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For the last eight years, the Ballard community and the Chamber have been actively involved in the Neighborhood Planning Process. As a result of this activity, a number of wonderful changes are happening in Ballard. The biggest is the creation of the Ballard Municipal Center, which will contain a park, a library, the Ballard Neighborhood Service Center and future mixed-use development. In order to plan for increased density in our downtown core and to make assurances that future development would be positive, the Ballard Municipal Center Planning Committee was born. Work by this group of design professionals and dedicated community leaders, created our Ballard Municipal Plan and the creation of a zoning overlay between 24th and 20th on the west and east, and 58th to 56th on the north and south. This plan, later adopted by City Council, is already guiding development and helping to create an attractive and pedestrian friendly environment.
The new library, on the former US Bank site at 2054 NW 56th Street, will break ground any day now. Its award winning design also accommodates our Neighborhood Service Center, fondly referred to as Little City Hall. This well utilized center, along with Rob Mattson its coordinator, will be moving to the Ballard Municipal Center with the library. Click here to see the architectural plans >
Also worth the wait is a 1.4-acre park currently being designed by the Parks Department for the old Safeway site at 57th and 22nd. This project has met with resistance by local residents, property owners and businesses, because of its inclusion of a skateboard park. This activity was never intended as a program element for the park during the community’s planning process. However, the Parks Department is strongly advocating the addition of a skating bowl. While many in the community agree that skateboarding is a healthy and popular recreational activity, this was not what local residents envisioned or stated in the Neighborhood Plan for this site. We believe a first-class, multi skill level skating park is needed in the NW Sector, but the Parks Department needs to continue looking for a truly appropriate site.
After the last public meeting on January 13, 2004, Chamber leaders felt that local concerns needed to be addressed. (To see the three current schematic designs for the Ballard’s park click here >.) Therefore, a letter has been written to the Mayor, with copies going to many other city officials. We are asking Mayor Nickels to meet with the community and hear our concerns regarding what many feel are broken promises to Ballard. After review by many Chamber members, the Chamber’s Executive Committee and a number of other key members signed and mailed the following letter.
We encourage you to read the letter and become involved in the process of creating a park like the one of our dreams.
Letter to the Mayor
January 21, 2004
Mayor Greg Nickels
City of Seattle
600 Fourth Avenue - 7th Floor
Seattle, WA 98104-1804
RE: Ballard Municipal Center Park
Dear Mayor Nickels:
The Ballard Chamber of Commerce is deeply concerned with the direction the design process is taking for the Ballard Municipal Center Park. Instead of listening to the interests of the local community, as outlined in the Ballard Neighborhood Plan, the Seattle Parks & Recreation Department is strongly advocating for the inclusion of a skateboard park. This position is being taken even though promises were made that Ballard would only be an interim site for skaters. more >
Ballard Is Open For Business Beth Williamson Miller
Several folks have stopped by my office this week, lamenting the vacant storefronts in Ballard. When Phil’s Jewelry announced their plans to close the doors after 60 years, people really took notice. What’s happening in Ballard? Is this the beginning of the end? I’m sure they said the same thing when J.C. Penney’s closed in 1965.
Indeed, the nation’s economy is not in good shape. Things in the state of Washington are especially bad. But that’s not all. The truth is, Ballard’s demographics are changing, requiring merchants to adjust and supply what today’s buyer wants and needs. Businesses also face greater competition from discount stores and internet shopping. more >
Burke-Gilman Trail Scott Clark
Below is a letter sent to Mayor Nickels and Councilmember Richard Conlin, Chair of the Transportation Committee, stating the Ballard Chamber's position on the green line and interim route of the Burke-Gilman Trail. We invite your thoughts and comments at info@BallardChamber.com.
Dear Mayor Nickels,
With your recent announcement of an interim segment along the proposed green-line of the Burke-Gilman Trail, many in Ballard hoped that the issue of the ‘missing link’ would come to an end. Rather, the debate only intensifies, continuing to divide our community.
In the last few weeks, two special interest groups have asked the Ballard Chamber to take a position on the trail, in particular the green-line and your proposal.
The Ballard Chamber of Commerce has over 360 members, including businesses, institutions, non-profits, property owners and individuals. With this diversity comes a variety of interests and opinions regarding the trail. However, as an organization, the Chamber has a responsibility to its entire membership and as such, must present a unified opinion. more >
