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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels (former Mayor)
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Mayor Proposes $159 Million for 190 Neighborhood Projects
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
9/28/2004 9:30:00 AM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Office of the Mayor (206) 684-4000
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Mayor Proposes $159 Million for 190 Neighborhood Projects
2005-2006 budget proposal supports 38 neighborhood plans
SEATTLE - Mayor Greg Nickels today announced his plan to fund more than 190 neighborhood projects throughout the city over the next two years. The proposed capital investment program would provide more than $67 million in 2005, an increase of $16 million from 2004. Then, in 2006, $92 million would be invested in neighborhood projects.
Nickels’ budget proposal also protects the Neighborhood Matching Fund, holding it steady at $3.2 million per year despite challenges to the general fund from slowdowns in revenue, and a projected $25 million budget gap.
The $159 million total combines voter-approved and city funds.
Details of the mayor’s proposed investments in neighborhoods were announced today, following the mayor’s formal budget presentation to the Council yesterday.
“The good news is we’re controlling city spending, balancing the budget, and increasing investments in neighborhoods,” Nickels said. “We’re keeping our promise to open new libraries and other facilities. We’re moving forward on our goal of building strong families and healthy communities.”
Funded neighborhood projects include a vast array of projects, many of which are voter approved investments in parks and community centers, housing, libraries and fire stations. The projects include street and drainage improvements, cultural facilities, bikeways and walkways, housing, playfields and much more.
Some examples:
West -Continued work on replacing the Alaskan Way Seawall and Viaduct; Renovate Fire Station 2; Build Thomas Street pedestrian overpass at Myrtle Edwards Park; new artists loft housing in Pioneer Square.
East -- Complete burying of Lincoln Reservoir; building affordable housing at Judkins Park; expand the Douglass-Truth branch library; improve Broadway Business District.
Northeast - Create pedestrian-friendly corridor along 5th Avenue Northeast near Northgate; reduce flooding in the Thornton Creek watershed; build new branch library and community center at Northgate; acquire land for new Fire Station 17.
Northwest-Extend the Burke-Gilman Trail; reduce flooding in the Pipers Creek watershed; complete new Ballard branch library; complete new Ballard Municipal Center Park.
Southeast-Develop the Chief Sealth Trail; Begin burying Beacon Hill reservoir; Renovate Fire Station 28; expand Van Asselt Community Center; support development of new facility for Asian Counseling and Referral Service.
Southwest-Work with Delridge Neighborhood Development Association and redevelop long-vacant Cooper School; complete open space improvements at Yancy Street and access to Longfellow Creek.
Additional highlights of neighborhood investments, broken out by different sectors of the city, are available at www.seattle.gov/mayor.
“Over the next two years, we will see expanded investment and improvements in every neighborhood of the city,” said Nickels. “This reflects the strong partnership between neighborhoods and city government.”
In addition to capital projects, the mayor’s budget calls for increased funding for family centers throughout the city and food and nutrition services for children, low-income families, people who are homeless, and seniors.
Nickels’ budget maintains full funding to increase the supply of affordable rental housing ($20 million), expand the supply of affordable homes ($3.6 million), and repair and weatherize existing low-income housing ($4.3 million).
The budget proposal also maintains $160,000 in funding for neighborhood business district grants and $240,000 to provide technology to neighborhood organizations and underserved communities.
In 2005, Nickels’ budget includes funding to repave more than 85 lane miles of city streets, improve traffic signals at more than 150 locations and fill up to 70,000 potholes. (Call 684-ROAD for pothole repairs.)
Complete details of the mayor’s proposed budget are on line at www.seattle.gov/mayor
Get the mayor's inside view on initiatives to promote transportation, public safety, economic opportunity and healthy communities by signing up for The Nickels Newsletter at www.seattle.gov/mayor/newsletter_signup.htm.
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