Strategies for community organizing and information on the upcoming Seattle neighborhood status check were the main concerns at the Highland Park Action Committee meeting on Wednesday, July 22.

Tactics for crime watching and a brief update from the Green Seattle Partnership were the other major topics discussed.

Neighborhood Status Check

Talks of community involvement arose after speaker Sharon Meeks from the Neighborhood Planning Advisory Committee (NPAC) explained that there will be upcoming meetings from the Seattle Planning Commission and NPAC for a status check on Neighborhood Plans.

“This is one of the most important meetings you could attend anytime soon,” proclaimed Meeks, as the meeting only takes place every four years.

The meeting will address each neighborhood's plan, which projects have been successful and reasons other aspects of the plan have not progressed since it’s creation about a decade ago.

“It’s an evolving document and it needs your attention,” Meeks explained.

Topics of concern range from housing and transportation to neighborhood character and public services.

“The issues of different communities are not always the same, which is why this meeting is important,” said Meeks. She also noted that after reading the 15 plans for all the neighborhoods, some are thinner than others.

“If you look at our neighborhood planning compared to other neighborhoods, it’s pretty thin," remarked community member Rory Denovan. "We need to get things together and get things in there."

Some Highland Park residents noted that community involvement may be challenging for this neighborhood due to the high numbers of individuals whom English is a second language.

There was a suggestion for translated copies of the plan. However, Meeks advised a small meeting with these individuals and translators who could help explain the plan instead.

“This is part of community building, this is about inclusive building,” said Meeks.

Some residents also questioned city government’s responsibilities to help organize neighborhoods and reach out for their input.

“The city should hold meetings at the neighborhood levels and not the district level. (If they) never get to neighborhoods, is this bottom up or top down (government)?” questioned Denovan.

The Neighborhood Plan status update meeting will be July 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Delridge community Center Gym.

Crime Watch

As the hot weather moves in, so does an increase in criminal break-ins due to open windows and unlocked doors.

In light of the murder of a South Park woman on Sunday, July 19, this was a special concern. A man entered through an open window on the ground floor and stabbed two women as they slept.

As for windows: “don’t leave it open, that’s an open invitation,” warned officer Adonis Topacio, and despite the heat “you’ve got to protect yourself first.”

Topacio also recommended anything that will draw attention to the house such as a dog or alarms.

He also said to never hesitate calling the non-emergency line to report suspicious persons or activities.

Green Seattle Partnership

Joanna Nelson noted that they are planning for a “city wide green," where stationed volunteers will help plant native trees and shrubs.

“We are hoping initial work will sparks some interest in the community,” said Nelson. “The more the community is involved, the more resources come to the table.”

Nelson encouraged others to get involved and offered help in getting the community on board for a project.