MEMBER NEWSLETTER
September 2015
September Newsletter 2015 - In This Issue:
Greetings!

   

We hope you had a great long weekend! Tweet at us about how you spent your Labor Day in the U District using #UDistrict and you could appear in the next newsletter's "Social Media Shoutout" section! In the mean time, there are several opportunities to support local non-profits, learn about possible neighborhood enhancements, and make your thoughts heard.   

 

Enjoy, 

The U District Partnership Staff 

Upcoming UDP Meetings

Clean & Safe Committee Meeting
Thursday, 9/10
U Heights Center
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
 
Coffee with Elizabeth
Monday, 9/14
UDP Office
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Events & Marketing Committee Meeting
Monday, 9/14
UDP Office
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

UDP Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday, 9/15
Startup Hall
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

BIA Ratepayers Board Meeting
Thursday, 9/17
U Heights Room 209
4:00 PM 

Up Your Ave
Friday, 10/2
University Way NE 
3:00 PM - 6:30 PM 

For more information on these events please visit our  website, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook. You can also contact the U District Partnership by email or phone: 
206-547-4417
U Heights Carnival
September 10, 3-6pm
(206) 527-4278
5031 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105



Local Businesses are Invited to Participate in W Day!
Apply by Friday, September 25
W Day-the University of Washington's annual birthday celebration-is an opportunity for Huskies far and wide to show their purple pride. While the event started in 2011, it has grown into a tradition that attracts thousands of people, including students, alumni and community members.

This year, W Day will take place on Friday, October 16. Businesses around Puget Sound are once again invited to join the celebration and show their support of the UW by offering special value to UW fans that patronize their business on W Day while wearing purple or officially licensed UW apparel. Last year there were more than 30 participating merchants in the university area.

If you are interested in having your business participate, please fill out this form! The form details the parameters of participation, and should be submitted by Friday, September 25. In return for your participation, your business will be promoted, on the website! 

Questions? Contact Chantel Allbee!


Registration is Open for the ROOTS Rise Up for Homeless Youth Luncheon!
The event will take place:
Tuesday, November 3rd
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
University of Washington
Husky Union Bldg, N. Ballroom
4001 NE Stevens Way, Seattle
Registration is now open for ROOTS Rise Up for Homeless Youth Luncheon, the 3rd annual fundraiser to benefit ROOTS Young Adult Shelter. This inspirational afternoon in the company of the ROOTS community will include a brief speaking program, video, and delicious seasonal lunch provided by Whole Foods.






















Click here and follow the RSVP instructions to reserve your spot now!

For more information, please contact Kristen Lound at 206-632-1635 or [email protected].
Property Value in the U District
Report completed by King County Department of Assessments
On August 20, 2015, the office of King County Assessor Lloyd Hara mailed the 2015 property valuation notices for Area 44 - Ravenna/University District. Residential properties increased 5.1% on average; however, your individual property value may vary.
 
The office also launched LocalScape, a new interactive online app, to track area and individual property value changes online, along with a rich landscape of neighborhood data including census, education, permits, and sales. Residents may track property value changes specifically for Area 44 - Ravenna/University residents here. Individual property value history is available by selecting the "My Property" tab.
What to Look for at the U District Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM University Way NE
between 50th & 52nd
Look out for Oyster Mushrooms from Sno-Valley at our U District Farmers Market!

One cup of sliced oyster mushrooms has 28 calories and less than 1 gram of fat, yet delivers 2 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein!
The U Heights Park Project has Begun!
A project for more open spaces
University Heights Center is excited to be a part of a City of Seattle's project that makes U Heights even more of a community destination. Designated as the "University Heights Open Space," the Seattle Parks & Recreation will begin construction for an open space area on the south side of of the center. When the open space is completed it will include a performance area/plaza, rain gardens to improve storm water quality, new landscaping, additional trees, a basketball court, and a new parking lot.  
 
Here are a couple things you need to know:
  • The construction should be completed by the end of 2015/early 2016
  • Parking Issues: The construction project means that we have temporarily lost a large portion of our parking-the south lot.
  • On Saturday during the construction, the Farmers Market will be using the north lots.
  • Designated Drop-off/Pick-up zone on NE 52nd St. on the north side of UHeights.
  • During daytime hours, there are a limited number of spaces for visitors in the northeast section of the parking lot--otherwise all north lot parking is restricted.

You can get more information and a progress report on the City of Seattle website or by contacting U Heights Center! Any questions or concerns please contact U Heights Deputy Directory Ray Munger.


Sign Up for AlertSeattle
Emergency alerts and notifications

AlertSeattle is the City of Seattle's official emergency alert and notification system. This system is used to send alerts to the public and internally to city employees during emergencies. AlertSeattle is a free service that allows you to sign-up online to receive customized alerts via text message, email, voice message and on social media (Facebook and Twitter). In addition to emergency alerts, you can also choose to receive customizable community notifications. These include notifications about severe weather, safety, health, utility disruptions, major traffic incidents, and more. This service is provided by the City of Seattle at no cost to the public; however, message and data rates may apply.

To learn  more about AlertSeattle and to sign up, visit their website!
Presentation on Changes to King County Metro U District Routes
Thursday, September 10th, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Masonic Lodge
4338 University Way NE 
This Thursday, September 10th from 4-6PM we will be hosting an Open House for King County Metro to explain the changes to the 70 Routes when the stadium light rail station opens.

Attendees will be able to purchase all types of ORCA cards--youth, regional reduced fare permits, low income cards, and others--and all cards can be loaded!

The event will be held at the Masonic Lodge located at 4338 University Way NE.
Seeking Sponsors and Business Participants for UP YOUR AVE!
Up Your Ave will take place Friday, October 2nd
UYA 2014
On Friday, October 2nd we will be welcoming new UW students to our neighborhood with our annual Up Your Ave event! This event introduces new students to our local businesses by sending them on a scavenger hunt through the neighborhood.
 
If you are interested in participating as a local merchant or as a sponsor, please contact our office at 206-547-4417 or by emailing Lea!
Seeking Community Input on "University District Parks Plan 2015 Update: Strategies for Providing Open Space"
Let us know your thoughts by 9/30!
The U District Partnership would like community feedback on "University District Parks Plan 2015 Update: Strategies for Providing Open Space." Please go to this link to view the PDF and tell us your thoughts!

This document includes:
  • A summary of the project process and existing conditions
  • Community values and desired activities developed in the first public workshop
  • A planning concept that translates community objectives into a physical strategy of integrated open space elements
  • A more detailed description of open space elements in the planning concept
  • An implementation strategy summarizing the desired timing projected for each recommended action.
General Note: This plan is for only a portion of the area considered in the neighborhood planning document, the University Community Urban Center Plan, which is adopted as part of Seattle's Comprehensive Plan.


Apply to be UDP's New Clean & Safe Program Coordinator
Send us your applications!
The following is an overview of the new position at the U District Partnership. For the full job description, please download the PDF here!

The U District Partnership manages a Business Improvement Area located in the University District of Seattle, WA near the University of Washington. In 2015, the BIA increased in size and will increase its focus on establishing a cleaner and safer district to encourage a vibrancy, diversity, and innovation. The UDP seeks a Clean & Safe Program Coordinator to assist in the oversight and coordination of cleaning and safety programs in the area. This includes contracts, customer service and relationship management in the District, the planning of community cleaning events, on-street cleaning, and more.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Staff the Clean and Safe Committee of the U District Partnership and prepare meeting minutes.
  • Assist and report to the CEO to develop and implement effective cleaning and safety programs; this may include the creation of a Street Ambassador program.
  • Support the daily operations of cleaning and safety programs, as well as the operations of the UDP when needed.
  • Oversee the current cleaning contractor to ensure contract compliance and appropriate levels of cleaning. This includes a daily sight walk to assess critical areas and areas where service can be improved.
  • Coordinate events and meetings that aid the goals of creating a cleaner and safer U District. Assist other UDP staff in events that promote the broader goals of the organization.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with residents, business owners, and others in the U District to provide customer service related to cleaning and safety. Develop a method to track contact information and requests/complaints.
  • Identify and address outreach needs to vulnerable populations within the District. Work with local social service, religious, and law enforcement organizations.
  • Collaborate on policy and procedures regarding Business Improvement Areas in Seattle. Familiarize yourself with BIA operations in Seattle
  • Assist, coach, and encourage local businesses, community members, and others in ways to improve safety and maintain cleanliness in the District.
  • Attend monthly committee meetings and other applicable neighborhood meetings to ensure engagement in the community.
  • Work regularly with diverse groups, such as local police, county law enforcement, local homeless populations, large property owners, small business owners, residents, students, and others.
  • Engage in problem solving with government, for profit and non-profits in the area to increase impact and effectiveness.
  • Prepare and distribute information and communications on cleaning and safety to the neighborhood.
  • Maintain a consistent method of reporting. Identify and track key indicators of cleaning and safety "success" in the district.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO.
  • Coordinate and staff once a month volunteer Cleanup Day (will take place on Saturdays).
The U-Loo Concept
Bringing public restrooms to the U District
If you have spent much time in the U District, you know that our neighborhood has long needed restrooms accessible to the public, especially after business hours. That is why a U District collaborative* sought a Seattle Small & Simple Project grant to initiate the exploratory phase of a project to install public restrooms here.

The grant of $21,970 was awarded in March and is matched by local resources. Now the U-Loo exploration effort is well underway. Consultants from SvR Design and Broadview Planning have been enlisted to ascertain stakeholder perspectives, assess user needs, identify potential sites, alternative models, and maintenance methods and potential funding mechanisms, and guide volunteer outreach activities to engage the public.

The consultants' Final Feasibility Report in December is expected to be used in applying for funding to install at least one restroom, if that proves to be the best plan.

Our ultimate goal for this project is to make the U District a better place to live, work, and play for our whole community. Round-the-clock availability of public restrooms is an essential part of that goal. Look for updates on the project in the coming months!



This is a Department of Neighborhood matching grant, and if you are interested to contribute volunteer time for the matching part of this project, please contact the UDP at 206-547-4417 or by email.

*The U District collaborative is composed of the University District Partnership, and the University District Conversation on Homelessness. Together, we represent the neighborhood business managers/owners, non-profit organizations, social, health, and housing service providers, the University of Washington, faith communities, and community residents.
Social Media Shoutouts
Special recognition to those who actively promote the U District through social media

The above image is a Tweet from @EngineerBarbie enjoying ice cream in the U District!



The above image is an Instagram post by @christopherbeza taking advantage of the amazing produce at the U District Farmers Market
Send us your updates!

Please send us information, updates, and events to include in our monthly newsletter.

 

Is your business using Facebook or Twitter? Find us online so that we can share your posts and tweets!

 

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For more information, to send in content for the newsletter, or to ask any questions, please contact The U District Partnership at: 

206-547-4417 or

administrator@udistrictpartnership.org 

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this month's newsletter!

 

Sincerely,

UDP Staff

  

Elizabeth McCoury, President and CEO

[email protected]

 

Lea McKee, Event Manager/Community Engagement

 

Danielle Andre, Bookkeeper and Accountant  

Alexandra Zelle Rettman, Communications Coordinator    



4516 University Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105
206-547-4417