Year in review

It can often be difficult to think back on an entire year and remember what occurred during a 365-day span. Problem solved— here are excerpts from the pages of The Shoreline Enterprise as a reminder of the year 2004.

JANUARY

Oil spill at Point Wells facility

An oil spill at the Chevron Asphalt Plant at Point Wells, between Woodway and Shoreline, Dec. 30 resulted in almost 6,000 gallons of heavy fuel oil in Puget Sound, according to U.S. Coast Guard officials.

The Coast Guard was alerted to the spill at 12:15 a.m., after receiving a report that oil spilled into Puget Sound while being transferred to a barge at the Chevron facility.

Snowstorm hits sound hard

The heaviest snowfall to hit the Puget Sound region in seven years resulted in many Shoreline and Lake Forest Park residents awakening to no power Jan. 7 after snow fell the night before. Roads were subsequently closed, but police officers did not respond to any accidents.

Aurora businesses must move shop

Several Shoreline businesses along the east side of Aurora Avenue North, in the 18500 block, were told they will have to relocate within a year.

The city plans to build the Interurban Trail on the land where TriVentures, Monarch Appliance, All American Eyeglass Repair, T &T Seafood Restaurant and Cigarettes Only now sit, as a part of the redevelopment of the Gateway Center, located just behind these businesses, on Midvale Avenue.

Council appeals Brightwater facility

The Shoreline City Council votes Jan. 12 to appeal King County’s $1.35 billion wastewater treatment facility, proposed to be built in south Snohomish County along Highway 9, north of Highway 522.

The Brightwater project proposes to send treated water through tunnels under Shoreline and part of Lake Forest Park to exit into Puget Sound at Point Wells. Construction of the tunnels will require up to five access shafts or portals to be built in Shoreline to bore the deep tunnels.

Sexual assault at high school

Police investigate a Jan. 27 incident on the Shorewood High School campus as a possible rape of a 14-year-old female student.

The incident occurred about 8 p.m. at a “remote” part of the campus at 17300 Fremont Ave. N. Three 17-year-old male students at the school were subsequently expelled under emergency guidelines Jan. 28, in relation with the possible rape.

FEBRUARY

Fircrest residents prepare to move

Fourteen residents at the Fircrest School for the developmentally disabled, in Shoreline, are scheduled to move to a different state institution. Under a ruling by Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) officials, two cottages at Fircrest must be closed by March.

Two guardians of residents, Alice Hardman and her son, Jim, filed a lawsuit in King County Superior Court on behalf of three Fircrest residents. They sought a permanent injunction to keep Fircrest open and asked that residents not be moved without their consent. A hearing is scheduled for Feb. 27.

District, staff protest WASL

The Shoreline School District and teachers’ union joined a coalition to oppose charter schools and took a common stance on WASL exams as a barrier to high school graduation.

The coalition includes officials from six school districts and teacher unions – Everett, Edmonds, Shoreline, Northshore, Mukilteo and Snohomish.

MARCH

A century of worship celebrated

Trinity Presbyterian Church, at 160th Street between Stone Avenue N. and Interlake Avenue N., celebrates its centennial after being founded March 17, 1904.

Ruling in favor of Fircrest moving

Judge Julie Spector upheld the state Department of Social and Health Service (DSHS) officials’ efforts to downsize the Fircrest School, as directed by the Legislature, meaning that DSHS officials have the full right to transport residents to other institutions. A trial date is still set for May 2005.

The first four residents were moved from Fircrest to the Rainier School before the Feb. 27 hearing and people will be moved each week during the month of March.

This is in preparation for the closure of two cottages by the end of March. By the end of 2005, two additional cottages are scheduled to be closed at Fircrest.

Robbers zero in

on Aurora Avenue

Between Nov. 6 and March 1, 14 robberies occurred at Shoreline businesses, roughly equaling about one robbery every eight days.

Businesses that were targeted include gas stations, fast-food restaurants and a casino. The robberies tend to be committed in the northern part of Shoreline, extending from 145th to 205th streets. Several, but not all, of the businesses were located on Aurora Avenue, and all robberies occurred when the businesses were open, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Of these 14 robberies, five occurred at the same gas station.

Community activist Janeen Cook dies

Janeen Cook dies at 58 of cancer. Cook was a supporter and active participant in democratic political campaigns, a volunteer for the Shoreline Police Storefront, secretary for the 32nd District Democrats, a volunteer for the Hillwood Neighborhood Association and Friends of the Library, a member of the Sound Nonviolent Opponents of War (SNOW) coalition and an activist for peace and gay rights.

School staff faces assault charges

A 25-year-old male employee of the Shoreline School District was arrested, jailed and put on unpaid administrative leave after allegations were made that the individual had consensual sexual relations with two students. The students are both 15 years old, one male and one female.

APRIL

Forward Shoreline group forms

A group of citizens has united to promote pride and investment in Shoreline. The group, called Forward Shoreline, is comprised of individuals, business owners and representatives of government who call themselves “supporters.”

Eminent domain approved

On April 5, City Council members authorized using eminent domain (for the first time in the city’s history) to acquire about 30 inches of property across the front of four to six properties needed to begin construction on sidewalks as part of the North City Project.

Although city records indicate only four owners have refused to sign agreements, six owners said they will not sign easements that will allow for construction on their property, including owners of Peking Restaurant, Autocraft Collision Center, Sunshine Espresso, North City Dry Cleaners, Frank Lumber Co. and ABC Communications.

Interurban Trail segment opens

The first of six sections of the Interurban Trail is complete, and extends from 145th to 155th streets. Once all six segments are completed, the trail will begin in Everett and end in Ballard. Most of the trail in Snohomish County is already complete. The trail was in the planning process through King County before Shoreline was incorporated in 1995.

Aurora Project progresses

At the April 26 City Council meeting, Council members agreed to meet with state Department of Transportation (DOT) officials to discuss access issues regarding the Aurora Corridor Project. The Council also approved the right-of-way purchase process for 94 properties and the potential use of eminent domain to acquire needed property for the first phase, from 145th to 165th streets.

The moves push the Aurora Corridor Project forward, but some business owners hope it will be changed before construction begins in spring 2005. Business owners on the one-mile first phase say they will be the first to experience hardship because of reduced access, if the plan is implemented as designed.

MAY

Trail proposal decried by users

While King County prepares to update and redevelop the segment of the trail from NE 145th Street to Tracy Owen Station at Logboom Park in Kenmore, the Lake Forest Park City Council has proposed an ordinance to ensure environmental and safety standards are included in redevelopment plans.

At a May 13 public hearing, many opposed the ordinance, saying that it would not only limit trail use, but also prohibit city officials from working with King County officials to redevelop the 2-mile stretch of the trail that is 30 years old and in need of repair. Others, however, said that without the ordinance, the county may not adhere to local safety and environmental needs.

Metro King County Council member Carolyn Edmonds told City Council members she was troubled and disappointed with the ordinance. Passing the ordinance, Edmonds said, would prevent any improvements to the trail because the requirements, such as tunnels or overpasses at at-grade crossings, would be difficult to meet.

Burtt named new Shoreline chief

Tony Burtt is named the new Shoreline police chief and will succeed Denise Turner, who was promoted to Bureau Chief at the King County Sheriff’s Office. Burtt, 45, begins his new role as chief June 1. He is already familiar with the city, after working as a detective sergeant in Shoreline for more than a year when the department first opened in 1996. The city gets police services under a contract with the Sheriff’s Office.

JUNE

Trail gets sensitive areas regulation

A week after City Council members said they were berated by Metro King County Council member Carolyn Edmonds for considering an ordinance that may prohibit redevelopment of the Burke Gilman Trail, they speedily separated the ordinance into two sections and adopted the portion requiring trails in stream buffers to be built with porous materials.

Their intent, they say, is not to prohibit trail redevelopment, but to address environmental issues the county is not considering with plans to upgrade the two-mile stretch that extends through Lake Forest Park.

Mayor Hutchinson vetoes regulation

Lake Forest Park Mayor Dave Hutchinson cautiously vetoed an ordinance June 4, saying the sensitive area regulation passed by the Council was perceived as preventing coordinated efforts with King County officials to improve the Burke Gilman Trail.

This is Hutchinson’s first veto in his ninth year as mayor.

First veto in LFP blocked by Council

A super-majority of five Council members voted to override Mayor Dave Hutchinson’s first-ever veto at the June 10 Council meeting, thereby adopting a sensitive areas regulation for the Burke Gilman Trail.

Before the override vote, Hutchinson said his veto was based on the negative community reaction to the ordinance. He said the veto was an unusual act on his part, but was warranted.

Innis Arden Club faces city fine

The city of Shoreline fines Innis Arden Club a total of $16,500 for removing 16 trees in Innis Arden reserves.

The club used a hazardous-tree provision in the Shoreline code to remove nearly 100 trees in the Blue Heron, Eagle and Running Water reserves. At the end of the tree cutting, a complaint was filed that alleged 19 trees were illegally removed.

The club didn’t respond to the complaint and city staff then determined that 16 trees were removed illegally and filed a notice that included a $16,500 fine.

Homeless veteran housing to open

A new transitional shelter, located at 1313 N. 200th Street across from Costco, is scheduled to open at the end of July and will house 25 homeless men and women. The $3.1 million center will serve veterans from both King and Snohomish counties for up to two years.

Each occupant will get their own room, but will share a bathroom, kitchen and communal areas. While living at the 13,500-square-foot Shoreline facility, veterans will receive life skills services, case management, therapy and employment training.

JULY

Aurora wedge to be redeveloped

Four adjacent property owners north of 175th Street and Aurora Avenue have agreed to sell their property to developer Tim Morris, of Mordevco.

The eventual outcome will be the reshaping of the area, from a wedge to a rectangle, with a Walgreens Drug Store and other retailers inhabiting the property.

With the exception of Key Bank, located at 175th Street and Aurora Avenue, four property owners north of this intersection signed contracts to sell their property, which totals five parcels of land. Properties include Dance Workshop, Second Hand Store, Gold &Diamond and Seattle’s Finest Exotic Meats, which is two parcels.

This group of owners sold out because they were told that as much as 25 feet would eventually be taken as right-of-way by the city as part of the Aurora Avenue Project.

Arson causes school fire

A vacant Shorecrest High School portable classroom was destroyed by arson July 20. No injuries were reported.

The portable structure, where health classes were once held, was completely ruined. The building was located at the south end of the campus, near the ball fields and close to the southwest corner of the J Building. The portable unit was near other temporary structures, which were unaffected by the fire.

North City price estimate escalates

With the recent opening of bids on the North City Project, city staff are struggling with how to handle a gap between the estimated cost and the bids, which show about a 16 percent increase in cost.

The city engineer’s estimate was about $5 million and the four bids city staff received range from $5.8 million to $6.4 million.

AUGUST

Innis Arden fine canceled by city

A $16,500 city-imposed fine for cutting down 12 trees in Innis Arden reserves was rescinded.

City planning director Tim Stewart said the decision to revoke the fine was based upon documentation the club’s attorney, Peter J. Eglick, provided July 28. This included an affidavit from the club’s arborist, certifying that the 12 trees included in the notice and order were indeed hazardous.

Arson literally hits LFP home

An arson that resulted in a family of three fleeing the flames in the early morning on Aug. 6 may be connected to a string of arsons throughout North Seattle.

What used to be a two-story home in the 3500 block of Northeast 190th Place became a burnt frame after the fire ravaged the home. The occupants, Scott and Ali Giampino and their 3-year-old son, Max, managed to escape without injury.

North City bid denied by Council

The Council’s vision for North City is blurry after a 4-3 vote against a staff recommended $5.8 million contract with Wilder Construction Inc. to complete all elements of the project.

While the majority of Council members favor spending less money and retaining the current four-lane alignment, the vote leaves many unsure of what the next step will be.

Attendance at the Aug. 23 meeting required a separate room for the overflow crowd, including many who either work or live in North City and anticipated the Council’s decision after months of public outcry.

Issues of debate include potentially reducing the four-lane roadway to three lanes and the escalating price of the project, which was recently estimated at $1.6 million more than originally budgeted, at $7.2 million.

Tentative teacher contract reached

A tentative three-year contract was reached by the Shoreline School District and the Shoreline Education Association on Aug. 18.

The tentative agreement was pending ratification by union members on Aug. 30 and the district on Sept. 13. When approved, the agreement replaced a two-year collective bargaining agreement that expired Aug. 31. Key union issues were insurance, compensation and health insurance.

Cottage housing moratorium

A six-month long moratorium on the filing, acceptance or approval of cottage housing applications was adopted unanimously by the City Council as an emergency clause. It took effect immediately at the Aug. 23 Council meeting.

The moratorium is intended to give Council members the opportunity to examine the current cottage housing codes.

SEPTEMBER

Utility district

plans toppled

The dominoes are falling following the recent Shoreline City Council decision to delay the North City Project.

Shoreline Water District, Ronald Wastewater District, Puget Sound Energy and Seattle City Light all had planned projects in conjunction with the city’s effort in North City to be more cost effective.

Officials at the utilities say they are faced with deciding what to do now that the city’s plan is on hold. While some utilities’ plans hinged on the city project, officials at others are making changes and moving forward regardless.

Library measure favored

Early returns Sept. 15 indicate that 65 percent of voters approved the $172 million bond issue that would fund upkeep and maintenance to the Lake Forest Park, Shoreline and Richmond Beach libraries.

If passed by 60 percent of voters, the money will provide funding for a 10-year capital budget for the King County Library System. The proposed $172 million bond would replace a 1988 capital bond that soon expires.

Midvale Avenue

to be rerouted

Midvale Avenue North is officially heading east. A 7,650 square-foot portion of road, between N. 183rd and 185th streets, will be rerouted around the east side of the renovated Gateway Center. The street will align with the section of Midvale Avenue north of 185th Street.

The council’s decision comes less than a month after the Planning Commission approved the vacation after a public hearing Aug. 19. The Planning Commission recommended approval with amended conditions and requested an extended analysis of the street vacation’s compatibility with the city’s Comprehensive Plan.

Hawaii-based church established

A branch of the New Hope Christian Fellowship Oahu — the largest church on the island — has been planted in Shoreline.

Founders of the Seattle branch, Jon Burgess and his wife, Cyndi, moved to Shoreline six months ago from Kauai, Hawaii, in order to begin establishing the church, which is the first of its kind in Washington state.

OCTOBER

Towne Centre report finished

The Lake Forest Park Task Force, comprised of 15 members of the community, including business owners, Council members and citizens, has been working on a recommendation for Towne Centre for about nine months, after the Council agreed the space is underutilized.

A final report of their work was submitted to the City Council Sept. 23, and summarizes their recommendations after monthly meetings, three community forums and design help from consultants at Berk &Associates.

Solar modules installed at school

Meridian Park Elementary became the first public building in Shoreline to utilize solar electricity Oct. 2 when solar modules were activated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Installed on the roof of the music building at Meridian Park are eight solar modules that will produce 2.4 kilowatts of electric power for the school, an amount equivalent to the needs of an energy-efficient home.

City to receive Brightwater money

Shoreline will receive $750,000 from King County as part of a mitigation agreement for future impacts of the Brightwater wastewater treatment facility.

The original mitigation estimate from King County Wastewater Treatment Division staff was between $3.4 million and $4.4 million. The city is receiving less because transportation alternatives are still being determined, said deputy city manager Bob Olander. If plans change, the city could see more money, he said.

Portion of Red Brick Road to close

The City Council approved vacating a 21,150 square-foot section of the roadway north of 175th Street, also known as Ronald Place N. The Council members added an amendment allowing for a broader use of the bricks in future city projects throughout the city, rather than limiting use to the vicinity of 175th to 180th streets.

The purpose of vacating the southernmost portion of roadway, according to the project description, is to widen the redevelopment potential of the area, to include parking, with the Interurban Trail running along Midvale Avenue N.

Flooding problem escalates

Residents in the 17500 block of 11th Ave. NE experienced damage to their homes after a series of storms flooded their houses. As a result, one family was even forced to relocate. Five families reported experiencing flooding problems since 2001. They say the problem became worse since the city started projects in other neighborhoods to alleviate flooding.

NOVEMBER

Concern over Bothell Way

A group of business owners along Bothell Way (SR 522) between NE 145th and NE 160th streets in Lake Forest Park are worried that a raised median, included in improvements slated for this section of roadway, will be detrimental to business.

While state and city officials say the median is needed to increase safety on this segment of roadway, business owners say they will lose business.

Man arrested for school arsons

Shoreline Police and King County Fire Investigators on Oct. 28 arrested a 19-year-old male who is believed to be involved in two arsons that occurred at Shorecrest High School during the summer. No one was injured in either fire.

King County Fire Investigators arrested the man, a Shoreline resident, at his home. The man, a former Shorecrest High School student, was booked into King County Jail on four charges, including two arson charges, theft of a motor vehicle and manufacturing an incendiary device.

North City district improvements set

Shoreline City Council members voted to proceed with a four-lane design for the North City Project.

The motion was approved with the provision that a traffic study be undertaken on the portion of 15th Avenue NE extending from 145th to 180th streets.

The four-lane design will include undergrounding of utilities, parking on both sides with curb bulbs, new signals and controllers and a 6-foot sidewalk with a 4-foot amenity zone, for an estimated cost of $5.59 million.

Shoreline girls found dead

Two sisters, ages 9 and 11, were found at the Edmonds home of their father, Stephen Byrne, after Byrne e-mailed family and friends saying he planned to kill his daughters and himself. The girls lived with their mother in Shoreline but visited their father on weekends, neighbors said. The sisters attended Sunset Elementary School in Shoreline. Hayley was in third grade, Kelsey in sixth.

DECEMBER

New city hall location set

City Council members landed on a location for a new city hall – the south portion of Echo Lake, at 19250 Aurora Ave. N. A 90-day feasibility study will allow additional time to evaluate the site before a final agreement is signed.

With the choice, the city has formed a partnership with the Shoreline/South County Family YMCA, which intends to build a new $10 million-$13 million facility at the same site.

Discussions were kept confidential, because city staff did not want to increase the cost of acquiring property. The cost of the property is about $4.7 million, a portion of $21.2 million allotted for the project. Of the total cost, $10 million is in city reserves and the other $10 million will be borrowed.

Council suddenly reduces city staff

The Lake Forest Park Council voted to eliminate the position of government community relations coordinator, occupied by Sarah Phillips for five years, with a 5-1 vote.

Adoption of the 2005 city budget was postponed until the Dec. 16 meeting. Delaying the adoption by one week allows for one last opportunity to reinstate the position. If the council did not vote to retain the position, Phillips’ job would end Dec. 31.

The reasoning behind the majority of members’ decisions is to save a quarter of a million dollars during the next three years. Those who oppose the amendment say it was sudden, and needs analysis.

Casino owners decry gambling tax

Mini-casino owners want the city’s gambling tax lowered for one year, from 11 to 9 percent.

During the budget adoption process, the Shoreline City Council asked city staff to submit a proposal to address the request of the six gambling establishments by the end of the year.

Staff position reinstated

Lake Forest Park Council members unanimously approved an amendment that reinstated the position of government community relations coordinator until March, after the Council previously eliminated the staff position.

The amendment specifies that by no later than Feb. 10, mayor Dave Hutchinson is expected to provide the Council with a recommendation regarding the staff position, which is currently occupied by Sarah Phillips.

If the Council does not act to the mayor’s recommendation by March 10, consideration to eliminate the position shall be placed on the agenda as a budget amendment at the March 17 Council meeting.