Neighborhood house raided in DEA drug sting

A house on 28th Avenue NE was reportedly raided as part of a multi-state Drug Enforcement Agency operations earlier this week.

In a series of raids, one of them in our neighborhood, officers seized 24 pounds of meth and cocaine as well as $35,000 in cash. Since the operation began last year officials have seized 22 pounds of heroin, 40 pounds of meth and several guns.

Seattle Police Chief John Diaz said in a statement that the operation started with a routine buy-bust by Seattle officers and resulted in a large quantity of drugs being taken of the streets.

The U.S. Justice Department said in a release that 19 men and one woman were arrested and charged with drug-related crimes. It is unknown how many of those were arrested at the house in our neighborhood. It is also unknown how much of the seized drugs or weapons were from the house on 28th.

Sources said the operation involved members a Central American drug gang.

Charging documents related to the case will likely be available in a few days and we will post more information here if it becomes available.

The Seattle P-I has more on the operation.

Pierre Properties Project

I spoke with Don Moody from CB Richard Ellis yesterday. He was hired by the Pierre brothers to work out a 10 to 15 year plan for redeveloping their 14 acres of property in Lake City ( see the map here. ) They are at the start of a 2 year process of developing this plan. The stated intent is to develop their properties in a way that helps set the course for the redevelopment of the Lake City business district.

Don Moody has hired an urban planning consultant who is also a part time professor in the Urban Planning department at UW. Her name is Marty Curry. The intent is for her to act as coordinator of a group of UW students over a 2 to 3 quarter special topics class focusing on creating a comprehensive plan for the Pierre properties and, by extension,  the future development of Lake City. She will be speaking at the North District Council meeting next Wednesday, February 1st at 7pm at the Lake City Library.

Once the special topics class starts at the UW, they will have "design charrettes" at 6 week intervals with the Lake City community to collect input from us on our vision of the future Lake City. After the UW students have completed this process, the results will be provided to a professional urban planning/ architecture firm to refine. Parts of the plan will then be submitted to the city for a master use permit, and there will then be more public review opportunities to comment on design.

This will be a long process, but well worth the effort. Once a building is constructed it will likely be there for 50+ years.

For what it is worth, a few thoughts:

The parcels around the intersection of 127th and 30th and how they are developed will set the tone for our neighborhood. Kenmore and Bothell have both been working on developing walkable civic / retail districts that are a few blocks off of SR522 ( Lake City Way ) and it may be good to compare what they are doing to what we could have. Putting the "storefront" up along LCW and make the main entrance along 30th creates a sound break, a continuity of design along LCW, and a walkable retail street one block in.

A multi level parking garage would take the burden off developers to provide surface parking for retailers. One thought would be to use the site where the Pierre Body Shop is in the SW quadrant of 30th and 127th to create a  4 level garage with a new community center and an outdoor movie theater on the top deck.

The Panos property ( Ace HW, Grocery Outlet ) is almost equal in area to the Pierre properties around that intersection. It may be helpful to work with them as part of this process. The LCW frontage could be redeveloped to be up to the lot line to continue the business district "storefront" look, along with a pedestrian friendly 30th ave side.

It would be nice to also keep some of the light industry in the area and build off it. There is a niche real estate market out there for artisans / makers / tinkerers / light industrial and assembly companies,  and I think they would be a positive addition to the neighborhood.

Dave

Survey: Monthly Meeting Times and Topics

This survey will be up in the Survey section as well. You can also access it here.

Weekly Walk Report - Monday, January 23rd

There were eight Douglas Parkers out for the walk last night. We traveled the usual Monday path and picked up quite a bit of litter. We had some nice discussions about the neighborhood, pausing in front of the Elliott Bay Brew Pub to talk about how nice it would be to have a Trader Joe's in next door to that. As shown in the map a few posts back, there is a large chunk of contiguous property owned by the Pierres that is currently being used mostly for storage and parking.

We noted many pot holes on 125th, and made a report to SDOT. You can track the progress of the repairs here.  Use the "select neighborhood" pull down to select Olympic Hills. Please report any that are not shown.

One pothole in particular was noted last night at the south blockface near the intersection of 127th and 30th in the SW quadrant. It is hidden by the small pond that takes up about a good third of the road at that location whenever it rains. A complete solution would be to fix the drainage issue AND the pot hole. There is a storm drain that is about 25 feet away that has the grate too high to drain the pond. This could be a meeting topic and letter to the city from DPC to address this issue. We could also invite SPU and SDOT reps to a meeting to discuss solutions to this problem as well.

There were many "buttons" that were knocked loose from the pavement during last week's bad weather. SDOT said they will not be reusing them, so we collected about a dozen or so on our walk. The traffic counter cables were damaged as well. They said a street cleaner should be out soon to clean the road up.

LC Shelter - Meeting Minutes from 01/03/11

Lake City UGM Shelter Advisory Committee

Meeting Minutes

1/3/2012

1. Call to order

Terry C. Pallas called to order the regular meeting of the Lake City Shelter Advisory Committee at 4:05pm on 1/3/2012 in the Lake City Community Center Meeting Room.

1. Roll call

The following persons were present: 

• Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission – Terry C. Pallas 
• Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission – Paul LaRose
• Lake City Development Council – Joe Simmons
• At Large Business Member – Suzy Smith
• At Large Resident Member – Janet Arkills
• At Large Resident Member – Chuck Dickey
• Lake City Task Force on Homelessness – Melanie Neufeld
• At Large Business Member and Resident – Annie Stocker

The following persons were absent: 

• Cedar Park – Elena Earle
• North Council – Cheryl Klinker 
• UGM Shelter guest - (not yet determined)

1. Approval of minutes from last meeting

Joe Simmons motioned to approve minutes, Chuck Dickey seconded. Minutes from 12/20/11 were approved.

1. SUGM Statistical Report

• 146 registered guests to date (Clarification: registered guests are not removed from list when not utilizing shelter, in case they return)
• Meals served from Dec. 1^st-31^st is 3526 (114 meals a day average)
• Bed nights from Dec. 1^st-31^st is 1248 (33 men average, 8 women average) (Higher in last two weeks of Dec., lower in first two weeks of Dec.)

Discussion ensued re: Shelter residency can be cyclical - dependent on weather, also dependent on time of month (guests receiving government services will typically not use shelter services during the first 5-7 days of month after receiving monthly payments.)

• UGM Representative Terry reported a male guest enrolled in UGM’s New Creations treatment program after several weeks at LCShelter. Two men enrolled to date, Terry anticipates more, presented details regarding future positive outcomes, particularly peer influence of enrollees who complete recovery program on non-enrollees. 
• UGM Representative Paul reported 1 woman referred to Hope Place, 2 in waiting. Terry presented details regarding difficulties in placing women, waiting lists for services, etc.

1. Community Check-In

Committee Member Suzy reported:

1. 5 calls in 2 days from local business owners. Complaints included: aggressive panhandling, shoplifting, and aggressive behavior towards customers (daytime), including one elderly woman physically assaulted.  Worked with UGM employee John and business owners to identify several as shelter guests.  Praised John’s responsiveness and responsibility.
2. Discussed similar problems with LC police officers. Business owners reluctant to report to police, due to changes in policies of City of Seattle’s Trespassing Program.

Discussion ensued re: Why shelter guests aren’t using LCShelter picnic area instead of loitering by businesses. Various opinions expressed, including: guests not allowed to have alcohol on shelter premises, guests prefer time away from LCShelter.

1. Reiterated need for monitoring/patrol, suggested UGM meet with business owners to reassure business owners.

Discussion ensued re: Ongoing loitering near Grocery Outlet/Papa Murphy, Bartell’s/Panda Express, new Pho An restaurant opening next to Sporthaus Schmetzer. Key points included:

• Whether loitering is “new” homeless or “familiar” homeless. Various opinions expressed. Committee Member Chuck reported encountering 12 loiterers in front of Papa Murphy’s, frustrated, sees same group there daily.  Requested UGM take action to improve it.
• Committee Member Annie asked how LCShelter communicates a community concern to LCShelter guests. UGM Representative Paul responded: addresses concerns at an optional community meeting daily, 7:30-8:00am (LCShelter guests not required to participate).  Talks one-on-one with LCShelter guest when he receives specific report.  UGM’s response is dependent on receiving reports from community.  Reiterated need to call shelter number (206-971-3556) to report problems. Paul noted belief that few guests causing problems, majority not, believes majority is beginning to have positive influence in preventing problems. 
• Committee Member Suzy suggested dispersing LCShelter contact info to businesses via Lake City Chamber of Commerce email or flier, end triangulation of complaints, enable businesses to contact UGM directly.
• UGM Representative Paul noted limitations; LCShelter guests not necessarily responsive to UGM reps attempts to remove LCShelter guests from public property. UGM has no legal authority to enforce non-loitering. 
• Committee Members Annie and Janet suggested need for UGM to have clear expectations/communication with LCShelter guests on formal/informal community rules.

1. Open Issues:

1. Planning transition of shelter closing:  March 31^st last day LCShelter will provide evening shelter. UGM Representative Terry stated that UGM will start communicating Feb. 1st to the guests that the shelter will be closing. UGM will work with guests on alternative resources; noted UGM has resources available to move LCShelter guests to downtown location.

Discussion ensued, re: Can LC TaskForce on Homelessness ask network of churches/service providers to “adopt” homeless individuals as shelter closes?  Key points included:

• awkwardness of creating “artificial” relationships, versus “natural” relationships.
• Clarification of differences in service programs: some require separation from society to be effective, other programs allow candidates to work, UGM doesn’t currently offer that service, possibility of LCShelter guests as candidates for an “adoption” process. 
• Committee member consensus to collectively pursue possible church/business/individual resources, create database LCShelter can use to refer guests as applicable (as LCShelter closes).

1. Litter Pick-up - planned for Thursday 9:00-10:30am. LC Taskforce representative Melanie committed to supervising weekly litter patrols. Paul can promote litter patrol with one-day notice, anticipates 8-15 LCShelter guests as possible participants. Annie volunteered. Committee Member Chuck requested materials be inventoried so tools returned properly.
2. LC Shelter Guest incentives: Committee Member Suzy reiterated offer to use Lake City funds for positive incentives to reward shelter guest behavior, prevent nuisance behavior. UGM Representative Paul suggested $5 increment gift cards to local eateries (Starbucks, Dick’s, Subway, Papa Murphy’s) as well as weather-resistant gloves.
3. LC Taskforce on Homelessness weekly patrol - 2-4 people on alternating Wednesday/Friday evenings at 7:00pm.
4. Tent City 3 (TC3) on 145^th:  UGM Representative Paul responded to question - said LCShelter not seeing influx from TC3. LCShelter does get homeless from TC3, but Paul says they don’t typically stay. Paul noted that LCShelter guests are coming from outside of Lake City, referred by hospitals, mental health facilities, service providers, word of mouth. Several guests have come from downtown UGM then returned.

1. Action Items:

1. (Suzy) Will contact Diane at Lake City Chamber re: posting LCShelter contact info to local businesses.
2. (Suzy) Will pursue purchasing small denomination gift certificates to local restaurants to donate to LCShelter.
3. (Terry) Will contact City of Seattle re: city representative attending advisory meetings.
4. (Terry) Will work on LCShelter newsletter, send it out to committee members for feedback.
5. (Melanie) Will contact churches/service provider networks to discuss transitional options for guests in anticipation of LCShelter closure, will present idea at next LC Taskforce on Homelessness meeting.
6. (Melanie) Will schedule and monitor litter pick-up weekly for Thursdays. (Annie) volunteered to help and/or lead. (Chuck) will provide materials. (Paul) will inventory materials and ensure they are returned.
7. (Joe) Will pursue possible donations of weather-resistant gloves for LCShelter.
8. (All Committee Members) Will research possible “adoption” resources for referrals as shelter closes.

1. Adjournment

Terry C. Pallas adjourned the meeting at 5:05pm. Next meeting 1/10/12. 

Trash pickup cancelled, double pickup next week

Seattle Public Utilities has cancelled our previously rescheduled trash pickup because of continued slick road conditions.

Our neighborhood will be allowed double the amount of trash next week.

From SPU:

Neighborhood road conditions prevent safe collection of delayed residential garbage, recycling, and food and yard waste today, Saturday. All customers who did not have their solid waste picked up during the past week may set out double amounts for their next regularly scheduled collection at no extra charge.

CANCELLED: "Destination Reading" Book Giveaway, Rescheduled for March 31st

UPDATE: The Destination Reading book giveaway has been cancelled because of the weather. Volunteers were unable to open the warehouse doors where the books are stored. The event has been rescheduled for March 31st. We will post a reminder closer to that date.

"Destination Reading," a New and Gently Used Book Giveaway, hosted by the Lions Club, is coming to the Community Center on Saturday, January 21st.

The giveaway is for youth from preschool to teens and will feature a 'World of Books' display and refreshments.

Thousands of books will be available and each youngster will be allowed two books.

The event is a Project of the 19B Lions Giving Library, The Lake City Lions Club, Lions Clubs International and Lions of King & Snohomish Counties.

It runs from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. so arrive early to get the best books!

For more info call 206-362-4378

Neighborhood trash pickup rescheduled for Saturday

Just in from Seattle Public Utilities:

Because of the icy road conditions Seattle will be on a revised trash pickup schedule.

Neighborhoods scheduled for pickup on Thursday are now scheduled for Friday pickup. Those usually scheduled for Friday pickup (our neighborhood) are now scheduled for pickup on Saturday.

Stay safe out there!

PHOTO: Snow Hearts in BofA parking lot

One of Seattle's best sledding spots here in our neighborhood

UPDATE: Please be careful when sledding! The Seattle P-I reports that on Monday a four year-old child ended up in a chilly pond at Jackson Park golf course about 4:25 p.m. The child was reportedly sledding under parents supervision when he ended up in the pond. He was quickly pulled out and treated my medics.


While at the park Monday we also noticed a large hole, marked by an orange cone, that could potentially swallow a small child. Just be aware where your child is sledding. The hill on the northeast corner of the park seems to be the most popular and safest.

When snow comes, and schools close, streets in Seattle are taken over by kids and their sleds. On Tuesday, Seattle's Department of Transportation reminded people that sledding on city streets is technically illegal — however it is rarely enforced.

Fortunately for people in our neighborhood, we happen to live near one of the best legal sledding spots in the city.

The City's public Jackson Park Golf Course offers a varied terrain of hills and flat areas. The park usually opens for sledding when there is more than four-inches of snow on the ground. However, on Monday dozens of families were in the park with sleds and smiling kids.

There used to be a large hole in the fence that allowed access near the intersction of 15th Ave NE and NE 135th. However the fence has been replaced and topped with barbed wire. Entry is now possible from the course entrance up the hill, 1000 Northeast 135th Street.

Seattle Parks offers a hotline at 684-4075 to learn if a park has been designated as safe for sledding.



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