**Update — Just found this great article written by Knute Berger (crosscut) on the new Main Street Program: Elliott Bay Book Company’s move was a blessing in disguise for Pioneer Square
The Alliance for Pioneer Square is hosting a Main Street Training July 26-29 (this week). This training provides a framework for economic and neighborhood development based upon the rich history and assets of our neighborhood. With so many different groups in the neighborhood, it’s going to take all of us to accomplish great things in the neighborhood. The Main Street program relies on volunteers (including residents, business owners, other interest groups) who are willing to step up and participate in the neighborhood.
DATES – Monday July 26 – Thursday July 29
PLACE – Marriott Courtyard Hotel, Pioneer Square
COST – no-cost for participants
Participants are encouraged to attend 1 or all 7 training sessions, led by National Trust Main Street Center trainers, Lauren Adkins and Joshua Bloom. Both have extensive experience in helping communities become more prosperous and sustainable.
Session Topics & Schedule (4 Topics, 7 Sessions)
Business Development/Economic Restructuring: Redefines the district’s niche in the marketplace and sharpens the competitiveness of existing business, while nurturing new enterprises that respond to today’s consumer’s needs.
Design: Targets infrastructure and building improvements that lay the groundwork for a physical transformation that will be both functional and attractive.
Promotion: Focuses on authentic community assets, with high-quality image development campaigns and events that will attract new shoppers, visitors, and residents.
Organization: Builds a pathway to leadership in local efforts by launching community-based, volunteer-driven nonprofit entities that empower residents and investors to collaborate for sustainable revitalization.
Mon 7/26
1-4pm Promotion
Tue 7/27
9-noon Business Development/Economic Restructuring
5:30-8:30pm Design
Wed 7/28
1-4pm Design
5:30-8:30pm Business Development/Economic Restructuring
Thur 7/29
1-4pm Organization
5:30-8:30pm Promotion
For more information contact liz@pioneersquare.org.
This is a call for volunteers for The Seattle Square, the new outdoor market coming to our neighborhood this Saturday.
This market has been totally volunteer-organized and volunteer-driven and they would love to get more volunteers to help out. There is a formal volunteer meeting set up for today, July 12th, at 5:15pm at The Alliance for Pioneer Square’s office across from Smith Tower (2nd & Yesler).
The following is the types of volunteer help that they need:
- Social Media Crew – includes helping with the blog, promote vendors that have been accepted, work on the facebook tagging campaign, etc.
- Promotions Crew – hand out flyers and posters at different locations throughout Seattle
- Set up Crew – help set up tables, chairs, signs, etc.
- Vendor Check In – show vendors where their spot is, answer any questions
- Traffic Crew – help guide people to parking (vendors coming in, shoppers coming in, vendors going out)
- Information Desk (must know the neighborhood well) – help answer questions, direct shoppers to other businesses, or restrooms.
- Vendor Check Out – collect sales tracking sheets from vendors
- Closing Crew (take tables and chairs down to storage)
- Clean up Crew – walk the park and surrounding streets to make sure trash is picked up
If any of these sound interesting to you and you’re interested in giving back to the community, please email info@theseattlesquare.com or fill out a volunteer contact form on their website. There will be free T-shirts for all volunteers involved (designs by market sponsor Tether Design Gallery)
This photo almost makes me think I’m looking at Italy, or some other soccer-loving country, where young boys can be found kicking a ball around in an alley. (Update: my coworker thinks it looks more like Brooklyn than Italy — it’s beside the point. It just looks cool)
In reality, it’s three young boys that took a break from watching the USA vs. England game last Saturday in Nord Alley in Pioneer Square (apparently 90 minutes is a really long time if you’re younger than 10). It didn’t take long for a few more kids from the crowd to come and join them. It was really nice to not only see the alley being activated, but to see kids in Pioneer Square on the weekend.
For those of you who don’t already know, the International Sustainability Institute has organized World Cup Soccer events every day in Nord Alley. Even though it was an extremely sunny afternoon, a fairly large crowd still came out on Saturday to watch the game.
I am training for the Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon (coming up in just two weeks) and had just finished a 10 mile run about halfway through the match. Although I was sorely tempted to just relax on my couch and watch the game, I’m glad I made my way down to the alley. The atmosphere of the crowd (including a group of young men from Africa) was exhilarating.
If you work down there or live down there, take some time to catch one of the 11:30am games. Last Saturday, Delicatus brought out two food options for game day, and other vendors have been showing up throughout the week.
(so disappointed that my camera ran out of batteries right before a little girl and boy came to join the group)
On a related note, the US is putting a bid in for the the 2014/2018 World Cup and Seattle is one of the host cities if we get selected!
There is an online petition to you can sign to encourage the FIFA (world soccer association) to give the tournament to the US.
We know that Seattle has the best soccer fans in the country and consistently set records for attendance — so don’t just sign the petition to bring it to the US, sign the petition to bring World Cup to Seattle! Right now, they have 30,767 and rumor has it they’re trying to reach at least 100,000.
UPDATE
Here is a link to the Alley Art page with the schedule and pictures. ISI has also posted some fantastic pics from the alley events on a flickr page here.
Clean & Green Seattle
2nd Annual Pioneer Square Spring Clean
A program of the Pioneer Square Community Association with support from the City of Seattle
DATE: Saturday, April 24, 2010
Time: 9am – 12pm
WHERE: Pioneer Square Park (1st Ave & Yesler Way)
It’s no secret that Pioneer Square’s public spaces could use a little tender loving care. On Saturday, April 24th individual volunteers and volunteer teams from community-oriented companies are going to take action to clean up our neighborhood! Last year, over 104 volunteers showed up to help, and this year we expect an even bigger turnout!
Join us to tackle the following projects:
* Weed, plant and mulch 1st Avenue median strips
* Litter pick-up throughout the neighborhood
* Graffiti removal throughout the neighborhood
* Other beautification projects
Companies!
This is a great team-building activity and a simple way to give back to your community. We can work with groups that would like to tackle a project together.
Want to volunteer? Have a team of volunteers?
Email samantha@pioneersquare.org
WSDOT has set up a website for Pioneer Square businesses and residents to get information regarding how the Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Programs will affect them over the next decade (or so).
Here’s a basic timeline of the construction that the Pioneer Square area will see this year (events are listed in order, but don’t have a more specific timeline):
July 2010 – December 2010
- Build East Frontage Road (which will become part of the SR99 detour)
- Rebuild Colorado Avenue S
- Begin to build new bike/pedestrian path
- Relocate utilities and the railroad track on Alaskan Way S.
- Realign S. Atlantic Street Intersection
- There will be a two week closure between E. Frontage Rd and Railroad Track Rd in November
- And a one week closure on north side of the intersection at S. Atlantic Street and Alaskan Way S. in December 2010
- SR99 detour route begins
- Begin to build SR99 southbound lane
WSDOT is really working hard to do outreach to the neighborhood. They hosted two community meetings last Thursday at the Klondike museum at 12pm and 5pm (to accommodate both business owners and residents). The website that they have set up has a link to documents that they had on hand, as well as a pdf of their presentation.
They plan on holding these meetings on the third Thursday of every month. Visit public events for time and location details. To receive updates on information presented during these meetings, e-mail viaduct@wsdot.wa.gov and include “Pioneer Square updates” in the subject.
To take a survey to provide feedback on the community outreach process, click here.
On April 15, 2010, Partners in Preservation, a partnership between the National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express, announced 25 sites in the Seattle/Puget Sound area that will be eligible to win 1 million dollars to support preservation efforts.
Voting starts on April 15th and closes on May 12th. You can get more information and vote every day at www.partnersinpreservation.com. Below is a list of important key dates:
April 15: Voting begins
May 1-2: Open houses at all sites
May 12: Voting ends at midnight
May 13: Winner of popular vote announced
June 15: Announcement of all grant recipients
“The people of King County treasure our built heritage – from homes, to barns, to churches and neighborhood commercial buildings. But funding for restoration projects is always in short supply,” said Dow Constantine, King County Executive and Co-Chair of the Partners in Preservation Advisory Committee. “We are grateful for the opportunity this program provides to rescue and restore some of our historic legacy.”
Here are the sites that you can vote on:
- Bowman Bay Kitchen Shelter, Deception Pass State Park
- Ferry House at Ebey’s Landing, Whidbey Island
- Port Townsend U.S. Customs House and Post Office, Port Townsend
- Point No Point Lighthouse, Hansville
- Schooner Adventuress, Puget Sound
- Kirkland Arts Center, Kirkland
- University Heights Community Center, Seattle
- Theodor Jacobsen Observatory, Seattle
- Tugboat Arthur Foss, Seattle
- Naval Reserve Armory—MOHAI, Seattle
- Horiuchi’s Seattle Mural, Seattle
- The 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle
- Town Hall Seattle, Seattle
- Washington Hall, Seattle
- Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle Building, Seattle
- King Street Station, Seattle (photos of my tour)
- Japanese Cultural & Community Center—Nihongo Gakko, Seattle
- Keewaydin Clubhouse—VFW Post 5760, Mercer Island
- Chapel Car 5 “Messenger of Peace,” Snoqualmie
- Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks, Kent
- Skansie Brothers Net Shed, Gig Harbor
- Spanish Steps, Tacoma
- Titlow Park Lodge, Tacoma
- Anderson Island Historical Society—Johnson Farm
- Garfield Hall—Orting Soldiers Home
Most of these are really incredible and it makes for a really tough decision. But remember that you can (and should) vote for something every single day!
Where: GGLO Space at the Steps, 1301 First Ave, Level A
Date: Thursday, April 8, 2010
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Enter through door located about 1/4 of the way down the Harbor Steps (click for map)
Pioneer Square is home to the Seattle’s largest concentration of preserved historic structures; not to mention a growing office and residential community. It is the nexus of all local and regional transportation and is strategically located on the edges of downtown, the central waterfront, and the Chinatown/International District. However, lingering perceptions of crime and violence deter most citizens from visiting the area. This has had an increasingly negative impact on the vitality of the neighborhood.
With the economy in a holding pattern for the foreseeable future, neighborhood stakeholders are looking for ways to use temporary activities or other means to revitalize the area. Although there are many great programs happening in the neighborhood already, including ArtSPARKS (temporary art installations in Occidental Park), First Thursday, a grassroots Saturday Market, and Alley Art initiatives, we hope to further discuss ideas that contribute to the revitalization of the neighborhood.
The brown bag will include a 15 min presentation, followed by a 45 min round table charrette.
Lisa Dixon, is the Program Director of the Pioneer Square Community Association. Lisa has been with the PSCA for over two years as the Program Director. She is the current neighborhood representative on the South Portal Working Group. The PSCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization devoted to the betterment of Pioneer Square through advocacy, programming, marketing, and community action.
Leslie Smith is the principal of Leslie Smith & Associates, an organization and leadership development practice. She has built her consulting practice on a foundation of over 25 years’ leadership experience in a variety of business settings, including higher education and not for profits. As the interim Executive Director of the Pioneer Community Association, Leslie works with the diverse stakeholders of the neighborhood, finding a way forward to economic and neighborhood revitalization.
Jen Kelly began the New Pioneer Square blog to show people the positive aspects of the neighborhood and help build a strong community of Pioneer Square residents. She hopes to spark conversation about the square, get residents more involved in facilitating change, and share the realities of living in Seattle’s first neighborhood.
If you live or work in the neighborhood, please take 5-10 minutes to take this survey. The results are going to PSCA and to the City to see how people feel about the neighborhood.
Tomorrow, the city council will take public comment on Councilmember Tim Burgess’ Public Safety proposal. The public safety plan includes restrictions on aggressive solicitation near ATMs and parking pay stations, an increase in the number of police officers and a return to dedicated foot patrols Downtown. It is very important that residents, employees and visitors to Downtown speak up in support of this proposal. (source)
You can help in two ways.
1. Attend the hearing on March 17th and testify.
2. Email city leaders by clicking the following link.
Together we can make Downtown a safer place for everyone.
| When: | Wednesday March 17 | |
| Meeting begins: 9:30am | ||
| Public Comment begins: 10:15am | ||
| Where: | City Hall, Council Chambers – 600 4th Avenue |
For more information on the ordinance, click here, or to check out Tim Burgess’ City Councilmember home page, click here.
There will most likely be a lot of people interesting in commenting at the meeting, so it’s probably a good idea to show up early.
[The following is a letter from PSCA -- if you want to get involved and help Pioneer Square have a better future, please follow one of the action items listed at the bottom. It will take 10 minutes at the most and will be a really good thing for the neighborhood.]
Dear Pioneer Square Stakeholders, Business Owners, Residents and Friends:
As you know, much is taking place that will greatly impact the future of Pioneer Square, including South End Construction, the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, and the plans for the North Lot. Many of these issues will be a couple of years off, but one immediate issue we need your input on is the First Hill Streetcar Line. Please take a few minutes and let our city council know how important it is to bring the First Hill Streetcar into Pioneer Square.
Please help us convey the need for greater transit connections in the City of Seattle.
Background:
The First Hill Streetcar Line was included in the November 2008 voter-approved Sound Transit 2 (ST2) mass transit system. The development of the First Hill Streetcar Line creates a new multi-modal connection for transit riders via the Sounder commuter rail and Link light rail, as well as enhances connection to public transit sysems including Metro buses and Sound Transit commuter buses.
The City of Seattle, Department of Transportation (SDOT) plans to begin construction in Fall of 2011. More information about the project at: http://www.seattlestreetcar.org/.
How Does this affect Pioneer Square?
SDOT is currently analyzing several route alternatives for the First Hill line. A full overview of all the alternatives and additional information is available at: http://www.seattlestreetcar.org/firsthill.asp.
The portion of the project that impacts our neighborhood is the South Terminus Turnback Loop. The project is fully funded, but will choose one of two alternatives: a Weller Street Loop or a Pioneer Square Loop. (image below is what we’re pushing for)
This project is designed to connect several of Seattle’s most established neighborhoods including Capitol Hill, First Hill, Yesler Terrace, Chinatown/International District, and with the approval of the loop, Pioneer Square. We need your voice so that historic Pioneer Square is not left unconnected.
Benefits to the neighborhood of choosing the Pioneer Square Loop alternative:
- Will be completed before the viaduct removal begins making our neighborhood more accessible during construction
- New connection helps with economic development in the neighborhood
- Adds to the marketing draw for residential and office development alike
- Allows commuters to safely navigate the intersection at 4th and Jackson
- Brings users closer to the Waterfront, creating a more walkable area
- Project is fully funded by the ST2 mass transit system
- Elegant transportation connection to the east from a convenient location in our Pioneer Square neighborhood
- Creates another leg to the transportation hub at King Street Station
- Helps eliminate the need for parking, especially during stadium events
- Environmentally beneficial as it should reduce the need for vehicles for many uses
- Crosses the ‘gateway’ into Pioneer Square
Action Requested:
You can give your feedback to Seattle City Council members several different ways:
- Come to the City Council Transportation Committee:
- Join us Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 9:30am
- Council Chambers, Seattle City Hall, Floor 2, 600 Fourth Avenue, Seattle
- The public comment period is first thing, so please send me an email and join us to communicate the need for the Pioneer Square Loop on the First Hill streetcar line.
- Fill out the comment page on the website:
- http://www.seattlestreetcar.org/firsthill.asp
- Send an email (or mail a letter):
- Open a new e-mail message and insert “First Hill Streetcar and the Pioneer Square Loop”
- Address your letters or emails to the Seattle City Council, but send copies to each individual council member (both current and newly elected).
- Email to: sally.bagshaw@seattle.gov; tim.burgess@seattle.gov; richard.conlin@seattle.gov; sally.clark@seattle.gov; jean.godden@seattle.gov; bruce.harrell@seattle.gov; nick.licata@seattle.gov; michael.obrien@seattle.gov; tom.rasmussen@seattle.gov. Also copy ethan.malone@seattle.gov.
- Or Send to: City Council Mailing Address: Seattle City Council, P.O. Box 34025, Seattle, WA 98124-4025
- In your message, it is important to convey the positive impacts of choosing the Pioneer Square Loop for this project. If you are a small business owners, include how this can impact your business. Your advocacy matters!
Your voice is important and we need your input on this issue.