If you’ve never attended a Ballard District Council Meeting before, the meeting on Wednesday March 11, 7-8:30pm at the Ballard Library, would be a good one to attend and show your support for 3 proposed East Ballard street projects that will be presented and prioritized for funding through Seattle’s Neighborhood Park and Street Funds program.

Here’s an overview of the 3 East Ballard projects up for review and prioritization:

Seeking a safer crossing at 11th and Market

1. Improved crossing at Market St and 11th Ave NW
The application is asking for improved safety of the pedestrian crossing across Market St at 11^th Ave NW to access eastbound and westbound bus stops from the adjacent residential neighborhoods. “This is a walking neighborhood. Improving the safety of crossing at this intersection would not only improve access to the bus stops along Market for the heavily travelled route 44, it would also improve pedestrian connections to schools, parks and playfields, the Burke-Gilman trail and the 11^th Ave NW street end improvements. It is a key node in our pedestrian network that requires attention.” View the complete application here.

Seeking a safer crossing of 8th Ave NW south of Market St

2. Improved crossing of 8th Ave NW south of Market St
“8th Avenue NW is a wide arterial with heavy traffic volumes. Despite a significant increase in pedestrian traffic in this area, there are few opportunities to safely cross 8th Ave NW to access metro stops. Pedestrian activity is also high at these locations, to and from transit as well as Gilman Playground, Ross Park, the Burke-Gilman Trail, local schools, shops, and employment.” View the complete application here.

Seeking improved safety along 6th Ave NW between NW 43rd and 49th

2. Improved safety along 6th Ave NW between NW 43rd and 49th
“Schoolchildren as young as 2 years old and other neighbors use 6th Ave NW and it’s cross streets for daily walks and access to the Burke Gilman Trail. Pedestrian safety in the area is our primary concern. Vehicle safety moving from the east to the west across 6th Ave NW at NW Bright Street, NW45th, and NW 44th tends to be fast as it comes downhill through unmarked intersections. In addition, parking, and vehicle and pedestrian traffic become congested during drop off and pick up at Pacific Crest School, which further limits pedestrian safety.” View the complete application here. UPDATE: We just learned that this project didn’t make the cut by the Executive board of the Ballard District Council. If you want to have this project considered, we encourage you to attend and speak up at the meeting on Wednesday.

Ballard District Council is open to the public. You will have an opportunity at the beginning of the meeting to introduce yourself and make a short statement in support of the street projects. We’re looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday!

Dawn Hemminger from the EBCA speaking at the launch for the Mayor’s “Move Seattle” initiative. photo credit: Catherine Weatbrook

Mayor Ed Murray and SDOT Directory Scott Kubly launched the “Move Seattle” initiative, their 10-year vision for transportation in Seattle, on the lawn of Ballard Swedish Hospital on Monday. Dawn Hemminger, from the EBCA, was an invited speaker at this event, along with David Goldberg from Transportation for America. There was a great turnout of the movers and shakers of Ballard who have been involved with the pedestrian, bicycle, transit and freight plans that SDOT plans to integrate in order to best support everyone, whether walking, biking, riding transit, driving a car or delivering freight.  See more at the Mayor’s website. View or download the Move Seattle document here. Read EBCA’s letter of support presented at the event here. View the whole event, including Dawn’s presentation here.

Seattle’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD) is hosting a series of meetings regarding proposed Industrial Lands Policies that are part of Seattle 2035 – the City’s major comprehensive plan update.  Specific land use policies are being considered for designated Manufacturing/Industrial Centers (M/IC) that will preserve these areas for ongoing industrial use and also limit the potential for conversion of property within designated M/IC areas to non-industrial uses unless specific criteria are met.

The purpose of the outreach meetings is to receive your input on these proposed policies.  Input received will be shared with the City Council when these policies are considered as part of the major update.

March 3, 6:00-8:00 PM
Ballard High School Commons
1418 NW 65th St
Seattle, WA 98117
RSVP Here

Peter and Shelby’s rain garden

Several front yard rain gardens and rain barrels have been popping up in the East Ballard neighborhood this past year thanks to RainWise rebates offered by Seattle Public Utilities and King County. East Ballard neighbors, Peter and Shelby took advantage of these rebates and hired John Barker with Forrest Gardens Construction to design and install a beautiful rain garden in their yard. Peter will be at a RainWise event at the Phinney Neighborhood Center event next Wednesday evening to share his experience with the program. If you’ve been on the fence about taking the plunge, this will be a great opportunity to learn more about the program and learn from a neighbor what it’s all about!

RainWise Rebates, Rain Gardens & Cisterns
Wednesday Feb 25, 7:00-8:00 PM
Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney N
Directions: http://phinneycenter.org/about/directions.html

Forrest Gardens Construction is one of many certified RainWise garden installers

Learn about how to apply for rebates from Seattle Public Utilities and King County for up to 100 % of the total cost of rain gardens and cisterns (super-sized rain barrels). Hear from delighted RainWise homeowners in your neighborhood, meet trained RainWise installers and get set to take the next step for your rebate! Check your rebate eligibility  at www.rainwise.seattle.gov

The City of Seattle invites community organizations and nonprofits to apply for nearly $500,000 in funding to increase digital equity. The Technology Matching Fund awards are matched by the community’s contribution of volunteer labor, materials, professional services or funding. Applications due March 19

“As a city, Seattle is known for technology and innovation, yet too many residents do not have sufficient internet access or the skills necessary to participate fully in today’s economy,” said Mayor Ed Murray. “This funding leverages the resources of the community by matching time and funding.”

The Technology Matching Fund has been in existence since 1997 and this year the City has $470,000 available for matching awards of up to $30,000 each to community groups and nonprofits. The deadline to apply is March 19, 2015.

The funding will be awarded in July to organizations who will improve digital equity by connecting traditionally-underserved populations, empower residents with digital literacy skills, and encourage diverse communities to use technology for civic participation.

Application materials and more information are available at www.seattle.gov/tech/tmf/.

Two workshops will be held for those interested in applying for the matching funds. The free workshops will provide an overview of the grant program, explain how to apply and detail characteristics of a successful application. First time applicants are encourage to attend.

Tuesday, Feb. 10: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
2100 Building, 2100 24^th Ave South, 98144

Thursday, Feb. 12: 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Solid Ground, 1501 N. 45^th St, 98103

Interpretation and accommodations are available upon request by calling 206-233-2751 or emailing communitytechnology@seattle.gov by February 6.   

The Washington Chapter of the Sierra Club is bringing together community groups and local leaders to learn about and discuss the climate action movement! There will be a panel discussion of the Governor’s climate change legislation: the Carbon Pollution Accountability Act and Oil Transportation Safety Now. The panel includes community experts who will review how these laws will benefit us in Washington. Following the panel discussion will be an opportunity to ask questions.

Presented by Sustainable Ballard’s RainWise Team.
To register for this free event: http://www.sustainableballard.org/regist.

When: Sat, Jan 31, 1:00 PM
Where: St Paul’s United Church-Christ, 6512 12th Ave NW

The Ballard Historical Society, along with the Sunset Hill Community Association will be presenting, “Fishing and Coming of Age on the High Seas of Alaska,” on Wednesday, January 28, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

Their presenter will be Dean Adams, author of Four Thousand Hooks: A True Story of Fishing and Coming of Age on the High Seas of Alaska (UW Press).

Learn Dean Adams’ personal story as a young halibut/black cod fisherman bound for Alaska, and about the people and organizations that have contributed over many decades to Ballard’s fishing fleet. Dean will sign copies of his book, available for purchase at this event ($15 paperback/$25 hard copy).

Dean Adams, author of Four Thousand Hooks: A True Story of Fishing and Coming of Age on the High Seas of Alaska
Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunset Hill Community Association, 3003 NW 66th Street, Seattle, WA   map
Suggested donation: $5 -$20. Refreshments provided.
Co-hosted by BHS and Sunset Hill Community Association