As soon as HPAC leadership learned that the West Seattle Bridge would be closing, we reached out to our contacts at SDOT, Jim Curtain, James Le, and Adonis Ducksworth as well as Councilmember Lisa Herbold requesting traffic mitigation for our area, specifically temporary traffic lights.

We asked how SDOT was going to shore up safety for HIghland Park Way / SW Holden and 16th SW and SW Holden with the anticipated shift in traffic – even if it is lighter during the stay at home order, we anticipated it will still mean an increase. We requested a temporary traffic signal and a plan to increase pedestrian and bike safety in the area.

Today, SDOT began installing the traffic signals.

Please practice social distancing and repress the urge to cut through any of the streets off SW Holden. 

Once the West Seattle Bridge was closed, traffic did increase so did the cars cutting through 13th Ave SW, 12th Ave SW, 11th Ave SW, SW Portland St. and SW Kenyon St. HPAC has put out the call for drivers not use the Highland Park and Riverview neighborhoods as cut throughs to avoid waiting to turn left on Highland Park Way.

With the West Seattle Bridge is closed, this leaves just 2 ways off the peninsular to Seattle, one being the 1st Ave bridge via Highland Park Way. If this was normal traffic time you would be backed up on SW Holden St from at least 16th SW, but maybe not right now. Whatever the case, do not cut through Highland Park side streets, it is not any faster then waiting to make the left. You are more likely to get T-boned on the side streets, more likely to hit a pedestrian, more likely to hit a parked car… all things those are awful and expensive in so many ways. Now, with the traffic light, you will encounter that from all directions.

Additionally, with folks heeding the stay at home order we have an increase in individuals and families taking neighborhood walks, biking and dog walking on the side streets. It is even more important to stop at four way intersections, even if there is not a stop sign.

Long-Term Plan: The Highland Park Intersections Improvements Project

As noted back in November 2019, Seattle City Council adopted the budget with the Highland Park intersections improvements project. The budget schedule includes $900,000 for 2020, $1.5 million for 2021 and $1.5 million for 2022. It was SDOT’s intention to hold an open house for the community to review proposed designs and give feedback. HPAC has an ask out to SDOT about other ways to gather this feedback and keep the project on track. We are tentatively still keeping our schedule April meeting on the calendar, although it may be held virtually.

See SDOT’s Project Page for more information and the early design plan.

Taking a Walk? It’s a great time (and great exercise) to pick up trash.

Interested in doing some spring cleaning of our sidewalks and streets? HPAC can provide trash grabbers and bags, you supply your gloves and walking shoes. If you would like to partake in the HPAC spring clean-up on your own schedule, email hpacchair@gmail.com and we provide you with the pick up location of the trash grabbers and bags.

Unfortunately, HPAC’s March meeting, which was to be an open house with SDOT on the proposed solutions for the Highland Park Way and SW Holden Intersection, is canceled.

As with most public events and meetings, HPAC is following the guidance of Public Health, City and State officials, which is postpone, reschedule or cancel.

There may be a possibility for an online only forum and/or presentation in March, but we are still waiting to hear back from SDOT. If this is an option, we will send out the information, but for now, it is tentatively reschedule for our April 22nd meeting.

Thank you
HPAC Executive Committee

Information on the newest guidance regarding public event and gatherings as follows:
Large events and gatherings
Under the Health Officer’s order in King County:

• Events with more than 250 attendees are prohibited.
• Public events with fewer than 250 attendees are prohibited, unless event organizers can take steps to minimize risk. Event organizers must ensure that:
  • Older and vulnerable individuals have been encouraged not to attend
  • Recommendations for social distancing and limiting close contact are met
  • Employees or volunteers leading an event are screened for symptoms each day
  • Proper hand washing, sanitation, and cleaning is readily available
  • Environmental cleaning guidelines are followed (e.g., clean and disinfect high touch surfaces daily or more frequently)

For more information about COVID-19/Coronavirus in King County and measures to limit you and family from exposure please see Public Health — Seattle & King County dedicated web page

Join us for our next HPAC meeting! Weds. Feb 26, 2020 at 7 pm.

All HPAC meetings are held at the Highland Park Improvement Club, 1116 SW Holden St. Seattle, WA 98106 on the 4th Wednesday of the month (from Jan – June & Sept – October) Doors open at 6:30 – Meeting from 7:00 – 8:30 pm

Agenda
7p – Welcome & Introductions
7:10 – Announcements
7:15 – Seattle Dept. of Neighborhoods

Meet the Seattle Dept. of Neighborhoods Community Engagement Coordinator for South and West Seattle: Whether you want to connect with your neighborhood, learn more about City Services, or share an idea that will benefit your community, the team of Community Engagement Coordinators is here to help. Come learn about New Seattle Department of Neighborhoods programs coming in 2020.

7:15 – HPAC Executive Committee Updates
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Elections! Come elect the 2020 HPAC Executive Committee
Executive Committee consist of three members (minimum) to seven members (maximum) elected at the annual meeting with at least one representative from each neighborhood (Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge). We are electing a Chair, Vice Chairs, Secretary, and At-Large members. Nominations are still open!

March 25th Meeting SDOT Open House for Highland Park Intersections Improvements Project

April 22nd Meeting with South Seattle College- Ty Swenson, Director of Communications and Marketing
7:30 – Discussion: Your Voice Your Choice
What should we apply for?
Community members brainstorm and submit potential project ideas to be funded throughout the city. Project ideas will be collected February 18 – March 18, 2020. (learn more)

Your Voice, Your Choice: Parks & Streets is a participatory budgeting initiative in which Seattle residents democratically decide how to spend a portion of the City’s budget on small-scale park and street improvements. A total of $2 million has been allocated in the 2020 budget and residents can participate in the district where they live, work, go to school, receive services, or volunteer.
8:00p – close

HPAC’s Annual Meeting is at 7pm on Weds. February 26, 2020 at Highland Park Improvement Club

Nominations for HPAC 2020 Executive Committee Now Open

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Elections will be during the annual meeting on February 26, 2020 – Candidates will provide a candidate statement via online, email, or in-person – see submission information below. All Executive Committee positions are open for nominations. See our by-laws for more information. See our post from Nov 11 for more information
Candidate Submission:
1. You may submit your intentions and candidate statement via our online form by Feb. 25, 2020
2. You can submit your intentions and candidate statement via email to hpacchair@gmail.com by Feb. 25, 2020
3. Or you can make an in person candidate statement at the Annual meeting.
All candidates must have attended at least 3 meetings in last 12 months and either live (rent or own), have a business or have some significant connection to either Highland Park, Riverview, or South Delridge.

Join us for our next HPAC meeting! Weds. Jan. 22, 2020 at 7 pm.

All HPAC meetings are held at the Highland Park Improvement Club, 1116 SW Holden St. Seattle, WA 98106 on the 4th Wednesday of the month (from Jan – June & Sept – October) Doors open at 6:30 – Meeting from 7:00 – 8:30 pm

Agenda
7p – Welcome & Introductions
7:10 – Announcements
TBD: SPD update
7:15 – HPAC Executive Committee Updates
– Next steps with Highland Park Intersections Improvements Project
– Duwamish Ridge to River grant application was a success!
– Trails & Greenbelt
7:30 – Discussion:
Moving to Quarterly Meetings
Who do you want to hear from?
What topics should HPAC be covering?
8:00p -close

Earlier this year, HPAC re-formed to become the Highland Park Action Coalition: Neighbors Building Community in Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge. Keeping our acronym, HPAC, but expanding our engagement to include South Delridge and Riverview, as well as Highland Park. Now we are ready for a fresh new logo.

New Logo – Vote on your choice!

Our graphic designer extraordinaire, Dina of DIGITAL GENIE has been hard at work and the executive committee has it down to 3 designs. Please vote online here for your favorite or in person at our January 2020 meeting.

Nominations for HPAC 2020 Executive Committee Now Open

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Elections will be during the annual meeting on February 26, 2020 – Candidates will provide a candidate statement via online, email, or in-person – see submission information below. All Executive Committee positions are open for nominations. See our by-laws for more information. See our post from Nov 11 for more information
Candidate Submission:
1. You may submit your intentions and candidate statement via our online form by Feb. 25, 2020
2. You can submit your intentions and candidate statement via email to hpacchair@gmail.com by Feb. 25, 2020
3. Or you can make an in person candidate statement at the Annual meeting.
All candidates must have attended at least 3 meetings in last 12 months and either live (rent or own), have a business or have some significant connection to either Highland Park, Riverview, or South Delridge.

HPAC’s Annual Meeting is at 7pm on Weds. February 26, 2020 at Highland Park Improvement Club

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Nominations for HPAC 2020 Executive Committee Now Open

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Elections will be during the annual meeting on February 26, 2020 – Candidates will provide a candidate statement via online, email, or in-person – see submission information below. All Executive Committee positions are open for nominations. See our by-laws for more information.

1. The Executive Committee shall consist of three members (minimum) to seven members (maximum) elected at the annual meeting with at least one representative from each neighborhood (Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge) elected to executive committee.
2. Chairperson(s) -The duties of the Chairperson(s) shall be to preside at all HPAC: Neighbors Building Community in Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge meetings and Executive Committee meetings, prepare agendas for such meetings, report on the actions of the Executive Committee, maintain momentum of programs initiated by the HPAC and perform such duties as the HPAC may assign. The Chairperson(s) shall be a member of the Executive Committee.
3. Vice Chairperson(s) -The duties of the Vice Chairperson shall be to serve in the absence of the Chairperson, to develop and encourage broader membership participation, and to plan and organize special projects and functions. The Vice Chairperson shall be a member of the Executive Committee.
4. Secretary – The Secretary shall notify the membership of the next meeting date, time, and place within a few days prior to each meeting. Other members of the Executive Committee may also perform this duty. The Secretary shall maintain a list of active members’ names and addresses, telephone numbers or email addresses. Minutes of the HPAC meetings shall be maintained by the Secretary, with a summary of actions taken and assignments made ready to be presented at each subsequent meeting. The Secretary shall be a member of the Executive Committee.
5. Treasurer – The Treasurer shall be a member of the Executive Committee, shall receive and disburse funds as instructed by the Executive Committee and the 501c3 fiscal sponsor, Highland Park Improvement Club (HPIC) in accordance with the laws and regulations relating to nonprofit organizations and shall file appropriate reports. The Treasurer reports on the financial position of the HPAC shall be ready to present current finances at each meeting

Candidate Submission:
1. You may submit your intentions and candidate statement via our online form by Feb. 25, 2020
2. You can submit your intentions and candidate statement via email to hpacchair@gmail.com by Feb. 25, 2020
3. Or you can make an in person candidate statement at the Annual meeting.
All candidates must have attended at least 3 meetings in last 12 months and either live (rent or own), have a business or have some significant connection to either Highland Park, Riverview, or South Delridge.

Candidate Statements – please provide the following:

1. Name
2. Position sought
3. Address and neighborhood
4. Email and phone
5. Why are you interested in the position?
6. What issue(s) and/or project(s) would you want to prioritize?
7. What lived/professional skills, experiences, and/or resources would you bring to the position sought?
8. What interests you most about HPAC?
9. How much time can you commit each month?
10. How many HPAC or South Delridge Community meetings have you attended in the last 12 months?

Learn about SDOT’s Highland Park Area Safety Project:

If you missed last month’s meeting with SDOT’s presentation about the Highland Park Area Safety Project – you can view the presentation here.

Follow Up on Westcrest Closure and temporary off-leash area

From Seattle Parks : Emily Griffith, PLA, Capital Project Coordinator
Planning and Development Division
City of Seattle, Seattle Parks and Recreation

As promised, here are a few pieces of follow-up information for you and the community. Please pass this information on to those who would be interested.

1. I have attached the map we printed for the meeting. It is not on our website yet, but it should be in the near future.
2. We compared the size of the Temporary OLA in relation to the other OLAs in our system. The Temporary OLA space will be 0.55 acres total (this includes both the Temporary OLA space and the Small/Shy Dog area). 0.55 acres is larger than six of our fourteen OLAs. Those are Denny, Colonnade, Kinnear, Plymouth Pillars, Regrade, and Magnolia Manor.
3. We did some follow-up work on your Meyers Way question as well. As the parcel currently isn’t under the jurisdiction of SPR at this time, we can’t plan to locate anything there.

Next Meeting is at 7pm on Weds. January 22, 2020 at Highland Park Improvement Club

Please consider calling or emailing all the members of the Seattle City Council before Nov. 4, 2019. You can email the all the city council members at council@seattle.gov

Sample Email:

Dear Councilmember,

I am writing asking for your support for the Highland Park Way Safety Corridor as proposed in the Mayor’s 2020 budget under SDOT’s Vision Zero capital projects.

The Highland Park Way Safety Corridor includes $900,000 for Highland Park Intersection Improvements which will provide a much needed traffic signal at Highland Park Way and SW Holden Street with traffic calming, new sidewalks and curb ramps. This project is in line with the city’s Bike & Pedestrian Master Plan.

As a resident of West Seattle, I frequently use Highland Park Way to access the peninsula and the at the intersection SW Holden Street is there is an immediate need of significant improvements to increase safety not just for vehicles, but also bicycles, buses, and pedestrians alike.

I strongly urge you to support the funding for the Highland Park Way Safety Corridor in the 2020 budget.

If you have any questions, please contact me at __________.

Sincerely,

Your name
You address

View HPAC’s letter to Seattle City Council.

HPAC: Neighbors Building Community in Highland Park, Riverview,
and South Delridge

October 27, 2019

Dear Seattle City Councilmember,

Highland Park Action Coalition (HPAC) is asking for your support for the Highland Park Way Safety Corridor as proposed in the Mayor’s 2020 budget under SDOT’s Vision Zero capital projects.

The Highland Park Way Safety Corridor includes $900,000 for Highland Park Intersection Improvements which will provide a much needed traffic signal at Highland Park Way and SW Holden Street with traffic calming, new sidewalks and curb ramps. This project is in line with the city’s Bike & Pedestrian Master Plan.

As you know, Highland Park Way is one of only three access points on or off the West Seattle peninsular. Our current infrastructure has not been adequate to meet the demands of the increasing density in the Highland Park and the adjacent communities, such as those coming from the south Delridge corridor, Westwood village (an urban village), White Center, High Point, and the South Seattle College area.

The design of the current intersection does not provide a safe route for pedestrian crossing or for bicycling. Pedestrians are often crossing 3 lanes of traffic without marked crosswalks just to access a King County Metro 131 bus stop, the only bus that runs on this side of the neighborhood. Bicyclists also must navigate 3 lanes of traffic and a 4 way intersection with one stop sign at SW Holden and Highland Park Way and yield signs at the other 3 intersections in order to access the bike trail that goes over the 1st Ave bridge.

In the last two week there have 3 crashes at this intersection and at least 117 between 2014 – 2018, with 2 fatalities, that have been reported. During peak commute hours, traffic on SW Holden St backs up to 16th Ave SW, as commuters try to access Highland Park Way SW as SW Holden St. is the most direct route from several major and minor arterial roads in the area.

The Highland Park neighborhood has been advocating since the 1940s, over 70 years, for infrastructure improvements for the intersection of Highland Park Way and SW Holden, because of consistent accidents that could have been avoided. Since 2015, we have heard that addressing this intersection is a “priority” for SDOT. 

In 2018, we requested resistance from Mayor Durkin in closing the funding gap for the Highland Park Way and SW Holden Street Project.

Funding being allocated in this budget would be fulling the commitment to equitable development. As a formerly redlined, now moderate income neighborhood, with more than 50% of our neighbors are people of color, more than 20% speak another language other than English, 37% are single parents, 15% commute by public transit and the median income is around 45k, this would not just be a significant equitable investment, but would greatly increase the quality of life for our community.

HPAC strongly urges you to support the funding for the Highland Park Way Safety Corridor.

If you have any questions, please contact me at hpacchair@gmail.com

Sincerely,

Gunner Scott
2019 HPAC Chair