damn that is a great post office location. What are they gonna put there not more freaking condos?

Just look up and the the left a little bit. See that beautiful collage of colors? Ya, more of that junk. Of course with current lending practices being curtailed a bit, it might be vacant for awhile.

Wow - that sucks! The location is really convenient and unlike some other Seattle post offices I've been to, the staff there is great.

Is the carrier annex location going to turn into a fullscale post office, or is it just that the employees will be working there?

They are very nice there. I also dig that style of post office architecture.

Good observation bannedinDC (Bad Brains!). In fact, I never knew they leased that building. I always assumed it was built as a post office.

That said, it was beginning to feel like they needed more space. The place is ALWAYS packed...has been for years. It's a large territory to be served by such a small post office.

Yea for more condos or townhomes!
Yea for not having a post office that so many people can walk to!
Yea for needing to drive more places!

End sarcasm.

Don't some of you ever get tired of whining about condos?

bannedinDC: why do you see those as junk?

ouch....

yup.

Not being able to walk to that location IS lame. The city should advocate for a closer - in-downtown-ballard location for the new PO.

What's wrong with different color townhouses?

This really blows. Super convenient. Is there any chance they can fight it, or get their lease back at some point?

toudious: I see those as junk too. It's not that I'm anti-new homes, it's that I'm anti-generic laziness. If they're gonna be throwing up these condos / townhomes all over the place, I just wish they would have some aesthetic diversity, and then blended into the neighborhood better. Although, at this point, they ARE blending in, bc there are so many of the same looking buildings all over the place. So at this point, it's just same thing over and over and over. It's like a visual skip in the CD you're listening to... listening to.... listening to.... listening to.... listening to...

Bad Brains forever! (well, before HR started doing crack)

Good point John. I have several friends who live in these monstrosities and the construction is below par. I just prefer quality over quantity. It seems to be a cancer that has been infiltrating this city in only the last 8 years or thereabouts. I suspect a slow down in this disease as lending practices get a bit more sane. No more 0% down, interest only adjustable arm, blah blah blah.

who is the landlord? You'd think the USPS would have owned the land and bldg.

PLEASE no more condos...they can't even sell the ones they have built, and there are still more going up....hope they can't get a loan...

Increased density should contribute to a more walkable, environmentally friendly neighborhood where you can enjoy a short walk to the post office and maybe see some of your neighbors along the way. This is a step in the wrong direction. I believe that the new location is in the middle of an industrial area.

bannedinDC: "I have several friends who live in these monstrosities and the construction is below par."

how so? please give examples.

That stinks. I love walking there, and I agree that the neighborhood of Ballard deserves a post office that is not in an industrial zone.

Has any one tried the Ballard Camera "post office"?

Sip and Ship is a great alternative to the post office...right on Market, just east of Ballard Blossom. All the crap you need to do at the post office you can do there.

How so? Thin walls (outside noise). Badly installed wood floors that aren't aligned with the walls (not very noticeable). Plumbing needing major maintenance after only 1 year. Put a candle up to the the windows and see the flame moving. These are small things but in new construction should not be there. I live (rent) in a house that was built in 1951. There is no comparison.

Ballard Camera has a mini post office in their store. The current PO location is extremely convenient. I always thought that the land that post offices were on was owned by USPS. Yuck, the new location is way too far to walk and not in an area that feels very safe.

It would be nice to have a park there. Like THAT's gonna happen.

That industrail zone that you speak of is dwindeling too. Won't be so industrial when the two ballard Blocks developments dig in.

Those industries down over there must be shaking in their collective boots...

i'm sorry that your several friends made such poor purchases, but you cannot apply that experience to all new construction -those houses that you see in the background do not conform to your statements at all.

leasing property to post offices is a huge tax loophole.

Obviously not all are going to be shoddy. So buyer beware. But even the decent ones don't have the solid bones of the house and past houses I have lived in. Solid construction techniques, materials, and pride in craftsmanship are a rare commodity these days.

"Just look up and the the left a little bit. See that beautiful collage of colors? Ya, more of that junk."

>>>Badly installed wood floors that aren’t aligned with the walls (not very noticeable). Plumbing needing major maintenance after only 1 year. Put a candle up to the the windows and see the flame moving.

Jeez, that sounds just like my home after 1 year in it and it was built in 1928. Add the fact that the upstairs leans south bound and the basement walls sweat like a Swede in the tropics, and you have my home. Now I happen to like this; but you know what, I respect people who don't want to deal with this and option out for a condo or new town house. It's called being tolerant. Are they are 1000% better looking than the cr*p built in this neighborhood in the 60s, 70s and 80s. Just drive down 14th ave if you need convincing.

Sadly, most Ballardites are incredibly intolerant of the choices other people make with their lives and property. It's like a community of little indignant Jerry Falwells.

>>>Solid construction techniques, materials, and pride in craftsmanship are a rare commodity these days.

No they're not, they're expensive. Labor is expensive now in the US if you haven't noticed. Now personally I'd like to go back to the 1920s when labor was cheap, but some people might object.

You are right though, the virgin, prime rain forest trees that went into my home are rare these days but no doubt you don't support allowing clear cutting again?

To me, it's just a loss of individuality and originality. A bastardization of what architecture has become. Why would I want to have a house that looks exactly like my neighbors? I just prefer to have a little character in my abode... especially if I'm going to hock up $300k-$400k+ for it.

I also lived in a house like that built in 1921. Loved its quirks. And this is a local blog where tolerance is tossed out the window for pure opinion. Personally I can't give a rats ass to what anyone else does. We all have to live our own lives. I will keep my windows shuttered and peak out every once in awhile thank you!

@ Ballard Girl: The landowners are some local folks who apparently also have a sizable share in Viking Bank, the Nagy Family.

Also of note: the appraised taxable value of that parcel is just under $2M. I could see how they might want to do more with that land than just keep leasing it to the USPS.

I bet the USPS was getting a screaming deal too.

Why does every comment section on this blog have to become a debate about townhouses and/or construction? It's really tiresome.

Because that crap has spread like a disease in this once sleepy community. That's why. Don't expect it to end any time soon. ha!

NAG, pretty simple...any mention of a loss of a building or property that is then replaced by condos raises conern and conversation...it's a hot topic because we are slowly being surrounded by cranes and an overflow of condos

BUT MY POST OFFICE BOX IS THERE!!!!!!

Well, Ballard Girl, I bet we could start an article on fingernail clippings and the comment board would find its way to condos and townhouses.

Funny you should mention that NAG. As I was clipping my nails today, i had a bad snip, and the clipping went sailing out the open window onto the neighbors lawn. He stepped on it, got an infection that spread to his brain and died. Having no close family members, the bank took the property and sold it to a developer. Guess what? THEY ARE BUILDING A FREAKING COOKIE CUTTER 4 PLEX CONDO WITH OUTWARD FACING GARAGES ON IT. Can you believe that?

lol. I was wondering who would be the first to do it. You win!

broadbrown--

i tried sip and ship once and they marked up the price of postage stamp by 10%! i asked the usps if they can do that, and they said yes. convenience fee i guess. maybe that's change since i've been there but i found that to be too much.

and if it moves to the annex, where are "customers" going to park. i've had to go there to get mail and parking is a nightmare!

2 Million for that parcel? Who can blame the family for booting the post office and selling.

It would be nice if they built something decent there. What ever happened to row houses, with street level porches and parking in the back? Or better yet, no parking. Park in the street or ride a bike or something...

bannedinDC is right, much of it is shoddy construction. Not all, but most. But that's what's available, so people buy it. It's all been said before...

What a bummer. So much for doing that errand on foot. It is so convenient to walk there on the way to the bank/library/coffee. Driving to the post office sucks!

It's a true neighborhood post office.

The condo crap has been a hot topic for 3-4 years. Maybe we could care about the homeless in the area instead?

Is there any chance the post office could move into the retail space of one of the new condo buildings, thereby retaining walkable post office access and giving the condo building some personality? Or would there be access issues for postal trucks?

And before the zero lot line townhouses everyone was up in arms over the skinny houses. They look mansions now. As for the quality of construction, the quality of new homes in some developments outside the city is not much better.

I love that post office and walk to it often. For me, it's a bit of a hike to the place on 11th. I hope it doesn't stay there - that building looks like a detention facility. When it was first built, and the parking strip was left as gravel, I thought that eventually it would be landscaped with trees, etc. You know, some civic pride. Years later, it's still gravel. Weeds won't even grow there.

it sounds like i am in the minority, but i don't think i ever go to the post office, but once or twice a year.

but still, i love the idea of other things that i do use within walking distance... grocery store, library, bar *ahem*. so i can appreciate the inconvenience to many.

i just don't know what you lot are mailing so often!

Oh. And good morning.

Umm, it's just a post office. I guess a few folks are bummed cuz they can't walk anymore, but it's really not far to the annex. Take a longer walk or ride a bike. Why are you at the post office so often anyway?

As for the parcel, I hope they build some good-looking dense housing. It can be done. Single family homes are a luxury in-city, and yes, I live in one. I know I am blessed and lucky, and if my neighbors are condo owners-welcome to the neighborhood.

I don't know about you guys, but I go to that post office to, well, mail stuff.

And what's with all the rude, snarky name calling here on our formerly friendly neighborhood blog? I moved back here from the east coast to get away from all that.

As for the price of the "shabby" condos, try buying a "well-built" house in the city for less than half a million. We're I come from, 500k comes with room for the horse and stables (hint: not the east coast)

Personally, I use a mail service store because it's convenient. Sure you pay a little more...about 10%. But 10% on a book of stamps is still less than a dollar. Parting with some pocket change is totally worth missing the hassle of getting in my car and driving to the USPS annex.

teasle, if you're going to condemn a fellow reader for generalizing...you shouldn't do the same.

Also, comparing today's shotty construction to the quirks of an old house is not apples to apples. A house that has been sitting for 100 years is going to have some issues. The real test will be to look at these new places in 100 years...then we'll see. And I suspect it won't be pretty.

But who cares right? By then you'll all have moved up and on...

milo dakkat~ i stopped commenting on here because i would not consider this a friendly neighborhood blog. people are rude, snarky and totally disrespectful. unable to have a fierce conversation with differing views without getting insulting.

Right. A lot of the stuff being torn down is the ugly stuff from the 1970's "new ballard." So now we're looking at the 2050's version of "old ballard" that's being built.

The good stuff remaining from 75-100 years ago has been renovated into 750k homes.

Of course the "new ballard" of 100 years ago involved turning Ballard into a clear-cut forest and removing the dead horse from the water supply so I guess it's all relative.

Elle--I know. I suspect it's the same folks who run me over in the Ballard Mkt. parking lot and give me an elbow check at the salad bar. What can ya do?

Not sure what it matters, but I have noticed that the condos that are going up are kinda cool looking. What I mean is that they could look alot worse!

Lets not forget about Ballard MailBox. They are friendly and local.

scty

Oh dear Ballard Girl, you are getting snarky yourself. You put the condo dwellers on the defensive by calling for no more condos and hoping that "they" don't get loans to build them. Good idea, less jobs for working Seattleites.

And yes, renting is a great option. Until landlords sell to developers and renters are left to schlep back up to the liquor store for boxes yet again. pOint is, don't expect to stay for long. Owners can stay as long as they like...

I've heard the old library building on 24th currently occupied by Abraxus Used Books is eventually slated to become a condominium development (don't know how accurate that info is). If those plans change for the current owner in light of current economic considerations, that might be a great building for a neighborhood post office if the postal service could get a long-term lease or possibly buy it. There is some adjacent parking and it's still in the heart of downtown Ballard. Any other possible locations to suggest before USPS plans are in stone?
-Kim
(a different Kim than kim :-) )

Ballard girl is all about the snark it seems. Nothing wrong with snark unless you are snarky and telling others not to be.

As for renters being better off... well it's better for some people but don't think you aren't paying for property tax increases and the ability to call when someone breaks. You landlord isn't in the business to lose money of you. He's making money off you.

I agree that every freakin' conversation on here turning into condo this - condo that is getting OLD. New Ballard.... Old Ballard... blah blah blah.

I, for one, only work in Ballard. I used to rent there and when my husband and I went to buy Ballard was NO WHERE NEAR AFFORDABLE. So.... we went to White Center. (I'm sure you're all gasping in horror that a White Center-ian is in your midst, but get over yourselves).

It's unfortunate that the post office has to move. But my office (in Ballard) ALWAYS uses Ballard Mailbox on Market. They're just fine. I understand that it is a bit further for some folks but really... how often do you REALLY need to go to the post office?!

For those don't like the condos.... DON'T BUY ONE. For those who want to buy in Ballard but can't afford the $600k for a decent house it's all they've got.

I used to dread the thought of having to move out of Ballard. But now after being gone for a bit over a year and reading all the whiney posts on here, I can't be more happy about my move.

candice, nice sentiment, good to meet someone who can deal with reality.

the problem with the anti-condo/townhouse/yuppie mob is they are actually the anti-people-who-are-not-like-me mob. they're intolerant. 50 years ago they would have been out writing covenants to keep certain people out of their neighborhood. the idea that people should be free to live and do what they like with their own property is alien to them. petty. jealous. intolerant.

ultimately.....losers.

Wow. Atlas is equating those who don't like all the new condos to racists. No one ever said people should not buy these boxes. I think some of us just think they are ugly and over done in this here neck of the woods. It is called opinion. You must be taking your approach from the Rove strategy book. Nice job.

"Just look up and the the left a little bit. See that beautiful collage of colors? Ya, more of that junk."

toudios, your quoting of me does not prove any point. Please head back to your mccain hq.

Good point Banned, you'd actually have to have minorities in lilly-white Ballard to be accused of racism.

I've got no problems with town homes or condos...or the people who live in them. I've been here over 12 years, and I'm enjoying the new blood and the new life.

But I do agree that the quality (on average) of these places is sub-standard. Shit man, if you're gonna build them, then put some thought into it and do it right.

As for the nasty attitudes, it's simply a result of the safety net that comes with anonymity.

damn, I think I spelled that word wrong again!

boardbrown

dictionary.com is always a good backup.

Nina and Ballard Woman- you're right there was a bit of "peevishness" in my tone, and I apoligize. I must admit the over building of condos and the loss of the character of Ballard does leave me a bit on edge, and it obviously came out in my remarks....all in all I will miss the Post office in it's current location, and not miss the building of anymore condos....

USPS policy (from what I understand) is to award a contract to a builder for building a post office on private land (usually owned by the builder, but any consenting landowner works) and then lease the post office from them. Usually requiring a 25 year lease, minimum. My former father in law, owned a construction company and did this all over the southwest. He made quite a bit of money doing this. Another great example of the government wasting our money!!

what about all the old folks who walk to the mail because they can no longer drive? that's sad. i watch my elderly lady neighbor dress smartly and head up to the post office every other day or so. it's about a 15 min. walk if your younger. she is gone over an hour, just enjoying her walk and the people she meets. change is coming, is here, and it sucks. a lot of it. not all - but most. all the "cute" small townish things are rapidly disappearing along with the ability to afford living in this town. govt. should buy but this is too late for us.

condos, racisim....woof, gonna miss the post office and the folks who go there, but if you take a good look, there are lots of differnt folks in Ballard....on my block alone we have an asian family a black family and a cute a Filipino/black gay couple...just because the light shines bright on white don't let it blind you to the fact that we have a diverse group here...and they will no doubt miss the post office too

I don't think it's the condos themselves taht are the problem. It's two things:

1) increasing our local population without increasing services at all (on or two more parks, but nothing compared to the population increase), a nicer but exact same size libary, absolutely no road improvements. It's simply bad planning.

2) Losing the diversity of what is here. High density living is only good if a basic set of services are around. If the only thing here are condos and nail salons on the first floor, I might as well live in the country, because I still have to drive to buy groceries.

Keep 1 and 2 up and build all the condos you want! The problem is no one advocates for 1 and 2. The builders are in it for the short-term and the mayor doesn't seem competent enough to deal with it.

This town is just giving itself over to greed and over development. What a dump its becoming.

So leave Tom, you won't be missed. Plenty of happy, content, tolerant people still around who are adults and can handle change.

Have fun in Kent.

Atlas (and others) - "the problem with the anti-condo/townhouse/yuppie mob is they are actually the anti-people-who-are-not-like-me mob. they’re intolerant. 50 years ago they would have been out writing covenants to keep certain people out of their neighborhood. the idea that people should be free to live and do what they like with their own property is alien to them. petty. jealous. intolerant.

ultimately…..losers."

I find it funny that "the anti-condo/townhouse/yuppie mob" are being accused of intolerance. The reason I don't appreciate the yuppies moving in is because they are usually the most intolerant types I've run across.

Case in point, the complaints about the noise on old Ballard Ave. I am not saying there were none prior to the yuppie boom in Ballard, but there sure as heck seem to be a lot more now. What, you didn't look around before you moved in and realize there were music venues and bars?

I think there is equal intolerance, but the reason the members of the "mob" are intolerant is that these people are moving in and changing things after they knew exactly what our community was all about to begin with. Why move somewhere you don't like and try and change it to suit you, when most of the community appreciates what we already have?

Just sayin'.

So Angel, what about the people who were here before you? And the people before that? Hey, let's go all the way back and ask the natives how they feel about the original European settlers moving in and changing everything to suit themselves way back when.

Oh that's right, we can't ask these questions because time and life stops for you and no one else.

What exactly is a yuppie? Are we really still using that word?

Let's examine the definition of "yuppie". For those of you who don't remember, it stands for young urban professional. The key word here is urban...which means "of the city". Seattle is a city, and a pretty damn big one last time I checked. Ballard is part of Seattle. Thus, there are yuppies here, as there should be.

For those folks who don't like yuppies, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but you're living in the wrong place.

It's simple BB: a yuppie is someone who makes more money than I do, lives in better house, has a nicer car, takes better holidays, drinks fancy wines and smelly cheeses, and reads the New York Times while sipping his pretentious $4 coffees.

Because of these reasons, I hate them.

yuppie is also an attitude. i think it's the attitude we're discussing here. because according to broadbrown, for those of us that live in ballard, yes, we would probably fit the bill of his definition.

What attitude is that? The attitude that it was ok when our families moved here and changed everything to the way they wanted it, but not ok for other people to do that now?

That's a 3 year old's attitude. It's called a tantrum.

This is all untrue, the lease goes through another 2 years. I'm not sure who is spreading this, but it is silly.

As for the post office- totally untrue. This is an extremely disturbing, false and innaccurate rumor. This blog is like mainstream media...overloaded with innaccurate and one-sided information.
As for condos- welcome the change, it's not all that bad. You'd like ultra, custom-built, high-end condos? Then you're looking at 1mill +, and a fabulous increase in property taxes...for those of you who are homeowners. Ever thought about how this population growth contributes positively to our City, small business owners, and overall community? It's a scary thing called Capitalism, but it looks as if this too may be a changin'...then you'll really have something to whine about.

For the owner of this site---instead of writing about rumors, you need to report on facts. This is problematic--its creating paranoia about something that is untrue. Quite frankly, if they were to lose the lease, it would be up to the post office. And based on this, if they were to pull out early due to these "rumors", if I were the landlord, I would sue you for damages.

I'm so tired of people "reporting" on things in our country and our neighborhoods without any facts whatsoever.

news reader......

your source?

Swishy Ballard Boy...
Thanks for the personal attack. I really needed it. Grow up.
A lot of people I know feel the same way, so it's hardly "all about me."
For the record, my name isn't Angel.

Angel dear, that simply means there are a lot of babies in this neighborhood who can't handle change and think the world revolves around them sweety. I bet their grandparents didn't give a r*ts' a** about the feelings of the natives who lived here first, why should we care if they can't afford our $4 lattes and tapas?

You don't care, it shows, and that's fine. I am entitled to my opinion, too, B*tchy Ballard Queen. :)

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