The Greenwood Community Council meeting tonight (Tuesday) is an open meeting for anyone wanting to help plan the Greenwood 2035 Study Groups. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Greenwood Library, 8016 Greenwood Ave. N. There, people will divide into groups that focus on sidewalks, land use, transportation or engagement, then everyone will move to a nearby restaurant, pub or coffee shop to continue the discussion.
The Greenwood Community Council is looking for volunteers for Greenwood 2035 – a year-long effort to develop Greenwood’s input and feedback to complement Seattle’s comprehensive plan update: Seattle 2035.
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. (Note: Seattle’s change to district elections makes this a timely opportunity – any candidate for the district north of 85th will need a program to address sidewalks, and we can help!) 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?
(Note: The Greenwood Community Council is also looking for volunteers for our board, and help with our website.)
