Roosevelt Development Group Moves Ahead on Sisley Properties

Back in 2007 the Seattle P.I. announced that a developer had leased many of the Hugh Sisley properties in the area around NE 65th St. and 15th Ave NE. At first it was hailed as an opportunity to clean up this crumbling mess. I'm sure when out of town guests turn off the I-5 Interstate they have to question the why's of this slum they're driving through.

RDG has told us the landowner is in control and they are addressing the landowner's needs in the preliminary rezone request, i.e.,  the group is asking for buildings as high as 160 feet. They want to pull Ravenna property (east of 15th NE) into the Roosevelt Urban Village, and rewrite the Roosevelt Neighborhood Plan as well as the Seattle Comprhensive Plan. Whether you are for or against such a plan, you might want to start paying closer attention to what's going around your neighborhood.

The City of Seattle announced today, May 18th that an Environmental Impact Study has begun. Initial comment period will end in 21 days - June 9, 2009. 

Meetings stating tonight

·         May 18, 2009 - RDG Meeting at Calvary Christian Assembly, 7:00 PM, where RDG will continue to outline their proposal. Not much information is expected. These meetings seem to be more of a formality than anything, and only document that RDG has approached the community and sought public opinion. My opinion is that the bulk of the pubic opinion favoring future development in the Roosevelt Urban Village can be found in the Roosevelt Neighborhood Plan.

·         (date to be determined) - special meeting of the RNA Land Use Committee,
to develop EIS input

·         Tuesday, May 26 - regular monthly RNA meeting, with special focus on RDG
EIS topic this meeting will be held in the Commons area of Roosevelt High School to accommodate the anticipated crowd. Important meeting to attend.

·         Wednesday, May 27 - regular monthly RNA Board meeting, with discussion
and possible vote on RNA position RE: RDG

·         Saturday, June 6 - Mayor Greg Nickels tours Roosevelt neighborhood Greet the mayor and tell him your concerns.

·         Tuesday, June 9 - RDG EIS Scoping Meeting - A chance to express your opinions orally at the City sponsored meeting. This is the last chance to voice opinions on what items should be included in the EIS. Important meeting to attend.

Formatting your comments properly is important.  Comments can be submitted by email or by letter anytime prior to June 9,2009. Or orally on June 9. If you need to know more about the process, please come to the meetings and/or contact me.