Community Corner is a roundup of local community happenings submitted by the Community Councils, other organizations and readers like you. Have something you want to share? Send it to MPTimes@nwlink.com.
Halloween celebration Oct. 31
Those inclined to costume up for Halloween are invited to gather with Madrona Community Council members and other neighbors at the Madrona Playfield Shelterhouse at 4:30pm on Oct. 31 to enjoy light refreshments before the children set out to collect goodies from Madrona merchants. St. Clouds, Rock Paper Scissors and others have special events planned for young ones and escorts. For example, starting at 3:00pm Bottlehouse will host spooky tunes, apple bobbing, treats, a beer garden and other festive activities. The MCC is looking for help to coordinate Shelterhouse activities and for individuals to provide baked goods or candy for this kickoff. Please email madronanews@gmail.com if you can help.
Madrona Community Council
Several attendees at MCC’s Sept. meeting brought news and information regarding two little discussed plans for changes in Seattle government’s hierarchy and regulations that, if implemented, would affect our neighborhood. The Central District Council is one of 13 neighborhood councils which includes representatives of the MCC, the Northwest African American Museum, and many other organizations. District Council members Dan Sanchez, Troy Meyers, and MCC’s Susan Minogue reported on the changes in grass-roots representation that will result if Mayor Murray is successful in disbanding the District Councils as an official organ of city government, replacing them with appointed officials. Our Central District Council will lose its small budget, its Department of Neighborhoods representative and likely its ability to review grant proposals for projects in the Central District. Sanchez, Meyers, and Minogue suggested that concerned citizens ask Seattle City Councilmembers to slow the process to allow greater transparency to those affected and to ensure that the various district councils can continue to function as a forum in some fashion. See https://madrona.us for a list of telephone and email addresses for City Council members and the Mayor.
Marty Liebowitz, a neighbor who is knowledgeable about zoning and construction, explained the potential effects that two proposed measures—Seattle 2035 (Seattle’s 20-year vision) and HALA (Housing and Livability Agenda)—may have on zoning in Madrona as a residential neighborhood. He stressed that he isn’t advocating a position regarding these plans but believes that neighbors need to take an active role in informing themselves about the city’s intentions and actively advocate regarding decisions they are not currently being involved in making. For more information about these proposals, visit seattle.gov.