HPAC Meeting Minutes – 5/25/2016 & Sneak Peak at the June Meeting

SPD updates
  • Car prowls still up for the year (except some reduction in the last month)
  • Some reduction in robberies and assaults.
  • Lieutenant Ron Smith says that is very important to report all crimes.
  • (Great coverage of crime situation by the West Seattle blog.)

HPIC updates

Upcoming events and fundraiser (see website for details)

Update from Hillary Hamilton from FAS on plans for Myers Way parcel.

  • Map distributed showing different areas. Also, hand out sheet of Myers Way excess property summary.
  • Hillary talked about the history of the area, as well as, the future for the area. (also great coverage of this on the West Seattle blog.)
  • Input from community members living near the parcel. Concerns about the homeless encampments, and environmental damage. Feedback  from Barbara Dobkin, President of North Highline Unincorporated Area council .
  • Also discussion about future relations between HPAC and North Highline council once the possible annexation of White Center is more solid.
Kerry Wade explained the Department of Neighborhoods and the different Neighborhood districts and district councils and district coordinators.
  • Reviewed the different funds and grants available through the Department of Neighborhoods.Can also fine this information on their website.
Highland Park Elementary  updates
Kids involved in design for their new playgroundHPAC updates

No objection to these projects.
  • Craig announced his plans to apply for small and simple fund for WD Greenbelt trail.
No votes taken at this meeting.

Next Meeting is Weds., June 22, 2016 

Agenda Highlights

Representatives from SDOT (Seattle Department of Transportation)

City of Seattle Office of Planning and Community Development update on the Mayor draft of the Seattle 2035 Comprehensive Plan

Questions we hope to cover…

  1. What is comprehensive plan – just some basics to set the conversation
  2. What stage is the 2035 comp plan at and does the public still have an opportunity for input?
  3. What was accomplished from the 1994 comp plan for the Westwood/Highland Park area – what is being carried forward?
  4.  These are high level goals – how do they actually get carried out and how are they measured? For example: “W/HP-P20 Promote the attractiveness of higher-density residential areas through the enhancement of basic infrastructure and amenities.”
  5. WESTWOOD/HIGHLAND PARK Residential Urban Village – also known as a “low density urban village” – what does that mean and will that change as a result of the goals for the comp plan.
  6.  In the 1994 comp plan social equity included references to sexual orientation and other protected classes which was ahead o the curve at the time, that is no longer a part of the Seattle 2035, understanding and recognizing that racial equity should be the large lens by which actions and outcomes should be viewed through, and some Seattle residents live at the intersections which can increase the impact of oppression and negative outcomes – why is this not included?Reference: from 1994 “Social Equity” page vi
    “In order to promote equality, justice and understanding, the City will not tolerate discrimination in employment or housing on the basis of race, color, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, [add gender identity] political ideology, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability. The City will aim for a society that gives its residents equal opportunities to participate in, and benefit from, economic growth.”

 

May 25, 2016 – HPAC Meeting

 

All HPAC meetings are held at the Highland Park Improvement Club, 1116 SW Holden, Seattle, WA 98106 on the 4th Wednesday of the month (except Aug & Nov/Dec)
Doors open at 6:30 – Meeting from 7:00 – 8:30 pm

Agenda

7:00p

Welcome from HPAC vice-chairs Craig & Michele W.

  • Highland Park Improvement Club updates
  • SPD updates

7:15 p – 7:45p

City of Seattle and the Myers Way Parcel Connection – what are the options?

 City of Seattle Department of Finance and Administrative Services Department representatives will be present to answer questions about the Myers Way Property and to take comments regarding the soon to be published Draft Preliminary Recommendations Report and Draft Public Involvement plan.

7:45p – 8:00p

What is Seattle’s Dept. of Neighborhoods and what are these grants I keep hearing about?  

Did you know that Seattle Department of Neighborhoods works to bring government closer to the residents of Seattle by engaging them in civic participation; helping them become empowered to make positive contributions to their communities; and by involving more of Seattle’s underrepresented residents, including communities of color and immigrants, in civic discourse and opportunities? A presentation by Kerry Wade, District Coordinator, for the Seattle Dept. of Neighborhoods

8:00p – 8:30p

HPAC updates – Delridge Community Council Update – HPAC Recommendations for Neighborhood Street Fund projects

– WD Greenbelt Trails update

– Highland Park Elementary School PTA updates

– Spring Clean Up Update

– Got Agenda Items? For June 29th HPAC Meeting

– community announcements and closing

Email hpacchair@gmail.com for more information.

 

HPAC Meeting Minutes – April 2016

HPIC updates

Officer Ron Smith from SPD gave update on dramatic increase in car break-ins  in Seattle and Highland Park.

Mary Fleck from Seattle Green Spaces Coalition provided update on plans for Myers Way parcels. She urged people to sign the petition on the website

change.org. HPAC has been requested to submit a letter of support.

Seattle Neighborhood Group did a crime prevention workshop on how to keep your vehicle safe.

Updates from Principal Chris Cronas of Highland Park Elementary and Leslie Harris Seattle Public School Board Director District 6.

Good discussion about progress being made at the school as well as, the challenges they still face. Discussion about some ways people can volunteer to help.

Discussion about Cleanup Day April 30th 10am to 2pm. Hand out provided with details. See West Seattle Blog for highlights from the clean up

 The neighborhood street funds proposals will be reviewed at the Delridge Council meeting May 18th 7pm at Youngstown Cultural Center.

No votes were taken at this meeting.

Next HPAC meeting is Weds, May 25th.

April HPAC Meeting Agenda

April 27, 2016 – HPAC Meeting
Doors open at 6:30p

7:00p Welcome Craig & Michele
– SPD updates

7:05 -“Action Plan to Save Myers Parcels from Development — What does it mean for Highland Park?”

– Mary Fleck, co-Chair of Seattle Green Spaces Coalition will unveil the mystery of what the Myers Parcels are, who our neighbors are, and why it matters.
7:15 – Seattle Neighborhood Group – Crime Prevention Workshop
– Vehicle Security: How to protect your car from crime. 

7:45  Principal Chris Cronas of Highland Park Elementary is excited to partner with HPIC/HPAC.  He will speak about
-Improvements made at HPE over this school year
-Academic and philosophical goals
-Social and Emotional Learning
-Early learning issues (pre-kindergarten)
– Answer questions
8:20 – HPAC updates
– Delridge Community Council Update
– WD Greenbelt Trails update
– Agenda Items for May 25th HPAC Meeting
– Community Announcements and closing
Email hpacchair@gmail.com for more information.
Upcoming Community Events

Highland Park Neighborhood Cleanup Day – April 30th 10a-2p
2016 Highland Park UNCORKED – May 21st at HPIC – 5:30p

West Seattle Family Sunday Funday –  June 26th from Noon–1pm at Westcrest Park

HPAC Meeting Minutes – March 2016

Steering Committee present- Chair: Gunner Scott; Vice Chair: Craig Rankin; Treasurer: Michelle Glassley;  Secretary: Beth Andrisevic; Vice Chair/Speaker liaison: Michelle Witzki

  • Lt. Ron Smith From SPD provided update on increase in car prowls. See Crime prevention Bulletin at Seattle.gov
  • Announcements: The homeless RV lots are on hold for now due to costs. See West Seattle Blog
  • Efforts underway to remove abandoned car from Green Belt.

Connie, Highland Park Elementary VP of PTA announced Principal Chris Cronas will be a HPAC April meeting to talk about new programs at HPE. Also KUOW will be airing a program about HPE. See Highland Park Elementary PTA for events and updates

  • Craig provided update on West Duwamish GreenBelt trails.

Presented selection of 10 grant proposals for Neighborhood Parks and Street Fund – There was a motion to approve the 4 selections listed below and motion was passed.

1) Speed bumps off SW Holden on 12th Ave, SW, 11th Ave SW, and SW Portland St,(various locations)

2) Traffic circle 25th ave and SW Brandon

3) Crosswalk at 20th and SW Genesee.

4) Repair stairway at Bataan Park, SW Grand.

Neighborhood cleanup day proposed for Highland Park – voted to be April 30th (see announcement below)
Discussions about other needed projects. Possible Streets, sidewalks and Green Belts committees. Also discussions about neighborhood outreach to increase neighborhood engagement.

See West Seattle Blog for details of the full meeting.

HPAC April 27th Agenda

7:00 Welcome Craig & Michele
– SPD updates
– Myers Way Update from Mary
7:10 – 7:40 Seattle Neighborhood Group – Crime Prevention Workshop
– Vehicle Security: How to protect your car from crime. 
7:45 – 8:10 Principal Chris Cronas of Highland Park Elementary is excited to partner with HPIC/HPAC.  He will speak about
-Improvements made at HPE over this school year
-Academic and philosophical goals
-Social and Emotional Learning
-Early learning issues (pre-kindergarten)
– Answer questions
8:15 – HPAC updates

– Delridge Community Council Update
– WD Greenbelt Trails update
– Agenda Items for May 25th Meeting
– Sub commitees
– Community Announcements and closing

Community Announcements: 

Vote for the Highland Park 12th Ave SW/SW Kenyon Street Mural Design

Please vote here: http://goo.gl/forms/3Jj8tKV9Bt

Neighbors on the 7700 block of 12th Ave SW are planning a street intersection mural. Local artists have provided 3 different design concepts and we are looking for your vote on your favorite design. Once the design has been chosen from a majority vote, it will be submitted to the City for final approval. We hope to be painting this by early summer 2016.

Other designs not selected will be available for use in other street intersections if desired. If you have any questions please contact gunnerscott@gmail.com. Voting will be open until 4/15/2016 and is open to Highland Park & Riverview residents, including homeowners, renters, and businesses in the area.

Highland Park Neighborhood Cleanup Day – Saturday April 30th – 10am – 2pm 

We need 3 team leaders – one for each staging area – email hpacchair@gmail.com if you will be a team leader.

Currently Focused on 3 areas –

    1. Highland Park Playground – Meet/Staging at 1100 SW Cloverdale St
    2. Highland Park Way SW from SW Holden down to Bus stop across from Othello St (side without sidewalk) – Meet/Staging at parking lot of HPIC 1116 SW Holden St
    3. SW Holden between 12th Ave SW and 15th Ave SW – Meet/Staging at HPIC 1116 SW Holden St 

Bring gloves and rakes – bags and other supplies will be provided

Highland Park Improvement Club: HPIC is looking for Bar Crew! Have you always wanted to be a bartender? Well, we are looking for Corner Bar Crew and more! See http://www.hpic1919.org/

Next HPIC Corner Bar is April 1st!

HPAC Got Traffic, Street Issues, Other Issues? Let’s solve it!

Howdy Highland Park!

Highland Park Action Committee (HPAC) has a new leadership team and we are looking for you to join us. We have some great discussions, learning events, and ideas lined up, but we want to know what you need and want.

Join us March 23, 2016 – Doors Open at 6:30p, Meeting from 7:00 – 8:30p
see our newly updated website for full agenda 
HPAC- We meet the 4th Wednesday of the month at HPIC on 12th Ave SW and SW Holden, Doors Open at 6:30; 7:00 meeting.

March’s meeting will start to identify some priorities for the neighborhood – including issues related to street, alley, & sidewalk maintenance, traffic issues on Highland Parkway and SW Holden, 16th SW, and other hot spots.

We are looking for your input, ideas, and solutions.
Possible sub-committees could include:
Developing and distributing a community needs survey for the neighborhood
Outreach and Engagement – including designing outreach posters and postcards
Fundraising event
Crime & Safety

A sneak peek for April 27th’s meeting includes:
Seattle Neighborhood Group – Crime Prevention Workshop – Vehicle Security: How to protect your car from crime.
and
Community Convo with Principal Chris Cronas of Highland Park Elementary about Improvements made at HPE over this school year

We have also started a facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HPACWS/
and Twitter https://twitter.com/HPACWS
along with a newly updated website.

Please feel free to reach out to us at hpacchair@gmail.com

Thanks
Gunner
Chair, HPAC

March HPAC Meeting Agenda

March Agenda Items:
March 23, 2016
Doors Open at 6:30p, Meeting from 7:00 – 8:30p
Welcome From Chair & Steering Committee
Updates:
  • SPD
  • RV Safe lot
  • Highland Park Elementary PTA – Highland Park Playground Improvement
  • West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails
New Business: 
Update and recommendation for 4 projects for the 2016 Neighborhood Parks & Street Fund
Date for Highland Park Neighborhood Clean Up Day
Possible dates Saturday, April 30th or Saturday, May 7th 10am – 2pm – Focus on 3 areas
    1. Highland Park Playground
    2. Highland Park Way SW from SW Holden down to Bus stop across from Othello St (side without sidewalk)
    3. SW Holden between 12th Ave SW and 15th Ave SW
Facilitated discussion: Developing HPAC Structure
  • Review Monthly Meeting Time
  • Review Number of meetings per year
  • Possible Sub-Committees
    • Outreach and Community Engagement
    • Highland Park Playground Improvement
    • Street/Sidewalk/Alleyway Improvement
    • Community Survey
Facilitated discussion: Neighbor Assessment of Highland Park
  • Help us document neighborhood streets issues (speeding, accidents, etc.),  lack of sidewalks, alleyways, and traffic issues for future grants, advocacy, and engagement.
Any Agenda Items for April 27th Meeting
Community Announcements and Closing
Please email hpacchair@gmail.com to add anything timely to the agenda.

HPAC meeting tomorrow night!

Please join us for HPAC tomorrow night- we will be voting on new leadership. If you are interested or want to find out more please come! Join us at 6:30 for an informal meet and greet, and at 7pm for the meeting, Highland Park Improvement Club on 12th and Holden.

We will be helping define the role of HPAC in the community for the new leaders. The agenda also includes a brief update on street mural concepts for 12th SW and SW Kenyon – with three options to show.

West Duwamish Greenbelt: Come Help Shape it’s Future!

On Saturday, January 30, neighbors, trail users and other stakeholders are invited to a two-hour workshop at South Seattle College to discuss what the future trail system in the West Duwamish Greenbelt might look like.

The West Duwamish Greenbelt extends from the West Seattle Bridge south to Westcrest Park. … Currently a network of informal and improved trails provide some access. Participants will discuss potential connections to destinations such as South Seattle College, the Duwamish Longhouse, Pathfinder School, Riverview Playfield, and others.

The workshop will be held at the Chan Center at South Seattle College. It is at the north end of campus next to the arboretum. The workshop runs from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, with doors opening at 9:15 am. All are welcome.

The West Seattle Greenbelt Trail’s Facebook Page has some more information about the greenbelt and the trails

January Meeting Agenda

On Wednesday evening we will be meeting at 7pm at the Highland Park Improvement Club on 12th and Holden to discuss the Safe Lot that the Mayor announced will open soon at the former Nickelsville site’s parking lot at the bottom of Highland Park Drive. More specific information about that can be found on the West Seattle Blog.

We have confirmation from Deputy Mayor Kim, Councilmember Herbold, and several other departments.  We will have a list of Frequently Asked Questions available to help answer some of the nuts and bolts about the proposed encampment, and we have provided the Mayor’s office with the following list of questions we’d like addressed at the meeting. After that, we will have Community Comments. We will be moderating the speaking times to make sure everyone has a chance to speak.

  1. City-Wide Neighborhood Equity? were other sites around the city considered, and why was this site chosen again so soon as a host, after hosting for over two years so recently. We understand that finding vacant city-owned sites within the current encampment legislation’s parameters is difficult, but what is being done to ensure that each eligible parcel of land around the city is taking a turn hosting so that one part of the city is not impacted more than another part? 
  2. Who will the lot be serving? Will the lot be serving those in need currently in our district or will people be moving here from elsewhere in the city? What is the Mayor’s plan for those currently in need within our district? 
  3. Real and Probable Impacts: We have learned from experience about a few things that having a homeless encampment means for the neighborhood-  these are not fears of the unknown, or assumptions that our community has. Can you please respond to our Community’s request for the following, which are real and probable impacts that we foresee based on our past experience:
  • Transportation: We would like there to be an allowance given for the #131 bus as soon as the encampment is opened to provide for an increase in frequency, and an increase in metro police presence on that route servicing the new encampment. We would like to see the #131 go back to its previous route into White Center permanently, so our neighbors can get the services they are used to accessing there, this will be helpful for the campers to get to services as well. 
  • Proactive Policing: Our experience shows us that the encampment is draining on local police and emergency responders. (not necessarily due to crime in the neighborhood, but also due to the amount of calls the encampment itself makes) We would like increased police personnel and emergency responders while the encampment is located here. 
  • Growth and Satellite Encampments: how will the city respond if unsanctioned tents or vehicles start popping up in and around the lot, the greenbelt, the wetlands, down the street, or in the former Nickelsville site? Can the city provide a single point of contact for the community when we start seeing “satellite” unsanctioned encampments pop up? What department will be held responsible for looking into it- the department which legally owns the land (Parks, the Port, SDOT, etc), the police, social services, …? We fear that impacts to the area over time will fall on deaf ears and would like to know who exactly to contact, and for someone to be in charge of responding to us directly. 
  • Evictions: will the police be allowed to enforce evictions from the encampment? What is the City’s plan for where evicted campers will go? how will they get there? 
  • Greenbelt protection: Can the city commit to increased personnel at the Police and Parks department to enforce existing laws protecting the greenbelt? Our experience has shown us that evicted campers band together and relocate in large communities within the greenbelt, ruining the work that Nature Consortium has been doing to restore it and rendering the greenbelt unsafe for use (Things got so out of control before that police advised the community not to use the Greenbelt anymore.) The Operator of the encampment has nothing to do with these communities once they have been evicted, will the City take responsibility for protecting their largest greenbelt?