Red Light Cameras and Columbia City

The city seems to be all abuzz about the new red light cameras.  But at least for us, this isn't new news - we've had a red light camera since the original four were put in back in mid 2006.

So while we keep our camera at Orcas and Rainier, are any of the new cameras coming to our 'hood?

The answer is no.  A lot of them are either up north or in west Seattle.  The closest new one to us will be at the corner of South McClellan street and MLK.  The next closest one will be at Rainier and South Massachusetts street - a ways away.

Extend the landmark district? What?

Ever fearless "Anonymous" posted a comment in reaction to my last post:

#2 expanding the landmark district?

This makes no sense. What are the historically significant buildings you want to include?

Revisit this

"The Columbia City Application Review Committee and the City of Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board are charged with maintaining the historic character of Columbia City, ensuring that the architectural integrity and aesthetics of the buildings and landscape are preserved."

Yes, yes, ok, technically you're correct.  If I was going for historically appropriate buildings (or even just more age-appropriate buildings) I suppose I would have suggested areas even further south, perhaps near Orcas.  However, the basic point I was making is simple: the landmark district, from a business point of view, is a raging success.  We should be encouraging further business development and revival along Rainier Ave further south, not encouraging the business zone to "widen" into the neighborhood.  Ideally the business development aspects should be completely separate from the landmark district preservation efforts, but unfortunately they're closely intertwined in Columbia City.

The problem arises because the Columbia City Business Association only encourages business within the landmark district.  See this proposal for an example of how they think -

It has been a key goal of the Columbia City Business Association to "widen" the district by promoting commercial activity up the commercially-zoned side streets, east and west of Rainier Avenue.  The existing historic-style pedestrian lighting is very important in defining the business district and supporting its landmark status.

So if the only way to get the support of the business association for more development along Rainier (as opposed to moving into the residential areas) is to enlarge the landmark district, then so be it.

Anonymous also made the point of density (which yes, Seattle desperately needs more of) and a strategy for businesses along the light rail line so whatever develops there doesn't cannibalize Columbia City.  So far, judging from the development that's taking place near MLK & Alaska, we're getting the residential density without any extra commercial zoning, which is perfect.  But I wonder if the business association has a plan for how to link the light rail stop with Columbia City?

Perhaps, if they're really really intent on turning residential areas commercial, they could work on having Alaska between Rainier and MLK zoned commercial and added to the landmark district?  I'd love to see shops from Lucille all the way up Rainier to Alaska, and from there to the light rail stop.  I'm sure all the people moving into those developments along MLK would like that too.

Welcome to the new year

Hope everybody's holidays were good ones, and that they're recovering successfully from the various food comas that were inevitably induced over the past few weeks.  The admiral's and my recoveries are coming along nicely - that 23 pound turkey from Bob's Locker Meats was a great Christmas dinner, and is holding up well in the turkey soup.

While year end is traditionally a time to build the all important lists looking back, and the new year is the time for resolutions, I've decided to combine the two in the Captain's top ten list of things I'd like to see in Columbia City in 2008:

1. A new home for the Columbia City Farmers Market in the school parking lot right across the street from it's current location.
2. Expansion of the Columbia City Landmark district.  Expanding it further east all the way to 39th ave S would be nice, but even more importantly, expand it further south along Rainier.  An eventual plan to get it all the way to Orcas would be awesome, but starting with getting it to S 42nd or Lucille would be great.
3. More new businesses opened along that expanded Landmark district.  There's only so much packing that can go on between Angeline and Hudson, and it's silly that businesses are opening up along side streets now just to be closer to "the action" then opening up along the main drag.  For example, consider Verve - great place, but what a silly location.  Wouldn't it be much nicer if the next block south of Tutta Bella was "annexed" for the next layer of great new businesses?
4. While I'm on the subject of great new businesses, how about a local independent coffee shop?  I've been sampling the coffees of Columbia City lately (more posts on this soon), but it's be great to have an even greater number of places to drink.  Yes, I'm an addict.
5. Another business related one - a hardware/kitchen store.  I know Lowe's is pretty close by, but I miss Hardwick's.  The kitchen gadget store down in Madison Park was also comfortably neighborly.  Need something like that here.
6. A whole lot of new faces at the Mt Baker Rowing and Sailing Club.  Don't be thrown off by their name - they're actually really close to Columbia City!  They just finished their expansion, and they're looking better than ever.  I love to see the city invest in our part of town - maybe it's time to learn how to sail this year?
7. I'd like a new forum for business news to rise up.  Now that the beat is gone, we need a new way to hear all the gossip about who is moving in and who is moving up.  How can I get connected?  Rob, help me!
8. I want the Audubon center in Seward Park to be successful.  Have you seen the bald eagle nests at the south end of Bailey peninsula?  Great spot for the city and the Audubon society to team up.
9. The admiral is a devotee of hollandaise sauce - so a breakfast place that serves a good eggs benedict is a must.
10. The seafair hydroplane races to be a bit more of a benefit to our neighborhood.  They come in every year, blow the rooftops off of our houses and jam up our streets, and then leave, but it seems they don't really add much to our neighborhood.  As a simple idea, wouldn't it be nice if every business in Columbia City was allowed to open a small booth to serve spectators along Lake Washington Boulevard?

Ok, so what did I miss?  What do you want to see in Columbia City this coming year?