September 2013

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PARKTemporary public parks popping up on Friday, September 20

The creativity of Seattleites will be on full display on Friday, September 20 and you only have to take a quick walk around your neighborhood business district to experience it. The third Friday of every September is designated as PARK(ing) day - an annual worldwide event where artists, designers and citizens transform metered parking spots into temporary public parks. This year, there will be 45 parks spread throughout the city in 17 different neighborhoods. SDOT will post a map of all the parks on the PARK(ing) Day website by September 17. 

SolarSolar coming to Central & Southeast neighborhoods

 If you live or work in Central or Southeast Seattle and are interested in installing a solar system on your home or business - now is a great time for you to explore that idea. Northwest SEED has teamed up with Seattle City Light and a coalition of local community groups, including Sustainable Capitol HillSustainable Central District, and Sustainable Seattle to offer a solar group purchase program for residents of Central and Southeast neighborhoods in Seattle. The program is very easy to understand and there is no obligation for just exploring the possibility. Free workshops for interested parties are being held throughout September. Don't delay, this opportunity closes in October. 

shPublic comment period open for Seattle's shoreline master program

The Washington State Department of Ecology is seeking public comment on the City of Seattle's proposed update to its Shoreline Master Program. The city's shoreline program was last comprehensively updated in 1987. Seattle shorelines include approximately 86 miles of marine, lake and estuarine shorelines. The proposed comprehensive update revises the existing shoreline program, including the goals, policies, regulations, shoreline environment designations, definitions and administrative procedures. There is an open house and public hearing on Wednesday, September 11. Public comment will be accepted through October 4. More info here.

 

SMTwo more community forums on advanced metering

Seattle City Light is currently hosting a series of three community forums to discuss the utility's plans for replacing aging electrical meters in 2015 with advanced meters that provide two-way communication. Advanced metering is a technology that gives customers an opportunity to take more control over their utility bills. The meters help keep electric rates low by streamlining many of the utility's operations. Advanced meters also will help Seattle City Light provide better service by improving their ability to pinpoint areas affected by power outages, which allows the utility to more quickly restore service to affected customers. The next 2 forums are Tuesday, September 10 (Downtown) and Thursday, September 26 (South Seattle). More info here.

 

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The purpose of this newsletter is to keep you informed about the City's environment and sustainability programs, partners, and initiatives. We welcome your feedback and suggestions for future issues - contact Sara Wysocki.