Phinney buys Allen School
Mon, 10/06/2008
After a long waited process to secure the John B. Allen School as their permanent home, it was voted unanimously by all deciding parties that the Phinney Neighborhood Association be named the rightful owner of the surplus Seattle Public School property.
In late September, Mayor Greg Nickel's office presented the association's project readiness assessment that showed how the organization managed its business systems, staff and leadership to Council member Sally Clark's committee.
The Planning, Land Use and Neighborhood Committee reviewed the proposal and unanimously voted to approve the association's purchase of the Allen School.
Following the committee review, the full city council convened to vote for the funding the city would provide for Phinney. The $2.5 million budgeted by the city would help Phinney purchase and renovate the two buildings used by the association for the past 27 years.
"We are and I think the district is committed to this," said Clark. " The Phinney Neighborhood Association should actually own the old Allen School in order for it to truly serve the community."
The purchase price for the Allen School would be approximately $3 million and the funding would either go directly toward the purchase or split between the purchase and renovation of the school's roof.
One concern brought to the table was the association's reserve account that would have funds available in case of emergency expenditures the association might run into. To ease this concern, Phinney was told to create a separate reserve account where they would deposit a minimum amount of $1,000 a year.
Ultimately, the full council approved the $2.5 million unanimously last week.
"This is a good opportunity for us to keep the Seattle School District's surplus buildings in the community," said Council member Richard Conlin.
The last piece of the process fell into the hands of the Seattle School Board. In discussion before their vote last week, School Board members shared some similar sentiments for the association as the city council members.
"It's important that these (buildings) stay for public use," said Seattle School Board member Peter Maier. "I view this property sale as a rare event and used sparingly. I think this is appropriate and important that there is a restrictive covenant, that for a period of 40 years that these properties will be used for community use."
The Phinney Neighborhood Association has already agreed to keep the Allen School a community building, meeting and event space for the next 15 years after the purchase of the school. That caveat was part of the deal it has made with the city in exchange for the funds.
With the exception of Director Michael DeBell, who was abstained from the discussion and vote due to his long-time membership in the association, the remaining six members voted unanimously for the purchase amount offered by the Phinney Association.
Both parties are now in the process of signing a purchase and sale agreement to finalize the sale.
Allison Espiritu may be reached at 783-1244 or allisone@robinsonnews.com.