Seattle mayor Greg Nickels visited the Ravenna and Roosevelt neighborhoods today. Starting in Cowen Park the mayor walked north on 15th Ave NE with about 20 neighbors who turned out to walk with him.
There is a lot of discussion going on about what might happen in the area. Will the detailed Roosevelt Neighborhood Association plan be the model for how this area changes, or will outside developers in contract with slumlord Hugh Sisley be permitted to create their own vision of what should be done with the derelict properties of the landowner?
Landmark Roosevelt High School
Most of the land under consideration for zoning change is directly across the street from the Seattle Landmark Roosevelt High School and this is where the entourage stopped and were greeted by the Principal of the school, some students, and the president of the Roosevelt High School PTA.
After some discussion of the impact of development around the school, and talk even of hope for some green space that would make more space for Roosevelt students and pedestrians moving from single family areas into the Roosevelt business core three blocks to the west, the mayor and those on the walk moved toward that area.
Density is important for the success for the light rail system. I support the current Seattle Comprehensive Plan which strongly calls for the preservation of single family neighborhoods and I also support the spirit of the Roosevelt Neighborhood Associations plan for the upzoning of land along the major arterials in the business core of 12th Ave NE and Roosevelt Way NE.
My thanks to the mayor for taking time out to listen to the people.
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