Arbor Heights Rebuild Stalled

From the West Seattle Blog:

Three years ago, demolition of the old Denny International Middle School was well under way within a month of the end of the school year. This year, though a month has passed since the last class at Arbor Heights Elementary School, the backhoes aren’t even onsite yet. That’s because the permits haven’t been finalized, since another appeal is awaiting a hearing. 

This is separate from the appeal that was argued and rejected in May, challenging the decision that a full environmental review wasn’t needed. This time, the appeal is for the land-use permit itself, and the fact that the demolition permit was approved in the same action. In all, the appeal statement by four area residents and district watchdog Chris Jackinssee it here – lists eight points.

This is separate from the appeal that was argued and rejected in May, challenging the decision that a full environmental review wasn’t needed. This time, the appeal is for the land-use permit itself, and the fact that the demolition permit was approved in the same action. In all, the appeal statement by four area residents and district watchdog Chris Jackinssee it here – lists eight points.


The district response:

SPS spokesperson Tom Redman confirms to WSB that appeals for both the Arbor Heights and Genesee Hill projects (the latter has a hearing August 5th, as reported here July 14th) are now pushing back the timeline: “Limited construction activities can be performed on-site, but the bulk of the work cannot commence at either site until we have received MUP [master use permit] approval from the City of Seattle.” He said the district doesn’t know yet if the opening of either new school will be delayed as a result. The new Arbor Heights is scheduled to open in two years, the new Genesee Hill in a year and a half.

What comes next: 

Appeal hearings are open to the public, though only for observation, not for participation/comment. Next month’s August 5th Genesee Hill hearing and August 11th Arbor Heights hearing are both scheduled to start 9 am on those dates in the city Hearing Examiner’s headquarters on the 40th floor of the Municipal Tower downtown.

Folks in the comments section are NOT happy with this delay.  I read thru the complaints and, except for the possible issue of artifacts, I'm not sure it works.  

Comments

Unknown said…
The appeal does nothing but punish the students of Arbor Heights. They deserve to be in a safe building. The Arbor Heights community advocated hard for a new building to be built sooner than later. Chris Jackins needs to focus his efforts somewhere else.

-AH parent
robyn said…
I wish we could get Chris to focus his efforts on Wilson Pacific!
Anonymous said…
Chris-

It's one thing to call out the process and push for people to be held accountable. It's another thing to potentially delay the building construction. Go spend one hour in that building and it will be evident why those students need their new school to be built on time.

Again, adult politics put before the needs of the students.


WS resident
Ranting Parent said…
We have grown up in AH, went there ourselves, had three kids go through, and their grandmother was in the first graduating class from AH. It has been the forgotten school far too long, these kids and this neighborhood deserve better. Perhaps Chris could focus on creating a better learning environment at our local middle school----there's a project that will keep him busy!

Disgusted at the misguidance

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