Development

After 12 years, $3 million and countless volunteer hours, the new family boating center at Mt. Baker Rowing & Sailing Center on Lake Washington is finally complete.

Named for longtime center supporter, sailor extraordinaire and lifelong Mt. Baker resident George Corkery, Jr., the building – located in Stan Sayres Memorial Park – has undergone a capital renovation and addition project that includes improved boat and equipment storage, more locker room space and showers that are accessible for people with disabilities. The final phase features an indoor multi-purpose space for community functions, and improved instruction and meeting rooms.

“The result is living proof of the critical role volunteers play not just in the success of Seattle Parks and Recreation’s operations, but in the success of projects too,” said Seattle Parks and Recreation spokesperson Dewey Potter. “The expansion of the building at this prime waterfront location will provide space for activities relating to the rowing, sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing activities that continue to grow in popularity.”

The community is invited to join in the center’s grand opening celebration on Sun., Aug. 14, from 6 to 7:30 pm at 3800 Lake Washington Blvd. S.

The Rainier Valley community is poised to celebrate the grand opening of the George Corkery, Jr. Family Boating Center at Mt. Baker Rowing and Sailing Center in Stan Sayres Memorial Park. Photo/Rainier Valley Post

{ 5 comments }

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) has announced that it plans to build underground storage at two Lake Washington Blvd. parking lots to reduce Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) into Lake Washington.

The lots are located at the intersection of Lake Washington Blvd. and 49th Avenue South and at the intersection of Lake Washington Blvd. and 53rd Avenue South. Both parking lots are within Lake Washington Boulevard Park.

The design process will last from summer 2011 through 2012, with the goal to begin construction on both sites during the summer of 2013.

According to SPU, both sites have passed the environmental review process with no appeals received during the public comment period.

The agency says it will host public meetings in 2012 with the city’s Parks Department to discuss the plans for restoring the parking lots after construction is completed.

Andrews Bay, Seward Park, Lake Washington. Photo/hishma

{ 12 comments }

The community is invited to join the City’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD) for the Rainier Beach Neighborhood Plan Update Workshop #2 on Tues., June 28, 6:30 to 8:30 pm at South Shore K-8 School (4800 S. Henderson St.).

From DPD:

It’s been over a decade since community members worked together to draft Rainier Beach’s 1999 neighborhood plan, their blueprint for change through the year 2020.

Mayor and the City Council have identified Rainier Beach as one of two neighborhoods to participate in the current round of plan updates.  Rainier Beach has experienced change, including the opening of a new light rail station, library, and schools.  In other ways, community members note, the area hasn’t changed enough.   It’s time to assess the strengths of the original plan, affirm goals that are still relevant, and identify new goals where appropriate.  This is an opportunity to set the stage, for community members to work with the City to create a shared work plan that will achieve the community’s vision. More.

Childcare will be provided and the South Shore PTSA will host a community bake sale with all proceeds to benefit PTSA programs. To request information, interpretation, ADA accommodations, or to sign up for childcare, please contact Kerry Wade, at 206.733.9091 or kerry.wade@seattle.gov.

Photo/do communications

{ 1 comment }

The community is invited to join Mount Baker Community Club (2811 Mount Rainier Dr. S.) for several upcoming meetings on the City’s controversial plans to redevelop the Mt. Baker Station Area and other development-related issues:

• Mon., June 6: A representative from Seafair will provide a short, 10-minute update on plans for this year’s activities. The remainder of the meeting will focus primarily on land-use issues related to the area around the station, notably current and proposed height and density, and public benefits. City staff will be present to answer questions and hear comments. 7 – 9 pm

• Tues., June 28: This is a meeting to review the clean-up plans for the contaminated vacant site at 31st and Day. Representatives from Chevron and WA State DOT will be present. 7 – 9 pm

• Thur., June 30: This is a meeting to review proposed revised City design guidelines. These are the guidelines to be utilized as part of the City’s Design Review process for any new development proposed for the station area. The Design Review process is a public process allowing community input into project design. City staff will be available for this meeting to present information and answer questions. 7 – 9 pm

Lyle Bicknell from the City of Seattle’s Department of Planning and Development recently explained the North Rainier Neighborhood Plan Update to members of the Rainier Chamber of Commerce. Photo/do communications

Related:

• THURSDAY: Community Meeting to Discuss Controversial North Rainier Redevelopment Plans (5/4/11)
• Great City to Host Community Forum on Growth, Development & Inequalities in Southeast Seattle (3/30/11)

{ 2 comments }