Over 70 local residents attended the Seattle Green Spaces Coalition Keep This Land in Public Hands Informational Open House on March 22nd at Sunset Hill Community Association Clubhouse. Groundswell NW and TreePac.org hosted the event. The attendees wanted to learn more about means to keep public lands in public hands.

Although the event focused on possible disposition of surplus or excess Seattle City Light substations in the northwest quadrant, the attendees declared they wanted citywide solutions for balancing open space needs with those for affordable housing and overwhelmed infrastructure.

The citizens were eager to sign hard copy petitions regarding Seattle City Light land disposition and in fact demanded there be electronic versions so that they could easily share with the block-watch groups and neighbors. In addition the attendees, both homeowners and renters, suggested that SCL be required to post large public notice signs in advance of disposition. They had additional suggestions about even greater outreach through neighborhood councils, block party presentations and social media.

In addition to petitions to Parks Department and City Council members, the attendees joined in signing a letter to Mayor Murray on selection criteria for SCL’s new head, specifically asking for someone willing to be a team player in the City’s overall goals.

Overall sentiment was that organizations and citizens want to unite to stop the sale of surplus city lands through changes in public policy

For questions/information contact Mary Fleck at 206.719.6420.