The Greenwood Community Council meets from 7-8:30 tonight (Tuesday) at the Greenwood Library, 8016 Greenwood Ave. N.
The major discussion on the agenda is the “Greenwood 2035” planning effort.
Seattle is beginning a year-long effort on a major update to its comprehensive plan, identifying where new development should occur and what city investments will be needed to accommodate growth. The initial plan focus is on whether urban centers (downtown, Capitol Hill, Northgate) and/or stations near light rail should be upzoned to be far denser than today; but eventually the plan must also address city plans for transportation, schools, parks, housing affordability and other critical issues that will affect Greenwood. Greenwood 2035 will prepare us to participate on behalf of our neighborhood, and to inform and engage Greenwood neighbors to influence the plan to benefit Greenwood’s livability.
Volunteers are needed for the following study groups:
LAND USE. This study group will develop information and positions about how Greenwood should develop.
For example:
- What is loved about Greenwood that should be preserved, and what could be improved?
- How can new density and development enhance and promote Greenwood’s livability?
- What city improvements and services are needed to make new development work?
- What can be done to preserve affordability and healthy small businesses?
- What kinds of development are helping or hurting livability in Greenwood?
TRANSPORTATION. This group will address Greenwood’s transportation needs and priorities.
- What new transit connections are needed, and how can service be improved?
- What’s the best way to accommodate bicycles, and where should greenways be located?
- What should be priority uses for our main streets? How should they operate?
- Should car use be more efficient, or should it be frustrating to spur shifts to transit and bikes?
- What are the transportation projects and improvements that should top our priority list?
SIDEWALKS. This group will propose practical ways to start building sidewalks north of 85th St. This group will study and consider:
- Why are there no sidewalks north of 85th St., and what’s been tried to get them built?
- What is the city’s obligation vs. the home or business owner?
- How will Seattle’s complete streets policy help? How effective are grant processes?
- What are obstacles to building sidewalks and what can be done to overcome them?
- What is a practical program that a new city councilmember could promote?
NEW MODELS FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. This group will aim to broaden community involvement.
- Are meetings still an effective way to involve people in addressing neighborhood issues?
- What are generational differences – how do younger community members engage?
- How can dialogue increase between residents and local business people?
- What are engagement and outreach models that are more participatory?
- How do different constituencies feel the community council could better engage or represent their interests?
If you’re interested in any of this, here’s what to do:
Please click here to send an email with your contact information and what study group(s) you are interested in joining or leading. The study groups will begin meeting in September, but planning will continue over the summer to make sure they will be rewarding and productive. We will also develop a monthly series of presentations and discussions at community council meetings over the next year to complement study group activities and report out and share their findings.
