Up Next: Books By Ballard Authors

Posted on October 4, 2017 by SPierce

It’s autumn in beautiful Ballard. Pull on a sweater, grab a cup of tea, and snuggle up with the literary works of those who have been inspired by our special surroundings. Here are four amazing authors that live right here in Ballard’s West Woodland neighborhood.

DAVID NEIWERT

David Neiwert is a freelance journalist, blogger, author. He is a contributor to the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Intelligence Project and the author of numerous books, including And Hell Followed With Her: Crossing the Dark Side of the American Border, winner of the 2014 International Latino Book Award for Nonfiction.

His newest work, Alt-America: The Rise of the Radical Right in the Age of Trump, discusses the growth of fascism and far-right terrorism.

Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Alt-America-Rise-Radical-Right-Trump/dp/1786634236/

More about the author: http://dneiwert.blogspot.com/

KIRA BRADY

Kira Brady’s debut Hearts of Darkness was named one of the Best Books of Summer 2012 by Publishers Weekly. She is the author of the Deadglass Trilogy, apocalyptic paranormal romance set in a grisly modern day Seattle from Kensington Publishing.

A native Seattleitte, Kira spent her childhood hiking the rainy forests of the Pacific Northwest. She fell in love with historic, haunted cities in graduate school, and writes about the twisted towns of her imagination, where wraiths and shape-shifters stalk the night and love redeems even the darkest heart.

Buy the books: https://www.amazon.com/Kira-Brady/e/B0076TJKMW/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1507133306&sr=1-2-ent

More about the author: http://kirabrady.com/

MOLLY TORRES

Molly Torres, published a collaborative novel titled Ash Tuesday with her sister Peggy Nelson and niece Shawna Rengli. The story is set in 2018, and the world is being ravaged by climate changes, natural disasters and an insidious and fast moving virus. To escape, a group of loosely connected, but like minded individuals, travel to a 20 acre off-the-grid compound in Montana, where they attempt to survive a bitter winter and avoid the ever present societal lunacy. The story ranges from Washington and Idaho to Montana, with some very familiar scenes here in Ballard.

Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Ash-Tuesday-Peggy-Nelson/dp/1534651187/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1472176209&sr=8-1&keywords=ash+tuesday

More about the authors: https://www.amazon.com/Peggy-Nelson/e/B01JVEXRPK/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_1

HEATHER NUHFER

Heather Nuhfer writes all-ages and children’s books and graphic novels. The first book in a new middle grade series, My So-Called Superpowers, is a quirky and funny coming-of-age novel celebrating individuality.

Heather has penned numerous original stories for comic book titles including, Scooby Doo, Wonder Woman, Teen Titans GO!, Fraggle Rock, LisaSimpson, and Monster High. Her My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic graphic novels are international bestsellers, and if you like poems, WeirdEST is the one to read first.

Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/My-So-Called-Superpowers-Heather-Nuhfer/dp/1250138604

More about the author: http://www.heatherwritesthings.com/about.html

Trees For Neighborhoods Offering Free Trees

Posted on July 7, 2016 by SPierce

Trees for Neighborhoods is the City of Seattle’s residential tree planting project. Since 2009, Trees for Neighborhoods has helped Seattle residents plant over 6,300 trees in their yards and along the street. That’s 6,300 more trees working to clean our air and water, make our streets more walkable, and our neighborhoods healthier! Learn more about the benefits of neighborhood trees here.

Get a FREE tree of your own to help keep our city green! Seattle’s Trees for Neighborhoods program is giving them away this October and November. To receive a FREE tree submit an application between July 18 and August 10, and you could win a FREE tree for your home or neighborhood.

Trees for Neighborhoods participants receive:

Free trees (up to 4 per household, lifetime max of 8).
A watering bag & mulch for each tree
Training on proper planting and care
Assistance applying for street tree planting permits
Ongoing care reminders and future pruning workshop opportunities

Check out some photos from past years to learn more about the process.

How to Apply:

Take time to evaluate potential planting sites on your property. Read the planting considerations. Consider attending a Trees for Neighborhoods Tree & Site Selection Workshop in July to learn how to select the right tree for the right spot in your yard. Reserve your spot today!
Review the 2016 tree list here. Pay attention to the mature size of the trees and their needs for sun. Select trees that will have room to grow to maturity. If you have the space, please consider planting a larger stature tree.
Apply for trees starting Monday, July 18th through the online application, available HERE. This year’s application is a lottery; applications will be accepted between July 18th until August 10th. NOTE- there is no longer any benefit to submitting your application early. All applications will be processed once the first lottery round closes on August 10th. If trees are still available following this first lottery round, they’ll announce a second lottery round for remaining trees that will open in mid-August. Learn more about the new application process here.

If your application is approved, you will sign up to attend a planting and care workshop next fall to pick-up your trees.

Need assistance planting your new tree? Seattle ReLeaf will offer delivery and planting help to participants who need physical assistance or lack access to a vehicle. To inquire about this service, please call 206-684-3979 or email TreesforNeighborhoods@seattle.gov.

For additional information, please visit: http://www.seattle.gov/trees/

Meet State Rep. Brady Walkinshaw This Sunday At Stock

Posted on July 6, 2016 by SPierce

Join State Representative Brady Walkinshaw for a meet and greet at Stock, 500 NW 65th Street, on Sunday, July 10, 2016. You’ll get a chance to talk about the issues that you care about most, and learn more about his campaign for Congress. Great opportunity to meet Brady Walkinshaw and enjoy fabulous food prepared by local Chef Chris Blanco.

Date: Sunday, July 10
Time: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Location: Stock, 500 NW 65th Street
Event Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1583414725284398/

About State Representative Brady Walkinshaw:

Brady Walkinshaw

In 2013, Walkinshaw was appointed to represent the 43rd district in the Washington State House. The 43rd district covers several neighborhoods, including Fremont, Phinney Ridge, and the east-side of West Woodland, Ballard.

Walkinshaw is running for the 7th Congressional seat vacated by 14-term Congressman Jim McDermott. The 7th Congressional District covers Lynnwood to the north, Vashon Island to the south, and includes most of the City of Seattle.

Learn more about State Representative Brady Walkinshaw online:

Web: http://bradywalkinshaw.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brady.p.walkinshaw/
Twitter: @BradyWalkinshaw

Find your representatives online!

Not sure which legislative district your belong to? We understand! The West Woodland Neighborhood in Ballard is split between TWO districts. To find which district you belong in visit, Washington State District Finder. You may also find your congressional district here: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/WA

District 36 and 43 - NEW - 07 05 2016

Intensive Litter Clean-Up Coming To Ballard

Posted on July 4, 2016 by SPierce

Ballard Trash 02

On Friday, July 1st Mayor Ed Murray announced an action plan to help make Seattle’s Chinatown-International District safer. Included in this blog post, about four paragraphs down, Mayor Murray also writes:

“In recognition of the significant impacts of heavy litter on quality of life in the neighborhood and the strong correlation between heavy litter and public safety concerns, Murray announced that the City will launch a new intensive litter clean-up program. The program will be piloted in two neighborhoods, the Chinatown-International District and Ballard. Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) will increase litter pick-up with bi-weekly clean-up crews, install more trash bins on the street and increase community engagement to speed response to illegal dumping.”

For neighbors who have experience trash dumping outside their homes, looks like help is on the way! Seattle Public Utilities will increase pick-up with crews on the streets bi-weekly. The utility will quickly respond to illegal dumping and install more garbage cans.

No start date was included in the Mayor’s announcement. Until then, please continue to report issues of illegal dumping to Seattle Public Utilities. Fill out and submit the Illegal Dumping Report Form or call (206) 684-7587 to report problems on public property.

Proposed Urban Hub Zoning Changes Include Areas In West Woodland, Ballard

Posted on July 2, 2016 by SPierce

The Seattle City Council is considering proposed legislation to Seattle’s land use and zoning that would affect property in the Ballard Hub Urban Village:

Amending the Official Land Use Map at pages 53, 54 and 55 to rezone land in the Ballard Hub Urban Village; and
Amending Sections 23.47A.005 and 23.47A.009 of the Seattle Municipal Code to designate 17th Avenue NW, 20th Avenue NW, Ballard Avenue NW and Leary Avenue NW as a principal pedestrian street, and adopt development standards for certain properties in the Ballard Hub Urban Village.

Ballard Hub Urban Village Proposed Rezone map, courtesy Seattle Office of Planning & Community Development. Click to enlarge.

CURRENT & PROPOSED ZONING:

Sections A, B, L, M, N, and O shown in the map above are all located in the West Woodland neighborhood. Here’s a break down of current zoning and what the proposed future zoning would be for each of the areas identified. Please note, these are just summaries. For current full descriptions and zoning definitions visit: http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/codesrules/codes/zoning/

Additional information available in the Ballard Rezone and Development Standards – Director’s Report.

Area A:

Proposed zoning would change this area from Commercial 1 – 65 feet height limit (C1-65) to the more pedestrian friendly Neighborhood Commercial 3, Pedestrian – 65 feet height limit (NC3P-65). The P designation encourages an intensely pedestrian-oriented, retail shopping district where non-auto modes of transportation are strongly favored. Click graphic below to enlarge.

Areas B & M:

Proposed zoning would change this area from Commercial 1 – 65 feet height limit (C1-65) to the more pedestrian friendly Neighborhood Commercial 3 – 65 feet height limit (NC3-65). Click graphic below to enlarge.

Area L:

Proposed zoning would change this area from Neighborhood Commercial 3 – 40 feet height limit (NC3-40) to the more pedestrian friendly Neighborhood Commercial 3, Pedestrian – 40 feet height limit (NC3P-40). The P designation encourages an intensely pedestrian-oriented, retail shopping district where non-auto modes of transportation are strongly favored. Click graphic below to enlarge.

Area N:

Proposed zoning would change this area from Lowrise 3 (LR3) to Lowrise 3 – Residential Commercial (LR3-RC). The Residential Commercial suffix zone (RC) allows small-medium sized commercial uses at the street level in multifamily neighborhoods, where small commercial uses can fit into buildings that resemble the neighboring low/medium density residential areas.

In areas with a RC suffix zone and an underlying Lowrise zone (LR), the maximum size limit for individual business establishments is limited to 4,000 square feet. Commercial uses are allowed only in structures containing at least one dwelling unit or live-work unit. Drive-through businesses are prohibited. Click graphic below to enlarge.

Area O:

Proposed zoning would change this area from Lowrise 2 (LR2) to Lowrise 2 – Residential Commercial (LR2-RC). The Residential Commercial suffix zone (RC) allows small-medium sized commercial uses at the street level in multifamily neighborhoods, where small commercial uses can fit into buildings that resemble the neighboring low/medium density residential areas.

PUBLIC HEARING:

The City Council’s Planning, Land Use and Zoning (PLUZ) Committee will hold a public hearing to take comments on the proposed changes to land use and zoning regulations affecting property in the Ballard Hub Urban Village on August 3, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. The hearing will be held in the meeting room at The Ballard Public Library, 5614 22nd Avenue NW, Seattle, WA 98107. For those who wish to testify, sign-up sheets will be available starting at 5:30 p.m.

Date: August 3, 2016
Time: Sign up sheet for those wishing to speak will be available at 5:30 pm and Community meeting will start at 6:00 pm.
Location: Ballard Library, 5614 22nd Ave NW

Can’t make the meeting?

Written comments on the proposal will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. on August 3. Please send comments to Amy Gore in Councilmember Rob Johnson’s office via e-mail at: amy.gore@seattle.gov, or by mail to:

Councilmember Rob Johnson

Seattle City Council

600 4th Avenue, 2nd Floor

PO Box 34025

Seattle, WA 98124-4025

Preview Meeting Documents in Advance:

Print and communications access is provided on prior request. Please contact Amy Gore at 684-8808 or via e-mail at: amy.gore@seattle.gov as soon as possible to request accommodations for a disability.

Want to attend, but need childcare?

Childcare will be provided if requested by July 27, 2016. To request childcare during the public hearing, contact Amy Gore 684-8808 or via e-mail at: amy.gore@seattle.gov .

Questions about the meeting?

Questions concerning the public hearing may be directed to Amy Gore in Councilmember Rob Johnson’s office, by calling (206) 684-8808 or via e-mail at: amy.gore@seattle.gov.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Information regarding the proposed amendments regarding land use and zoning in the Ballard Hub Urban Village are available at http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/cityplanning/completeprojectslist/ballard/whatwhy/default.htmor http://seattle.legistar.com/ (search for Council Bill 118693).

Copies of the proposals may be obtained at the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections Public Resource Center, 700 5th Avenue, Suite 2000 in the Seattle Municipal Tower. The Public Resource Center is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.

Questions regarding the proposal may be directed to David Goldberg of the Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) at (206) 615-1447 or via email at davidw.goldberg@seattle.gov or to Aly Pennucci of the City Council Central Staff at (206) 684-8148 or via email at aly.pennucci@seattle.gov.

North Precinct Advisory Council Meeting: July 6

Posted on July 1, 2016 by SPierce

SPD hiring

You are invited to the North Precinct Advisory Council meeting happening Wednesday, July 6 from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm at North Seattle College.

The North Precinct Advisory Council is a community organization devoted to promoting partnership between residents, schools, businesses, and the Seattle Police Department to effectively address public safety issues.

From the North Precinct Advisory Council:

“Our purpose is to establish a mechanism by which the community may
communicate its concerns to the Police Department and City Government, and
may do its part in dealing with those concerns, and enhancing public safety in the
North Seattle Precinct. Council members will have the opportunity to express
their views and offer suggestions on how the Precinct and the community can
improve the delivery of police service in the community. The Council may
engage in advocacy regarding public safety. The Council also serves as a channel
to disseminate information from the North Precinct staff to Council members and
their organizations.”

Learn more at http://seattlenpac.blogspot.com/

SPD - July agenda

SOLD! 418 NW 65th Street

Posted on June 27, 2016 by SPierce

There are more changes coming to NW 65th Street! Back in January, we told you about the pending sale of 418 NW 65th Street, a parcel which includes 412-418 NW 65th Street. This corner, which is currently home to the 418 Public House, had been on the market since Summer 2014.

The property was sold in April 2016 for $1,150,000 to “412 NW 65th L.L.C.”. A site plan filed with the city shows five live/ work units & five townhomes are in the works. A total of 10 news residences in the neighborhood, five with businesses on the ground floor facing NW 65th Street.

The proposed new storefronts create an exciting opportunity for five small business owners to open up shop in a prime location on NW 65th Street, the West Woodland Neighborhood’s Historic Business District.

Site Plan – Click to enlarge.

About the Architect:

S+H Works L.L.C., the architectural firm on this project, takes a minimalist modern approach to design. From the AIA website, “Based in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, a majority of their work is infill within the Seattle metro area, reflecting a commitment to the urban environment as a sustainable place to live and work.” Check out some of their work here.

NW 65th Street Pedestrian Zone:

NW 65th Street, west of 4th Ave NW, has been designated a pedestrian retail area (pedestrian zones). The pedestrian zone (P Zone) designation, is intended to “preserve or encourage intensely retail and pedestrian-oriented shopping districts where non-auto modes of transportation to and within the district are strongly favored.”

Pedestrian zones are typically designated in areas already zoned Neighborhood Commercial (NC). The designation does not impact the development capacity of the area, meaning it does not increase or decrease the permitted height or density for new development.

To learn more about Pedestrian Zones visit the following links:

History of this corner:

Constructed in 1925, this building’s first tenants included the Minni Belle Fountain Lunch restaurant at 418 NW 65th Street and West Woodland Hardware at 416 NW 65th Street. Just east of the building, at 412 NW 65th Street, White Rock Service Station was providing automobile services for vehicles in the neighborhood.

The building has changed hands many times since 1925 and hosted a variety of businesses. There have been few adjustments made to the exterior facade of this building and it looks remarkably like it did when first built.

The full story of this corner, courtesy Vintage West Woodland, is available at: https://goo.gl/6IOhVb

Click to enlarge.

Proposed crossing to connect Ballard neighborhoods

Posted on June 27, 2016 by SPierce

SDOT is considering the installation of a new pedestrian signal at 15th Ave NW and NW 53rd Street as part of an effort to connect Ballard’s new 17th Ave NW Greenway and the Burke-Gilman Trail. This new signal would create a dignified way for residents to access bus stops, parks, and medical care without needing to travel up to a 1/2 a mile out of their way to find a safe crossing.

The West Woodland Neighborhood Association supports the addition of a pedestrian signal at NW 53rd Street and 15th Ave NW. The new crossing would provide our neighborhood with many benefits, including:

Ease of access to amenities in the core of Ballard such as, medical care, community and cultural events, parks, and commercial interests.
Provide a safe connection for pedestrians and cyclists to travel from the Burke-Gilman Trail to the 17th Ave NW Greenway.
Create an opportunity for small business owners in Ballard’s Brewery District to participate in events such as Ballard Art Walk, Ballard Jazz Festival, and more.

Example of what the crossing would look like at NW 53rd & 15th Ave NW. Click to enlarge

Support the NW 53rd Street Crosswalk:

It’s easy to let SDOT know you support the proposed crossing at NW 53rd Street and 15th Ave NW. We have created a letter for you, just fill-in a couple items and email to one of the addresses below.

Example Letter of Support – Crosswalk

Letters of support should be emailed to West Woodland Neighborhood Association at: westwoodlandneighbors@gmail.com or SDOT at: Summer.Jawson@Seattle.gov

Learn More:

Learn more about this project, which is funded by the Levy to Move Seattle here: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/ballardgreenway.htm

Find the BGT Missing Link – Public Meetings

Posted on June 17, 2016 by SPierce

BGT 04

The Burke-Gilman Trail (BGT) is one of the most heavily used pedestrian and bicycling facilities in Seattle, a vibrant trail connecting multiple neighborhoods and other city and regional trails. It serves as a major transportation corridor for commuter and recreational bicyclists.

The Burke-Gilman Trail Extension (Missing Link) Project would connect two existing portions of the Burke-Gilman Trail through the Ballard neighborhood, to complete the regional facility that otherwise runs continuously from Kenmore Park to Golden Gardens. Currently, the trail ends at the intersection of 11th Avenue NW and NW 45th Street (on the east), and begins again at 30th Avenue NW at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (on the west). The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) proposes to connect these two segments of the BGT with a marked, dedicated route for pedestrians and cyclists.

This project is one of the City of Seattle’s top-rated trail priorities as identified by the Bicycle Master Plan. A complete trail network improves Seattle’s health and quality of life by providing safe bicycle and pedestrian travel routes for residents of all ages.

Public Involvement:

Review the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the four proposed connection options, and join your neighbors to discuss at Leif Erikson Hall on Thursday, July 14 (6 – 9 pm) or Saturday, July 16 (10 am – 1 pm).

Public Meeting #1:

Date: July 14, 2016
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Leif Erickson Hall, 2245 NW 57th Street
Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/299348693734144/

Pubic Meeting #2:

Date: Saturday, July 16, 2016
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Leif Erickson Hall, 2245 NW 57th Street
Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/633449376817495/

Burke-Gilman Trail Missing Link Project Information: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/BGT_Ballard.htm

Hey SDOT… Make 6th Ave NW a Safe Routes to School

Posted on June 14, 2016 by SPierce

Another weekend, another car crash on NW Market Street. For those who live near the east end of Market, between 4th Ave NW & 6th Ave NW, you know how dangerous these intersections can be for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Cars fail to stop at the crosswalk used daily by West Woodland Elementary students, blowing right through the red light even with a crossing guard present.

2016 June 11 - accident at 6th and market

Car crash near 6th Ave NW & NW Market Street on Saturday, June 11, 2016

What is the problem?

6th Ave NW could be a well loved street for families to walk and bike to school and to the Burke Gilman Trail, but it has dangerous intersections to cross – like NW Market Street – that needs to be fixed.

Who is involved?

Seattle Neighborhood Greenways is working to empower Ballard Greenways, Greenwood-Phinney Greenways, Fremont Greenways, and residents of the West Woodland Neighborhood in Ballard.

Get Involved!

February 2016 Ballard District Council approved Neighborhood Park & Street Fund money for intersection safety improvements at 6th NW and NW 65th. We need your support to make changes at 6th Ave NW & NW Market Street. Tell Seattle Department of Transportation to make 6th Ave NW a Safe Routes to School.

Add Your Name Here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/ce1jATrg0w3AjZL1y6sq2Q

West Woodland, Ballard

A blog about Ballard's West Woodland neighborhood.

Tag Archives: west woodland

Up Next: Books By Ballard Authors

Trees For Neighborhoods Offering Free Trees

Meet State Rep. Brady Walkinshaw This Sunday At Stock

Intensive Litter Clean-Up Coming To Ballard

Proposed Urban Hub Zoning Changes Include Areas In West Woodland, Ballard

North Precinct Advisory Council Meeting: July 6

SOLD! 418 NW 65th Street

Proposed crossing to connect Ballard neighborhoods

Find the BGT Missing Link – Public Meetings

Hey SDOT… Make 6th Ave NW a Safe Routes to School

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