Applications Due Today For New SR 520 Community Design Process Group

WSDOT is launching the SR 520 Seattle Community Design process, "an exciting public engagement process to further refine the project design through a collaborative urban design process."  The environmental analysis was recently completed and received federal approval to further the design and start obtaining construction permits for the I-5 to Medina project preferred alternative.

Here is an interesting article and video about how views will be impacted, including those from Laurelhurst, with the approved alternative.

Applications to join the Seattle Community Design Process are due at 5pm today.

Here is some information from the WSDOT website:

Public involvement opportunity
We are seeking applicants from the general public to join the Seattle Community Design process. Participants will work with our partner agencies in an urban design process that will focus on incorporating comprehensive, sustainable design methods to reconnect Seattle neighborhoods adjacent to SR 520 and improve the corridor.

Criteria for participation include:

• Familiarity with the I-5 to Medina Project and transportation systems in general.
• Past experience working with diverse perspectives and others in your community.
• Ideas on how to design vibrant and healthy communities.
• Demonstrates an ability to balance a variety of ideas and identify positive solutions.

Planned timeline

Participants should be able to commit to approximately six evening and weekend sessions of three hours each between September and December 2011, with the potential for additional meetings into 2012.

An orientation session is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

How to apply

If you're interested in applying, please complete the following application materials:

• Complete the application form (pdf 465 kb) and save to your computer to send as an attachment.
• A letter of interest to demonstrate how you meet the identified criteria listed above.
• A one-page letter of recommendation from a colleague who has direct experience of you demonstrating one or more of the criteria.

Please send completed applications to:

Email:  SR520CommunityDesign@wsdot.wa.gov

Mail:    SR 520 Community Design Process
           Attn: Rob Berman
           600 Stewart St., Ste. 520
           Seattle, WA 98101

If you would like a printed copy of application materials or have any additional questions, please call the SR 520 program at 206-770-3500.

Completed applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 22, 2011.

WSDOT will evaluate applications and select eight to ten members of the public. Final selection will be based on the applicants’ ability to thoroughly meet the criteria for participation. We are seeking a design advisory group that represents diverse interests and a broad range of backgrounds.