Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to present The Madison Park Home & Garden Tour on Sunday, June 3, 2018, from 12 to 4 pm. A walking tour of distinct neighborhood homes & gardens that highlight a broad range of innovative, classic and stylish design. All proceeds benefit McGilvra Elementary School.

Homes include historic Olmsted gardens, an Ellsworth Storey craftsman, a new sophisticate penthouse, NW contemporary home and much more. 

McGilvra Elementary — a historic school house built in 1913 and nestled in Madison Park is attended by children from Madison Park, Madison Valley, the Arboretum, Broadmoor, Washington Park, Denny Blaine, and other neighborhoods throughout Seattle. As a public school, McGilvra Elementary relies on yearlong fundraising campaigns held by the school and the Parent Teachers Association to help provide vital programs and critical education support roles including; music classes, art classes, reading specialists and math specialists.

Tickets for the tour cost $25.00 for adults and children under the age of 16 are free with a paid adult. Tickets must be brought to the Madison Park office of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty (4031 E. Madison Street) the week of the tour to pick up tour maps and wristbands. All tour attendees must have a wristband and are encouraged to pick up tour maps and wristbands before the day of the tour to reduce wait times.

Tickets at www.madisonparkhometour.com

Thursday evening, my husband and I were strolling along Madison Street, when we stumbled upon a delightful surprise. Restaurant Cantinetta had decided to roast an entire pig in the parking lot! Chef Derek May started cooking it at 9:00 AM, and by 7:00 PM we were able to enjoy a remarkable meal.

Owner Trevor Greenwood watching over the fire.

We ordered the prix fixe four-course meal; $35 per person. The slow-roasted pig was succulent; the salad sublime, and handmade pasta heavenly.

Chef Derek May in the kitchen with his staff.

The whole experience was enhanced by the smell of the fire, good music, and a warm breeze. Derek said he was going to do more of these special dinners in the future. Highly recommended.

Neighbors enjoying a pretty Spring evening in Madison Valley

Bar Cantinetta
2811 East Madison Street
(206) 329-1501
cantinettaseattle.com

Seven burglaries, two robberies and one assault were reported to the police from Madison Valley during April. Because so much construction and remodeling is occurring in Madison Valley, and because construction sites are attractive targets for burglars, a significant proportion of Madison Valley burglaries are occurring there. This month, four of the seven burglaries were at such sites.

1. At 6 AM on April 3 police were called to an apartment building being renovated on E. Union near 20th. When they arrived, a resident told them that he had heard what he thought were construction noises earlier that morning, but when the noises became very loud he realized that someone was trying to pry open the front door to his apartment. After setting off an alarm in the building, he called 911. Inspection of the building revealed that someone had broken into another apartment close by, but at the time of the police report it was not known if the burglar had taken anything from it. The burglar apparently left in a hurry because he left a flashlight behind. The police gave the flashlight to their Evidence Section to search for fingerprints.

2. Sometime during the night of April 8–9 someone pried open the front door of an almost-finished home under construction on 29th near Pine and took a boxed surveillance system worth $1500 that was being stored in the kitchen pantry. No fingerprints were found at the scene.

3. On April 11 at 8:30 AM police were called to a construction site on 27th near Denny to investigate a robbery that had taken place during the previous night. When they arrived, the victim told them that someone had broken into the site and taken a dehumidifier and a concrete saw. The police were unable to find fingerprints at the scene.

4. Sometime during the night of April 19–20 someone entered a home on 21st Ave. E. near Roy that is being remodeled. When the contractor arrived on the morning of the 20th he found that a plywood panel that covered a door had been pried off, and that items belonging to the home owner had been taken. The police found no fingerprints or other evidence about the burglary.

5. During the night of April 21–22 a burglar succeeded in opening the garage door of a town home on Madison near 26th and stole a bicycle and skiing equipment. The resident had left the door just slightly open to let it air out after a painting job on the evening of the 21st, but found the door completely open the next morning. No fingerprints were found at the scene.

6. There was a forced-entry burglary at a residence on E. Denny near MLK on April 30, but the police have not filed a detailed description of this incident.

7. Police were called to a home on E. Denny near 19th on April 30 to investigate a burglary that was taking place. When they arrived, residents told them that while upstairs they had heard noises coming from the ground floor of the home and that when they investigated they found a man searching though some jackets that were hung close to the front entrance. The man quickly fled the scene and although one of the residents chased after him, he outran her. After the police received a description of the burglar, another police unit found a man matching the description hiding in a doorway near 21st and John. While holding him for possible identification by witnesses, the police found a small bag of methamphetamine in his possession. After the residents of the home identified the man as the one who they had seen in their house, the police took him to the King County Jail.

One of the two robberies reported in April involved theft at the Safeway store, and the other was reported by a victim whose report left police wondering about the veracity of his story.

At around 6:30 AM on April 14 an employee working in an office behind the customer service counter at the Safeway store on E. Madison heard noises coming from just outside the office. When she investigated, she found that a woman was reaching behind the service desk and removing tickets from a lottery ticket dispenser. The employee then confronted the woman and started picking up some of the tickets that had fallen on the desk and the floor behind the counter. The woman then entered the area behind the service counter and physically assaulted the employee. When another employee came to the rescue, the woman threatened them both and they backed away. The woman then fled from the store and was last seen walking south on 23rd. The store provided the police with security camera footage of the incident.

On April 11 police were called to investigate a robbery that had occurred on April 10. When they arrived, the complainant told them that at around 7:30 PM on the previous day while he was walking home a man had approached him and told him that he wanted the hat he was wearing. When the victim tried to flee, the robber tripped him and tried unsuccessfully to taser him. The robber then took the hat, described as a straw hat worth $175, and fled. The police report of this incident expresses skepticism about the complainant’s report, noting that he could not provide information about important features of the incident, that his account contained several inconsistencies in its details and that it also contained assertions about the event that are demonstrably untrue.

Finally, there was an aggravated assault on E. Union during April.

Shortly after 2 PM on April 10 police responded to reports of gunfire in the vicinity of E. Union and MLK. When they arrived, witnesses told the police that the shots had come from a dark colored vehicle that had fled south on 27th just after the incident. While gathering evidence at the scene, the police learned that a 911 call had just come in from two people reporting that they had been shot at while driving in the area. The victims told the police that they had been driving on Rainier Ave. in Columbia City when a vehicle attempted to cut them off. As they continued along Rainier, the vehicle started following them and they became frightened, until the vehicle disappeared. Later, however, the vehicle appeared again when they were driving north on MLK and resumed following the victims. Finally, in the vicinity of MLK and Union occupants of the following vehicle opened fire on the victims. Shortly after the police interviewed the victims, the car from which the shots were fired was discovered by the police and several people were taken into custody.

Lowell Hargens is a Madison Valley resident and former University of Washington professor of sociology specializing in the statistical analysis of data.

Here are the Seattle OPCD and SDCI Land Use notices and City planning activities in the last five weeks for communities from 18th Ave. to Lake Washington and E Union St. to SR-520.

Early Community Outreach for Design Review

Seattle City Council added requirements to the land use code that all projects going through Streamlined, Administrative, or Full Design Review shall conduct community outreach. Specifically, applicants shall prepare a community outreach plan and document compliance with the community outreach plan before the early design guidance (EDG) meeting can be scheduled. As required by the legislation, Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) and Seattle Department of Neighborhoods are proposing a joint director’s rule establishing:

1) what constitutes a community outreach plan, and
2) how compliance shall be documented.

Notice of Adoption of Rule

Frequent Transit Service Area Map

The land use code requires Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections adopt a map showing the frequent transit service area (FTSA), which is a basis for applying parking requirements in certain areas of the city. The purpose of this rule is to adopt the map showing the frequent transit service area (FTSA).

Notice of Adoption of Rule

2030 Challenge

The Seattle City Council is considering amendments to the Land Use Code (SMC Title 23) to

1) establish a 2030 Challenge High Performance Existing Building Pilot Program; and
2) update the existing Living Building Pilot Program.

Both programs encourage the development or rehabilitation of buildings that meet high green building standards and promote environmental quality. More information available here. 

Public hearing:
June 6, 9:30 a.m.
City Council Chambers
2nd floor, Seattle City Hall
600 Fourth Ave

Written comments may be sent to [email protected]and must be received by June 5, 2018, at 5:00 p.m.

Notice of Public Hearing

Accessory Dwelling Units

The Seattle City Council has issued a draft Environmental Impact Statement(DEIS) that describes potential adverse environmental impacts of proposed changes to City Land Use Code regulations for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) that are located in certain single-family zones. ADUs include backyard cottages, known as Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs), and in-law apartments, known as Attached Accessory Dwelling Units (AADUs). 

Open house and public hearing:
May 31, 5:30 open house, 6:30 public hearing
Seattle City Hall, 600 4th Ave
Bertha Knight Landes room

Written comments on the DEIS may be submitted through June 25, 2018, online comment form at seattle.gov/council/adu-eis or email to [email protected]

Notice of DEIS

2301 E Union

Land Use Application to allow a 7-story, 429-unit apartment building with retail. Parking for 252 vehicles proposed. Existing buildings to be demolished. Zone: Neighborhood commercial-2 pedestrian (M1), Urban Village overlay

For some background, this is the Midtown property, a full city block at 23rdand E Union. Early Design Guidance of the Design Review Board was in January. Here is the proposal prepared for that meeting. Here is the report of that meeting. Currently, the architects and developers are seeking feedback. There will be a large public space, so different uses, building configurations, and flow are offered for your consideration and ideas. Just click on Comment on this Project to see the discussion.

Notice of Application

3320 E Republican

Land Use Application to subdivide one parcel into two parcels of land. Existing structures to remain. Zone: Single family 5000, Potential slide area

Notice of Application

1115 34th Ave

Land Use Application to subdivide one development site into three parcels of land. This subdivision is for the purpose of allowing sale or lease of the individual live-work and residential dwelling units. Development standards will be applied to the development site as a whole and not to each of the new parcels and unit lots.  Zone: Arterial within 100ft, Lowrise-2, Neighborhood Commerical1-30

Notice of Decision

Resources
Land Use Information Bulletins– NEW
Property & Building Activity Interactive Map 
Permit and Property Records
Design Review Board
Buildings in Design Review Map

Six burglaries, one robbery and one aggravated assault occurred in Madison Valley during March. An interesting feature of incidents of these types that have been reported thus far in 2018 is that they have been heavily concentrated in the area south of John and west of 26thAve. More specifically, 23 of the 28 incidents that have been reported in Madison Valley during 2018 have occurred in that section.

1. Shortly before closing time on March 4 a burglar broke into the liquor storage room at the Safeway store on Madison. Video cameras recorded him loading a backpack with liquor bottles and leaving the room and then the store. The burglar took more than $1000 worth of liquor but left no fingerprints at the scene.

2. At around 12:30 AM on March 8 police received a call reporting a burglary in progress at a home on 20th near Denny. When they arrived, they searched the neighborhood for two men matching the description of the would-be burglars, but were unable to find them. The burglars had been attempting to open a rear window when they were observed by the resident, and the police report states that the resident knows the identity of one of the burglars.

3. On March 13 at 3:40 AM video cameras at an apartment complex on Madison near 20th recorded a man and a woman attempting to break into a storage area in the complex. When a manager of the complex came to work later that morning he found the damage caused by the burglars and called the police. When the police arrived, they were told that the couple might be living in a vehicle nearby, but during a search of the neighborhood the police were unable to find the couple.

4. On March 21 someone opened packages in the mail room of an apartment building on 19th Ave. E. near Republican. At the time of the police report there was no evidence that anything was taken from the packages that had been opened. The police report states that security cameras may have recorded the incident.

5. On March 25 shortly after 2 PM a witness saw a woman, described as being in her 20s, take a bike from the porch of an apartment on Madison near 20th and, accompanied by a man who was also riding a bike, ride away on it. At first the witness wasn’t sure that he had witnessed a burglary, but when he saw the woman having difficulty riding the bike, he took pictures of her with his cell phone and called the police. When the police arrived, he described the burglars and what they were wearing. By chance one of the officers present had investigated a burglary at that apartment complex during February (it was reported as burglary number 5 in the February edition of this report) and he noted that the description of the couple was very similar to very to the couple that had been recorded on security cameras in that incident. However, at the time of the police report it had not been conclusively determined that the two couples are in fact the same.

6. During the night of March 28–29 someone broke into a home being renovated on 30th near Union and took construction equipment worth approximately $2500. Police found no fingerprints at the scene.

There was another shoplifting → burglary incident during March.

A little after 1 PM on March 18 police were called to the Safeway store on Madison by employees who had just experienced a robbery. The employees told the police that they had observed a woman who has been a frequent shoplifter at the store taking packages from the meat department. One of the employees confronted the woman and told her to put down the packages and leave the store. At first the woman ignored the employee, but when the employee attempted to recover one of the packages the woman yelled an obscenity at her and brandished a sharp cutting tool. After unsuccessfully attempting to injure the employee with the weapon, the robber left the store carrying about $100 worth of ribs. Other employees saw the robber enter a car, described as an older model blue Chrysler, which then drove south on 23rd. Employees told the police that they have often seen the robber in the vicinity of 23rdand Union.

Finally, at approximately 9 PM on March 17 there was an aggravated assault at Union and 24th that involved a firearm. The police have not posted a detailed description of the incident because it is still under active investigation.

Lowell Hargens is a Madison Valley resident and former University of Washington professor of sociology specializing in the statistical analysis of data.

The Harrison Ridge Greenbelt volunteer forest stewards hosted Lead Naturalist, Ed Dominguez from the Seward Park Audubon Center this past Wednesday, April 25. The visit brought two new neighbors into the fold of our Greenbelt team and was enjoyed by all. The Stewards had identified four areas within the site that they wished to have some expertise guidance for creating an optimum bird habitat.

Ed did not disappoint! For two hours we wondered among the trees as he identified birds by sight and sound. We even spotted the first migrating warbler of the season!

Ed was most complimentary of our restoration efforts that have had a primary goal of fostering birdlife. He had some suggestions for additional plant material and gave us some pointers for respecting nesting areas.

The Stewards felt that we received both positive validation of our own efforts as well as tips for continuing success. Thank you, Ed! We are most appreciative.

Finally! A fabulous yoga studio has opened in Madison Valley in the traditional courtyard space along Madison Street. Earth + Wind + Fire brings the mega-watt star power of the owners which will surely restore this venerated site to the former glory of the original studio, Santosha.

The dazzling light-filled space has been lovingly refreshed to uphold its reputation as the most beautiful studio in Seattle. It is simply a joy to practice here.

Owners Alice, Madzy and Jamie have been together since 2008 when Jamie opened Mountain Flow Yoga. Alice and Jamie were childhood friends from Epiphany School, reconnected at an Epiphany Alumni reunion and were surprised to learn that they were both teaching yoga. Alice immediately jumped on board as Mountain Flow’s first teacher. Madzy was a student in the very first class Jamie ever taught at Mountain Flow. She quickly transitioned to teaching and through the years, the three teachers developed a sisterhood that fosters their current collaboration. All three women live with their families in our community.

Owners Alice, Madzy and Jamie.

The Earth + Wind + Fire name is from the yoga-based medicine practice of Ayurveda. Ayurveda organizes a person’s personality and constitution into one of three doshas: earth (grounded and calm), wind (fluid and creative) and fire (passionate and energetic). The three teachers have recognized themselves as one of these doshas and bring their unique practice style in line with them. Alice (earth) offers classes that she customizes on the spot to the students present at the time. Madzy, (wind) guides her students to find their potential with playful, core-based challenges. Jamie, (fire) leads athletic classes that open doors to new and perhaps unrealized possibilities.

The studio offers classes from 6 AM into the evenings with a thoughtful range of styles. Challenging, vigorous experiences are balanced with calming and restorative practices. For the encouragement of new yogis, there is the Stiff + Scared class. Pricing options are generous and varied. An enticing intro for new students is $50 for 5 classes. Wow! What a deal!

As an additional enhancement, the studio hosts a variety of workshops and retreat opportunities. Upcoming retreats in 2019 include Costa Rica in January and Sonoma in August. Check out the website: earthwindfireyoga.com for details.

Earth + Wind + Fire will surely kindle the interest of locals who may have had to journey to far flung sites for their practice. It is absolutely wonderful to have such a quality studio in our neighborhood. Thank you, Alice, Madzy and Jamie!

There is a lot happening at the cute little storefront at 2816 E Madison St!

River Song Jewelry, which had been there for 9 years, has moved. River and her husband have relocated to San Miguel, Mexico where she will continue creating jewelry. You can purchase her beautiful jewelry online at riversongjewelry.com, and follow her creative process on Instagram @riversongjewels.

So what will happen to the space, you ask? 

Honey Skin Spa is expanding! Owner Megan Sevcik is opening Honey Deux. Such a cute play on words with a nod to the neighborhood’s French theme. 

As most of you probably know, Honey Skin Spa is located in the courtyard next to Arya’s Place. Honey offers a variety of skin and beauty services. 

When I asked Megan about expanding, she explained that Honey Deux will be like “Honey in a hurry.” She will be offering a variety of beauty services including facials, waxing, and nail services, as well as her own line of beauty products. 

I caught Megan in the space late at night as she was painting the trim herself. That’s true entrepreneurship! 

Honey Deux opening in June, 2018 — please stop in and say hello. 

To learn more about Honey Skin Spa visit honeyskinspa.com.

Hello Friends and Neighbors: 

It has been 11 years since our neighbor, Wallis Bolz, took up the challenge of restoring our neighborhood’s special place, Alder Creek. It is the wild space at the dead end of 26th Ave East and East Helen. Once an overgrown, impenetrable patch of blackberries, ivy and bindweed, it has been transformed to a wild place filled with native plants and birds. A stream runs through it and trails built over the years by volunteers provide a quiet, private spot to relax in the busy city. 

Over the years a group of regular volunteers have spent three hours each month weeding, planting, and mulching with wood chips. These second Saturday work parties have been augmented with United Way and other community-wide volunteer groups that have allowed us to make real progress. The ivy and blackberries are almost gone! The birds are loving the snags and brushy undergrowth.

Many neighbors don’t even know that Alder Creek is a public space so we are having a 11th Anniversary Celebration on June 3, Sunday, from 10 AM to noon. We’ll provide donuts and coffee. Penny Bolton of Seattle Audubon will bring a collection of bird skins that represent the species we have in Alder Creek and your yards. Meet your neighbors, let the kids play on the logs, and learn about our project.

We look forward to seeing you. If you have any questions feel free to email Penny Bolton at ppbolton AT gmail DOT com

June 3, Sunday
10 AM to Noon
Alder Creek