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Kendra May 14th, 2008

I think it’s funny that there is a lot of discussion about creating neighborhoods and urban density that foster a sense of community.  Before cars and urban sprawl this was the norm.  Before the age of cars people could not pull into their garages and disappear from sight.   The neighbors would notice the comings and goings of  their neighbors and friendly exchanges would occur with local news discussed on a porch stoop or over the fence.  This neighborhood communication led to grass roots activism and was the impetus for  improvements in the neighborhood and created a forum to discuss other less than positive changes.  

Ballard, which is currently in such a state of transition, needs the civic involvement of its residents and most Ballardites are probably unaware that this kind of civic forum is available and open for their participation.   I didn’t know it myself until a few years ago when I stumbled upon it by accident during one of my frequent visits to the Ballard Library. 

Have you ever heard of the Ballard District Council meeting that takes place the second Wednesday of each month in the meeting room at the entrance to the library?  I am guessing most reading this are shaking their heads “no” right now.   That’s a shame and it’s my goal with this post to let Ballardites know of this wonderful opportunity to find out what’s happening in Ballard even before it appears in our local newspapers and media.    At this meeting all the local Ballard organizations have a representative present and  some of the organizations include the Ballard Historical Society, the Crown Hill Business Association,  a division of the local Democrats, a representative from Ballard High School, etc. 

The meeting starts with brief announcements by any of the District Council members on anything happening within their organization.  After announcements there is an agenda for each meeting which often include guest speakers.  Meetings I have attended have included such guest speakers as the Seattle Department of Transportation,  the Police Department, the Mayor’s office, sometimes a City Council member, etc.  The meeting is always attended by a member of the local press too.   Any Ballard resident is welcome to attend the meeting, and if you feel strongly about an issue on the agenda, you are able to give direct input to the organization who is responsible for it, as well as often getting your opinions published by the local media.    It’s grassroots politics at it’s finest and an excellent way to shape the future of the neighborhood.

I was riding the Ballard bus once and overheard two women on the bus complaining about the overcrowding and lateness of the Ballard bus lines.  Bursting with frustration I interrupted their kvetching and pointed out that complaining to each other wasn’t doing anything to help solve the problem, but the previous night at the Ballard District Council meeting representatives of SDOT and Metro were there and were the exact people who needed to hear about the concerns of Ballard commuters.

Please note that there is something for everyone at these meetings.   In addition to discussing issues central to Ballard, the meetings also include information on upcoming events such as musical performances, fairs, etc.

The Ballard District Council meets tonight at 7pm with free parking available in the library garage.  The agenda for tonight’s meeting is:

BALLARD DISTRICT COUNCIL

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Ballard Library – 5614 22nd NW

(Free parking below building – accessed from NW 56th)

7:00 PM

Chairperson:  Steve Cohn 

AGENDA

 

Short Announcements by Member Organization Representatives

Please hold announcements to not more than one minute. 

 

Meet Port Commissioners Gael Tarleton and Bill Bryant

Gael and Bill are newly elected to the Seattle Port Commission.  The Port is a major force influencing the economics and quality of life in the Ballard community.  POS operates several major maritime facilities here including Shilshole Bay Marina, the Maritime Industrial Center, Fishermen’s Terminal, and (although located in south Ballard) Terminal 91. 

 

Meet Seattle City Light Superintendent Jorge Carrasco

Jorge will discuss City Light’s future electrical service capacity planning for the Ballard area, discuss the many services provided by City Light, and answer questions about this major pubic utilities presence in the Ballard district. 

 

Proposed Playground Redevelopment at Adams Elementary School, Adams Elementary PTA -Alison Krupnick and Project Team

 

Recommendation – Ballard Matching Fund/District Level Review Committee, Craig Benjamin

Three Ballard citizens served on the District Level Review Committee which considered the Adams Playground project against an established set of criteria.  Craig Benjamin, Dawn Hemminger, and Dennis Galvin have agreed to recommend the project be funded, and have recommend an award of  93.5 out of 100 points.      Discussion and Vote

 

Adjourn

NOTE

For more information or to share your ideas about projects and issues contact

Ballard District Council staff Rob Mattson at 684-4060 rob.mattson@seattle.gov

or any member of the Council’s Executive Committee:

 

Steve Cohn, President 789-0447,  smcohn@speakeasy.net

Andy MacDonald, VP, 297-3231, awm@alum.mit.ed

Catherine Weatbrook, 782-2774, cweat@nwlink.com

Jennifer Macuiba, 781-1878, jmacuiba@comcast.net

 

 

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