Fort Lawton, Levies, Densification, a Queen Anne appeal

2/8/2019

Dear Friends,

I respect your time and your resources, which is why we make so few updates through this Fort Lawton School Coalition Change.org group.  But the fact is that YOU are a resource, and there are a few updates and a couple new things for you to consider as you are a person who cares about our city and its infrastructure!

A) Many of you know that the next Fort Lawton Meeting is scheduled (weather permitting) for Monday, February 11, 2019, 5:30 pm, Catharine Blaine school.  Many groups are planning on arriving early to sign up for speaking spots, so if you are interested in speaking, I do recommend arriving by 5:00 pm. If schools are cancelled on Monday, a make-up date will be scheduled.

We are grateful that the Seattle Public Schools was structured to be a part of the redevelopment at Fort Lawton with the opportunity to utilize six acres of the property.   This will afford SPS many significant options through the years.  Thank you again for your comments and efforts for SPS to be included in the redevelopment of Fort Lawton.  Your voices were heard and you made an impact.  

B) Your next impact will be to please help approve the 2 levies for Seattle Public Schools.  For operations and buildings, these levies are critical to our children, we need your Yes Vote returned or postmarked by February 12!

SPS website on levies: https://www.seattleschools.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=627&pageId=36191053

C) Many of you know that the City of Seattle as ambitious plans for up-zoning and increasing density of housing across the city.  There are two groups who are working to help this be a thoughtful and appropriate process that I want to introduce you to:

1)  Seattle Fair Growth, also known as SCALE, seeks to influence city growth policies with strategies that:

Enhance the livability of our communities
Ensure adequate housing for all income levels
Provide concurrent infrastructure and amenities
Protect natural elements such as trees and waterways
Involve the public in neighborhood planning and zoning decisions

You can find them at:  https://www.seattlefairgrowth.org

2)  Queen Anne Community Council seeks to amend the city's current plan to allow the construction of 3 homes on every single-family lot, without owners being required to live on the property.  This has a tremendous impact on the infrastructure of our city, and I especially have concerns for where this will leave our schools.  They have a current appeal that needs attention, comments to the city, support and sharing. This appeal is not just for Queen Anne, it is for ALL OF SEATTLE!  

You can find them at: https://queenanneappeal.org  

I will copy a template of a letter to the city in the comments below!

Thank you again for your civic engagement. The future of our nation and its cities truly count on us being aware, engaged, willing to speak up, and vote!

Enjoy the snow!  

Best,

Valerie Cooper