When the Compass Center, a low-income housing provider, demolished the boarded-up house at 1753 N.W. 56th St. there was talk of a temporary open space at the site that would be open to the public.

Rick Friedhoff, the Compass Center's executive director, said grass would be planted on the property as part of the demolition of the existing structure, and Sustainable Ballard showed interest in planting a temporary community garden.

At the time, Neighborhood District Coordinator Rob Mattson encouraged Ballard residents to enjoy the neighborhood's newest open space.

That was in June. Now almost three months later, the property is mostly dirt and weeds. A solitary sunflower is the space's only inviting feature.

Friedhoff told the Ballard News-Tribune in June that an uncertain construction schedule would most likely preclude a community garden, but the space remains without planted grass.

Depending on available funding for the Compass Center's planned six-story, low-income development, construction could start in fall 2010 or sooner, Friedhoff said in June.

Friedhoff has asked for time to speak to the community and neighborhood representatives at the Sept. 9 Ballard District Council meeting.