After reviewing the legal complaint filed by neighbors against the DPD’s approval of LIHI’s Urban Rest Stop in Ballard the Seattle Hearing Examiner has given a green light for the opening.

The complaint was filed by residents who live nearby the proposed Urban Rest Stop at 2024 NW 57th St. According to the document, the complaint of objection has been filed as their clients “will be significantly affected by the noise, odors, increased criminal activity, inadequate parking facilities and traffic and general incompatibility of this institutional use in the neighborhood.”

The complaint also alleges that the facility violates a series of conditions.

The Seattle Hearing Examiner appears to have discounted a number of arguments made by the appellants, however, has placed the following conditions on the opening of the Urban Rest Stop:

• The center will comply with the Ballard Urban Rest Stop Good Neighborhood Policy Plan and post the Code of Conduct on the exterior of the building facing the west side queuing area and the sidewalk in front of the building.
• A staff person must be on site to monitor noise in the exterior waiting area and the sidewalk at all times beginning one hour prior to facility opening during days of operation.
• The Urban Rest Stop Good Neighbor Policy Plan and Code of Conduct will be distributed annually to adjacent neighbors on all three sides of the building and to the properties directly opposite on NW 57th St.

The Hearing Examiner’s decision is final and is now only appealable to the King County Superior Court until March 18.

At this stage it is unclear whether the appellants intend to appeal the decision.

Two subdivision applications and 7-story 177 unit structure make up today’s development update from the City of Seattle’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD) as posted in the Land Use Information Bulletin.

Applications:

1549 NW 61st St

A Land Use Application has been submitted to subdivide one parcel into two parcels of land. Proposed parcel sizes are: A) 2,350 sq. ft. and B) 2,400.3 sq. ft. Existing structures to be demolished.

1701 NW 56th St

A Land Use Application has been submitted to allow a 7-story structure with 177 apartment units above 22 live-work units and 4,406 sq. ft. of retail space. Parking for 144 vehicles to be provided at, and below grade. Review includes demolition of five residential structures (12 dwelling units).

2008 NW 59th St

A Land Use Application has been submitted to subdivide one parcel into two parcels of land. Proposed parcel sizes are: A) 2,498 sq. ft. and B) 2,498 sq. ft. Existing single family residence to be removed.

Last Wednesday, a Ballard resident’s pet monitoring cam caught a burglar kicking in her front door. SPD officers are asking for local help to identify the suspect.

Check out the full report from the SPD blotter below:

A Ballard woman was at work around 4 p.m. on February 25 when pet camera system alerted her that her two small dogs were barking. She then watched a live video feed from her living room as a man kicked in her front door and walked right past ger puppy cam.

The suspect quickly fled the woman’s home after a burglar alarm sounded, grabbing an antique jewelry box on his way out door.

The victim headed home and called 911, and later provided police with images of the suspect (see below).

Detectives haven’t yet identified the man, but are hoping someone out there recognizes him. If you do, please contact North Precinct detectives at (206) 684-5735.

The popular twice-yearly Dine Around Seattle event is in full swing until March 31, and many restaurants in and around Ballard are participating.

Dine Around Seattle offers three course prix-fixe dinner menus (including appetizer, entree and dessert) for $33 from Sundays through Thursdays. Some participating restaurants are also offering lunch for $18.

The following restaurants are participating in and nearby our neighborhood:

• Skillet Diner (2034 NW 56th St) – Lunch and dinner.
• Volterra (5411 Ballard Ave NW) – Lunch and dinner.
• Hecho (7314 Greenwood Ave N) – Dinner only.
• Stumbling Goat Bistro (6722 Greenwood Ave N) – Dinner only.

Dine Around Seattle is presented by non-profit Seattle Good Business Network that is celebrating 13 years of supporting small business and our local economy.

“What sets Dine Around Seattle apart is our commitment to neighborhood restaurants and locally sourced fare. We are selective about who we invite to be part of the promotion, and place increasing importance on sustainable, local cuisine,” says Good Business Network Co-founder, Christine Hanna.

Interested diners can make reservations for the event online. Prices do not include beverages, tax, or gratuity.

Peddler Brewing (1514 NW Leary Way) will be hosting its 2nd birthday celebrations with festivities that last the whole weekend long.

This weekend the Peddler team is releasing their Tangerine Hefeweizen and Dark Saison Oak Aged with Brett on draft and in 22oz Bombers.

The first 250 guests will have the chance to take home an engraved credit card sized bottle opener with the purchase of a 22oz bomber.

The brewery is also expanding their Saturday hours to 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. starting this weekend.

“Thanks for all the great support these past 2 years and cheers to many more,” says co-owner Haley Woods.

Click here to find out more about the festivities.

According to an article on the Puget Sound Business Journal website, the Mars Hill Church property at 1401 Leary Way NW has been sold for a whopping $9 million.

The article confirms that Interbay’s Quest Church won the final bid for the property and plan to move into the building later this year.

The property initially went on the market last October with a price of $8 million at a time when the church was reeling over the resignation of Pastor Mark Driscoll.

Driscoll resigned in October amid allegations of bullying, domineering behavior, abusive behavior, plagiarism and overseeing the mismanagement of church funds.

After October’s controversy, Mars Hill Church decided to completely dissolve and scrambled to take care of the 15 properties that they leased or owned across five states.

According to the PSBJ, the property drew the attention of nine retail developers, all with tenants in mind, however, Quest Church was victorious with its $9 million offer.

Quest Church, founded in 2001 in the living room of Eugene and Minhee Cho, currently has a congregation of close to 1000 and has outgrown its current location. “We have been amazed to see people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and age groups come to our church,” says Cho in a press release.

The move to will also allow Quest to be closer to one of its “core ministries” The Bridge Care Center (5710 22nd Ave NW). The BCC is a drop in center for men and women who are experiencing homelessness of economic hardship in our neighborhood. In 2014, the BCC provided services for 684 clients and distributed 20,273 resources.

In relation to the controversy and dissolution of Mars Hill Church, Cho and his congregation confirm their sensitivity and awareness. “Like many people, I was grieving about what happened. While we may have some theological differences, we consider them brothers and sisters in Christ,” says Cho.

Mars Hill Church is set to make a fine profit from the sale, as, according to public records, the Leary Way property was purchased for $4.8 million back in 2003.

Mars Hill Church continues to have properties on the market in the neighborhood, selling their former corporate office space at 1411 NW 50th St. The 40,000 square foot property, set on about 1.25 acres, has a current asking price of $6.9 million.

Photo courtesy of Commercial Brokers Association.

The annual Leif to Leif 5k Fun Run/Walk is set for Saturday, March 21, starting at 9 a.m.

Participants will race from Leif Erikson Lodge to the statue of Leif Erikson on Shilshole Ave NW while raising funds for both the lodge and Ballard Senior Center.

Cost for registration is $10 for adults and $5 for children. All participants will receive a Norwegian flag and a waffle for taking part.

All are welcome to participate and can register online.

Upon returning to Leif Erikson Lodge, participants will find the Tastes of Norway/Norwegian Cultural and Heritage Day that is set to kick off at 10 a.m.

The event will be jam packed with fun for the whole family including musical entertainment, special speakers/presentations,demonstrations of many traditional Norwegian handcrafts, music, song, dance, food and more.

Artists will be demonstrating cooking and crafts, such rosemaling (a traditional craft dating from the 1700s). Gorgeous handmade goods by the Norna Ladies will also be on offer, including their famous embroidered tea towels!

Local genealogy researchers will be available to assist attendees with questions about their Norwegian ancestors. Locals will also have the chance to judge local pickled herring from a variety of vendors competing for the 2015 Pickled Herring Taste Off.

Kids will be entertained throughout the event with Norwegian themed crafts by local Norwegian teacher Kristina Strombo.

Click here to find out more about the event!

Photo courtesy of Leif Erikson Lodge.

Do you dream of living in a tree house? Do you eagerly await the first leaf buds in the spring? Do you love to lie on your back and watch branches dancing in the breeze?

If so, you may be the perfect person to apply for a Tree Ambassador position as part of The City of Seattle’s reLeaf program.

The City of Seattle is on the lookout for new Tree Ambassadors who have the fantastic opportunity to nurture Seattle’s trees through their involvement in a variety of project areas.

Volunteers are trained within a project area and have the opportunity to attend a variety of fun and informative workshops on topics like pruning, tree identification, and community engagement.

Tree Ambassadors also get opportunities for unique experiences like learning to climb trees with professional rigging and tours of local botanic treasures.

The reLeaf program is currently recruiting new Tree Ambassadors in the following areas:

◾Tree Walks: Show off your favorite trees in your favorite part of Seattle. You’ll learn the basics of making maps, identifying trees, and creating walking routes to engage your neighbors and coworkers in the urban landscape. Check out the tree walks created by current Tree Ambassadors here. Training will take place on Saturday, April 4 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Ballard.

◾Landscape Renewal: Does seeing a tree choked by ivy drive you crazy? This project track is for you. This project track will teach you to plan and organize small-scale renovation projects. Renovation work includes removing invasive plants, planting trees and understory plants, and mulching. You’ll learn how to develop a plan, recruit volunteers, and lead work parties. Training will take place Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Beacon Hill.

No previous tree experience is necessary to get involved in the reLeaf programm. If you are interested in learning more or applying to become a Tree Ambassador, click here.

If you have any questions about the program contact Seattle reLeaf at (206) 615-1668 or email treeambassador@seattle.gov.

The DPD is hosting a series of meetings in relation to the proposed Industrial Lands Policies that are part of the City’s comprehensive plan, Seattle 2035.

This Tuesday, March 3, the DPD will host a meeting regarding our local industrial lands at the Ballard High School Commons (1418 NW 65th St) from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Meeting organizers aim to gain local input on the specific land use policies that are being considered for the designated Manufacturing/Industrial Center(M/IC) in Ballard.

The policies are set to 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.

All feedback that is received at the meeting will be shared with the City Council when these policies are considered as part of the major update.

All are welcome to attend the meeting. Click here to learn more about the proposed policies.

The talented students and faculty of Ballard High School Performing Arts will be performing their adaptation of Thoroughly Modern Millie this week.

The musical tells the story of young Millie Dillmount who moves to New York City in search of a new life. The show is a high-spirited journey musical romp that will have everyone dancing the Charleston.

The show will be performed from March 5th – 7th and from March 12th – 14th. All shows will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door and cost $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and students.

Two subdivision applications, two subdivision approvals and a 4-story 33 unit structure make up today’s development update from the City of Seattle’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD) as posted in the Land Use Information Bulletin.

Applications:

6320 17th Ave NW

A Land Use Application has been submitted to subdivide one development site into two unit lots. The construction of residential units are under Project #6437763. This subdivision of property is only for the purpose of allowing sale or lease of the unit lots. Development standards will be applied to the original parcel and not to each of the new unit lots.

1506 NW 61st St

A Land Use Application has been submitted to allow a 4-story structure containing 33 residential units. No parking proposed. Existing structures to be demolished.

1517 NW 63rd St

A Land Use Application has been submitted to subdivide one development site into three unit lots. The construction of residential units are under Project #6429987. This subdivision of property is only for the purpose of allowing sale or lease of the unit lots. Development standards will be applied to the original parcel and not to each of the new unit lots.

Decisions:

1542 NW 62nd St

A Land Use Application has been approved to subdivide one parcel into two parcels of land. Proposed parcel sizes are: A) 2,200 sq. ft. and B) 2,800 sq. ft. Existing structures to be removed.

Appeals of this decision must be received by the Hearing Examiner no later than March 16, 2015.

2052 NW 64th St

A Land Use Application has been submitted to subdivide one development site into four unit lots. The construction of residential units are under Project #6366832. This subdivision of property is only for the purpose of allowing sale or lease of the unit lots. Development standards will be applied to the original parcel and not to each of the new unit lots.

Appeals of this decision must be received by the Hearing Examiner no later than March 16, 2015.

Comments about the above applications should be submitted to PRC@seattle.gov or mailed to the address below:

City of Seattle DPD PRC
700 5th Avenue Suite 2000
PO Box 34019
Seattle, WA  98124-4019

The Hi-Life (5425 Russell Ave NW) eatery is set to donate 25% of today’s sales to support Salmon Bay School.

The donated funds will be put towards the school’s physical education program.

“Support both Salmon Bay’s kids and the generosity of CHOW Foods (owner of the Hi-Life) by coming out on Monday and having some great Hi-Life food,” say the organizers.

Head down between 8:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. to show your support!