Neighborhood Issues

This is a very dynamic time in the community surrounding the University. Several groups are working on ways to plan for the future and make the area a better place. Staff members from Regional Affairs and other UW departments are actively involved in these efforts:

520 Bridge Replacement

The State of Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is evaluating different options to replace the aging 520 Evergreen Point Bridge across Lake Washington. This 42-year old floating bridge is reaching the end of its life expectancy and is susceptible to catastrophic loss due to storms or earthquakes.

Options for replacing the bridge include: four and six lane alternatives, provisions for additional High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) and High Capacity Transit (HCT), full shoulders, and bicycle/pedestrian paths. Alternatives that include a second crossing from Marsh Island to the Pacific/Montlake Intersection are also being evaluated.  The University continues to work with WSDOT staff to identify and clarify University concerns about this option.

On May 18, the Board of Regents reviewed principles for replacement of SR-520. These principles include:

1. Promote a vibrant, healthy and livable academic, business, and residential community at the University of Washington and in surrounding neighborhoods
2. Promote carpool, bus, rail, bicycle and pedestrian transportation solutions that improve access to the University and limit the impact of single occupancy vehicles on campus and surrounding neighborhoods
3. Preserve and enhance the recreational and educational habitat of the Washington Park Arboretum and UW Botanic Garden
4. Preserve the ability of the University to meet current and future development needs
5. Allow for the efficient and effective management of construction projects included in the University's Capital Improvement Program for the Seattle campus

The Regents will use these principles to evaluate the suitability of different options to replace SR-520.

See the May 18 presentation here.

See the full principles here.

For more information on this project, please visit the WSDOT SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Project website. Aaron Hoard and Peter Dewey have been following the progress of this project for the University.

Greater University Chamber of Commerce

The Greater University Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization whose purpose is to enhance a healthy business environment in harmony with the unique residential and University communities. This group seeks to promote the interests of businesses in the district by coordinating marketing efforts and other activities to improve the area. The chamber also organizes the annual University District Street Fair. Theresa Doherty represents the University's interests on the board of directors. For more information, visit the Chamber web site at www.udistrictchamber.org.

The Ave Project

The City recently completed reconstruction of University Way NE (the Ave) from Campus Parkway to NE 50th St. Improvements included new street trees, street furnishings (benches, garbage cans), vintage-style street lights, bus bulbs, wider sidewalks, and public art. The Ave Group meets monthly to discuss revitalization of the Ave and other University District issues.

Business Improvement Area

The Business Improvement Area (BIA) collects money from area property and business owners to provide cleaning and security in the district. The BIA also arranges for beautification efforts such as flower baskets. Aaron Hoard represents the University on the BIA board. Please feel free to contact him if you have ideas or concerns about cleaning and security in the district.

The University Community Urban Center

The University of Washington is located in the University Community Urban Center (UCUC). Since early 1995, neighborhoods throughout Seattle have engaged in efforts to plan their communities' growth. These neighborhood planning efforts represent an innovative, grass-roots approach to growth management that supports neighborhood residents, business owners, and other community members in planning their future. The UCUC Plan's vision for the neighborhood states that the University Community will:

1. Be an inviting and welcoming, people-oriented urban community meeting the social, educational, residential, and commercial needs of a diverse array of people in an environmentally pleasing setting. The University Community will build on it current strengths and asses and proceed in new directions to accomplish its vision of the future.
2. Offer a wide range of quality housing options to meet the needs of its diverse and growing population while retaining a sense of neighborhood and community.
3. Be a vital and progressive economic area, an integral part of the city and the region, acknowledging the role of the University of Washington in our regional economy and recognizing the Community's diverse needs as well as those of the City.
4. Be a hub of efficient, environmentally sound multi-modal transportation serving needs of residents, students, customers, and visitors.
5. Seek an active partnership with the University of Washington as a catalyst for positive change involved in both residential and business concerns.

Students, staff and faculty from the University of Washington were actively engaged with the community and city in drafting the University Community Urban Center plan. The University remains committed to supporting this plan and incorporated elements of the plan in its Campus Master Plan.