June 2007

Ballard High School students received a large audience for their artwork that was on display during this month's Artwalk at the Ballard Library.

Abbi Russell, 3, looks down at her damp duds after running through the fountains at Ballard Commons Park.

New construction has its ups and downs in Ballard these days.

First we have to wait for the cement truck to back slowly into the lot with the giant hole which will someday be somebody's garage, then we inch ahead only to have to stop again while the flagman tries to get the cars out of the way for the digging machine to get into the right position to carve up the street for the umteenth time to install some new sewer, water, electrical - whatever - service.

Many people are wondering when this project will start, and why that one is taking so long, even others not sure the

Lawsuits endanger small business

By Don C. Brunell

When a Fortune 500 company is sued, it makes the evening news and the front page of The Wall Street Journal. But people rarely hear about it when the local dry cleaner is slapped with a lawsuit-unless a Washington, D. C., judge is seeking $67 million because the dry cleaners lost his pants.

Seriously. Judge Roy Pearson sued Jin and Soo Chung and their son for $67 million because they lost his pants. Fortunately, he came to his senses.

The recent issue of the Ballard history was really well formatted and enjoyable to read, and gave me a good background on what has been long my favorite neighborhood in Seattle. I hope you can continue with more history occasionally.

What I wonder is why didn't Ballard merchants put together a major effort to celebrate this event, with a parade, some "century sales" and a community picnic, or something like that.

This belated letter is to thank you, reporter Dean Wong and the Ballard News-Tribune for the story you wrote last month about the White Cane Days event held by our Ballard Lions Club. As a club member, I can tell you that this coverage from your newspaper really helps.

Congratulations to the Ballard News-Tribune staff on such an excellent issue commemorating the 100th anniversary of Ballard's annexation by Seattle. It was a really enjoyable read, and reminded me that perhaps the "Passport To Ballard" is in need of an update - or a new printing, at the very least.

The Ballard News-Tribune has always been a consistently strong voice for the neighborhood residents. I was proud to be a part of that small family, if only briefly.

Keep up the good work.

Adam Richter

Former Editor

Easton, Pa.

When Russell Oberg and his wife sold their home last June, they figured they'd spend a relaxing summer aboard their boat on Lake Union before settling into their new condominium in Ballard.

Summer turned into fall, and the Oberg's original move-in date of Oct. 1 came and went. Then fall turned into winter, and the Oberg's were still living on their boat.

Nearly nine months and three amendments to their original closing date later, "And here we are, we're still waiting," said Oberg.

A love of old buildings and a desire to preserve history on Ballard Avenue is a common link among a group of property owners who have helped revitalize the area.

In 1982 architects Gene Morris and Gordon Lagerquist found themselves intrigued by the potential of the triangular shaped 1896 Ballard Livery and Transfer building.

A run-off election will be held this week for a position on the Ballard Avenue Landmark Board, the body that reviews and approves all changes to building exteriors and new construction within the historic district.

John Burreson, owner of The Old Town Alehouse, and Michelle Quisenberry, co-owner of Volterra Restaurant, both on Ballard Avenue, tied for the business owner position in the initial election June 14.

Voters and candidates must live, own property, manage or operate a business in the district to be eligible.

Out of 223 registered voters, only 23 cast a