Saturday Sand Point Low Income Housing Food Drive

The Laurelhurst Community Club (LCC) would like to share this information passed along from the Northeast District Council Seattle (NEDC), a collection of almost 20 neighborhood associations in Northeast Seattle, including Laurelhurst, about a great opportunity for neighbors to help the residents at the Sand Point housing complexes who may be running low on food these days.

The NEDC notice said:

The Sand Point Low Income Housing Food Drive is from 12-2 at the Sand Point Community United Methodist Church parking lot (4710 NE 70th Street). Toiletries are particularly needed such as toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap and cleansers such as disinfectant wipes and sanitizer. Also needed are non perishable foods-peanut butter, snack bars, rice, boxed mac n cheese, canned soups, etc.. A check made out to University District Food Bank would help too if you can't shop. These are very hard times for some of our neighbors. 

Also the University District food bank has had to discontinue its Wednesday Food Bank facility at Mercy Housing because of Covid19. Getting to the food bank’s main location on Roosevelt in the U District is difficult for many of the residents at Mercy and Solid Ground. 

For questions contact: lynnferguson65@comcast.net.

City Taking Comments On Proposed Sand Point Cottages Proposal At Magnuson

A neighbor would like to share that the City is taking comments on  Sand Point Cottage Project (22 cottages) planned for the south side of NE 65th Street, just east of Sports Field Drive NE and adjacent to Magnuson Park. Parking for six vehicles is proposed.

The Low Income Housing Institute website says:

The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) is developing a Sand Point Cottage Community projected to open in the Spring of 2020 in Magnuson Park. This project will provide 22-25 studio and one-bedroom cottages of affordable workforce housing for families and individuals employed at low wages. The cottages will have living and sleeping areas, lofts, kitchens and bathrooms. The community will include a common building, community garden, outdoor recreation space and walking paths. 

The vacant property is owned by the city of Seattle at 6343 NE 65th Street. It is zoned Low-rise 3 and is within the residentially zoned portion of Magnuson Park. LIHI will master lease the land from the Seattle Office of Housing. The cottages will be built modularly off-site by students in pre-apprenticeship and vocational training programs, and assembled on-site by a general contractor.

Go here for more information.

About The El Camion Food Truck Parked At Old Bicycle Center Location And History Of The Property

The Laurelhurst Blog has received many inquiries about the El Camion food truck that appeared about two months ago, in the parking lot of where the former Bicycle Center (4529 Sand Point Way NE) was located until it closed in late 2015.  Before that it was the location of Zopf Pharmacy, whose family still owns the land. 

It was reported that El Camion was serving food about 3 weeks ago at the location, without a permit in place.

The Laurelhurst Blog checked with Seattle Department of Zoning and Inspections, regarding the permit status and one of the Inspectors, Scott, replied after checking on the permit status with the food truck owner : 

We have communicated with the property owner and representative of the food truck owner and they have been given notice to remove or get a permit.  

The representative for the food truck owner immediately came in the day after notification from us and started the process to get a temporary permit.  

We will monitor this insuring progress toward them getting a permit. As long as they are progressing toward getting into compliance they are allowed to be open from SDCI’s standpoint. 

The Laurelhurst Blog also contacted the representative for the property who said: 

El Camion has permission to use the property. They are responsible for their own permits and compliance.

Randy, the grandson of the original owner, George Zopf, said that his grandfather built the building that housed Zopf Pharmacy that also included a popular soda fountain, until the 1970's.  It was also where George, a pharmacist, met his wife. Their daughter, Phyllis, also was a pharmacist there for many years.  
 

One neighbor told the Blog staff of Zopf Pharmacy:

Really old Laurelhurstians remember that place as Zopf's Pharmacy in the mid-60's complete with a great soda fountain! And Green River Sodas for 35 cents.  They had a great comic book selection too(which my mom wouldn’t let me buy). I’d sit at Zopf’s and read the latest Flash until chased away by Mrs. Zopf.

The building was demolished in November 2016 after it became more and more dilapidated and covered with graffiti. 

In 2005 the upstairs portion of the building sustained about $75,000 in damage in an arson fire allegedly started by an employee who wasn't paid. No repairs were ever done following the fire to the deck, siding or the two-bedroom, two-bathroom upstairs apartment, leaving it completely fire damaged. It was reported that there was no running water or heat in the fire damaged building, when the Bicycle Center was in operation.

A neighbor said that when the building was being demolished and the inside was visible, especially the upstairs, one could see graffiti, needles, and the severe decay.

The property manager told the Laurelhurst Blog staff in 2016:

We do not have a building design and use of the new building for the property  at this point.  We just want to remove the neighborhood nuisance. 

Zopf Pharmacy on left in 1949

(photo courtesy of neighbor)

Sand Point Review Committee Seeking New Members

The Department of Neighborhoods posted this information:

 

 

Seeking new members for review committee of Sand Point Naval Air Station Landmark District -

 

The Landmarks Preservation Board is seeking three new members to serve on the Sand Point Naval Air Station Landmark District’s Application Review Committee (ARC). The open positions include two positions for property owners, residents, or tenants located within the Landmark District; and one position for a community member with a demonstrated interest in the history and preservation of the Landmark District.

 

The five-member Application Review Committee makes recommendations to the Landmarks Preservation Board for Certificates of Approval, which are requests to make alterations to controlled features of the District. Committee meetings will be held monthly at a location within the District or in close proximity. Committee members serve without compensation.

 

The Sand Point Naval Air Station Landmark District’s Application Review Committee is composed of:

·         Two current or former members of the Landmarks Preservation Board (at least one of whom is an architect).

·         Two members selected from property owners, residents, or tenants within the District.

·         One community member with a demonstrated interest in the history and preservation of the Landmark District. 

 

Interested applicants must be Seattle residents. To apply, send a letter of interest and a resume by Friday, March 18, 2016. Please provide your home address to confirm city residence, indicate the position you are seeking, and if applying for one of the owner/resident/tenant positions please include the applicable information. Email your letter and resume to: Erin.Doherty@seattle.gov (reference the Sand Point Naval Air Station in the subject line).

 

Electronic submissions are preferred, if possible. To submit a paper copy, please address: Erin Doherty, SPNAS District Coordinator, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, P.O. Box 94649, Seattle, WA 98124-4649.

 

All appointments are confirmed by the chair of the Landmarks Preservation Board. For more information, contact Erin Doherty at (206) 684-0380.

 

The City of Seattle is committed to promoting diversity in the city's boards and commissions. Women, persons with disabilities, sexual and gender minorities, young persons, senior citizens, persons of color, and immigrants are encouraged to apply.

 

Sand Point Grill Employee Held At Gun Point Last Month

This incident, which happened on October 19, was reported on KIROTV:

Man Wrestles Gun Away From Teen Robbers

By Joanna Small 
               

On Saturday night in the Sand Point neighborhood, a Seattle man was robbed at gunpoint by two teens - but he ended up with the gun. Seattle police said the victim fought back.

The incident outside the Sand Point Grill surprised owner Kristina Bartleson, but how her employee responded didn't surprise her at all. 

"They were a couple of punk kids doing stupid stuff and he’s a dad, and he wasn't going to stand for it. He wasn't going to be a victim,” Bartleson said outside of her business Sunday morning. 

After he left his job at the restaurant around 10 p.m., the man was waiting for his ride near a gazebo about half a block away, when two teens demanded money and stuck a gun in his face. 

The grill owner said her employee didn't have any money to give, so the teens took his take-out food. Afterward, the man managed to grab the gun, and the teens took off running. The man returned to the grill and Bartleson called 911. Police arrived, and after they searched the area, they found and arrested the teens. 

Business owners in Sand Point, including Bartleson, told us they’d been robbed before. 

“They usually throw bricks through the windows,” she said. 

The man who owns the jewelry store next door to Sand Point Grill had even been held up at gunpoint, but people in the neighborhood said an attack on the street is almost unheard of. Those interviewed didn’t know if they'd have the gall to fight back. 

I probably would have just conceded to whatever they needed,” Suzy Busilacchi said. 

"I'd have to just listen to my gut,” said Lori Prescott, who spends a lot of her time in Sand Point. 

Bartleson said in this case it was a cool head that saved her employee. 

"They weren't in their right heads and he was lucky,” she said. 

The 17 and 19-year-old suspects were arrested on suspicion of robbery. Police said the weapon turned out to be a very realistic pellet gun.

Several Laureslhurst Streets To Be Closed Tempoarily Due To Obliteride Bike Ride Fundraiser

Obliteride, the bike ride fundraiser for Fred Hutch, will go through Laurelhurst on Sunday with about 1500 riders on  three staggered start times of 7:30 am , 9am and 10:30am, closing off various streets involved in the route.

The route will start at Magnuson Park onto Sand Point Way, then 50th Avenue NE, 45th Avenue NE, Mary Gates Memorial Drive and onto NE 45th Street and  Montlake Boulevard.

A coordinator for the event told us that "the closed lanes will only be closed wile riders pass through. Once the last rider passes through the traffic lanes open. Each signalized intersection will be controlled by a Seattle Police Officer. Total closure time of each intersection is 5 to 10minutes (or less). On the return route, no roads closed."

 

Neighbors Recommend Violette Salon At Sand Point Village



Violette Salon & Beauty Bar (5414 Sand Point Way NE), formerly Studio J Salon,  was recently sold to Raina Green, a Laurelhurst resident and several neighbors have written to us recommending the salon to the community.
 
Before purchasing Violette, Raina worked at Spa Scotta for almost nine years "before venturing out to try my hand at ownership," she told us. Several nail technicians also followed her from there to her new business.

Rainia told us that she has a great team at Violette, a few who followed her from Spa Scotta, and several who stayed on from Studio J, and have "been in this industry for a very long time and are very passionate about what they do and care for their clients deeply."

Raina, who is also an esthetician has been been in the industry for 14 years and for the last nine years has specialized in eyelash extensions and waxing services.

Violette also offers hair service, and a variety of nail services including basic and spa manicure and pedicures, gel polish services, nail repairs, and polish changes. Body waxing and sugaring, eyelash extensions, and an organic airbrush spray tan system is also included in the list of services.

Rainia told us " I feel very lucky to know many Laurelhurst residents for a decade now and have them as customers. They are some of the most loyal clientele someone in our industry could ever wish for. We hope to meet more in our salon."
.
A neighbor writes about the Salon:

Violette is a sweet place and a lovely location for skin treatment, waxing, nail services. The owner is highly skilled in her work and the staff professional. 

The nail technicians are excellent.  In fact, I followed Ali Elder there from Spa Scotta near University Village. They have hairdressers and other services are provided as well.

 

The neighbors all appreciate the way the Laurelhurst Blog introduces and supports local businesses. And we need to promote our neighborhood  businesses!

The Salon is open Tuesday through Sunday 10-6pm and can be contacted at 206-527-0070.

Grand Opening Of Magnuson's Tennis Center Sand Point With Lots Of Free Tennis Activities

 

 

 

The Tennis Center Sand Point (7135 Sportsfield Drive NE) opens tomorrow with a benefit dinner and free activities, clinics, free open play court time and free instruction for all ages.

Jake Moe, who lives in Laurelhurst, and one of the long-time project developers told us:  "It's Finally Official ! 15 years of effort!  After 30 years of effort by local citizens, many of whom that have been Laurelhurst residents, a state-of-the-art PUBLIC tennis facility is opening in Magnuson Park. The Gala Celebration, benefitting the low cost housing in Magnuson Park, is being held tomorrow. Come celebrate with us with Music, Fine Food, Tennis demonstrations and Dancing!" 

The information says: 

The weekend will kick off with a free junior jamboree tournament for players between the ages of 6 and 16 on Friday.  This tournament is a great way for young players to compete in a fun, no-pressure environment with pizza and prizes.

Also on Friday, TCSP will host the Tennis Gala benefiting Brettler Family Place housing in Magnuson Park and its summer youth programs for the nearly 130 children living in the park. Tickets to this semi-formal event are $75 per person and attendees will be treated to a fun night of food, music and special guest speakers. There will be an auction to raise money for the summer youth programs with an opportunity to bid on the court sponsor naming rights to one of the tennis courts at TCSP.

From Saturday to Monday,  the fun continues with free clinics and workouts for players of all ages and skill levels. Come meet and experience TCSP instructors. There will be opportunities to test new equipment, have your serve speed tested, challenge the pros, hit during open court time, and test out the new courts.

Everyone is invited to watch the US Open on Sunday.  Come join TCSP staff, fellow players and neighbors as we put on the Sunday evening night matches at the US Open on a big screen. Cheer on the players with everyone and get into the action of the US Open with great food and drinks.

 

Seattle Parks and Recreation’s partnership with TCSP expands recreation opportunities at Magnuson Park, and represents a major investment of private dollars to improve the park. TCSP invested $6.5 million creating the new tennis center, which will be only the second public indoor tennis facility in the City, and the only one north of the Ship Canal. Working closely with the Sand Point Tennis Committee, TCSP developed the new center with significant input from the community. The new facility has 10 indoor courts, a clubhouse, snack bar and ample parking. It serves tennis enthusiasts of all ages, skill levels and backgrounds, and places a special emphasis on developing youth players.
 

In Seattle there are more than 150 outdoor tennis courts, and 10 indoor courts at Amy Yee Tennis Center. The Tennis Center at Sand Point will double the number of public indoor courts available in Seattle.

For more information about Tennis Fest event, go here.

Here is the week-end schedule:

Friday:

  

Junior Jamboree Tournament 
This FREE tournament for players between the ages of 6 to 16 is a great way for the summer camp participants and any other players to compete in a fun, no-pressure environment with pizza and prizes.  To register,  email Monica Blum at monica@tenniscentersandpoint.com, providing participant's name, age and flight/skill preference.

 

10 am - 12 pm = 10 and Under tournament on 36 and 60 courts

12 pm - 3 pm = 11-16 year old tournament in 2 flights:

Fun Flight (beginners-lower intermediates)

Competitive Flight (intermediate-advanced)


Saturday

  

Tennis Fest Adult Doubles/Mixed Tournament 8-4pm
High school doubles teams are strongly encouraged to participate as the fall season gets set to kick off.   Even if you do not have a partner, you can enter as a single and get paired up with a partner or a TCSP staffer to ensure everyone can participate in this competitive, but fun social tourney.

Official 1st tournament at TCSP

Doubles tournament for all adults and high school players
Combined NTRP ratings to form teams for players from 2.5 to 5.0
Partners must be within one full NTRP rating of each other
Tournament T-shirts and prizes included with entry fee
Participants ARE NOT required to be a USTA member to register for the doubles tournament.

 

Free Clinics and Other Activities on Tennis Fest Weekend

 

Saturday 8/31

•7:30 am to 9:00 am: Open court time to test the new courts and play a quick pick-up game or rally.
•9:00 am to 4:00 pm: Tennis Fest Doubles Tournament
•4:00 pm to 6:30 pm: Open House Free Clinics - Get all your tennis needs met by going court to court to win prizes, measure your serve speed, improved your game, and demo the hottest racquets.
•6:30 pm to 8:00 pm: Dinner, $10 per adult, $5 per child.  Check out our new café - Cloud City Coffee's newest venture!
•8:00 pm to 9:00 pm:  Pro Challenge - your shot at TCSP's instructional staff for the serious contenders - guaranteed to be lots of fun!

Sunday 9/1
 •7:30 am to 9:00 am: Free Open Play
•9:00 am to 10:00 pm: Tennis Fest Doubles Tournament
•5:30 pm to 7:00 pm: US Open Night, watch the the U.S. Open night matches with great food and drinks!

Monday 9/2
 •7:30 am to 9:30 am:  Free Open Play
•9:30 am to 3:00 pm:  Tennis Fest Doubles Tournament Finals
•3:30 pm to 5:00 pm:  Open play and Q&A with the TCSP staff
 

 

Join Friends Of The Burke-Gilman Trail For Special Restoration Walk On Saturday





The community is invited to join Jim Corson of the Friends of the Burke-Gilman at Sand Point, a volunteer group  dedicated to restoring and preserving the trail, for a free Restoration walk on Saturday at 10am. 

Betsy, Board Member of the Northwest Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration, told us that Jim will be showcasing the restoration work the Friends group has engaged in the past few years, along the Rails to Trail project, which was opened in 1977 as a multi-use pedestrian and bike trail.  

 

The one mile walk will cover portions of the trail that are in restoration, were recently restored, and areas that were restored 3 years ago, and Jim will also discuss restoration techniques and challenges.

 

Friends of tbe Burke-Gilman Trail at Sand Point, formed in 2007, is "dedicated to clearing 2500 acres of Seattle Parks of noxious and non-native invasive plants and replacing them with native trees and shrubs, replacing many of the  dying or diseased trees, and reforesting many areas that have already lost their tree cover."

 

Their website says:

The greening of the Burke Gilman Trail at Sandpoint will create a pleasanter forest walk, run or bicycle ride. Increasing the number of native trees and shrubs will attract more birds, bats, insects, and perhaps small mammals. Increasing the number of plants will help to slow down global warming by sequestering carbon. Renovation of the Sandpoint section of the trail will provide an example of what other groups could do for the rest of the trail.

Friends of Burke Gilman Trail at Sandpoint works under the auspices of the Green Seattle Partnership. Green Seattle Partnership is a partnership of the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation and Cascade Land Conservancy.  Green Seattle Partnership works with Seattle Public Utilities, Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation and Seattle Office of Sustainability and Environment.

For more information go here.

(photo courtesy of Friends website)

 

 

 

Participants can register here and then meet at the corner of NE 65th St and 58th Avenue NE.