June Meeting Recap
We learned quite a bit from the City Auditor! We also heard proposals for reconnecting Fremont across the barrier that is Aurora Avenue. This was our last regular meeting before summer break as there is no meeting in July. Movie Night will be returning to Fremont on August 25th!
View the meeting Livestream on Facebook
Arushi Thakorlal, City of Seattle Deputy Auditor
When you hear ‘audit’ you may think of taxes and finances. That is not what the City Auditor does! The office audits program effectiveness for any program the City spends money on. The State Auditor does financial audits for cities. The City Auditor is an independent department that reports to the City Council and makes recommendations for improvement in City programs and services. Are we getting the outcomes we are spending money for? The Auditor’s office sets their own workplan, but takes recommendations from Council members on what should be audited. If you have concerns or ideas about programs to audit, talk to your Council member. For more information on the City Auditor and what work they are doing go to their website.
Ankur Dhoot, Reconnecting Fremont
Aurora is a physical barrier separating our neighborhood from access to schools, amenities, businesses and transit. There have been many studies but no improvements. The current SDOT study of Aurora won’t be complete until 2031. In the meantime, we have a simple proposal: Create five at-grade signalized crossings, every three blocks from the bridge to the Zoo. Add two E-Line stops, at downtown Fremont and the Zoo. We have been advocating for this for five years and there is strong support for it. In April we hosted a walk with different representatives along Aurora through Fremont and are planning another one for those interested. We are continuing to build the coalition and obtain endorsements. We are members of the Aurora Reimagined Coalition and Ballard Fremont Green Streets.
Announcements (and other news)
Audrey: A.B. Ernst Park, 10 years in the making, is starting construction this summer.
Brandon: Fremont Movie Night is coming back to Fremont! Tuesday August 25. What movies would you like to see? Scan the QR code and give your recommendations. Think of it being suitable for families and kids. Or let Brandon know after the meeting. We are still looking for sponsors. We have a few sponsors and a grant, it will happen. Talk to Brandon about donations. We are trying to keep this going for next year too.
There is a Block Party on July 25th on Dayton Ave between 43rd and 44th.
Leo: We are surplussing the current mushroom sculptures from Trolls Knoll this Sunday. See the signup sheet.
Mer: Lorax: Speak for the Fremont Trees. They are taking down all the trees at the funeral home property. 15 new trees will be planted. The development plan didn’t allow for existing trees. It is time for engagement. Audrey: Those are sad maples that have been badly pruned over the years. The developers will plant trees that enhance the sidewalk. Too many maples are problematic. Caroline: Called Dan Strauss office.
Emma from CM Strauss office: Plug for new Golden Gardens shuttle bus, providing a ray of sunshine after the loss of light rail. Starts at 15th and Market. Emma Barnes, reach out to me for district issues, I’ll leave my card. (She is District Director while Joel is out).
Steve: There were a number of trees on that lot. Also the trees on the lot at 44th . Developer taking all the trees.
Brandon: No consensus on movies.
Colleen nominates Chris Humphries to the FNC Board.
Join FNC or renew your membership!
Other News:
There will be a ribbon cutting for the new Troll’s Knoll benches on Friday July 10 at 11am.
Movie Night has funding (still seeking donations!) and permits and will be at B.F. Day playfield on August25th. There will be a popcorn machine and (maybe) cotton candy! More details to come. Many thanks to our donors and to Brandon Shimko for a tremendous amount of work to make this happen!
No FNC meeting in July!
