December 2008

Despite rumors to the contrary, the Whole Foods project at the new development Fauntleroy Place is still a go, but some measures are underway to reduce the total cost of the $65 million project, according to the developers BlueStar Management/Development.

The decision to conduct "value engineering" was made after the first phase of the project was completed at the end of November, said Eric Radovich, managing director of public relations, marketing and human resources for BlueStar.

It will include rebidding on some existing materials and some structural redesign work. However, the changes will not alter number of apartment units, 170, said Radovich.

"This gives us a great opportunity to bring the (overall) cost down and room to make money on this as apposed to a break even situation," he said.

Radovich said with the current economy, they might not be able to get as much as anticipated from the project. The apartments will probably have to go for less than the expected $2.20 per square foot.

Vicki Foley, representing the Wholoe Foods company for the Pacific Northwest, confirmed the project's green light status.

To the relief of thr Arbor Heights community, the local school was not included in Superintendent Maria Goodloe-Johnson's most recent recommendations regarding school closures across the district.

The district had recommended on Nov. 25 that the Arbor Heights program close and Pathfinder K-8, an alternative school, move into the building. But on Dec.

A narrowed set of hybrid scenarios for replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct will be presented for comment at an open forum Dec. 15.

From the eight scenarios studied for the last six months, the most promising building blocks will be reassembled into two or three "hybrid" scenarios for evaluation, and for comment from the public, 5 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15 at Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave.

Jason Hughes has been operating his shop, Sonic Boom Records & CDs in Ballard for the past seven years and with the recent economic downturn he got to thinking that it's time for Ballardites to start supporting the businesses that make their neighborhood unique.

Out of this urge he created a program and reached out to different local businesses in Ballard who were worried about their survival and wanted to be involved in a grass roots campaign called Shop Local/Think Local.

"A friend of mine in Arizona runs a non-profit called Local First Arizona, she's basically doing wh

With some new strategies and a little extra effort, Ballard salons keep chugging along.

Hair is not going to stop growing just because the economy is bad, after all.

Many salon owners are optimistic, and view their business as a means of escaping life's daily struggles.

"It's not about getting a haircut, it's about getting nurtured," said Loraine Jackson, owner of Elements Skin Care, 8012 15th Ave. N.W.

Mayor Greg Nickels has awarded over $281,000 in matching funds to 24 neighborhood projects in Seattle, including three in the Ballard area.

The money is going toward the support of Seattle neighborhoods who proposed projects depicting public art, race and social justice, youth development and climate protection.

The three Ballard groups, the Seattle Housing Authority Residents Preparing, Olympic Manor Community Club and Friends of Salmon Bay Park, took the awards because their projects support building stronger bonds in the community.

Since 1988, the Small

Written by Peggy Sturdivant

Live Music Venue: Tractor Tavern

This was no contest with Tractor Tavern taking the category without another venue in its wake.

Best Bartender: Drew at Hazlewood

Clearly, Ballard has an amazing selection of watering holes and patrons will always have their favorites, but Drew at Hazelwood was a clear frontrunner.

Hazelwood has been described as Ballard's smallest bar.

Ballard

Bad Albert's Tap and Grill

5100 Ballard Ave. N.W.

782-9623

Happy Hour: 3 to 6 p.m. daily, $1 off appetizers, beers and well drinks on special.

www.badalberts.com

Thursdays, 8 to 10:30 p.m. No cover

Taste of the Blues, featuring Annieville Blues and her special guests

Sundays, 5 to 8:30 p.m. No cover

Bill Chism, Jazz and guitar

A narrowed set of hybrid scenarios for replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct will be presented for comment at an open forum Dec. 15.

From the eight scenarios studied for the last six months, the most promising building blocks will be reassembled into two or three "hybrid" scenarios for evaluation, and for comment from the public, 5 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15 at Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave.

Finally, the two cities of Seattle and Burien have reached a preliminary agreement to the proposed annexation of the unincorporated area of North Highline.

The parties involved in the mediation talks include the cities of Burien and Seattle, King County and Fire District 2 and 11.

The city councils and fire district commissioners will have to ratify the agreement. Burien is expected to do that Dec. 15, said Burien City Manager Mike Martin.

The basics of the agreement are as follows.

1.