Over the summer the Greenwood Community Council has been recruiting volunteers to participate in “Greenwood 2035” study groups to coincide with Seattle’s update of its Seattle 2035 comprehensive plan. We’ll educate ourselves about growth, development and infrastructure issues, learn about how things get done in Seattle, and discuss how to involve people who don’t usually participate in neighborhood discussions.
Despite being as grown up as I’m likely to become I still think of the year as starting in September and ending in June – so if you’re like me, welcome back to the new school year. Fall means we are getting the study groups organized and set up soon, so I’d like to encourage you one last time to join the Greenwood 2035 study groups. If you are interested, please take a moment to fill out a survey by clicking here. The survey questions ask about your interests in the study groups, the times you could be available each month, and your likes and pet peeves about Greenwood. If you know of others who are or may be interested in the study groups please forward this email to them too.
The survey asks which study groups you may be interested in. For your reference, here are the descriptions as proposed — but remember that these groups will be self-directed and can choose a different course if desired:
Proposed study groups:
- LAND USE. This study group will develop information and positions about how Greenwood should develop.
For example: - What is loved about Greenwood that should be preserved, and what could be improved?
- How can new density and development enhance and promote Greenwood’s livability?
- What city improvements and services are needed to make new development work?
- What can be done to preserve affordability and healthy small businesses?
- What kinds of development are helping or hurting livability in Greenwood?
- TRANSPORTATION. This group will address Greenwood’s transportation needs and priorities.
- What new transit connections are needed, and how can service be improved?
- What’s the best way to accommodate bicycles, and where should greenways be located?
- What should be priority uses for our main streets? How should they operate?
- Should car use be more efficient, or should it be frustrating to spur shifts to transit and bikes?
- What are the transporta! tion projects and improvements that should top our priority list?
- SIDEWALKS. This group will propose practical ways to start building sidewalks north of 85th St.
(Note: Seattle’s change to district elections makes this a timely opportunity – any candidate for the district north of 85th will need a program to address sidewalks, and we can help!) This group will study and consider: - Why are there so few sidewalks north of 85th St., and what’s been tried to get them built?
- What is the city’s obligation vs. the home or business owner?
- How will Seattle’s complete streets policy help? How effective are grant processes?
- What are obstacles to building sidewalks and what can be done to overcome them?
- What is a practical program that a new city councilmember could promote?
- NEW MODELS FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. This group will aim to broaden community involvement.
- Are meetings still an effective way to involve people in addressing neighborhood issues?
- What are generational differences – how do younger community members engage?
- How can dialogue increase between residents and local business people?
- What are engagement and outreach models that are more participatory?
- How do different constituencies feel the community council could better engage or represent their interests?