Notes from Shoreline City Council March 4, 2013

Devon Vose Rickabaugh
Photo by Jerry Pickard

Shoreline City Council Meeting Monday March 4, 2013

By Devon Vose Rickabaugh

Property tax exemption in North City

The five members of the Council present voted to approve a contract for a 12 year  property tax exemption on 109 units in North City Target (Arabella II). In 2008 the  Council passed an Ordinance offering property tax exemptions for new residential projects. In the North City Business District target area, at least 20% of the units must be rented as affordable housing units to households making at or below 70% of the area median family income. The Council found that the project achieves Vision 2029 goals such as diverse and affordable housing, specific high density areas and a business friendly environment. In addition, the project builds on the investment made in the North City neighborhood by past Council action.

Eastside off-leash dog park

Among the study items on the agenda was the recommendation for an Eastside Off-Leash Dog Area located in the southeast corner of Fircrest Campus located at 1750 NE 150th Street.  The area is two acres with room for 20 parking spaces. The State of Washington who owns the property has agreed to lease the area to the city for five years at a cost of $200 per  month  in addition to the improvements needed to make the space a fully fence off-leash park. The money would be taken from the Capital Improvement budget. The Shoredogs, a volunteer organization would help maintain the park as they do at the fully dedicated off-leash Shoreview Park and the seasonal off-leash area at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. Both of those parks are on the west side of Shoreline, so there has been community interest in an Eastside location.

Councilmember Salomon said “There are 13,000 dogs in Shoreline and only two places to take your dog off-leash. Let’s move ahead”. Councilmember Winstead said, “ Dog parks get more love than any other park..” Mayor McGlashan said “I’m excited.” Councilmember Roberts suggested that the city keep track of any dog attacks which occur in the parks.