federal way graffiti

Reapplying the Hiatus

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 07:10:00 +0000

It's funny, I declared this blog was going on hiatus in May of 2010, more than 100 posts ago.

When we moved here in 2006, life for me was simpler. Also, being back in the northwest was exciting - I can see Seattle (or is that Sea-Tac) from my house! The air is clear, the weather is great, people are nice, the only problem is this darned graffiti.

That was a pretty interesting kick... appeared on KING5, interviewed for an article in the New York Times (not to mention Tacoma News Tribune and Federal Way Mirror), cool stuff. All because of this little blog.

The graffiti got tackled, but my perceptions became less, how shall we say, bright. The city began to feel more gritty, the "that which I did not like" really didn't start at the borders of Auburn and Pierce County but existed within the town as well. Life got busier, I became more jaded and I began to learn that it was much easier to say I'm from Seattle than Federal Way and go through the whole "Oh? Where's that?" "Between Seattle and Tacoma." "Oh... so you must be right by the airport." *sigh*

It probably didn't help that I also stopped reading the Federal Way Mirror. While a small town weekly paper, it's got heart, it's informational and it makes one feel more connected to the town. Without it, I'm left with what appears on MSNBC (never good) or the whinging on of our Home Owner's Association. Not to mention the constant, constant elections where we just keep electing the same people over and over again despite the mess they make or don't clean up.

So, yeah, disillusioned. If I look at the recent blog, it's just a collection of press releases. All it ends up being is free publicity for the city. Maybe someday they'll wake up and realize locking everything away in PDFs is dumb, but I won't hold my breath.

So, for now, this is going to go quiet. I won't kill it yet, Google still delivers search traffic to it, but I don't see a future in blogging about Federal Way. But then maybe I'm just late to leave the party as the Federal Way Blog, FederalWayan and the Federal Way Conservative all left the scene years ago.

I always thought that Federal Way aspired to be Tacoma's Bellevue or Seattle's southern Bellevue. But to look at the politics, zoning and inaction, it does not seem to be the case. Perhaps while I'm a.f.k. people will surprise me - maybe Symphony (or whatever it's called now) will actually get built and will set a precedent for building up, not out. Maybe before I die light rail will connect Tacoma to Seattle through Federal Way.

But not sure how much of that you'll find here. You'll probably need to go to FWM or TNT for that, they have the time, effort, resources, expertise and incentive to cover this city that I don't.

So, thanks for reading and take care.

Lame Lame Lame

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 07:01:00 +0000

This is just stupid. Might as well just ask World Vision to seal off the north entrance. With the Weyerhauser Way to Highway 18 closed indefinitely, you already ask Federal Way residents/employees to go way out of their way. And now you make it even more complicate upon exit left and it looks like it'll be backed up in the mornings as well trying to enter the parking lot via the north entrance. *sigh*

Plans for new roundabout (PDF)

Special City Council Meeting: Flooding

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 19:00:00 +0000

Special City Council Meeting November 15

The City Council will hold a special informational meeting November 15 at 5:30 p.m. at Federal Way City Hall to learn about new flood maps that include parts of the city. King County and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are developing new coastal flood hazard maps that include Federal Way marine shoreline areas.

Read More...

Improvements coming to 312th. at SR509

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:00:00 +0000

A new page on the Federal Way website details improvements to SW 312th. St. between 14th. Ave. SW and SR509.

This intent of this project is to increase safety and capacity of SW 312th Street and the intersection with SR 509 by the widening of SW 312th Street to three lanes with bike lanes within the project limits. Work will include utility relocation, storm drainage, paving, curb, gutter, sidewalk, street lighting, traffic signal replacement, signing, channelization, and landscaping.

They expect design to be completed Spring 2012 and there's no information on funding yet.

View Larger Map

New Roundabout Coming to Weyerhaeuser

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 18:00:00 +0000

Federal Way's website reports that a new roundabout is coming to Weyerhaeuser Way S. and S. 344th. Way.

This project would result in the construction of a two-lane roundabout at this intersection. This project will include new storm drainage, paving, curb, gutter, sidewalk, street lighting, signing, channelization, and landscaping.

View Larger Map

Press Release: Arts Alive comes to life at City Hall

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 18:00:00 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 11, 2011

MEDIA CONTACT: Leah Fraine, Cultural Events Assistant, 253.835.6926

Arts Alive comes to life at City Hall

Artwork by thirteen local artists is on display now until January 4 at City Hall as part of the City’s annual Arts Alive juried art show. The exhibition is intended to highlight the work of local artists and provide an opportunity to display their works in a public setting.

The thirteen entries are being displayed in the City Hall gallery on the building’s second floor.

The gallery is open for viewing Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

All artists are local residents of Federal Way or neighboring communities. Additional artwork from the personal collections of the show’s judges Cathy Fields and Marshall Johnson will also be displayed.

Artist Tis Huberth was awarded the Judges Choice at the October 18 city council meeting for her piece "Intrigue." As the Judges' choice, Ms. Huberth wins $200 and the opportunity to have her own solo exhibit at City Hall in 2012.

The Commissioners’ Choice will be also awarded at the same council meeting. The winner of this award will receive $150.

Visitors to City Hall can cast their vote for the People's Choice award. The ballot box accompanies the display and will be open until early December. The People’s Choice winner will be awarded $100.

For more information contact Leah Fraine, Cultural Events and Arts Assistant at 253.835.6926 or leah.fraine@cityoffederalway.com

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Press Release: Energy efficiency is a growing trend in Federal Way

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 18:00:00 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 19, 2011

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Carrel, Communications and Grant Coordinator, 253.835.2411

Energy efficiency is a growing trend in Federal Way

City Hall costs less to heat – and uses less energy – thanks a 2010 federal grant funding energy efficiency improvements throughout the city. City operations and private businesses are already seeing results from a $777,000 federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant supporting energy efficiency retrofits.

One of the biggest projects from the grant was replacing City Hall’s aging HVAC system, which was completed May 23 of this year. In the first three months of operation, the new HVAC system saved 41,000 kilowatt-hours over the same 3-month period in 2010, and cost $3,975 less in heating costs.

The City has also identified a host of low-cost and no-cost energy conservation measures for City Hall that once implemented will save the City approximately 3-5% in energy consumption.

“We’ve focused this grant on projects that have a high bang for the buck,” said Bryant Enge, Administrative Services Director. “The projects have high conservation value, but also produce definitive cost reductions. In the current economic environment that is incredibly important.”

Public Works staff have used the grant to improve the efficiency in signal timing for S. 312th Street between 8th Ave. S. and 23rd Ave. S. The initial assessment shows a 22 percent reduction in overall travel time and delay due to the signal’s conversion. Public Works has converted 53 of the City’s 80 signals. A full analysis of the efficiencies gained over all the converted signals will be completed early next year.

The City dedicated $160,000 towards small business energy conservation retrofits and is working on completing 26 retrofit projects this year. Puget Sound Energy is partnering with the City to conduct post-project energy audits and to maximize rebates for the businesses.

Audits done to date show that small businesses have saved 147,564 kilowatt-hours and 6,528 therms from direct installation of 143 Compact Florescent Lamps (CFLs) and 95 faucet aerators.

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Press Release: Mid-Biennium budget schedule announced

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 18:00:00 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2011

MEDIA CONTACTS
Tho Kraus, Finance Director, 253.835.2520
Chris Carrel, Communications and Grant Coordinator, 253.835.2411 or 253.347.7057

Mid-Biennium budget schedule announced

The City Council has announced the public hearing and meetings schedule to consider the City of Federal Way’s 2011/2012 Mid-Biennial Budget Adjustment. The City of Federal Way operates on a two-year budget. State law requires a mid-biennial review and modification between eight and twelve months into the two-year period.

All meetings will be held at City Hall, 33325 – 8th Avenue South, Federal Way, Washington.

Citizen comments will be accepted at all budget meetings.

NOVEMBER 15, 2011 – REGULAR MEETING – 7:00 PM

PUBLIC HEARING (required by RCW 35A.34) 2011/2012 Biennial Budget/Property Tax Rate

NOVEMBER 29 & 30, 2011 – SPECIAL MEETINGS – 6:00 PM (November 30th only if needed)

Public Hearing Continued
Council Study Session on Mid-Biennial Budget Adjustment

DECEMBER 6, 2011 – REGULAR MEETING – 7:00 PM

PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED – 2011/2012 Biennial Budget Adjustment
Introduction and Enactment Ordinance – 2011/2012 Mid-Biennial Budget Adjustment
Introduction and Enactment Ordinance – 2012 Property Tax Rate
Resolution/Fee Schedule 2012 Amendment

For more information please contact Tho Kraus, Finance Director at 253.835.2520 or tho.kraus@cityoffederalway.com
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Press Release: Twin Lakes Subarea Plan workshop announced

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:00:00 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE
October 17, 2011

RELEASE MEDIA CONTACTS
Matt Herrera
Associate Planner
253.835.2638

Twin Lakes Subarea Plan workshop announced

City Hall is hosting the second Twin Lakes Subarea plan public workshop Wednesday, October 26 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The City staff is drafting a subarea land use plan for the vicinity of SW Campus Drive and 21st Avenue SW (the Twin Lakes subarea) that will serve as a blueprint for future development and capital improvements in the area. Public participation is an essential component in developing plans that reflect the community’s goals and values.

The event begins with an informal open house at 6:00 p.m. followed by a workshop at 6:30 p.m. The workshop will include a presentation and visuals of citizen ideas generated through previous public input as well as small group sessions to discuss tools for accomplishing community goals for the subarea.

City Hall is located at 33325 8th Ave. S. The workshop will be held in Council Chambers on the building’s second floor.

For additional information, contact Matt Herrera, Associate Planner at 253.835.2638 or Matt.Herrera@cityoffederalway.com. Additional information is available online at www.cityoffederalway.com/twinlakes and at the virtual townhall at www.engagefederalway.com

Funding to undertake the Twin Lakes sub-area plan is made possible through the Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) grant administered by Public Health – Seattle & King County. CPPW funds support policies that promote healthy and active lifestyles.

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Press Release: Downtown redevelopment project reaches milestone

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 18:00:00 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 18, 2011
MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Carrel, Communications and Grant Coordinator, 253.835.2411 or 253.347.7057

Downtown redevelopment project reaches milestone

In a unanimous vote, the Federal Way City Council approved the next step in the development of the former AMC Theater property downtown. The Council’s decision authorizes the Mayor to sign a purchase and sale agreement with Arcadd.

Once the signatures are executed, that will trigger a series of steps, such as an environmental assessment, that are necessary prior to closing the sale. If these are successfully completed, the parties anticipate the sale closing by January 6, 2012.

The City purchased the former AMC site in 2007 with the goal of stimulating downtown economic development. Arcadd responded to a May 2011 Request for Qualifications with a proposal for a $300 million mixed-use development that would include retail shops, restaurants and theaters, office and residential space and an exhibition hall.

In selling the property to the developer, the City will require a development agreement that outlines how the project will meet the Council’s goals for the site, including a mix of uses, requirements for public spaces, traffic and related issues. Project construction will be privately financed.

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Press Release: Calling all artists for downtown sculpture park

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:00:00 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2011

MEDIA CONTACTS
Alexa Heidrich, Planning Intern, 253.835.2622
Chris Carrel, Communications and Grant Coordinator, 253.835.2411 or 253.347.7057

Calling all artists for downtown sculpture park

Downtown Federal Way is going to get a new taste of art and culture with a planned sculpture park. The City of Federal Way’s Arts Commission and 4Culture are hosting a call for artists to provide sculptures to be installed on the vacant property adjacent the Transit Center.

“The sculpture park will infuse a cultural flavor to a mostly commercial area and encourage people to get out and walk around,” said Patrick Doherty, Community and Economic Development Director. “We also see this as an opportunity to showcase the work of local and regional artists.”

Doherty noted that the sculpture park will remain in place until such time as the vacant land is redeveloped. There are no current plans for the city-owned property. “Creating park and cultural amenities downtown are vital to the evolving downtown,” said Doherty.

Applications will be accepted through Friday October 28, 2011, and are available at http://www.cityoffederalway.com/sculptureAPP or at 4Culture’s website at http://4culture.org/newsite/apply/index.aspx. The Arts Commission will pick four to six sculptures for the site. The City will provide an honorarium of $250 for each artist. All media will be considered for this interim park as the Arts Commission seeks to create a place that showcases outdoor art installations and enables people to connect with their community and downtown.

The Federal Way Arts Commission is a group of dedicated volunteers appointed by the Federal Way City Council to guide the City’s various arts programs. The Arts Commission advises the City Council on all areas of the arts, including the fine arts, literary, performing and visual arts.

For more information about the Call for Artists or to request an application contact Alexa Heidrich, 253.835.2622 or alexa.heidrich@cityoffederalway.com.

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Press Release: Volunteers put wayward shopping carts in their place

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:00:00 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2011

MEDIA CONTACTS
Cathy M. Schrock
Civilian Operations Manager
253.835.6850

Volunteers put wayward shopping carts in their place

Federal Way retailers saved over $480,000 in assets from shopping carts returned by the Police Department’s volunteer Cart Recovery Team. The team’s five volunteers were recognized at Tuesday’s Council meeting for their contribution to keeping Federal Way beautiful.

“Our volunteers are picking up about 400 carts a month, preventing the eyesores that abandoned shopping carts are causing in other cities,” Commander Chris Norman told the Council during a report on the program’s first year.

The Police Department began the Cart Recovery Team program in September 2010 as an innovative approach to addressing abandoned shopping carts. The program is composed of five volunteers, who use a Police Department volunteer vehicle and a converted trailer to transport carts.

The Cart Recovery Team is Frank Gabreluk, Dan Goede, Mari Ikeda-Gomes, Lottie Kinney and John McLaren.

In its first year the team has returned 3,456 usable shopping carts to over forty Federal Way retailers, saving businesses an average of $140 per cart. In addition to the $438,840 in returned carts, the team has recycled 2,690 pounds of unusable carts for scrap metal. Citizens can report abandoned shoppings carts on the City’s cart hotline at 253.835.6774 or online at http://www.cityoffederalway.com/shoppingcart. The City averages about 18 calls a month to the cart hotline. Team members also use Safe City cameras to identify abandoned carts.

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Historically Inaccurate

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 00:51:00 +0000

Thanks for nothing, Washington State History Museum.

Learn How to Prepare for Disasters at the Get Ready Expo

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 05:06:00 +0000

September is National Preparedness Month and to celebrate Puget Sound Energy, the City of Federal Way and the local American Red Cross are partnering to present the Get Ready Expo September 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Commons mall to help families become better prepared for disasters. More info...

Press Release: Day camp solution for children affected by Tacoma teachers strike

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 22:37:00 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 13, 2011

MEDIA CONTACTS
Gina Shaw
Recreation Coordinator
253.835.6924

Chris Carrel
Communications and Grant Coordinator
253.835.2411 or 253.347.7057

Day camp solution for children affected by Tacoma teachers strike

Federal Way Parks and Recreation has a cure for Tacoma parents suffering day care headaches caused by the Tacoma teachers’ strike. The Federal Way Community Center will be offering camp on the days that Tacoma teachers are on strike.

Day camp is available between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. and costs $45 per day. The Community Center’s experienced (and fun) camp staff will provide care all day and activities include swimming, rock climbing, gym games, arts and crafts and more! Bring a sack lunch, swimsuit and towel each day.

To register or for more information call 253.835.6924. Information about the Federal Way Community Center is available online at www.itallhappenshere.org.

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Press Release: The Rock and KZOK Calling All High School Bands

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 17:00:00 +0000

THE ROCK, WOOD FIRED PIZZA & SPIRITS AND 102.5 KZOK CALLING ALL ROCKIN’ HIGH SCHOOL BANDS FOR

FIFTH ANNUAL BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Local Pizza Restaurant Hosts Competition to Award $20,500 to

Local High School Music Programs

SEATTLE (August 22, 2011) - The Rock, Wood Fired Pizza & Spirits, an award-winning gourmet pizza restaurant with a gritty rock-and-roll vibe, is excited to announce the fifth annual Schools of The Rock Battle of the Bands competition. The contest, in partnership with 102.5 KZOK, CBS Seattle and Xfinity, will award $20,500 through The Rock’s nonprofit Schools of The Rock Battle of the Bands program to local high school marching bands for their video renditions of classic rock-and-roll hits.

Over the past five years, The Rock has donated more than $65,000 in cash and prizes to local high school music programs. This year, the winning school’s band program will be awarded $10,000, second place will receive $2,500, third place will receive $1,000 and four runners up will each receive a pizza party. Three divisional winners will each also be awarded $1,000 for receiving the most text votes within their division, determined by school size. In addition, The Rock will award one school with a $1,000 Best Video award.

102.5 KZOK is contributing $2,500 to the Battle of the Bands prizes and Xfinity will be sponsoring all runners up pizza parties with a value of $750 each.

“We are bringing a friendly competition to our local high school music programs to inspire the next generation of rock legends and spread the timeless art of classic rock,” said Jay Gigandet, co-founder and CFO of The Rock.

“We created the Battle of the Bands nonprofit program so we can continue to support music in local schools for years to come,” added Don Bellis, co-founder and president of The Rock.

The four month-long Battle of the Bands competition invites local high school band programs from across Washington state and the Portland, Ore. area to participate in an online and on air contest to see which school’s performance can receive the most votes via text message.

The Battle of the Bands timeline is as follows:
September 1 – 30: Registration - High School band programs can register online at www.therocksbotb.org.

October 31: Competition videos due - All video entries must be mailed in or uploaded online by October 31. For mailing address or upload website, visit http://therocksbotb.org/register.

November 14 – December 2: Text voting - Participants can text in to vote for their favorite schools which will be featured on the School of The Rock website and Xfinity On Demand.

December 5: Top Ten announced - The top ten schools receiving the most votes will be announced on air and online.

December 12 – 14: Celebrity judges deliberate - A panel of celebrity judges will review the ten bands and rank them based on quality of musicianship, originality of arrangement and song choice, technical ability and overall performance.

December 17: Winner announced live at school - Winners will be crowned live at the school and join the ranks of previous winners Puyallup High school in 2009 and 2010, Liberty High School in 2008 and Shorecrest High School in 2007.

“This is our fifth year with the Schools of the Rock program. We are more and more impressed by the music produced by our local high school bands,” said Carey Curelop, program director for KZOK. “We think this will be our best year ever as we look for even more schools to participate.”

For more information about Battle of the Bands or to register, visit www.TheRocksBOTB.org or call (253) 987-5479. Follow Battle of the Bands on Facebook at www.facebook.com/therocksbotb. Follow The Rock on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheRockWFP and on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/TheRock.

About The Rock
The Rock, Wood Fired Pizza & Spirits first opened in 1995 as a gritty, local pizza joint in Tacoma, Wash. The unique atmosphere and gourmet pizza quickly gained recognition, leading to growth throughout the Northwest. The Rock currently operates 10 locations in Washington State and one location in Red Deer, Alberta Canada. Named America’s Number One Independently Owned Pizza Chain by Pizza Today magazine in 2008, The Rock has also been recognized as Best Pizza in KING 5 Evening Magazine’s “Best of Western Washington” in 2009 and 2010. For more information about The Rock, visit www.TheRockWFP.com or call (253) 987-5479.

About 102.5 KZOK
102.5 KZOK is owned and operated by CBS RADIO, one of the largest major-market radio operators in the United States. A division of CBS Corporation, CBS RADIO operates 130 radio stations, the majority of which are in the nation’s top 50 markets. CBS RADIO also owns and operates KMPS-FM, 1090-AM, and JACK-FM in Seattle. For more information on CBS RADIO, please visit www.cbsradio.com.

# # #

Media Contacts:

Sarah Ducharme / Jessica Dawson (For The Rock)
Richmond Public Relations / (206) 682-6979
sarahd@richmondpr.com / jessicad@richmondpr.com

Holly Ableidinger (For 102.5 KZOK)
(206) 805-1204
holly.ableidinger@cbsradio.com

Press Release: Sand Sculpting Championship in Downtown Federal Way

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 14:46:00 +0000

Sand sculptures are rising in downtown Federal Way at the World Championship of Sand Sculpting's Tournament of Champions. The event is being held at Hillside Plaza (the former Toys R Us/Target store) 31510 20th Ave. S. in Federal Way. This is the second year the sand sculpting championship has come to Federal Way and (More...)

Flickr: New WSDOT Photos

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 19:28:00 +0000

New photos of the I5/SR18 construction have been posted to the WSDOT Flickr pool.

Press Release: Wild Waves Foster Kids End of Summer Splash

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 05:27:00 +0000

PRESS RELEASE
Tanya Mahr, Assistant Account Executive, Revolution PR
206.227.4774 | Tanya@revolutionpr.com

Wild Waves Foster Kids End of Summer Splash

Sleep Country USA is sending off the summer before it’s back-to-school with the Wild Waves Foster Kids End of Summer Splash. Sleep Country has again partnered with Wild Waves Theme Park to give 1,000 tickets to Washington foster families for free admission to Wild Waves Theme Park on Sunday, August 21st.

Wild Waves is also generously offering half-price admission on August 21st to anyone that brings a school supplies donation for Sleep Country USA’s school supply drive for foster kids. Please help us spread the word by adding this event to an upcoming community calendar.

Here are the details:

Event: Sleep Country USA’s Wild Waves End of Summer Splash
Date: Sunday, August 21st, 2011
Time: Wild Waves is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Wild Waves Theme Park is located at 36201 Enchanted Pkwy South in Federal Way, just off of I-5 98003
Details: This year, Sleep Country USA is giving away 1,000 tickets to foster families for free admission to Wild Waves. Bring a school supplies donation and receive half-off admission. Registration information for foster families is available at http://www.sleepcountry.com or by calling 1-888-88-SLEEP.

For more info please contact Tanya@revolutionpr.com

Thanks for your support!

Tanya

Federal Way's Crystal Palace

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 04:49:00 +0000

The City of Federal Way has selected ARCADD, Inc. to begin feasibility of their latest efforts to develop the former AMC Theater parcel. (Read the city's press release (PDF).)

Here's their RFQ proposal for a site containing several 16-story towers, several 8-story towers and a four-story footprint (overtop of 2-levels of parking) covered by a undulating umbrella of covered glass (feels Chihuly-like) designed to evoke the idea of a seashell. Hard to understand if the curves of towers is just for concept or what they're actually proposing (doesn't seem to exactly match the overhead sketches.) Also, is the scale off when you compare the cars and people silhouettes?

(Can't see the embedded presentation? Click here for the PDF.)

The four-acre property:

View Larger Map

So... what do you think? The forum awaits your comments...

CFW: Neighborhood stabilization effort to renew Westway

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:00:00 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 6, 2011

MEDIA CONTACTS
Bryant Enge, Administrative Services Director. 253.835.2510
Brook Lindquist, Executive Assistant to City Council, 253.835.2401

Neighborhood stabilization effort to renew Westway

The Westway neighborhood has struggled during the housing crisis but the City of Federal Way is helping the neighborhood fight back. With the help of a $1.69 million federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program grant the City will purchase, restore and sell 14 foreclosed homes.

“The Neighborhood Stabilization Program gives us the tools to prevent foreclosed homes from dragging down the value of the surrounding neighborhood,” said Bryant Enge, Administrative Services Director. The City is partnering with Habitat for Humanity to purchase and repair the 14 homes with the intention of selling the refurbished houses to middle- and low-income buyers.

With a concentration of low-income housing, the Westway neighborhood has been particularly hard hit by the housing crisis and predatory lending practices. The grant funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development are intended to assist cities in keeping low-income neighborhoods affordable and livable.

“Having a large number of empty, deteriorating structures can start a downward spiral in a low-income neighborhood. That negatively affects surrounding neighborhoods and property values,” said Enge. “Turning around this many foreclosed homes will give the neighborhood positive momentum.”

As important as the federal grant is, city officials stress that the ambitious housing stabilization effort hinges on community participation. Habitat for Humanity plays a key role in the purchase, restoration and re-sale of the homes. Local volunteers, churches and community organizations will be needed to perform the renovation.

City officials also hope that community organizations can help spread the word about housing availability when the homes go back on the market. Northwest Church, AmeriCorps, and the Build The Bridge Coalition are a few of the community partners who are currently assisting the Westway community.

Habitat for Humanity will begin purchasing homes by early fall 2012 and renovation work is expected to begin shortly after. The City plans to have all 14 homes renovated and sold by March 2014.

Proceeds from home sales will be re-invested in further housing stabilization efforts, maximizing the positive impact of the federal grant. .

Volunteers interested in working with Habitat for Humanity on the housing renovation work can call 206.292.5240. For more information on the City’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program grant, contact Bryant Enge at 253.835.2510.

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CFW: Town hall goes virtual in Federal Way

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 18:00:00 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 7, 2011

MEDIA CONTACTS
Margaret Clark, Senior Planner, 253.835. 2646
Chris Carrel, Communication & Grant Coordinator, 253.835.2411 or 253.347.7057

Town hall goes virtual in Federal Way

Got a great idea for Federal Way but can’t make the public meeting? There’s an app for that. The City of Federal Way is launching EngageFederalWay, a virtual town hall for interested community members to share practical, creative and resourceful ideas for improving the city.

“We live at a hectic pace and it’s not practical for everyone to attend community planning meetings, but public input is vital to a healthy public process,” said Margaret Clark, Principal Planner with the City of Federal Way. “We’re introducing Engage Federal Way to open up the public discussion and get more people involved.”

EngageFederalWay, at www.EngageFederalWay.com, is powered by MindMixer, an innovative web application that allows the public to generate ideas, help others evolve their ideas, and ultimately support their favorite ideas. Residents can log on and contribute ideas at a time, and place, that’s convenient.

The new virtual town hall forum will focus initially on the City’s efforts to develop a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and update the Twin Lakes Sub Area Plan.

Project ideas are being sought in the following areas:

• Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan: Favorite Places and Future Improvements
• Twin Lakes Sub Area Plan: Economic Development, Transportation, Land Use and Urban Design
• Healthy Eating/Active Living

“These discussions will establish a framework for future growth, what the Twin Lakes Sub Area looks like, where bike and pedestrian facilities are located,” said Matt Herrera, Associate Planner and Twin Lakes Subarea Project Manager. “We want as many people as possible involved in shaping that vision.” Herrera noted that residents can also get project and meeting information on the site.

Project ideas can be submitted on EngageFederalWay during the next several months. Users can submit as many ideas as they like. Users also have the opportunity to help others improve their ideas through discussion on the site. Ultimately, the virtual town hall community will identify the best ideas, which will be incorporated into the public planning process. .

For more information, contact Margaret Clark at Margaret.clark@cityoffederalway.com. or 253-835-2646.

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CFW: Summer Sounds concerts will Rock Parks and Recreation Month

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 18:00:00 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 5, 2011

MEDIA CONTACTS
Cary Roe
Public Works and Parks Director
253.835.6910

Chris Carrel
Communication and Grants Coordinator
253.835.2411

Summer Sounds concerts will Rock Parks and Recreation Month

Federal Way’s Parks and Recreation Month got off to a bang with the July 4th Red, White & Blues Festival at Celebration Park. The action shifts to live music July 13th as the Summer Sounds at the Beach concert series rocks Steel Lake Park with free concerts. The Federal Way City Council has declared July Parks and Recreation Month in Federal Way, recognizing that parks and recreation “build healthy, active communities” and “are vitally important to maintaining community quality of life.”

Federal Way has six community parks and 23 neighborhood parks, along with the Federal Way Community Center and Dumas Bay Centre. The City’s recreation programs offer a range of activities, spanning youth day camps and senior trips, freestyle hip hop to gentle yoga, and a variety of sports leagues for kids and adults.

“Parks and recreation programs keep us active, and it doesn’t matter whether you’re young or old, rich or poor, or your level of fitness” said Cary Roe, Public Works and Parks Director. “Our Parks and Recreation programs truly have something for everybody.”

The Summer Sounds concert series offers an immediate – and free – way to get in the swing of Parks and Recreation Month. The annual outdoor concert series showcases live music from Puget Sound-area bands and features an eclectic set of acts, from reggae and children’s music to classic rock and country. The concerts are held outdoors from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.Wednesday evenings at Steel Lake Park. Admission is free.

Summer Sounds Concert Series Schedule

July 13th - 85th Street Big Band (Swing & Big Band Hits)

July 20th - Solbird (R&B & Motown)

July 27th - Shotgun Aces (Country)

Aug 3rd - Showbiz Kids & Teen Idols (Youth Performance Group)

Aug 10th - Little Big Man (Reggae)

Aug 17th - Dana Osborn Band (classic & pop rock) .

More information can be found at www.cityoffederalway.com/summersounds or by calling 253.835.6900. In the event of inclement weather, concerts will be re-located to the Federal Way Community Center. Call in advance to confirm location.

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CFW: Weatherization and repair grants available for Westway homes

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:00:00 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 7, 2011

MEDIA CONTACTS
Bryant Enge
Administrative Services Director
253.835.2510

Brook Lindquist
Executive Assistant to City Council
253.835.2401

Weatherization and repair grants available for Westway homes

The City of Federal Way is encouraging eligible homeowners in the Westway neighborhood to apply for weatherization and home repair grants. A limited number of funds are available for low-income homeowners, and applications are currently being accepted.

Interested Westway homeowners can apply for major health and life safety repairs to homes, as well as weatherization and energy efficiency retrofits, or building preservation measures, including windows and siding.

Eligibility requirements include:

Applicant must live within the Westway neighborhood and be the property’s legal owner
Household income must be at or below 80% of King County median income ($64,200 for a family of four)
Applicant must not have liquid assets exceeding $30,000

Funding for the Westway housing repair program comes from the City of Federal Way’s Community Development Block Grant allocation, a federally-funded community development program. Applications and renovation work are administered and completed by the King County Housing Repair Program and Habitat for Humanity.

To apply or for more information call Habitat for Humanity at 206.292.5240, ext. 118.

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FWM: Civic center moves forward in Federal Way

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 18:00:00 +0000

FEDERAL WAY MIRROR -- Years in the making, the proposed civic center project for downtown Federal Way is in its due diligence phase. In a project update to city council members last Tuesday, Federal Way administrative services director Bryant Enge covered the work that’s been done to this point for the planned performing arts and civic center at the former Toys R Us site, 31510 20th Ave. S. (near the Federal Way Transit Center). More...