While I was away on vacation there was some housing improvements made in the area across from Roosevelt High School. On the southwest corner of 14th Ave NE and NE 66th Street another derelict house was removed. A new ordinance has been proposed in Seattle that will make it likely that more buildings that are beyond repair will be removed. Current regulations were made with a mindset that it is always cheaper to rehabilitate a property that is falling apart, than to build a new one. But with bans on using many materials around 1978, such as lead paint, formaldehyde, asbestos and others, saving such properties might not be in anyone's best interest.
All of the buildings on the fruit stand block are worthy candidates for removal. There seems to be some kind of smoke screen going on. A developer, Roosevelt Development Group, has entered an option to lease these properties for 99 years. They claim that the land owner won't allow them to remove the buildings because, if the lease is terminated, they have to return the properties in the same condition. I can hardly believe that Mr. Sisley wouldn't allow for someone else to pay for the removal of this garbage. He has already removed three homes this year at his own expense.
If the buildings on the fruit stand block were removed now, we would all get a good look at Roosevelt High School and probably find some way to encourage development along lines that will enhance the atmosphere for the students and the neighborhood alike. Nothing like a little public pressure applied over a long time to help shape the place we call home.
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