or-less industrial road, or than how much parking a new apartment building offers.
My hope is that we can have a community level discussion about what we can do to retain the community’s economic and cultural diversity in the midst of the hyper gentrification that’s occurring in Seattle, and especially in Wallingford.
I do appreciate the efforts of the volunteers that make WCC happen. However, I’d like to see the focus of the organization raise to issues that have a more systemic effect.
I have taken to filling up one large garbage bag per day, when I leave the house in an effort to make a dent in the increasing litter and garbage issue. I have seen entire wardrobes thrown out into the street. As these neighborhoods get away with doubling and tripling rents, it is nuts that the garbage and litter increase at the same rates. Long ago I recall street sweepers….no more. Now we do it.
Two weeks ago I called Metro to make a report of homeless (and drunk and drinking out of open liquor containers near QFC) as being a menace. When I attempted to take a photo of the three drunk males drinking in the bus structure, one of them charged me, dumped his beer on me then threw the can at me which struck me. Not a normal or healthy thing for Wallingford.
Being threatened while waiting for a bus is not a good community standard.
Cameron wrote, “I believe a healthy community is full of a wide diversity of people that help support each other.” That is precisely the mission of GraceFeast, a community meal hosted by Gift of Grace Lutheran church (stakeholder since 1951). We want to gather a wide variety of Wallingford neighbors together around a healthy, homemade meal. There is no other agenda. We have been doing it for 4 years, every Sunday. Lunch is served family style at about 11:40 AM. The kinds of problems mentioned in this posting cannot be solved in one conversation over one meal. But over time and through investment relationships can be established and trust can develop. It is not easy but it’s worth it. Come on over and eat.
Cameron, we have a nice neighborhood and I would like to keep it that way, if possible. Unfortunately, stupid moves like moving the western boundary of the Alcohol Impact Area west to Latona a few years back has supplied us with an endless supply of badly behaved drunks in certain areas. I don’t want them here. Help only exists for people who want it and these people don’t. How do I know this? I asked several of them as I was gently trying to pass the word that I don’t appreciate the fighting, the barfing, the peeing, the pooping, the yelling at all hours of the day, the using my yard for a storage facility, using my steps for sexual congress, etc. So if anyone who lives in their cars down on Northlake exhibits similar behaviors, I can see why the neighbors would want them out. I say send all these people to the Mayor’s house.
To the point of whether the problem went away during the ’90s – I lived down that ways at the time, and I think that’s a fair assessment. But note that I’m defining the problem in terms of the area being trashed, and a feeling of unsafety for the rest of us. There were people living in their vehicles, it just wasn’t like that. Or it wasn’t often like that – may have been some issues, but they got taken care of, which apparently isn’t happening now.
Why is a 30 unit development on Midvale and 45th triangle which was a cute little space of green a good fit? why is it a good fit to jam up the area with no parking spots and take away the green? What kool-aid did you drink?
The individuals living along the north shore of Lake Union may not feel in need of services. They have a view, free parking, independence, distance from other people who are living in poverty or in micro-housing, and they have nice neighbors who clean up after them. Why would they want to move on? Seattle Public Utilities gave me a couple pint size sharps containers to collect needles I find on public property. I gave away one container. I probably can get more. If there is a specific place or 2 where the needles are being dropped, let me know, I’ll put on my rose pruning gloves and pick up the needles and leave an empty container. Maybe if an appropriate disposal option is available the needles will get in the container without delay.
To Mr. Fecher at Grace Lutheran (post #10): That’s so nice of you to encourage community and openness with the homeless and your church. I’m wondering, when your church hosted a tent city a few short years ago, did you extend that feeling to your neighbors and seek their feedback before you decided to let the homeless tent in your backyard?
hayduke (post #16) Although Gift of Grace has never hosted a tent city (we do not have enough property) we are gratified to be in the 4th year of hosting a SHARE indoor shelter. To my knowledge the shelter residents have never, even a single time in 4 years, caused the slightest complaint from neighbors. On the contrary, I have heard from the neighbors closest to the church that they have been a welcome addition to the community. Nevertheless, we are not aiming for a problem-free, conflict-free community. We are aiming for a community that reflects the current local reality and encourages all of us who participate into deeper relationship and fuller community investment.
To discuss this further I invite you to GraceFeast, Sunday mornings, 11:40ish, or zip me an email and we can get together over coffee.
Why would you not aim for a problem-free, conflict-free neighborhood?
I appreciate the work you’re doing at Gift of Grace. Thank you.
Cameron
Oops… The above was for Jami and by Cameron. 🙂
Re: post #17: Mr. Fecher, I appreciate your response, but you sidestepped my question. To reca,: Do you believe that your neighbors should have any advance notification, not to mention any INPUT, to a proposed tent city or homeless shelter being thrust upon them? And you wonder why there’s a backlash to tent cities and Nicklesvilles in neighborhoods? You are bringing in people from outside the community who aren’t properly screened for sex crimes and other issues, nor are they monitored during the day. They are simply told not to hang around the neighborhood. But there is no way they can enforce that, and you know it. Furthermore, some of those who actually are turned often hang around doing well, God knows what. In short, if you build it, they will come.
I understand it’s your church and your property, and that our misguided city council has decided to clean up downtown by shunting the homeless off to unsuspecting residential neighborhoods, all in the name of “religious freedom.” But your religious convictions, however genuine and altruistic, shouldn’t give you a free pass to burden others who are minding their own business and want nothing to do with it. Extending your logic, why shouldn’t people fell free to play loud music all night long, waking up the whole block? Or strip naked on their doorstep in full view of neighbor’s children? Dump garbage in their front yard? The law doesn’t allow you to do these things, nor should basic neighborly ethics. Your so-called property rights end where other’s begin. You don’t have a right to impose your religious beliefs on others, whether it’s discriminating against gays, attacking abortion clinics, pushing for creationism being taught as science in public schools, or yes, inviting several dozen homeless to set up camp next door to people who didn’t ask for it.
I am a bit confused. I am sure I put in a comment about the development at the triangle of 45th and Midvale.. something on the order of” what kool-aid was soemone drinking?”. i do not see that comment here. I also drive by the triangle often and have not yet seen a Land Use sign there. when did this little development become a plan?
This is to Jami Fletcher. i appreciate your words to hayduke. I was concerned about the ‘shelter’ your church hosted. I was bothered by some of the ‘residents’ who walked inebriated from sub lines to your church. I sent you more than one email and got no response. I appreciate you telling hayduke to do so.. However my experience of no response is one which turned me off from expecting dialogue or concern from your church regarding this issue.
The 40 unit condo is going on a triangular lot that currently has a dentist’s office, I believe. The green space is not at 45th but a little farther north.
There are 2 small green triangles- one at 45th and Midvale exactly and one across 45th as it begins its swing north. The dentist office and parking lot are possibly adjacent to this.
I find that Facing Homelessness, a small non-profit working to help homeless people in Seattle, helps personalize and humanize homeless people. People. They are vulnerable and valuable people. You can find their website here: https://www.facebook.com/HomelessInSeattle and their facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/HomelessInSeattle. In my humble opinion, it’s worth some time contemplating their experiences.
Oops. Their website: http://www.facinghomelessness.org/index.html
Well, Cameron, part of being a “sanctuary city” is the unwelcome onslaught of people who make their way to our fair city expecting social services ad nauseum and when the city doesn’t supply them for everyone in the increasing numbers we’re attracting, religious and social groups get dragged into the mix to help supply those services. No wonder these clashes are occurring between residents and these “visitors” either hosted by churches or living on the streets or in their cars on Northlake. Maybe we need to slowly turn off the gravytrain that lures out-of-staters so we can more efficiently deal with our local homeless and mentally ill.
Lisa,
I’ve found it enlightening to consider the privileged that I have in this world and which others may not have. It’s eye opening to come to realize how much I’ve earned and how much I’ve simply gained because of my privilege. It’s humbling to consider this in comparison to other people with less privilege.
The first exercise I experienced which really opened my eyes to my privilege is call the “Privilege Walk.” It’s most powerful in a group setting of diverse people. However, it might open a new perspective just by reading about the exercise.
Here are two resources I’ve found about the Privilege Walk online:
http://www.albany.edu/ssw/efc/pdf/Module%205_1_Privilege%20Walk%20Activity.pdf
http://ginsberg.umich.edu/content/privilege-walk-activity
I’m one of those “menacing” campers on N Northlake Way in my motor home. It runs. I do t stay over 3 days. I stick to myself. I have a fully operational toilet and shower/plumbing and I take my waste of all kinds to be properly disposed at sanitation stations an hour outside of Seattle weekly. Costly so I can understand why poorer souls would not have this luxury. Improperly disposing of waste is an issue but only from a couple of the half dozen campers I see here at any given time.
I do not appreciate being harassed when I am within my rights to park for 72 hours on public streets of Seattle if a “no parking” sign is not present. I have received notices of being “illegally” parked twice now. First time the complain said I had been there more than 72 hours. I had been there 8 hrs and had not been in the area for weeks. I travel all over. I was given 24 hours to move. The second notice was two days ago. I was leaving that morning, my 72 hours up that afternoon, but the notice said I was in violation of overstaying, or my vehicle did not work, or it was abandoned. None of these applied once again. Six officers knocked in my door the 4th of July and asked me to step out of the vehicle and informed me of the 72 hour rule. I said I was already aware. They were nice, but SIX COPS????
As to “recent murders at gasworks” I was dismayed they were trying to tie that into the motorhome issue. A cop killed a man and a man from Renton killed a woman he knew from Renton near here – both a couple of years ago. I feel safe as a single woman camped here and told police same. I’ve never had an issue – from homeless, rv campers, car campers or homeless people in the woods by the marina (of which there are more than ever but they caused no problems during 4th of July even though there was such a huge influx of people). Please refrain from fear-mothering at your meetings and get your facts straight!
And homeless people are a “problem.” They need a safe place to lay their heads and go potty just like everyone else. If you don’t give them a place…well what do you expect? There is a huge lack of trash and recycling receptacles in this city!!! One more thing… if someone lives in a motorhome, they are not “homeless.” It also does not make them a menace should they choose to city-camp to be close to their friends and the fun things they like to do in the area. I spend most of my money at grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants/bars, festivities, laundry mats, etc. in this area.
The way I remember that stretch along Northlake Way 20 years ago, it sounds like you could have stayed there off and on without raising any concerns. Unfortunately, just recently, political hand-wringing has allow the situation down there to get out of control, and real problems were not being dealt with. When the police felt like they need a whole squad to knock on doors, that should tell you something about your community. Now I think it will be a lot harder to stay there for a while, because of this.
I am glad to see North Lake Union finally cleaned up……..the RV’s / Busses are mostly gone. I have been driving by for several years now, and it was only getting worse,…garbage everywhere, trash….and I remember at least one of the murders. I wondered how they could move between the 2-5 am time and get back? I guess they were not moving. Homeless is a huge problem in Seattle, I live in Ballard……..it is equally appalling there, the garbage they leave. Apparently they take sponge baths in the Ballard library. What ever happened to the large fine for littering? These people do not pay taxes, but they trash our parks and greenbelts, they trash our streets and take away parking that was intended for the tax payers and their guests ………….maybe I am heartless, but I am guessing Seattle has way more homeless people than their fair share….I think we need to spread the wealth to other cities and wealthy neighborhoods…….and maybe there could be a giant free campground for homeless people, busses, RV’s, etc., somewhere out in the countryside where they can all enjoy each others company, make their own laws and police themselves?