Finally, our permit application is under review!
Dear FOHB,
After several years and a lot of angst, our community proposal to maintain and enhance our street-end for the public has reached a significant milestone.
It has been submitted to the Seattle Dept. of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) for review. We are applying for a Shoreline Substantial Development permit: 3041461-LU. The notice of application is set for next Monday, February 10.
The permit title is a bit misleading since our proposal aims to enhance the simplicity and the “hidden-ness” of our street-end. We drew on our community survey to design a plan informed by your wishes. It features:
the addition of native trees and shrubs
a rain garden for drainage
the addition of simple seating (benches or logs or boulders- tbd)
a place to park your bikes
a space or two on the street reserved for you to safely drop off your boards, floaties, chairs, picnics, kids…
an entry point that clearly indicates the street-end is a public space
We are greatly indebted to FOHB, Daniel Collins, and Landscape Architect Emily Van Geldern for their expertise, patience and creativity that enabled us to put a quality proposal together. It reflects the community’s expressed desire to protect and preserve Hidden Beach for the public and to retain its character and tranquility. The proposal enhances our street-end with added greenery, a rain garden, a drop-off zone and a few creature comforts. It will be clear that it is a public (not private) space.
There will be opportunities for you to let the reviewers at SDCI know of your support for this proposal. Please look for information which we will send about how to let your opinions be known. Public feedback will be very helpful.
As we watch the progress of our application through the review process, we must also begin a fundraising campaign in earnest. Please join me in forming a group to spearhead this next important step. Let me know how you can help.
Thanks to all of you who have been such an important part of moving FOHB to this point. You have not only helped care for Hidden Beach in so many ways, but you also donated which made this next step a reality. Pat yourselves on the back and enjoy knowing that together we have made it this far successfully.
Libby, et al
