Ready, Set… Reach Out in 2005!

Ready, Set… Reach Out in 2005!
P. Scott Cummins © 2004 The Urbane R

2004, the year we all learned that ideas matter. And how ideas affect your actions – like (crucially), whether you vote. There are lessons here for a place like Magnolia – a community with a greater percentage of children in private schools than almost everywhere in the city – and yet we are (sadly) the most affluent neighborhood in Seattle not supporting school levies. Magnolia is also perhaps the most profoundly anti-monorail community in Seattle, but most of us acknowledge that at existing rates of traffic increase – we will soon be hemmed-in (with no other alternatives) to the Fifteenth West-Elliott Avenue corridor. We are the community with the largest percentage of elderly living alone, and (for transportation) the most roadway bridge-dependent – this just only a few (of many) intersecting issues. If a Magnolia professor was drawing a Venn diagram about our community – we students could suggest intersecting circles for hours. For a variety of reasons, it can be predicted, 2005 will be a year when we come to grips with the challenges of the future – and the present. With that in mind, here are some ideas to consider in the coming year.

The first is a successful process toward resolution of Capehart Housing at Discovery Park. Like a present under the tree, the announcement of an agreement in principle and framework for going forward came just in time for the holidays. Mayor Greg Nickels should be commended for vision and action that will result in a historic benefit to Discovery Park. There was a significant element of compromise by many parties and stakeholders with standing in the conservation of Discovery Park. But frankly, in order for this to have happened – the United States Navy came through as a party in shared vision of Discovery Park. Doing so took leadership on the Navy’s part - and not inconsiderable focus on this issue, during a time when our nation is at war. I am mindful and appreciative of that outreach. We need to cherish our Capehart neighbors – and redouble outreach to them at church, school and elsewhere – over the next few years of transition time for these families. There is no better time than right now to honor them: as emblems of military families everywhere in service to our country.

Next is an issue of equal standing for many of our neighbors who worked with an incredible community activist, the late Ursula Judkins. Those people know that we continue to reap the benefits of her tireless efforts on behalf of our entire community. There is a broad and enthusiastic consensus for naming the new public green space at the top of the Magnolia Bridge after our Ursula. I hope you will take time this year to get involved in that effort – and to get to know Ursula’s legacy. She continues to inspire.

Over the years, we have seen great individuals work to advance our community by engaging with the landlord of certain storefronts along 32 Avenue West in the village. What we need now are some Magnolia neighbors to join them – and as volunteers bring their professional skills in public relations, land use law, real estate and zoning, organizational development and general hell-raising to bear. You can all schedule a ‘meet up’ by e-mailing me. You may well become the most popular people in Magnolia’s history.

In 2005 you will become aware that the Port of Seattle’s North Bay redevelopment plan is the most important single issue Magnolia has ever faced. And you will lament not getting involved sooner – and not having done more outreach to create community consensus favoring your viewpoint. Growth in vehicle traffic on commuter corridors, construction of a new Magnolia Bridge, and Alaskan Way Viaduct reconstruction – will all work in the decade ahead to isolate Magnolia like never before. Because of that, quality of life issues right here in Magnolia will come to dominate our attention. When driving to University Village increases to over one hour, you are going to wish our village had more options. And it could, if you make a strong commitment (beginning right now) to regularly shop there – and for those of you downtown workers with vested ‘lifestyle’ interests in Magnolia, time to move beyond considering the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce – and sign up as a member.

My great wish for 2005 is that the Briarcliff neighbors will move beyond the shouting. Hey, shout at me all you want – knock yourself out – I have been watering trees and picking up trash at the water tower for five years: and have a unique vantage point on who the committed community volunteers really are. But our Community Club leaders are our neighbors – and as volunteers (and in good faith) represent the wider interests of our community. Through many years of commitment and dedication they have acquired knowledge regarding the land use and building codes. Get into the wider issues, join in with the work of the Community Club – that is the way to create consensus you desire. The water tower site is a gem, which with stronger community involvement, could be a crown jewel for Magnolia. Be in touch to get involved.

In the weeks ahead, it will be my privilege to acquaint readers with some great neighbors – living, working (and committed to issues affecting us) in Magnolia. Here’s a hint: get ready for some ‘Baby Boomers’ with ‘Gen X’ sensibilities – but particularly those ‘Gen Y’ among us doing things in ways never imagined. You are going to hear about music, learn about art, and feel their strong dedication to things like the environment – and spirituality. It is going to affect the way you look at, and feel about, your community. And it is your community.

(P. Scott Cummins wants you to take charge in Magnolia. E-mail your directives to humbleservant@pscottcummins.com )