Shoreline's Trees: A Triumph of Hope Over Fear

Trees Represent Hope and Hope Is Alive in Shoreline

Old Madrones Frame and ARE the "View"
Above Richmond Beach Saltwater Park

Last night, June 18th was a turning point for Shoreline's Trees. At the City Council meeting, four coucilmembers (Will Hall, Chris Roberts, Jesse Salamon and Chris Eggen) voted to protect trees.

They voted for some amendments in the Development Code crafted by the Shoreline Planning Commission. 

It is a significant victory for Shoreline's trees.

The major changes will be to require a permit for cutting a tree 30" in diameter or larger, AND for a 

provision which will be the cornerstone of a new policy. That is, no longer will any property owner be able to cut 6 trees in 3 years. Only those with lots of 1 acre in size. Smaller lots will be allowed to cut significant trees in smaller increments.

The Council agenda item is here and the public can watch the meeting online here. 

http://www.cityofshoreline.com/index.aspx?page=71

There were over a dozen speakers and most spoke in favor of the Planning Commission amendments. Over 30 members of the public had sent comments to the council in favor of those amendments as well.

These new amendments to the Development Code cap a 10 year struggle to put in place protections for Shoreline's tree canopy. The Shoreline Preservation Society and others, including Thornton Creek Alliance, Interurban Trail Tree Preservation Society, and members of Sustainable Shoreline, and people from all over Shoreline advocated to better protect trees.

Councilmember Will Hall made the motion to move the Planning Commission amendments forward. There were some attempts to amend and some of the provisions were altered or removed, such as one that would have prevented pre-emptive cutting of trees for possible development before any proposal was submitted. According to one councilmember, this happened probably because the item was confusing.

But the heart of the ordinance, the provision to reduce the number of trees cut and protect 30" trees stands!

Southwoods Park, saved by the
passage of the 2006 Parks Bond

Longtime Briarcrest Neighborhood Association member, Bettelinn Brown testified that the community had voted by over 70% to protect trees such as Southwoods and the Kruckeberg Garden in 2006, in the 

Parks Bond measure and therefore it is clear that Shoreline residents want to protect trees.

Boni Biery, who is a Sustainable Shoreline boardmember testified about how many trees have been lost over the years surrounding her home.

There were implied threats made by some view neighborhoods that legal action could follow, and that remains to be seen.  But, other legal experts have asserted that under the Growth Management Act, cities and city councils are clearly permitted to take these actions. In related case law:

Upon review of a city’s planning decision, the Board “shall find compliance unless it determines that a [city] action is clearly erroneous in view of the entire record before the board and in light of the goals and requirements of the GMA.”  To find an action “clearly erroneous,” the Board must have a “firm and definite conviction that a mistake has been committed.”

So for now, Shoreline's trees have a shot at survival. Trees are a triumph of hope over fear for Shoreline.

Trees Are Fundamental to Shoreline's Character

Trees are front and center again in Shoreline. 

"To Tree or not to Tree, that is the question!" 

(apologies to William Shakespear!)

Trees that are now gone
 from Bear Reserve, part of Innis Arden
7/11 - ph credit Janet Way

At Monday's City Council meeting the Trees and Tree Board topic will be on the agenda. Council will take up Ordinances #617 and #627 which address respectively:  creating a Tree Board and Tree Cutting Permits for the Right of Way. 


The agenda link is here. Councilmeetings begin at 7pm, and public comment on this item will be at the beginning, but the discussion and potential vote will begin after about 7:45pm. You can contact the Council directly at:
http://www.shorelinewa.gov/index.aspx?recordid=10&page=36
or City Manager's office: 801-2213
http://www.shorelinewa.gov/index.aspx?recordid=11&page=648

Citizens who care about protecting our trees have been contacting the Council for years about these concerns and recently have taken other actions.

The Shoreline Preservation Society, a local non-profit organization is raising many concerns about these proposals and the potential impacts to our environment, health and character of the community. 
SPS (Shoreline Preservation Society) is now sponsoring an online petition, through The Petition Site/Care2, asking the community to support the protection of our trees through and independent, stand-alone tree board, not just creating a board ordinance that facilitates cutting more trees and benefits one neighborhood's "views".  


The petition has garnered over 230 signatures in just 5 days. You're invited to sign at:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/protect-shorelines-urban-forest/


In Shoreline, tree preservation has been a continuing controversy for many years, and is fundamental to the community's image, quality of life and central to the political identity of different neighborhoods and factions.

Some magnificent London Plane Trees grace
Meridian Ave N, and provide shade and a beautiful
"tunnel of green"
ph credit, Janet Way

Some of the major concerns about these ordinances are:

• Need for SEPA Review to assess the actual environmental impacts of this ordinance 

• Tree Board needs to be an "independent, stand-alone" body, not just the Parks Board 

• Accompanying "Street Tree List" to the ordinance does not contain conifers, native trees or most of the existing street trees, when our current streetsides now are made up of over 40% conifers. 

• Permit process is designed to benefit one neighborhood, Innis Arden to facilitate cutting for views

Major Concern:
So, if all the trees that are now in the "Right-of-Way" (existing Street Trees) are not on the "approved list" in the proposed ordinance, they are all vulnerable to cutting, with just a simple permit.

Many of us are still asking are we Shoreline, Innis Arden or Shorelinnisarden? 

Thousands of beautiful trees are at stake in Shoreline and the Council has a responsibility to consider the legacy we leave for the future in our City.

Conifer in Right of Way in Innis Arden

Stump Grinding Sequoias

Update on Sequoias at Shorecrest:

Sequoia stump being reduced to sawdust.

Workers at Shorecrest remodelling site, who had cut four Giant Seqouias a week ago were observed "stump grinding" what's left of those trees.  The trees were nearly 50 years old. They were located adjacent to the tennis courts, but SSD removed them in a permitted action by the City a week ago.
Many residents were very upset to see these trees removed.

Cross sections of the largest stump show the
age of these Sequoias

Are they trying to get rid of all evidence? Or maybe just advance their plan for expanding the access driveway which seems to be a high priority for Shoreline School District in the remodeling plans?

We will continue to monitor the actions of the Shoreline School District with regard to trees, the environment, revenue and otherwise.

It's too bad that the SSD can't just concentrate on educating our kids, and avoid getting into these controversies. Maybe if they'd just treat the public and neighborhoods with more respect for their intelligence, they could avoid these problems.

Tonite (1/9), at the Shoreline City Council meeting, 7pm, the proposed "Tree Board" will be discussed. These trees are just one more example of why Shoreline needs a more effective tree policy and Comprehensive Urban Forestry Plan.

What's left of the largest Sequoia stump that was
over 44" in diameter

Four Huge Sequoias Cut at Shorecrest HS

Last Thursday, neighbors were shocked to see four enormous Giant Sequoia trees being cut next to the existing Tennis Courts at the northern edge of the Shorecrest Campus.

Four stumps are left after Sequoias
were cut at Shorecrest HS. The remaining five are in backround.

The school is in the early stages of its remodeling project, but the site plan for the Shorecrest remodel does not show any construction being planned for that section of the campus.

The four Giant Sequoias were nearly half of a long row of the conifers which had bordered the tennis courts at the top of the hill at the northern edge of the campus. They appeared to have been the largest of the total 9 trees which had graced this hillside. One had an over 3ft diameter.

Neighborhood forest steward Charlie Brown views
the huge stump left at the scene.

It is very unclear why these trees were cut since the area next to the Theater and Tennis Courts is not shown in the Shoreline School District Site Plans for Shorecrest. Both of the Shoreline HS are being remodeled after voters approved the Bonds in 2006 and 2010. It was not possible to contact the district of course over the holiday weekend. 

There are five sequoias remaining at the crest of the hill where the tennis courts are located. The fencing on one side of the tennis courts has been removed and it appears they are slated for a parking purpose. 

If citizens would like to ask the school board why these trees were cut, the School Board members can be contacted here.

Neighbors did call the City of Shoreline CRT (Customer Response Team), and were told that information would be sought on why the trees were cut.  The SSD did receive permits of course from the City to proceed with their projects. We are not sure whether the cutting of these trees was included in this permit. Further inquiries will be made when City and SSD offices are open Tuesday.

Shoreline City Council can be contacted through the City website. 
At the City council meeting, Jan 9th, the Council is scheduled to discuss the upcoming proposal to create a "tree board" to institute the "Tree City USA" designation. The Council has discussed putting a stronger tree ordinance in place but last year opted to leave only "voluntary" measures in place with regard to attempts to increase the Urban Forest Canopy goals.

Questions about this incident can be directed to the City of Shoreline Customer Response Team which can be contacted here.

Five remaining Sequoia Trees on Shorecrest Campus

The loss of these huge trees seems like an incredible waste and needless given that the site plans for the school remodel show no building will take place there. These trees appeared to have been at least 40 years old. Conifers like these Sequoias, provide numerous well documented benefits and services to the community including but not limited to, shade, air and water quality, carbon sequestration and of course beauty. Sequoias are native to California but do grow in the northwest successfully. The Giant Sequoias
(Sequoiadendrons) located in California are considered to be the largest living things on earth. 

Point Wells is Front and Center Tonite at Shoreline City Council Again

The first Shoreline Councilmeeting of the fall season will bring the big issue front and center -
Point Wells. 
Council Hearing tonight! 
Citizens are urged to attend and express their opinions. 


The City had issued a Letter of Intent" to negotiate with the billionaire developers, rather than pursue further litigation. The council has presumably given it's blessing to this tactic but is requiring a series of public hearings.


YOU can testify and/or send a comment to the Council tonite or any week. 
Here is their meeting info page.
http://www.cityofshoreline.com/index.aspx?page=82

Save Richmond Beach is a non-profit advocacy organization that is standing up against the mega-huge development proposal by Blue Square Real Estate.  They've published the following notice urging citizens to attend tonite's meeting and advocate for no capitulation by the City to BSRE. 


They've recently posted many "NO URBAN CENTER" signs around town and are urging the City to fight against that GMA designation rather than just negotiate. They are asking folks to "Adopt-a-Sign" for $10. Contact them at -
Info@saverichmondbeach.org
206.356.5356 

http://www.saverichmondbeach.org/

Point Wells City Council Meeting Tuesday at 7PM

September 6, 2011

Council Chamber
Shoreline City Hall
17500 Midvale Avenue North

As a follow-up to the staff-sponsored (standing-room-only) public meeting on August 31, the City Council will be hosting another public meeting to discuss the Point Wells Letter-of-Intent and the public comment that was generated at the meeting last week.

Below is a bulleted list of concerns from the meeting last week as documented by staff. This is not the final list as stated in the staff-report released after the hearing.

If you do not see your concern listed, I highly recommend you email your City Council or come and speak at the meeting this week.

1) Traffic - residents are concerned about the traffic impacts from the project, including construction and parking diversion from the development when completed;

2) Project Opposition - residents are opposed to the project and feel that the City should fight or delay the development through lawsuits, and not agree to anything;

3) Trust - that there was not sufficient public notice about the community meeting or the Council meeting on September 6th and that people felt the City abruptly changed policy direction with the LOI and they felt blindsided;

4) Premature Action/Decision - residents voiced concern that the LOI is premature and the staff should have held the public hearing to receive residents' input prior to formalizing the LOI; and

5) Annexation - The City is only pursuing annexation as a way to increase City resources regardless of the project impacts.

SaveRichmondBeach.org is a community-driven non-profit organization dedicated to preserving our neighborhood through responsible and sustainable planning.
 http://www.saverichmondbeach.org/

An Important Announcement for Shoreline

A message from Janet Way.

Janet Way, Publisher -
Of Paramount Importance Blog

Shoreline needs to go back to its Sustainability Goals. As a city that has "shoreline" on Puget Sound,
it is indeed Of Paramount Importance that we should make restoring clean water, clean air, and clean energy an urgent priority. This is a part of our Vision passed by the Council in 2008.


We can aim higher than we have in the last two years. We need to restore our local economy, bring back more green jobs, encourage innovation and small business and make Shoreline a place where families can thrive. Hard work is a part of our history, and we show up and do what it takes to give our citizens hope for a bright future.


An important part of our goals should also be, remembering our past heritage and building upon those values that made Shoreline an attractive and prosperous place to live.  


That is why I've decided to run for City Council again. I'll be filing for Position #4 next week, and will be talking to voters in every part of Shoreline. Our campaign will focus on facts, and on values that Shoreline cares about. We will work for transparent governance and to INCREASE public involvement, not decrease it. The new City Hall should be the people's place. 


I look forward to talking to you and hearing your ideas about how to make Shoreline even better! 


I will continue to make the Of Paramount Importance Blog a place to discuss public policy for the Shoreline Area and raise issues about sustainability and other topics that have meaning to our readers. 


Let's get to work! 


Thanks for following Of Paramount Importance.


Sincerely,


Janet


ps. Call me anytime at 206-734-5545

Jesse Salomon Announces City Council Candidate Position

Shoreline City Council Candidate, Jesse Salomon has announced he's running for Position #6, which is the open seat.

That seat is currently held by Terry Scott who is not running again.

       Salomon is a public defender, professionally and serves on the Ridgecrest Community Council and Shoreline Council of Neighborhoods. 

In a recent statement he says, “Over the past couple of months I have been talking to voters throughout Shoreline in order to understand the issues and concerns that they have with Shoreline City Government.  I am convinced that filling the leadership void created by Council Member Terry Scott’s departure is where my skills and talents on the Shoreline City Council can be best used to keep Shoreline moving forward.  I thank Terry for his years of outstanding service.”

He is a member of the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce and co-founder of a successful non-profit that assists homeless youth. He's stated that some of his top priorities are public, pedestrian and traffic safety.

One reason this is important to him is that his mother was recently killed in a car/pedestrian accident.

He's pledged to work for more sidewalks, street lights and police officers.

Jesse also believes city government needs to be accountable for how it spends taxpayer dollars.  Recently, Shoreline voters passed a tax increase to fund city services.  He will make sure that money is spent on direct services to fight crime and help those in need, not on bureaucracy.

As an attorney Jesse has worked hard to protect the most vulnerable amongst us, including children from abusive homes, victims of domestic violence, and homeless people.  Jesse is a graduate of Western Washington University and the University of Washington School of Law, where he earned scholarships and recognition for his public service.

While at Western Washington University, Jesse served as Vice President for Legislative Affairs, and later spent one session in Olympia as legislative liaison for the Students of Western.  There he fought tuition increases and was instrumental in securing $19 million for State Need Grants, which help middle and low-income students to afford college.

Recognizing his commitment to public service and accountable, responsive government King County Councimember Bob Ferguson endorsed Jesse Salomon.The election for this open seat is important to keep Shoreline moving forward.  Jesse will be an effective voice for the values we share: environmental stewardship, safe neighborhoods, accountable government, improved transit service and economic opportunity.  Jesse’s open, accessible personality will be a good fit with the current City Council.”

Since announcing his candidacy just last month, Jesse has raised $5,125 and contributed $15,000 of his own money for a total of over $20,125 for his race.  He continues to go door to door throughout Shoreline talking to voters.  He looks forward to continuing this aggressive effort to earn the support of Shoreline residents.

To learn more about Jesse and his campaign please visit 

www.JesseforShoreline.com

Jesse has been endorsed by a wide range of Shoreline community leaders including:

32^nd Legislative District Democrats

King County Councilmember Bob Fergusen

State Senator Maralyn Chase

Former State Senator Donn Charnley

Shoreline City Councilmember Chris Eggen

Shoreline City Councilmember Chris Roberts

Dick Nicholson

Paige Garberding

Sarah and David Nicol, Owner NakNek Seafoods

Keith Scully, Former Deputy King County Prosecutor

Outcome on Ronald School COA Hearing

Shoreline City Council Makes a Unanimous Decision to Let the Shoreline School District Have Its Way with the Historic Landmarked Ronald School.

Front Walk and Door of Ronald School
Landmarked in 2008

A local non-profit, Shoreline Preservation Society had appealled the previous decision of the "Shoreline" Landmarks Commission (which in reality contained no one representing Shoreline attending, as required by City Statute and and Interlocal Agreement with King County.)

Shoreline Preservation Society issues the following statement about the outcome of the hearing:

The objective of SPS in filing the appeal of the COA was not only to protect the Ronald School, but to 

ensure that the decision was made by Shoreline. SPS took a position to support both the rebuild of the Shorewood HS AND properly protect the Ronald School. Sadly, because the City Council relinquished its solemn responsibility to protect our cultural and historic assets, the current proposal will unnecessarily impact the Ronald School and invade its landmarked sections. Serious precedents will be set.

SPS obviously strongly disagrees with the Council's decision and believes their appeal demonstrated numerous Landmarks Commission errors, including in important procedures, but also errors of fact, judgement and conclusion.  It was the Council's duty, if there was ANY possible error, to assert its authority, and remand the decision back to the Landmarks Commission.

SPS is currently looking at options for the future and considering what steps can be taken to ensure the

protection of the cultural and historical assets in the Shoreline area.

Councilmember Chris Roberts made many good points in his statement, including pointing out:

 • that the Landmarks Commission did NOT indeed have a quorum with only 3 voting members,

 • that the proposal will impact the landmarked sections,

 • that the Shoreline School District had followed a course that divided the community and,

 • that SSD missed many opportunities to work cooperatively with the Shoreline Historical Museum from the beginning

Roberts then justified voting to Deny the appeal of the COA based on his belief that SPS had not properly mentioned the "quorum" word in the appeal or at the first hearing.

But, SPS believes that it was not the place of citizens at that first hearing to raise the quorum issue, but that it was the responsibility of the Commission and its Chair to do so. SPS DID specifically call out the commission numerous times on their faulty procedures and especially the lack of a Shoreline Member, which was required by law. 

Where was the City Manager and City Attorney and their responsibility to instruct the Council on their responsibilities?  Some Councilmembers seemed to think it was not their place to "judge" the decision of supposed experts on the Landmarks Commission. Don't they realize that in this case, that is their job?

It was their job to judge whether Commission was correct and the School District/Bassetti's plan would be allowed to impact this historic building.  

Shoreline Preservation Society strongly believes that the Council has now shirked its responsibility to protect the Ronald School in denying the appeal.  And the decision was
in reality a political excersize with a flimsy veneer of policy reasoning.  

SPS points out that there were numerous, serious flaws in the procedures that have been followed by the "Shoreline Landmarks Commission" and the City's responsibilities, including:

• no Shoreline Member and no provision for a substitute when needed

• no City staff even attended the first hearing

• intent of the City's preservation law undermined and disregarded
• SEPA process gone awry and City letting the School District dictate the outcome
(no real alternatives were ever really analyzed or presented properly)

What was gained through this appeal process? SPS is proud to have made it possible for the public and stakeholders to be a party to this Certificate of Appropriateness process. Until these hearings, the public had been excluded from the process. Now two public hearings were held, which would not have otherwise happened on a matter of importance on a cultural icon in Shoreline. One was televised. The public also had the opportunity to speak their minds.  

Also, the Council had originally proposed to hold their deliberations on this matter in "executive session", and SPS challenged that and put a stop to that.

Lessons Learned

1. Preservation is a process that needs to be seriously strengthened in our community.

2. Without serious oversight and and constant vigilance, everything of value here is potentially at risk.

3. The Shoreline City Councilmembers are too busy and don't have the staff support to be able to understand the complex issues presented in this case.

4. The Shoreline City Council is willing in their decision, to ignore important, basic procedural issues such as "quorum", when the desire for expediency is stronger that ensuring accuracy and quality of their judgements. 

5. Standards which are required to be followed under the Preservation Law regarding landmarked buildings in the City Code are easily dismissed by councilmembers when conflated with issues that are irrelevant such as, "use, timing and proposals for shiny and new".

6. The City has decided it is not in control of what is allowed in Shoreline. The Shoreline School District IS. 

The Shoreline Preservation Society will continue its mission on preservation.  Meanwhile the future of the oldest, and most significant historic building in our area, is still at serious risk.

Judge JT Ronald, Shoreline Pioneer

In a statement made in our appeal, "If what has befallen the Ronald School, is the outcome available to all Shoreline Landmarks, then no historical property is safe and the City's Landmarks code is not worth much."

UPDATE - Ronald School Hearing

What Happened Last Night? 
A few interesting outcomes -

Historic Ronald School Front Portico

February 28th, the Shoreline City Council Hearing took place on the Ronald School appeal of the 

Certificate of Appropriateness by the Shoreline Preservation Society.  But, there were several surprises. 

The Council chambers were full of interested citizens. The Shoreline Landmarks Commission had held a hearing November 17th and approved the Certificate that is required in order for a significant alteration of the Landmarked Historic

School Building.

The full City Council spent the entire meeting listening to attorney's and staff opinions on the matter of the fate of the oldest public building in Shoreline. The Shoreline School District plans to gut the Landmarked Ronald School building and attach it to the new HS Complex. 

First the Council decided NOT to deliberate in "Executive Session". Doing this would have been a controversial move, since the public would have been excluded from hearing the reasoning and process the Council went through to consider the proposal.  It would have been controversial, because of the 

OPMA considerations. (Open Public Meetings Act).

There were presentations by both attorneys for the appellant, Shoreline Preservation Society and the applicant/owner, Shoreline School District.  And questioning by the Council.

The second unexpected outcome was a from a questions raised by Councilmember Chris Roberts and Terry Scott, and the answer from City Attorney Ian Sievers. Roberts' question was about the recusal of Landmarks Commissioner Brian Rich, and whether there had been a quorum of the Shoreline Landmarks Commission to make its decision on the Certificate of Appropriateness for altering the Ronald School.

Ian Sievers answer was that "There was no quorum".  

Much of the evening afterwards was spent arguing about this point and what the council should do. 

There were concerns expressed about what might happen if the Council remanded the case back to the "Shoreline Landmarks Commission". (One problem is that there still is no "Shoreline Member" of the Commission appointed as required by the interlocal agreement between Shoreline and King County.) 

Would the Commission's decision be then revoked, or reversed? Would they have to go back to square one? No one seemed to know. The City Attorney recommended, it might be well to postpone a decision for a week to research the issue. He said that the "common law" consideration on "Robert's Rules of Order" would make the fact that only 3 members of the Commission out of a 7 member board, had been there to vote, would seem to indicate there was NOT a quorum. 

There were many other issues raised by appellants. These were matters of "Errors of Fact, Judgement, and Conclusion".  

But the Council was focussed on the quorum matter. They ended up voting 4-3 to table the matter till the next council meeting to give time for the City Attorney and parties to brief the issue of quorum. 

The Council vote was as follows -

FOR: Roberts, Scott, Eggen and MacGlashen AGAINST: Hall, Winstead and McConnell

The matter will be taken up again at the next Council meeting. Since it is a closed record, quasi-judicial matter, the Councilmembers will not be allowed to discuss this matter together or with anyone until a decision is made.


Stay tuned to more updates in near future.

Ronald School - The Truth Will Set You Free!

Monday Night, Truth Will Be Told on the Historic Ronald School and the Shoreline School District's Plans to Engulf It in a Huge New HS Complex

Front Portico of Ronald School
built in 1912

The Hearing will be held to determine whether the Shoreline School District should receive the "Certificate of Appropriateness" to impact a Landmarked Building with the proposed development of the Shorewood HS.  The COA was appealed by the Shoreline Preservation Society.

The scene will be a Shoreline City Council Hearing. The meeting starts at 7pm at Shoreline City Hall.

Shoreline City Hall - Council Chamber17500 Midvale Avenue North
Shoreline, Washington 98133


The Public is welcome to attend the hearing and witness the presentations.

The Hearing is to be a Quasi-Judicial Closed Record matter. This means that no public comment will be taken and councilmembers may NOT speak to each other or anyone else on this matter beforehand, but attorneys for Shoreline School District and the Shoreline Preservation Society will be presenting arguments. The hearing will be televised.

One controversial aspect of this hearing is that as of today, the deliberations of the Council are scheduled to be in "Executive Session". That means IN SECRET for a matter regarding the School District and the oldest building in the community!

You can see the agenda and click on the item, and access the documents in the record here.
http://cosweb.ci.shoreline.wa.us/uploads/attachments/cck/Council/Agendas/Agendas2011/022811.htm

Rear section of Ronald School, part of the oldest section( 1912)
 of the school to be encased by new HS.
These windows will be replaced but "bricked in" and
"encapsulated" by a glass hallway.

The main issues at stake are the following:

This is NOT about whether to build a new High School.
It is about whether a precedent setting plan to "Significantly Alter and Impact" the 1912 Landmarked Ronald School will be approved by the Shoreline City Council.

The Shoreline Preservation Society is an all volunteer non-profit organization whose mission is:

“To foster the preservation of historical heritage, cultural and 

environmental assets throughout the Shoreline Area.”

Shoreline's Trail Project - Paramount Park Needs ATTENTION!

And it is Of Paramount Importance, seriously!

Littles Creek when trail crossing
was in better shape

Over the last 20 years or more, neighbors in the Littles Creek/Paramount Park Basin have been monitoring and advocating for this "little jewel in the crown" of Shoreline's Parks. It is important for many reasons, not the least of which as one of the important "headwaters" of Thornton Creek. It contains one of the finest riparian habitats in the entire city and highest quality reaches of creek in the city as well.

There have also extensive wetland restoration efforts undertaken by citizens.

Monday night, the City Council will hear from the Trails Corridor Study Group, who'll report out the results of their work on a 2006 Parks Bond element.

This represents some $2.5 million if funding from this Bond and the outcomes include many projects.

BUT,

at this point, in my book it is missing this very important element. That is addressing the trail system which exists in Paramount Park Natural Area and the extended neighborhood. 

The photo below shows the Littles Creek overcrossing during the 2007 "100 yr" storm event.

And it happens this way every year during the rainy season. 

Littles Creek Overcrossing during 2007 Storm Event

The result is that in this spot, the erosion is an ongoing problem for water quality and for the TRAIL.

Dec 2010 Shows Same Trail Crossing
with continued erosion

So what's the big deal? Well, this under appreciated trail system, created in a casual way by King County 

long ago is actually a frequently utilized path for many users, including school children, commuters, families and recreational users. Every week it is used by hundreds of pedestrians and also cyclists.
The park and detention system was created here by Forward Thrust dollars back in 1970's. It suffered from benign neglect and eventually reverted back to the wildness that makes it special.

But, neglect will no longer do! There are serious safety and water quality issues at stake here! 

There are recreational trails along this now unofficially decommissioned street system. Both NE 148th Streets and 10th Ave NE traverse this park. 

Arial Photo Shows Potential for connecting
with Jackson Park and scale of
wetland area

The potential for these trails as alternate pathways for commuters and other users was covered in the SE Subarea Planning process. Paramount Park lies at an interesting intersection between 8th and 12th Ave's NE near Park and Ride's and Bus Stops.  The State Rt on NE 145th is a "no man's land" ( and NO Womens and certainly NO KIDS ZONE) where pedestrian or bike traffic is not recommended. It is also the site of frequent traffic accidents. 

Terrible Pedestrian Conditions on NE 145th St.
Narrow sidewalk, speeding traffic,
and utility poles in center of narrow sidewalks!

So, what can be done? The Paramount Park/Littles Creek overcrossing needs a new treatment.

In the near future, it needs some gravel fill at minimum, but seriously needs a "fish passable BOX

culvert". Then all these pathways need the same kind of attention that the other locations in Shoreline received.  

I would like to see the Trail Committee stop and think about this issue before they conclude their study.

The City has spent $2.5 million. Couldn't a small portion of that have been used to examine the great potential for this crossroads of Shoreline? 

Inquiring minds want to know! 

North King County Green Business Conference - SAVE THE DATE!

Great Opportunity coming up in March to share ideas and learn about ways to Go Green and Save Green! 
North King County 
Green Business Conference
 When: Wednesday March 23rd 2011 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
 Where: Shoreline Community College Pagoda Union Building

http://shorelinegreenbusiness.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=2

Going Green to Save Green Getting More Bang for Your Buck

Keynotes:

Steve Gerritson, Business Development Manager Enterprise Seattle

Stan Price, Executive Director of NW Energy Efficiency Council

Wednesday March 23rd 2011 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Shoreline Community College Pagoda Union Building

16101 Greenwood Avenue North

Shoreline, Washington 98133

Contact Wendy Dipeso at -
wendydipeso@shorelinegreenbusiness.com or for more details at website 

http://shorelinegreenbusiness.com/index.php?option=com_flexicontact&Itemid=11

Scope: To provide practical information local business owners can use to increase profits and reduce their costs and environmental impacts on a day-to-day basis.

Topics:

• Pollution Prevention- Ken Grimm, Pollution Prevention Resource Center, Laurie Foster and Laurel Tomchick, King County EnviroStar
• Waste Reduction and Recycling – Aldan Shank, CleanScapes, Susan Thoman, Cedar Grove, Larry Brown, King County Industrial Materials Exchange
• Transportation - Cathy Blumenthal, King County Transit, John Mauro, Cascade Bike Club
• Water Conservation – Michael Brent, Cascade Water Alliance
• Energy Efficiency – Marilou Trias, Seattle City Light, Doug Dickson, Puget Sound Energy
• Marketing in a green economy – Stephen McCloskey, SCC Sustainable Business Leadership Tracey Warren, Ready Set Grow Marketing

There will be two 90 minute break out sessions, one before and one after lunch with individual experts or panels who will give a presentation and answer questions specific to the needs of the business owners. There will be three topics offered to choose from at each of the two breakout sessions. The Keynote speaker will present during the catered lunch.

$50.00 per attendee lunch is included. ($45.00 Early bird registration ends March 1, 2011)

Lunch Menu: Tropical Chicken - Chicken Breast with Pineapple Kiwi Salsa. (Vegetarian entree available upon request). Rice Pilaf, Garden Salad, Roasted Vegetables seasoned with Herb d'Provence and roasted tender, rolls, butter and Fudge Brownie for dessert.

Display Table: $25 for Five (5) Feet of display space available, first come first served for the first 16 people who pay for the space.

People will be able to interact with those at the display tables between 9:30 and 10:25 am. Those with displays are welcome to leave the display tables up until after 3pm with materials that people can pick up as they leave the conference.

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Cancellation Policy: Cancellations less than 5 days before the conference will not receive a refund.

Schedule of the day: 

(Those who order display table space are asked to arrive by 8:45 am to set up)

9:30-10 am	Check in, network, view displays
10:00-10:10 am	Overview of the day and what to expect
10:10-10:25 am	Networking and display of tables
10:30-12 noon	First breakout session
	Waste Reduction and Recycling Pollution Prevention
	Transportation
12:00	Lunch Buffet opened
12:20 –1:00 pm	Keynote speaker(s)
1:00 pm	Announce Green Business Awards
1:15-2:45  pm	Second break out session
	Energy Efficiency  & Conservation
	Water Conservation
	Marketing to a Green Economy
2:45-3:00 pm	Networking and any final announcements
3:00-4:00 pm	Removal of Table Displays