This summer the Seattle Planning Commission invited communities throughout the city to participate in an online survey and attend meetings to help update the neighborhood plans that are now 10 years old. The plans are a major part of Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan, which describes how the city would like to grow over the next 20 years in ways that improve its neighborhoods.
More than 900 Ballard/Crown Hill residents filled out the online questionnaire to review and comment on changes pertaining to the original neighborhood plan. After compiling the information, the Neighborhood Plan Advisory Committee and Seattle Planning Commission have reported back on trends that were noted.
Tonight the Neighborhood Plan Advisory Committee and the Seattle Planning Commission are holding a second round of community meetings to determine priorities and new issues before presenting the final Status Reports and a State of the Neighborhood Report to the City Council and Mayor. The community meeting for our area is tonight from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the cafeteria of North Seattle Community College (map).
I just returned from the neighborhood status report meeting. A good conversation was had about the current status of the community plans and the next steps in the process.
Despite over 900 comments online from the Ballard Crown Hill Community only 5 members of the community were present. Adamant support for sidewalks in Crown Hill was voiced as was support for the completion of the Burke Gilman Trail (Missing Link). Also brought up in conversation was the increased traffic on 8th ave nw.
Recommendations will be made soon to the council as to which neighborhoods should have their plans updated and or changed. Two neighborhoods will be selected in the next few months. I would encourage all those interested in getting involved in the direction of the Ballard/Crown Hill community plans to reach out to the Neighborhood Plan Advisory Committee and or the Seattle Planning Commision whose main person of contact is:
Lyle Bicknell
Neighborhood Planning Manager
Department of Planning and Development
(206) 684-0763
lyle.bicknell@seattle.gov