by Kirby Lindsay, posted 30 October 2013
The October meeting of the Fremont Neighborhood Council (FNC) had no single big presentation. Instead, the meeting covered a variety of different topics – most updates of issues previously covered by the FNC, but also a few introductions to subjects the organization has shown interest in.
City Of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON)
Karen Ko, the DON representative to Fremont, announced that long-time DON representative Rob Mattson will retire on October 31st. FNC Board President Stephanie Pure asked about ways the community can honor Mattson, who has been an incredible resource for so many of us, but Ko reported that Mattson has asked – in his usual humble style – for no fuss.
Fire Station 9 Dedication
On Saturday, November 2nd, from 11a – 1p, the rebuilt Station will be dedicated – with tours of the facilities for attendees. Also, Fremont will officially take possession of ‘Nine Lives’, a sculpture by Peter Reiquam, at this gathering. The artist will be in attendance, and able to answer questions on this already popular piece.
METRO Service Reductions for 2014/2015
Kevin McClain reported that severe service reductions will be announced for the METRO bus system, including routes through Fremont, on November 7th. Due to budget cuts, no staff will be available to address the public on these cuts – due to be phased in over 2014 and 2015. According to McClain, the cuts are targeted to routes with low ridership – they want buses packed with people. Pure said that the FNC can discuss the cuts, and the most effective response, during the next meeting on November 25th.
Peter Toms, current President of the FAC Board, introduced himself as a long-time Fremont citizen. He talked generally about the activities of the FAC and their involvement in public art, particularly the Fremont Troll which the FAC maintains. Installation of a donation box earlier this year at the Troll – funded by a Fremont Chamber of Commerce community grant – has collected nearly $100 a week towards regular clean-up of the popular sculpture.
The FAC uses the Powerhouse (3940 Fremont Ave N,) the former boiler room of B.F. Day Elementary School, for many of its activities. According to Toms, the FAC is seeking grant money to build a second floor on the structure to house visiting artists and office space for the organization. “It was a toxic waste dump when we got it,” Toms recalled, with FAC volunteers having removed two boilers and asbestos before fixing up the space for art workshops.
The FAC also organizes events through the year, including the upcoming Trolloween and Feast of the Winter Solstice. Toms also co-founded the Solstice Parade at the FAC, and he reported on being unsure of the next stage for this outrageous art celebration. The painted cyclists have overwhelmed the parade, he observed, for good and for bad, with over 1,000 showing up this year.
Toms said that the FAC would like to see a representative from the FNC attend the monthly meetings – held on the second Tuesday of each month, now starting at 7p. In return, FNC Board Member Toby Thaler asked that the FAC send a representative to the November 18th FNC meeting on Neighborhood Planning at the Fremont Baptist Church. The FNC Board also asked for representation from the FAC to its monthly meetings.
Thaler recalled political demonstrations staged by FAC members in the past, and Toms explained that the organization follows the interests of its members, which have been less political lately. One thing Toms did ask was about removal of the Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ) on the west side of Fremont Avenue, in front of the Powerhouse. The zone restrictions do not allow FAC volunteers to park there after 8p – a hardship throughout the year but especially during the Parade build season (May – June.) FNC Board Members suggested petitioning all the residents adjacent to this area for removal of this piece of the RPZ.
MLK Day Of Service 2014
Ralph and Sarah Weathers reported that the inaugural Fremont MLK Day of Service, in January 2013, was more successful than they expected – and they think the key may have been their partnership with the FNC. They experienced a greater turnout (200+ people,) and this year they’ve been able to gather community funding to make the event easier to organize. The Fremont Baptist Church has donated a venue and $500, and they have a promise of $500 from the Fremont Chamber. To their ask of $500 from the FNC, a letter was requested and the Board will consider it for the November meeting.
The 2014 Fremont MLK will be much the same, with humanitarian projects that families can participate in and a free lunch. Organizations, including faith-based ones and some from outside of Fremont, have stepped forward to participate. Check out the new, official website, and they’ve asked for submission of suggestions people want to help expand the Day of Service.
Catholic Community Services Presents ‘Patrick Place Apartments’
Dan Wise gave an update on the near completion of construction of low-income housing, 71 small, studio apartments, at N 42nd St on Aurora Avenue – the site of the former Thunderbird Motel. Through referral partners – Compass, Aurora Commons, St. Vincent De Paul and the Veterans Administration – they have applications being cleared from potential residents. The application process is difficult – residents will come from Seattle’s homeless population and it is hard to prove no income – but the referral partners do help with that process. Residents will undergo a criminal background check, with those disqualified who have committed sexual offenses, arson or heavy crimes like meth manufacturing.
Pure asked about ways the community can help these new neighbors, and Wise acknowledged that they do need help completing their new homes which come only minimally furnished. Towels and linens are appreciated. A wish list will be provided to the FNC for posting on its website.
The development also has two new art pieces being installed, both inside (one in the entry way and the other in the common computer room,) that will be dedicated during a celebration to be held after residents move in – probably in January.
Doric Lodge & Wrap-Up
The FNC meets monthly in the main floor of Doric Lodge 92. In discussions about continuing at this venue, Pure has negotiated a simple lease agreement with a monthly fee that would guarantee the FNC the space. In a brief discussion, the FNC Board decided on a flat annual payment of $360 and officially approved the agreement.
The meeting also contained a very detailed report from Ralph Weathers on the Lake Union District Council, currently dealing with the changes at the Seattle Special Events Committee and the proposed Westlake Cycle Track. The FNC meeting came to a quick close shortly thereafter.
For more about the FNC – and even the LUDC and the FAC – attend the November 25th meeting at 7p at Doric. Everyone is welcome, and the decaf coffee is usually ready and waiting – and free!
Related Articles
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- FAC Highlight Reel: Ambitions For Art
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- Homeless Housing Plans Move Forward for CCS
- by Kirby Lindsay, November 21, 2011
©2013 Kirby Lindsay. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.