SquirePark.org

It’s a Monday evening. The air is warming as winter turns to spring in Seattle, and a roar of laughter can be heard from the corner of Jackson Street and 17th Ave South. There is a group of neighbors playing Pictionary, and guesses are being sounded off with cacophonous enthusiasm. Pictionary is just one of many games played on Monday evenings in CASA Latina as neighbors and community members gather to learn English and Spanish in a new and innovative language exchange program, Somos Vecinos, or We Are Neighbors.

Once a week neighbors gather to learn each others’ language. First, in separate classrooms English-speaking neighbors learn Spanish and Spanish speaking neighbors learn English. During the second hour they get together to try out their new language skills by communicating with each other, in both Spanish and English, about their family, their dreams and their interests. Through a variety of activities, students work in partners and groups to practice their new language with native speakers. Through this program, not only do students enjoy learning about each other’s cultures and personal experiences, they also gain the language skills necessary to navigate within their new communities.

The third session just had its graduation party in May 2009, where students shared foods from their own cultures, sang songs that they had learned in each others’ languages and taught each other popular dances. As students celebrated the last night of class, I watched a middle-aged, English-speaking student, learning salsa dance steps from one of the younger Latino students. I listened to a student explain the details of her job as a graphic designer to a Spanish speaking student who works in construction. We ate Oaxacan Mole, which a student spent the whole afternoon preparing for class. I watched children of the students from the English class playing with children from the students from the Spanish class. Before leaving, I heard their mothers exchange phone numbers so that the children could play together this summer at the neighborhood park. The English and Spanish exchanged were perhaps still a bit awkward, yet the desire to get to know each other far surpassed any language barrier.

To learn more, or to enroll, (the next series of classes starts July 6, and the one after that starts in September) contact Emily Gaggia at CASA Latina, 206 956 0779

Seattle University continues to move forward with the City-mandated process for seeking approval of its master plan. The master plan, known as Major Institution Master Plan (MIMP) in City-speak, is intended to guide development of the University over the next twenty years or so.
Included in the proposed MIMP are plans for new buildings housing an increasing number of students’ residences, academic buildings, and, perhaps, a basketball arena.

Unlike the last MIMP, developed in the late 1990’s, the University plans its new buildings to be more open to neighborhood streets — 12th Avenue, Broadway, and Madison. The Lee Center for the Arts and the soon-to-be-opened alumni and visitors center building, both on 12th Avenue near Marion, which have entrances and expansive windows on the street are examples of the new kind of development the University has in mind. Notably, the large self-storage building at the corner of 12th and Madison will, in the foreseeable future, be developed into more open, lively uses.

The parts of the MIMP which have drawn the greatest opposition include the expansion of the University’s boundaries to include areas east of 12th Avenue (specifically the Photographic Center Northwest site between 12th and 13th on E. Marion) and the increase in the height limit allowed for University buildings to 65 feet in several locations.

The University is asking for the ability to build to 65 feet on all of the blocks of James Ct. and Barclay Ct. which currently have small scale bungalow development. No particular plans for these blocks are announced in the proposed MIMP and many Squire Park neighbors are concerned that, if the height limit is approved, it will mean the slow decline of those blocks until the institution is ready to build there. This is the pattern that took place in the block between Cherry and James Ct. where, before S.U. took control, there were residences and businesses and those businesses and homes slowly declined and became vacant, finally culminating in years of a gravel parking lot. (It’s expected that, some time in the next few years, a new S.U. residential building with retail space on the ground floor will be built on that site.)

The institution is also asking for an increase to a 65 feet height limit for the blocks currently occupied by the Coca Cola building and the Hospital Laundry building (from Cherry St. nearly to Marion St.) Residents and property owners on 14th, 15th, and Marion are concerned that buildings built to 65 feet will severely impact their light, views, and quiet. One of the proposed uses for that site includes a possible intercollegiate basketball arena seating up to 5,000 people.

A Citizens Advisory Committee meets regularly to hear and give input into the University’s proposed plans. You can make your voice heard by attending one of those meetings. For the entire neighborhood, the University’s development can have a significant impact — both positive and negative, and the final plan will be a better one if your voice is heard.

To see the draft MIMP and additional information, including comments from the CAC go to http://www.seattleu.edu/facilities/page.aspx?id=158&x=172

Tuesday August 4 is the day of the annual Neighbors’ Night Out event. All over Seattle (and nationwide) neighbors get together with each other for an evening of food and socializing. Officially the event is sponsored by the Police Department and many of Seattle’s gatherings are created by block watch groups. However, all residents who want to know more of their neighbors and build community, whether they are part of a block watch or not, are encouraged to take part.

If you’ve been wanting to meet your neighbors and know your neighborhood a little better, but have been waiting for an excuse to get started, this is it. On the Web site of the Seattle Police Department are invitations, posters, and “street closed” signs which you can download and print. http://www.seattle.gov/police/Nightout/default.htm

There’s no fee for any of this. How many chances do you get to have your own party in the street?

With the “neighborhood yard sale/missing cat” method of publicity, in November 2007 every telephone pole in a one mile radius of CD News world HQ was stapled with a poster inviting all to a new web site — www.CentralDistrictNews.com Then a mystery to most of us, now we’ve come to expect CD News to be everywhere, and if we hear a loud noise or observe an event that isn’t covered in CD News, we may wonder whether it actually happened.

CD News originators “CDGuy” (real name Matt) and “Scott” (real name Scott) are, by education and experience, in the field of internet application development, not journalism. Yet, their curiosity about their neighborhood and the desire to connect residents through local stories make CD News irresistibly readable. Seeing something new or interesting on the street, — butcher-paper in the window of a formerly vacant storefront, or a Land Use application sign — brothers Matt and Scott Durham will find out what the story is and then let the rest of us in on it.

Time and again CD News has been on the spot with notebook and camera to give immediate coverage of some of the neighborhood’s most wrenching incidents with more complete information than is provided by more established news sources.

Scott and Matt started the site as a “beta” for a software platform they are developing — as part of their “real” job. They didn’t expect CD News to be so popular. Or so time-consuming. They are having fun doing it,and as members of the community, they are rewarded by the new conversations and connections that are started.

Scott told SPCC Newsletter that it’s good to find that CD News is getting contributions from a range of residents of our diverse neighborhood. There are on-line conversations among people who may not be talking face to face. Yet, it would be good, he says, for the frequency of stories and comments from long-time residents to be greater.

The aim of CDNews is for even more neighbors to put their fingers to the keys and post stories, pictures, and comments. The more you use it the better it becomes. It may even entirely replace posters on telephone poles.

Immortal Dog pet supply and bakery opened as the first retail business in the new CADA building at 1712 S. Jackson Street in February. Owner and neighborhood resident Nicole Bembry has outfitted her store with reclaimed furniture fixtures, an intense teal wall and sealed concrete floors making the space dog friendly. Immortal Dog specializes in pet nutrition—dry, canned and raw—for cats and dogs. In fact, there is nothing Nicole likes more than geeking out with customers over pet nutrition and how their pet can live the best life possible on the right diet.

Nicole stocks the store with high quality toys, chews, supplements and all necessary pet accessories. There is a focus on items that are sustainable, eco friendly and locally made. There is also a selection of small animal and bird items. A great selection of pet beds are in store and Nicole does special orders to meet your needs.

The real treat is that Nicole is also a baker, putting her talents to work creating beg-worthy dog biscuits in corn- and wheat-free flavors like cheddar garlic, sweet potato bacon and peanut butter. She also can create pup cakes for your dogs’ special occasions.

You can catch Nicole at the store almost every day with either of her two papillons Mischa and Sophie. Stop by with your dog for a little treat and say hi! Nicole thanks you for supporting businesses in our neighborhood. 206 323 9112. Immortaldogpetsupply.com Hours M-F 11 AM to 8PM, Weekends 11AM to 6PM.

In 2003, King County engaged the neighborhood in a series of meetings and workshops intended to produce a site plan for the future development of the Youth Services Center site — 8.5 acres between 14th and 12th south of Jefferson Street. The result of that effort was a draft concept plan for new housing, retail, and open space north and east of the existing Juvenile Court office building. Because the Superior Court had decided to undertake a major planning process having implications for all juvenile and family court facilities, the YSC plan was put on hold pending the completion of the Superior Court Targeted Facilities Master Plan. Now, the County has completed the Court-specific planning process resulting in a decision to replace the tower building with a building, perhaps with twice as much capacity. The County also has advertised to seek developers who might be interested in partnering with the County in developing the non-Court portions of the property with new housing and commercial space. This is a huge piece of property in a key location in the Central Area. The details of how the property is developed and who is chosen to do the development are very important.
At the July 11 SPCC meeting representatives from King County will be present to discuss this upcoming project. All who are interested in seeing more active uses and preservation and expansion of the open space at the site are encouraged to take part in this discussion.

Sound Transit and the City of Seattle are in the process of planning a new streetcar route that will connect the S.T. light rail station at 5th and Jackson with the future light rail station at Broadway and John. This Sound Transit-funded route is seen as mitigation for the loss of the light rail stop that would have been located at the intersection of the Central Area, Capitol Hill, and First Hill Neighborhood Plan areas at Madison and Boylston. When that station was eliminated for technical and financial reasons, the station closest to the Central Area was eliminated, along with the promise of connecting bus service on 12th. However, last fall’s Sound Transit 2 levy included funds for a streetcar connection. The streetcar will travel from the International District Station along Jackson St. to 12th Avenue. From there, the route that would best serve the greatest number of interests is a loop that goes one way on 12th to, approximately Pine, then to 11th, John, then south on Broadway, Boren back to rejoin the other “arm” of the loop at Boren/12th/Jackson. For more details on the suggested route and further information see www.CentralDistrictNews.com and www.CapitolHillHousing.org/12thAve

Historic Seattle has purchased one of Squire Park’s other Historic Landmarks, Washington Hall (14th and E. Fir). (For more details, see www.CentralDistrictNews.com The plan of Historic Seattle is that the building be revived as a non-profit arts center. In the short term, H.S. hopes that the building can be made serviceable for some use later this year. In the longer run, the building needs major work — therefore major money. The support of the community in helping to preserve and revive this very significant neighborhood asset will be crucial.

The Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board has approved the Squire Park Community Council’s nomination of the George Washington Carmack House as an historic landmark. The owner of the house, the Jewdoschenko Estate, strongly opposed the nomination because of the feared impact on the value of the property which is within the Swedish Medical Center Major Institution Overlay (MIO). Undoubtedly the property is worth more to Sabey or Swedish for future development than the value of the house. Despite that opposition, the Landmarks Board voted 9 -2 in favor of Landmark status. The personal appearance and written comments of many Squire Park neighbors as well as representatives of preservation organizations and the Klondike Gold Rush National Park were noted by several of the Landmarks Board Members as they announced their vote. The future of the building probably depends on whether or not it can be moved to a suitable nearby site. The owners have expressed a willingness to consider that. If the Carmack House cannot be moved, then it’s likely that the owners will argue that they not be required to save the building because of the severe impact on the sale-value of the property. The last chapter in the saving of the house has not been written.

Since 2005, the Bikery, an all-volunteer community bike project, has offered collaborative, hands-on education that strives to be affordable and accessible to all. Happily, in fall 2008, the Bikery collective acquired its new space on 1265 S. Main St. in the Squire Park neighborhood. Here, the Bikery has been able to expand on its long-standing vision of creating a volunteer-run resource center for community members to learn how to maintain, repair and build their own bikes in a non-intimidating atmosphere. The Bikery does not repair bikes; instead, for $5 an hour, patrons have access to tools, a bike stand, and guidance from volunteer mechanics. In addition to stands and tools, the shop has also a selection of new and used parts, used frames, and affordably-priced bikes. Furthermore, every month, the Bikery offers classes ($5-$15 suggested donation) that focus on bike maintenance, repair and examining bike culture.
In an effort to make bike maintenance and repair accessible to people of all income levels, the Bikery has a work-trade program where one can earn $10 per hour in Bikery credit; this can be used on used parts, stand time, class participation, and “as-is” bikes. (Work-trade credit cannot be used on completed bikes or on new merchandise.) During open hours, anyone is welcome to see the selection of bikes for sale, to fix their bike, or just to hang out at the shop. Come check us out!

Upcoming Events and Activities at the Bikery:
Queers! Gears! Cheers!
Every Monday, 2 pm - 8 pm
Support our efforts to build a more visible queer bicycle culture in Seattle. Drop in, work on your bike, help out, and learn in a supportive space created for and led by queers & queer allies.
Components 101: Drivetrain
Sunday, July 14 12 pm -2 pm
This class will focus on the drivetrain - your chain, your cranks, and all those things that make your bike go.

Hours:
Saturdays: Noon – 6 pm
Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays: 2-8 pm

For more information, or to volunteer, call (206) 568-3535, or online at www.thebikery.org

When you’ve gone past the vacant lot at the intersection of 23rd and Union in the last month you’ve no doubt seen something remarkable. Bigger than life size photographs of neighbors — and more.
Jenny Asarnow (and friends) have, in her words “set the stage for a creative and respectful conversation” at the corner of 23rd and Union.”

Their installation involves automated technology that allows anyone with access to a phon to leave messages. Messages that are left become outgoing messages heard by later visitors and seen on the work’s Web site.

What to expect when you call: When you call 877-R23-UNION
(877-723-8646) you hear a welcome message. Then you’re asked: Are you
at the corner of 23rd and E Union right now?

Following prompts allows you to start listening to stories. It might be a story
Asarnow produced or it might not be. That’s up to chance.
When you’re done listening, press 1 and you’ll hear one of six questions:
1. What do think of when you think: 23rd and Union?
2. Whose corner is 23rd and Union?
3. What stories do you tell about 23rd and Union?
4. Why is 23rd and Union this way?
5. What needs to happen on 23rd and Union?
6. Rap, sing, pray for 23rd and Union.

If you want to leave a message, introduce yourself and then go. Asarnow suggests that it’s a chance to speak your mind. “Have fun. Go deep. Don’t hold back,” she says.

The Corner: 23rd and Union needs YOU: CALL and share your story about
the Central District - #877-723-8646 / 877-R23-UNION. SO many stories
yet to be told. Check for new ones at http://23rdandunion.org

See the photos on flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/39041756@N05/sets/72157619463911026/