|
Dear Neighbor,
Spring is in the air, the sun is out, and we can all feel a great Seattle summer approaching. As we enjoy the sun, please remember to maintain safe public health practices. COVID-19 cases are rising at an alarming rate in King County and throughout the nation. As vaccinations ramp up, it’s easy to feel more relaxed and let our guard down early, but this leads to a higher transmission rate. Let’s continue protecting each other for these next few months.
There are still safe ways to get outside and socialize with neighbors – wear a mask, meet outdoors, stay six feet apart, follow CDC guidelines when visiting with vaccinated friends or family, and take advantage of our wonderful café streets, which are still safer than dining indoors.
In this week’s newsletter, I will discuss new COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, the Northgate Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge project, the work at the Green Lake Community Center, and news from the Seattle Municipal Court.
Best,
|
|
COVID-19 Cases Rising as Vaccine Eligibility Expands
|
|
|
An additional two million Washington State residents became eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday as guidelines expanded to include:
-
Everyone 60 years or older
-
Everyone over 16 with two or more comorbidities or underlying conditions
-
People, staff, and volunteers in certain congregate living settings including correctional facilities, group homes for people with disabilities, and homeless shelters
-
Other at-risk critical workers in restaurants, food service, manufacturing, and construction
Governor Inslee also announced that vaccine eligibility will expand to all people 16 years and older on April 15th.
The City is opening a new Community Vaccination Hub at North Seattle College, the fourth City-affiliated vaccination site, bringing the total number of doses the City can administer to 168,000 each week. You can learn more about the City’s vaccination efforts here.
While vaccines are rolled out and spring begins, it can be easy to let your guard down. We’re almost there, but cases in King County and across the country are rising alarmingly once again. Please keep masking up, avoiding large gatherings, and limiting your trips to the store. Let’s protect each other and finish strong.
|
|
Northgate Pedestrian & Bike Bridge Project Construction Update
|
|
|
A project that is very close to my heart is the Northgate Pedestrian Bridge as it was a project I worked on as staff in NE Seattle in 2014. It is exciting to see the renderings from 6 years ago become a reality as the new Light Rail Station prepares to open. The second portion of the Northgate Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge span was delivered this past weekend. This important step gets crews ready for the next phase of construction over the second and third weekends in May. As part of construction, I-5 will be partially closed from late Saturday night to early Sunday morning during the weekend of May 8th & 9th in the northbound direction, and the weekend of May 15th & 16th in the southbound direction.
This bridge will connect North Seattle Community College and the Licton Springs neighborhood to the Northgate Sound Transit station and new Northgate development. I am excited for this bridge to give Northwest Seattle critical access to this new transportation hub.
Northgate Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge - Transportation | seattle.gov
|
|
Judge Gregory Honored with Innovating Justice Award
|
|
|
Last month Seattle Municipal Court Presiding Judge Willie Gregory was awarded the Innovating Justice Award for his leadership and commitment to deliver responsive justice during the COVID-19 pandemic using a racial equity lens. Judge Gregory took unprecedent action by closing down the courthouse and limiting court operations on March 16, 2020. Prioritizing the health and safety of all courthouse participants, the Municipal Court implemented virtual hearings.
Judge Gregory has also implemented a number of reforms in his first year as Presiding Judge, including expanding the Seattle Community Court and implementing changes to improve the probation program. This transformational work is difficult and I applaud the Court and Judge Gregory for their dedication to it.
In a Seattle Times op-ed after the murder of George Floyd, Judge Gregory wrote: “As the Presiding Judge of the Seattle Municipal Court (SMC), I recognize that our court, like so many across this country, has significant work to do to tackle the racial injustices within and perpetrated by our criminal justice system. SMC judges are committed to making sure justice reigns in our courthouse. We will be making a sincere effort to hold ourselves accountable for the work we do. We believe there is a path forward to transform ourselves and build a legal system that equitably protects the rights of Black communities and all communities. This work begins with listening to those who have been harmed and including them in our change process. Justice will exist when all people who enter our courtrooms are treated with dignity and feel they were heard.”
Seattle Municipal Court Presiding Judge Willie Gregory Receives Innovating Justice Award From Washington Courts - For the Record
|
|
Green Lake Community Center Updates
|
|
|
Work continues on the Green Lake Community Center renovations. This project replaces two important systems at the Community Center, including the boilers and roof-mounted mechanical ventilation units. After the boilers were delivered on January 19th, old equipment was removed and the new equipment was installed. Following installation, pipe fitters welded all connecting pipe and tested the system. Electricians are currently wrapping up the wiring work.
Ventilation equipment arrived on March 17th, and is being installed in place of the old systems. This work is being completed on Mondays using a crane in the parking lot. The upgrades could be completed as soon as later this month, but work schedules are dependent on the weather.
The Community Center has also continued to provide access to showers for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. The showers had been in a trailer outside in the parking lot during construction, but have recently moved back inside the building. The remaining construction work is scheduled to not conflict with the shower program.
|
|
|
The encampment and public safety issues at the Leary Triangle are troubling. I meet regularly with businesses and residents in and around the Leary Triangle to problem-solve and bring solutions to this area.
In January, my office sent out a survey asking community members how they would like to see how the public space utilized at the Leary Triangle. Our goal is to make Leary Triangle a welcoming, safe, and vibrant gateway to the neighborhood. Options we have heard about include an open dining area for food trucks, creating a new dog park, putting in skate ramps, and installing new public art. I am now working with City departments to advance your ideas through permitting processes so that we can begin work after our homeless neighbors at Leary Triangle are engaged and connected with services.
|
|
|
Every Monday morning, I update the City Council on issues in District 6 and the work my office is doing that week. These updates are a helpful way to follow along with our work. I also post these videos weekly on my website and social media. You can view the latest updates and past videos on my website, here.
|
|
|
Every week I meet with D6 residents to hear about issues impacting you daily. I love talking directly to D6ers, it is often the best part of my week. If you would like to meet with me, please use this form to set up a time. I meet with residents during the day and evening too. I look forward to speaking with you soon!
|
|
|
If you need assistance, please reach out to my office:
|
|
|
|
