Ballardblog.com

If you missed the recent Open House at Whittier Elementary last month and want to hear updates on the Rapid Ride program, attend the Ballard District Council meeting this Wednesday.  Or if you are a parent with children in the Seattle school system, maybe you want to ask a few questions of Seattle School Board President Michael DeBell.  Seattle City Council President Richard Conlin would be a good person to ask about recent decisions by the City Council such as expanded trolley systems, funding for the Mercer Corridor, etc.  Attending these meetings gives you the opportunity to participate in your community.

Chairperson:  Steve Cohn
AGENDA

7 PM Short Announcements by member organization representatives
Please hold announcements to not more than one minute.

7:15  Seattle School Board President Michael DeBell

7:40  Update – Ballard / Downtown Rapid Ride, Craig Benjamin,
Sustainable Ballard, Member – Ballard Rapid Ride Advisory Panel

7:50  Seattle City Council President Richard Conlin

8:10  Introduction – New Ballard District Web Site

8:20  2009 Neighborhood Projects Fund Proposals and Update on 2008
Projects, Rob Mattson

8:25  Report – Executive Committee, Steve Cohn

8:30  Adjourn

BALLARD DISTRICT COUNCIL
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Ballard Library – 5614 22nd NW
(Free parking below building – accessed from NW 56th)
7:00 – 8:30 PM

This year we had record breaking snow, but in December of 2007 we had those record breaking rainstorms.  The severity of the storms was made up close and personal to Ballard residents by news that the road to Golden Gardens had collapsed due to the pressures of the storm.  For north Ballard residents like myself, this meant being cut off from the ‘back way’ to Golden Gardens and Shilshoe Marina for over a year.  Sure, you could drive all the way down to NW Market Street and get to the shore that way, but who wants to deal with heading through congested downtown Ballard anymore?   The back way past the dog park was a much more peaceful, scenic and enjoyable drive.

The road reopened last month, and though  I am grateful for the reopening of the road, I couldn’t help but notice several rough patches….as long as the road was shut and needing repair, could they not have made it as smooth as possible for the reopening?  One of the platforms of the new President is investment in infrastructure and roads and we could definitely use a little of that around the neighborhood these days.   Has anyone noticed the big holes on 85th Street?  Just this week the Seattle Times reported that none of the federal funds being given to Washington would be used to fix the Mercer mess etc. but instead be used to repair WA roads – seems like someone is noticing!

Have you always wanted to see the mayor of Seattle up close and personal?  The Ballard District Council meeting this Wednesday is your chance.   The meeting agenda doesn’t spell out exactly what the mayor will be talking about, but usually after presentations questions are taken, so if you have been dying to ask him about some of his plans and projects, you may get the opportunity.  Even if you aren’t interested in a little personal face time with his Grandness, there are opportunities to meet other people well known in  Ballard who will be recognized at the meeting with awards for their contributions to the Ballard community.

BALLARD DISTRICT COUNCIL
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Ballard Library – 5614 22nd NW
(Free parking below building – accessed from NW 56th)
7:00 – 8:30 PM

7 PM  Short Announcements by member organization representatives
Please hold announcements to not more than one minute.

7:10  Revising Seattle Public School’s Student Assignment Policy,
Torry Volk
Where will our children go to school; and how will these decisions
affect the Ballard community.

7:25  Briefing – 2009 Neighborhood Projects Fund, Brenda Belcher,
Seattle Dept of Neighborhoods

7:35  Proposed Amendments to Ballard District Council By Laws, Andy
MacDonald
Proposed by laws revisions will be emailed to member organization
representatives on Monday February 9th.  Others can request a copy by
contacting Rob Mattson at rob.mattson@seattle.gov

7:45  Special Guest – Mayor Greg Nickels

8:00  Ballard Community Service Awards Presentation, Jody Grage, Claire
Anderson, and Fred Maxie
Annually, the Ballard District Council on behalf of the Ballard
community recognizes the contributions and accomplishments of some of
those who have contributed much to the health and well-being of the
Ballard community or who have put Ballard on the map.   The following
Ballardites, actually or honorary are being recognized for their
service.

Helen Sommers has recently retired after 28 years representing Ballard
and the 36th Legislative District in the State House of Representatives.

Randi Hansen is a long time Ballard activist who has relentlessly
advocated for the preservation of Ballard’s Nordic heritage and, in
recent years, has been a tireless spokesperson advocating on behalf of
the homeless and others in need in Ballard.

Crystal and Bob Carlson opened Great Harvest Bread Co. on NW Market ten
years ago this year.  They have faithfully contributed to local civic
projects and are always in the forefront, involved as leaders in the
Ballard business community.

Dave Boyd is a Ballard resident who has, for years been in the vanguard
of those advocating for parks and open space.  He is dominant in the
leadership of Groundswell NW a well known Ballard based non-profit
organization devoted to encouraging the preservation of open space and
greening of Ballard.

Kate and Cory Bergman are the creators of “MyBallard.com“.  New parents
and recent new immigrants to Ballard; they have demonstrated their
passion for this community and have created a powerful and popular web
based vehicle which encourages connection among neighbors.

Curt Pryde and Fawn Johnson are the principles of Pryde+Johnson
developers of multifamily housing and commercial property in the Seattle
area. Pryde+Johnson are building Hjarta, a 100 unit condominium, mixed
use development at 1532 NW Market Street.  This project is notable as
the first “Silver Rated” Green Building project in Seattle’s
neighborhoods. They also purchased the former Ballard Library property
on 24th NW, which this community feels will be redeveloped with the same
care and sensitivity demonstrated in the firm’s Hjarta project.

8:30  Adjourn

If you wanted to go to the Rapid Ride Open House last Tuesday at Whittier Elementary School, but had other plans that night, here are some interesting tidbits I came across while there.

Currently the #15 bus has both an Express and a Local service.  Rapid Ride will actually add onto the distance of the former ‘express’ now ‘rapid’ service by having it travel through Queen Anne!  Currently,  this extra leg is what makes the Local slower than the Express service.  When I questioned a Metro official about the rationale as to why a Ballard bus has to service Queen Anne, when Queen Anne is already served by multiple other routes, the response I received was, “It’s because the council passed the ordinance.”   Finding that answer unsatisfactory, I asked why the ordinance was passed and received this response, “Because someone wanted it.”  I compared this to how annoying it is to be told by a parent, “Because I said so” except in this case as a Ballard citizen I don’t feel like my transportation choices should be dictated by such a vague illogical response.    I pointed out to several Metro officials that only getting public input on what happens with Rapid Ride once it reaches Ballard is not really due public process, Ballardites should have had a say in this extra jog to the route.   How many of us riders have not been denied boarding on an overcrowded #15 Local bus downtown to try to get home in Ballard, because many non regular riders or tourists jumped on the #15 just to go to an event at Seattle Center?  With the so called “Express” bus now traveling through Queen Anne every time, how much more often will those of us who want to get home be turned away?

The only public input Metro seemed interested in letting Ballardites have an opinion on was whether the Rapid Ride should travel up 15th Ave. NW or 24th Ave. NW.  In the brochure that Rapid Ride sent to my house, this wording appeared right on their literature, “Buses traveling on 15th Ave. NW carry more passengers than those on 24th Avenue NW, and the City of Seattle has designated 15th Ave. NW a transit priority corridor.”  So what is the supposed ‘debate’ about which route Rapid Ride should take upon entering Ballard?  When I questioned another Metro staffer about the fact that their brochure already indicated a decision, I was met with another blank stare.  I agree that the 15th Ave. NW corridor is in dire need of more service, but why if Metro’s own brochure states that is the 24th Ave. NW route even being considered?  Is this Metro’s way of acting as if they are giving Ballard due process in making decisions for the new service?  If that was the case, we would have been allowed to give our opinion about the Queen Anne leg.

The people I met on the Citizen Advisory Committee expressed a lot of the same concerns and questions I had, I was left with the impression that Metro was not listening closely to them or providing satisfactory answers to their concerns.

Poster boards around the cafeteria showed idyllic bus stops, stations and vehicles.  One made me outright chuckle with its bullet point promising ‘additional Metro Police patrols.’   When have we ever seen any police presence as is with the buses.  I have personally experienced many scary incidences on the bus with no one to control drunk or high riders – in one instance the bus driver pulled over and refused to move until the police that she had called arrived – this took 40 minutes.   Think about it, if the number of police increase to 50-75, considering the number of routes all over the region, will we feel that extra security at all?

The most interesting part of the evening were comments by Metro staffers that they were worried that they didn’t have the money to actually implement most of the changes illustrated on the colorful poster boards. If that is the case, why are we paying the increase in sales tax?

If you haven’t already turned it in, make sure to fill out and pop your questionnaire in the mail by Wednesday, February 25th.  Or email barbara.demichele@kingcounty.gov or leave a recorded comment at 206-684-1955.

Oh no!  Valentine’s Day is just around the corner again – what’s a single to do?  Sometimes it seems as if every single person I know has tried online dating, but if you are single and have not yet explored this option and are wondering about this twenty first century dating technique, the Ballard Library is offering a workshop to get you started this evening.  The workshop is free, open to anyone and covers the following:

• how to find online dating sites that are right for you
• how to create your profile and search for matches
• how to chat and e-mail safely

Who knows?  You may find that special someone sitting next to you in the class – after all, you know the room will be filled with other singles due to the focus of the workshop.   Even if you don’t find someone there, you will learn enough to get online and start the hunt for the special someone of your dreams.   With all the romantic restaurants, bars and walks located in Ballard, wouldn’t it be nice to have someone to share these places with?

Online Dating Workshop at the Ballard Branch Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009, 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Call to reserve your spot 206-684-4089

I know a lot of people are inundated with junk mail and often throw away unopened anything that looks like it might be junk mail.  However, currently Ballard residents are being sent a brochure on Rapid Ride that includes a questionnaire inside to get our feedback on what is the best way to create the new Rapid Ride transit program for Ballard.

Bus ridership in Ballard has steadily been increasing over the years.  Initially due to the rise in population in our neighborhood from the many condos being built, then as higher gas prices pushed more people onto public transportation.  With gas prices currently at a low not seen in years and the development of new condos halting by the economy it would be very easy to get complacent and stop worrying about our bus system.  But we are in a false lull.  Eventually, since gasoline is a finite resource prices will shoot back up and once the economy starts to improve developers will move ahead with plans to fill every nook and cranny in Ballard.  Now is the time to plan for the future and to borrow the slogan of another campaign, “Yes we can” when it comes to improving our local transportation system.  One of the biggest items that needs to be determined is the actual route Rapid Ride will take – should it travel up 15th Ave. NW or follow 24th Ave. NW?  So take a moment to fill out the postage paid questionnaire and maybe even attend the next upcoming Open House on Rapid Ride:

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 5:30-7:30pm

Whittier Elementary School Cafeteria

1320 NW 75th St., Seattle

Even if I wasn’t part Scandinavian (Norwegian on mom’s side) I would still be interested in these two Scandinavian related events happening this week in Ballard.  I mean, the Irish get their big St. Pat’s Day celebrations, the German get their faux Oktoberfests in the U.S., the Greeks get their food festivals, etc.  They are all well represented on the cultural heritage meter, but how often and in how many places can you get a glimpse of Scandinavian cultures?

This week we have 2 opportunities!  Both are free and family friendly events.  The first event is this Thursday at the Ballard Library 6:30-7:45pm:

http://http://www.spl.org/default.asp?pageID=branch_open&branchID=3

The second event takes place at the Scandinavian Heritage Museum:

Reading, slide show, book signing, and discussion of author Eric Dregni’s new book. In Cod We Trust is a vivid portrayal of modern Norway through the eyes of a fourth-generation Norwegian-American from Minnesota.

Maybe you are feeling inspired by the upcoming inaugural celebrations and feel the pull to get more involved in politics or your community.  Maybe you made some different resolutions this year – instead of diet, etc. you resolved to make changes in your life or have a positive impact on the world.

Whatever the reason, you have a chance every month to get involved in what’s happening in your own corner of the world by attending the Ballard District Council meetings held once every month.  The Ballard District Council welcomes members of the public to their meetings which include speakers on various topics affecting our community.   This month’s meeting agenda has a lot of focus on housing, whether you are looking to buy, concerned about all the condo development, etc.

BALLARD DISTRICT COUNCIL
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Ballard Library – 5614 22nd NW
(Free parking below building – accessed from NW 56th)
7:00 – 8:30 PM

Chairperson:  Steve Cohn
AGENDA

7 PM  Short Announcements by member organization representatives
Please hold announcements to not more than one minute.

7:15  Market Street Landing Katie Vance & Design Team – Rhapsody
Partners
260-unit mixed use development proposed for 5501 15th Ave NW

7:40  Home for Good, Melanie Gillespie, Executive Director
This innovative program to facilitate home ownership proposes several
projects in Ballard.

7:55  SHARP (Seattle Housing Authority Residents Prepare), Martin
Qualters
This project was generated by residents of Ballard House who expressed
concern about this community’s state of preparedness in the event of
emergency conditions.

8:10  Year in Review, Rob Mattson
Memorable Images of Ballard during 2008

8:20  Executive Committee
-    Annual Ballard Community Service Awards
-    Proposed amendments to Ballard District Council by laws

8:30  Adjourn

Different areas of the world integrate their surroundings into how they celebrate the holidays.  Hawaii has a Santa surfer, in Australia they have a Christmas barbecue on the beach and Seattle plays up its waterways and dark winter nights through the Christmas Ship Festival.  There’s something a bit magical about a flotilla of lighted parade boats gliding by Seattle neighborhoods  with the singing of onboard choirs echoing over the water.

The Christmas ship parade glides past several points around Seattle from December 3rd through December 23rd.  However, tonight it’s Ballard’s turn.   So bundle up, pour some of your favorite hot cocoa into a thermos and trek down to the water’s edge to participate in this holiday treat.

Dec. 9, 8-8:20pm Ballard Locks.  Vivace Cathedrals Choir performs.

Dec. 9, 9:05-9:25pm, Golden Gardens.  Bonfire featured.

Well I thought I was pretty knowledgeable on both Ballard and the world of crafts, but it turns out I was wrong.  Despite years of living in Ballard, I had never heard of the Seattle Sampling event until this year.

It’s obvious that Ballard has an arty vibe as evidenced by Art Walk and the unique galleries and shops that have sprung up.  But what I really love is to talk to the people who have made the art or the craft item…..to find out what inspires them, how they get their ideas and frankly how they survive doing the work they love.

When I lived in the London area it was common for artists in an area to band together and open their studios to the public once a year, either in the summer or around the Christmas holidays.  I am thrilled that I have that same opportunity here through an event called Seattle Sampling.   It actually covers artist’s studios in Ballard, Wallingford, etc., though the highest concentration is in Ballard itself.

In these gloomy times, stop by and be inspired by the beauty of art.

Friday, Dec. 5, 4-9 p.m. • Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

seattlesampling.com