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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Mayor Nickels Unveils Plan to Make Ave Safer, Revitalize U-District
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
2/12/2003 11:52:00 AM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Office of the Mayor (206) 684-4000
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Mayor Nickels Unveils Plan to
Make Ave Safer, Revitalize U-District
Beefed up police presence, lifting UW lease lid key strategies
SEATTLE - Mayor Greg Nickels announced today his package for revitalizing "The Ave" and the University District. The Mayor's plan will make the Ave. safer by adding more police foot and bicycle patrols, and more resources of the North Precinct's Anti-Crime Team to reduce crime in the area.
The Mayor is also partnering with private businesses to beef up public safety. The University of Washington, Safeco, University Towers Hotel, and University Bookstore have made a two-year financial commitment to further enhance police presence on the Ave., and will seek other partners in the effort.
"We're making the Ave. safer and better," said Nickels. "We're adding more police, making the right investments and working to get rid of choking, unnecessary regulation."
Another key element of the mayor's plan is lifting the lease lid that restricts the amount of space the University of Washington can lease outside its campus.
"The University of Washington is our city's largest employer. We should encourage its potential, not stifle it. The lease lid makes no sense. Let's get rid of it," said Nickels.
The Mayor's plan also works to protect the surrounding residential neighborhood. Nickels has submitted legislation to the City Council to create a new residential noise ordinance. The law targets noisy party houses by permitting more effective enforcement and holding violators accountable.
Other elements of the Mayor's plan include:
- Investment Campaign
: The Mayor has directed the Office of Economic Development to conduct a campaign to attract investment in the Ave. The first phase includes an analysis of current and potential customer demand for retail services and housing, and is on schedule for completion at the end of March.
- Housing Incentives
: The Mayor will propose extending the Multifamily Tax Exemption Program to add the Ave/University District as a target neighborhood. The program provides a 10 year property tax exemption for multi-family housing development. The Mayor is also proposing the University District be designated as a Housing Investment Area. Under this designation, the Neighborhood Housing Opportunity Program would provide funding for affordable rental projects; the Homeownership program would provide assistance to first time homebuyers.
- Giving Meters
: The City, in partnership with the University District Business Improvement Area and Partnership for Youth, is installing "Giving Meters" along University Way. Money collected will be used to provide stipends for homeless and street youth to participate in community building activities. Youth designed the artwork for the meters.
The Mayor's plan builds momentum around important elements already in place:
- Rebuilding the Ave:
The Mayor is committed to making sure improvements on the Ave go forward as promised. The project is now almost two months ahead of schedule. The first block of the Ave resurfacing is completed and the project is on schedule for completion by the end of June. The results will be better transit service; increased pedestrian safety and mobility; new water, sewer, drainage, and electrical infrastructure; façade improvements and more attractive storefronts; new trees, light poles, benches, kiosks, and a bronze gateway.
- Park Space
: As a part of the PRO Parks Levy Opportunity Fund recommendation, $1 million has been allocated to purchase park space in the University District.
Teresa Lord Hugel, Executive Director of the Greater University Chamber of Commerce, endorsed the Mayor's plan.
"Mayor Nickels is targeting the specific areas that have been of highest priority to our community," she said.
The Varsity Theater applauded the Mayor on its marquee: "Coming Soon - The New Ave. - A Mayor Nickels' Production"
For more information, visit the Mayor's web site at www.cityofseattle.gov/mayor/.
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Mayor's Office
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