The buildings emptied as part of the construction process for the Capitol Hill light rail station may contribute to several negative impacts in the Broadway area. Empty storefronts encourage vagrancy and to a general sense of decay. Below is a letter the council sent to Sound Transit with a proposal to utilize a building in the construction zone for council meetings and an event to help mitigate the negative effects of the unnused space.
We are hoping to work with Sound Transit to explore activities to utilize these spaces. Please show your support for this proposal by signing this petition.
Also, please consider contacting ST to show your support for the proposal — Jeff Munnoch Sound Transit Community Outreach <gro.tisnartdnuos|hconnum.ffej#gro.tisnartdnuos|hconnum.ffej>
Proposal
Dear Sound Transit,
The Capitol Hill Community Council as part of a Sustainable Capitol Hill would like Sound Transit to consider a proposal for a Community Events Space.
The space requested is the former US Bank building on the corner of Denny and Broadway.
Specifically, the Capitol Hill Community Council would like to secure the space for our monthly general meetings on Aug. 21, Sep. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 20, and Dec. 18.
The Council will also be hosting a Sidewalk Chalk Contest on September 20th and would like to secure the space for the event for artist registration and a winners celebration.
We would also like to request that Sound Transit be open to negotiating use of the space on additional dates for community events hosted by the CHCC and other Arts organizations on the hill, with the understanding that for each new event the organization asking for use of the space would submit more detail about the event to Sound Transit.
This use of space we feel will bring together the following Capitol Hill community organizations, residences and local businesses and Art Organizations, together in a visible public location. Access to this location with public events would counter the visual impact of closed business and vacant areas and help establish a positive relationship with Sound Transit and the new light rail station with its impact on the community.
Please consider this a pilot project in using vacant space and a viable resource in connecting to the community and a chance for various community groups to establish a working relationship with Sound Transit.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Capitol Hill Community Council