NEWSLETTER
November 2016
November 2016 - In This Issue:

    

Brace yourself for a busy November! We are kicking off the month by celebrating the completion of the Roosevelt Paving and Safety Project tomorrow, Saturday, November 5th. Then, join us for our monthly Community Cleanup on Saturday, November 12th! We are bumping up this month's cleanup in anticipation of the Thanksgiving holiday. Check out other community events listed below including Small Business Saturday, Celebrating 20 Years of the Jack Straw Writers Program, and more! 

 

Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for postings on neighborhood events, news and giveaways. 

 

All the best, 

The U District Partnership Staff 

Upcoming UDP Meetings
Clean & Safe Committee Meeting
Thursday, 11/10, 12:00 PM
- 1:30 PM
At University Heights Center

Community Cleanup
Saturday, 11/12, 9:00 AM -
11:00 AM 
Please join us for this month's Community Cleanup. Please note that this cleanup will replace the regularly scheduled monthly cleanup. There will not be a cleanup on the last Saturday of the month, due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Meet outside of University Heights Center for two hours of fun; coffee and treats provided!   Please feel free to contact Marcus Johnson for more information.  
 
Coffee with Elizabeth  
Monday, 11/14 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
At the UDP office 

Events & Marketing Committee Meeting
Monday, 11/14, 9:00 AM
- 10:00 AM
At the UDP office

Urban Design Committee Meeting
Tuesday, 11/15, 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
At University Heights Center

UDP Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday, 11/15, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM 
At UW Tower, 22nd Floor Board Room
  
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for news about our upcoming meetings! For more information on these events please visit our website. You can also contact the U District Partnership by email or phone: 206-547-4417
"New permanent ballot box located outside UW's Schmitz Hall"
Cast your vote by 8PM, 11/8
A new permanent ballot drop box is now located on the north side of Schmitz Hall. King County voters can drop off their completed ballots any time between Oct. 20 and 8 p.m. on election day, Tuesday, Nov. 8.



Schmitz Hall is at 1400 NE Campus Parkway. The ballot box is located by the north entrance on NE 41st Street.The new box replaces the King County Elections van that was previously parked in Red Square during the weeks leading up to the election. It is the only location in the University District for voters to drop off their ballots without the need for postage.

For more King County ballot box locations, visit the King County Elections website.

*Article originally published 10/26/16
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein: Anatomy of a Masterpiece
Saturday, November 12, 7:30 PM
Scarecrow Video
5030 Roosevelt Way NE

Scarecrow and Humanities Washington invite the community to an engaging conversation with Lance Rhoades, 2015-16 Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau member, about Mary Shelley's classic Frankenstein and how it serves as a vivid allegory in debates about technology, slavery, and universal suffrage.

This free event takes place Saturday, November 12, 2016, 7:30 pm at Scarecrow Video, 5030 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105. For more information, contact Scarecrow Video by
email
or 206-524-8554.

Click here to download the official and here to read the press release!

 
University Branch Library Upcoming Events
University Branch Library
5009 Roosevelt Way NE
"Rent Smart: Tenant Rights and Housing Search Workshop"
Monday November 14th
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Information Session About Free Job Training Programs
Friday, November 18
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The University District Branch Library is hosting two wonderful and free programs this month!

On Monday, November 14th, at 6:00 PM, staff from Solid Ground will teach a class called, " Rent Smart: Tenant Rights and Housing Search Workshop." Snacks will be provided.



On Friday, November 18th, at noon, the library will host an information session about free job training programs available through Seattle Colleges.


U Bookstore Events
University Bookstore
4326 University Way NE
Monday, November 7, 7pm
Luke Timmerman- Hood: Trailblazer of the Genomics Age
Click here for more information about this reading and signing
In journalist Luke Timmerman's new book, Hood: Trailblazer of the Genomics Age, he crafts an intricate portrait of groundbreaking biologist Lee Hood. Pulling from Hood's confidential files, public records, and more than 150 interviews, the biography divulges never-before-reported details about the controversial personality who transformed science forever when his team developed the automated DNA sequencer-a tool that led to the Human Genome Project.

Tuesday, November 8, 7pm
Mary Robinette Kowal - Ghost Talkers
Click here for more information about this discussion and signing
Renowned historical fantasy author Mary Robinette Kowal brings us another enchanting epic in her new book, Ghost Talkers. Set in an alternate WWI, American transplant Ginger Stuyvesant acts as a spiritual medium for Spirit Corps, a sector of the British Army that uncovers intelligence by speaking to deceased soldiers. When the Germans learn of Spirit Corps, they are set to either utilize the mediums for their own benefit, or to destroy them completely. In a patriarchal era, where male superior officers shrug her suspicions off, it's now up to Ginger to track down a traitor and prevent the Germans from dismantling everything.

Thursday, November 10, 7pm
Rosanne Olson - The Art of the Portrait
Click here for more information this discussion & signing
Known for her ability to capture stunning photographic portraits that draw out the unique personalities of each of her subjects, photographer Rosanne Olson shares insight into her process in The Art of the Portrait. Using a wide range of her portraits of examples, she discusses every decision she made during each session-from interpersonal habits and technical choices-to reveal her methods in action. The best part-Olson's techniques can be put to use by everyone from iPhone shutterbugs to professional photographers.

Tuesday, November 15, 7pm
Corey Tabor - Fox and the Jumping Contest
Click here fore more information about  this launch party
What's a fox to do when he wants to win the jumping contest, but cant jump well? Scheme, of course. Corey Tabor's witty debut, Fox and the Jumping Contest, tells the classic tale of a lovable trickster just trying to make his way in the world. Filled with brilliant, funny animal personalities, the mixed-media cartoons are all but alive.
Celebrating
20 Years of the Jack Straw Writers Program, 1997-2016

Friday, November 18, 7pm
Jack Straw Cultural Center
4261 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle
FREE
Raven Chronicles Journal Vol. 23 shares new work from 40 writers out of the 255 alumni from the first twenty years of the Jack Straw Writers Program, as well as memories from the curators and photos from throughout the program's history. Join us for an evening of readings featuring returning writers from all twenty years!

Visit the website for more information about the event, the Jack Straw Writers Program and the 2016 Jack Straw Writers.

 
Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving Day, 11/24
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Seattle Vineyard Church
4142 Brooklyn Avenue NE

 
Join Seattle Vineyard for its 25th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner. Every year Seattle Vineyard serves 250-300 people on Thanksgiving Day. Dinner is served from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM. Everyone is welcome! Click here to download the event flyer to share with others.

Want to donate or volunteer at the dinner? Email Nicki Little at nicki@seattlevineyard.org or call 206-547-4354.
New Art at the U District Station
NE 43rd St at the Alley between The Ave and Brooklyn
Artist Emily Gussin has rejuvenated the graffiti art sign introducing the temporary art projects at the Gold Wall around the U District Station construction site. You can visit this newly redone artwork at NE 43rd St at the Alley between The Ave and Brooklyn.  

Send us your updates!

Please send us information, updates, and events to include in our monthly newsletter.

 

Is your business using social media? Find us online so that we can share your posts and tweets!

 

Like us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterView our profile on LinkedInView on Instagram

 

For more information, to send in content for the newsletter, or to ask any questions, please contact The U District Partnership at: 

206-547-4417 or

administrator@udistrictpartnership.org 

 

Celebrate Roosevelt
Saturday, November 5, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Join us in celebrating the completion of the Roosevelt Paving and Safety Project! Win cool prizes at this free event while talking about how getting around the neighborhood can be easier. See you at the U District Food Bank (5017 Roosevelt Way NE) on Saturday, November 5th, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM!

Come out and CELEBRATE ROOSEVELT to mark the completion of the Roosevelt Paving & Safety Project construction! Join the U District Partnership, Roosevelt Neighborhood Association, Seattle Neighborhood Greenways, Cascade Bicycle Club, the City of Seattle, and many more at a free event with food this Saturday, November 5.
 
When: Saturday, November 5, 11 AM - 1 PM
Where: University District Food Bank, 5017 Roosevelt Way NE
RSVP on Facebook! 
 
Come to our free event to talk about how getting around your neighborhood can be easier and win cool prizes. This is also a chance to support your local food bank and bring donations. Customer visits are up 11% since the University District Food Bank opened at its new location. The food bank appreciates your donations of new, unused toiletries - toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, etc. - on November 5. 
 
Thank you to the Roosevelt and U District communities for your involvement in this project and enjoy the smooth ride. We hope to see you Saturday!   



Community Cleanup
October 29 recap, November 12 save the date
On the rainy Saturday morning of October 29th, we had eighteen volunteers at our community cleanup! We are so grateful to these amazing volunteers who cleaned up Roosevelt, Brooklyn, 50th and 45th, stopping once briefly only for ponchos.

Save the date for our next Community Cleanup, Saturday, November 12. Please note that this will replace our community cleanup regularly scheduled on the last day of every month due to the Thanksgiving holiday. See you there!

Thank you to all who joined us last month!


U District Zoning Recommendations Headed to City Council

Public comment opportunity to City Council

Wednesday, November 16, 5:30 PM

Hotel Deca 

4507 Brooklyn Ave NE

Building off of a five-year community planning process, the Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) is sending zoning recommendations to City Council for their consideration. The proposed zoning would allow greater height and density in the core of the neighborhood, near campus and the future light rail station. It applies new affordable housing requirements, standards to improve design quality and increase public open space, and incentives for childcare and other neighborhood amenities.

The zoning and design standards have been shaped by extensive community input, including most recently a public review period from May-July 2016. Key changes since the May 2016 draft include:
  • Increased Mandatory Housing Affordability requirements. In most locations, residential development would have to set aside 9% of units as affordable housing or pay $20 per square foot toward affordable housing development.
  • A new floor area bonus for developments providing space designated for social services. This provides additional incentive to create space for the social service organizations that serve critical needs in the U District.
  • A smaller area allowing the maximum height. The new SM-U 95-320 zone, which would allow some residential development up to 320', is reduced in size.
  • Less rezoned area north of NE 50th St. The draft proposal included an increase to midrise residential zoning (max 75') north of 50th. This was dropped from the final recommendations.
  • An expanded area on the Ave, eligible for historic preservation. The SM 85' zone includes incentives for preservation through transfers of development rights and combined lot standards. We extended this zone further north, going from NE 41st St up to NE 50th St.
  • No highrise on the Ave. We heard a mix of support for allowing highrise on the Ave, but also concerns about increased development pressure displacing the existing business community. The proposal to Council does not allow highrise, but it does allow a 20' increase in height together with new design standards.
The zoning changes are part of a broader planning effort, which has included coordinated investments by various City departments, new plans for streetscape improvements, and an updated parks plan.

City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposal in November. Meeting details:
  • What? Public hearing, for the community to provide comments to City Council
  • Where? Hotel Deca (4507 Brooklyn Ave NE)
  • When? November 16. Open house at 5:30, short presentation at 6, followed by public comment.
Following the public hearing, Council will hold further briefings and discussion meetings in November and December. For more information, please visit www.seattle.gov/dpd/udistrict.



Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 26
Saturday, November 26, 2016 is Small Business Saturday® - a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. Please join us, the SBA and organizations across the country in supporting your local small business by shopping at a small business. Click here to find participating U District businesses! 
 

StreetFair Vendor Applications
48th Annual StreetFair: May 20-21, 2017

Applications are now open to vendors for participation in the May 2017 U District StreetFair! Join approximately 400 vendors at the first event of festival season in Seattle. We will bring together the best in local arts & crafts, music, and food and are always looking for both returning and new vendors. Because of limits on space in our urban environment, we use a jury process to determine which vendors are invited to participate.

Online Application: www.regonline.com/2017streetfair
$40.00 Non-Refundable Application Fee ($50.00 fee after Jan. 1, 2017)
Booth fees range depending on size, location, and type

Checkout the website:
www.udistrictstreetfair.org

The Jury Process: The University District StreetFair is produced by The U District Partnership. Each year applications are reviewed by a jury that will take into account: past participation at StreetFair, product type and quality, as well as a number of other considerations. We aim to have a large variety of crafts and offerings, so we are always looking for new and exciting vendors!

Questions? If you have any questions on the application process please call our office 206-547-4417 or visit us online.


What's on the UDP Reading List
Articles discussing regional happenings and how they are affecting the U District, plus some local bragging
In this new section of the newsletter, we will share current affairs and issues we are tracking at the international, national, state, and local levels that impact the U District community. We at the UDP are constantly exploring and learning new ways to forward our goals of making the U District a vibrant, innovative and diverse community.

Amazon pledges $10 million for new UW building that would double enrollment in computer science
Published 10/6/16 in the Seattle Times
Sneak peek: "Ed Lazowska, who holds the Bill & Melinda Gates Chair for Computer Science & Engineering at the UW, said via email that the donation offered more than just support for UW's computer-science department: 'It is a major philanthropic commitment by Amazon for the future of our region,' he said."

Seattle's population expected to increase 38 percent by 2040
Published 10/11/16 in the Puget Sound Business Journal
Sneak peek: "Seattle population to grow by 38% or approximately 250,000 new residents over the next 25 years."

Seattle skyline is tops in construction cranes - more than any other U.S. city
Published 10/21/16 in the Seattle Times
Sneak peek: "Seattle's crane count has grown 38 percent in the past year, creating a shortage of both cranes and operators. And while they're most tightly concentrated in downtown and South Lake Union, the cranes are soaring hundreds of feet above neighborhoods from Sodo to Fremont to the University District."

Mapping Seattle Rent Prices This Fall (October 2016)
Published 10/27/16 on Zumper
Sneak peek: "Jumping a spot this month, Seattle outpaced Honolulu to become the 10th most expensive rental market in the nation."

Community Investments In A Growing University District
Published 11/2/16 on The Urbanist
Sneak peek: "Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) has committed to building two new park spaces and has already delivered another. SPR will expand the existing Christie Park space by adding an extra lot to the site. A larger project is already underway for a new Portage Bay Park, which will connect Sakuma Viewpoint off of NE Boat St and open in 2018. Last year, SPR wrapped up construction of a new park space on the south parking lot at University Heights Center."


Recap: Annual Cleanup with UW Facilities Services
Saturday, October 8
Our cleanup with UW Facility Services  on Saturday was a huge success! It was wonderful to see 135 volunteers cleaning up the district and supporting our community. In addition to our usual cleaning activities (sticker removal, litter pickup, and Find-It Fix-It reporting) the volunteers spread 14 cubic yards of bark at the U Heights Playground and worked with with an SDOT team to level and replace broken tree-pit pavers. Please enjoy the attached photos.

Check out these photos and more from the event courtesy of UW Facilities! 




Social Media Shoutouts
Special recognition to those who actively promote the U District through social media

Instagram post by @kayannduf

Instagram post by @hecallsmebeautifull 

Thank you for taking the time to read this month's newsletter!
 
Sincerely,
UDP Staff
  
Elizabeth McCoury, President and CEO
 
Marcus Johnson, Clean and Safe Coordinator
marcus.johnson@udistrictpartnership.org

Lea McKee
, Event Manager/Community Engagement
Danielle Andre, Bookkeeper and Accountant 
Alexandra Zelle Rettman, Communications Coordinator    


4516 University Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105
206-547-4417