April 2021

Expect delays on West Marginal Way as SDOT builds sidewalks near the Duwamish Longhouse

information from the Seattle Department of Transportation

For the next few weekends, SDOT crews are building sidewalks on the west side of West Marginal Way near the Duwamish Longhouse. This is one of a several projects to provide safer and easier access to the Duwamish Longhouse.

There is currently a dirt path at this location. A new sidewalk will provide direct access for people in wheelchairs who are rolling to the Duwamish Longhouse from the parking lots on the east side of West Marginal Way SW. The new sidewalk will also meet Americans with Disabilities standards.

Where: On the west side of West Marginal Way from the Duwamish River Trail crossing signal and the Duwamish Longhouse.

When: Weekends, starting the weekend of May 1 through Sunday, May 30. Work hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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Offers to buy the West Seattle Junction parking lot parcels come following near $15 million appraisal

The parcels of land that comprise the once free parking lots in the West Seattle Junction are getting purchase offers, following an appraisal of the land's value. The lots switched from free to paid in January.

The full price cash offer came from the City of Seattle through their partner Community Roots which already has the money set aside for such a purpose to develop affordable housing.

But other offers are apparently in the works which could mean development of a very different kind.

Community Roots (formerly known as Capitol Hill Housing) has management and ownership in 47 housing developments around Seattle including Unity Village in White Center, Gilman  Court in Ballard and Holden Vista on Delridge Way SW.

The appraisal done by a Seattle based real estate appraisal service came up with a value for the vacant land of nearly $15,000,000.

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Prolific mail thief apprehended: Seattle Police offer tips on prevention

By Jennifer Danner

Seattle Police Department

SW Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator

As most of you know, the SW Precinct has recently been impacted by a prolific mail thief. As of 4/27/2021, this individual was being held in custody.

In an effort to combat this trend, the SW Precinct would like to provide the following mail and package theft prevention strategies.

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King County property values rising sharply despite pandemic; Mailings coming soon

information from King County

The King County Assessor’s office has begun the annual process of mailing property valuation notices to taxpayers. Notices will be arriving in King County neighborhoods on a rolling basis for the next several months.  As many property owners are aware, King County residential property values have risen sharply, and commercial values have remained steady, despite the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The annual process of property valuation will continue through the summer, but it is clear based on the areas of the county that have been completed thus far that most commercial property values have remained strong, and residential values have risen dramatically in many areas.   

Median residential values have risen by double digits in every area where valuations have been completed so far.  Values have risen the most in fast growing suburban and eastern areas of the county.  Here are some examples: 

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West Seattle low bridge access update; More types of vans can now apply

Information from Seattle Department of Transportation

More people and businesses in West Seattle can now apply for access to drive on the Spokane St Swing Bridge (low bridge) The low bridge is restricted to keep a clear path for emergency vehicles while the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge is under construction.  

People must meet eligibility requirements, apply, provide their license plate number, and be approved by SDOT before using the low bridge during restricted hours. Applications must be received by May 15 for access on June 1. 

The following user groups can now apply for access to drive on the low bridge:

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Denman Smith

Denny Smith loved being around friends and family. Denman Smith went home to the Lord on February 18, 2021. Denny was born on June 24, 1931 to Otto and Frances Smith. He was the youngest of 5 children.

Russell Wilson and Ciara paid a video visit to Denny Middle School to talk about financial education
900 students were given an account and $40 to start them out

information from Goalsetter

Seattle Seahawks Quarterback and NFL superstar Russell Wilson together with his wife Ciara Wilson surprised students at Denny International Middle School in Seattle, WA with starter savings accounts while "dropping jewels" of wisdom about the importance of financial education.

The event was done as part of a Financial Literacy Month initiative with fintech app Goalsetter.

During their visit, the Wilsons shared with the class how they have invested their money to make sure it is working for them, how it has helped them to secure financial stability and build generational wealth for their family, and the importance of starting early on savings and investing so our youth can become owners instead of consumers. 

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