Mayor Murray, Seattle City Council approve $1.5 million in matching funds to support neighborhood-initiated projects

19 community groups receive Neighborhood Matching Fund awards

SEATTLE – September 22, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Mayor Ed Murray and Seattle City Council today approved more than $1.5 million in matching funds to support neighborhood projects across the City. Nineteen community organizations will receive awards from Seattle Department of Neighborhoods’ Neighborhood Matching Fund program for a variety of projects involving physical improvements, events, and cultural activities.

“The Neighborhood Matching Fund creates opportunities for neighbors to turn their creative ideas and energy into innovative projects,” said Mayor Murray. “The City’s meaningful investments help build community and provide incredible returns for our neighborhoods that everyone can enjoy.”

Funded through the Large Projects Fund, the awards range from $43,785 to $100,000, and the awardees have pledged to match the city’s $1,505,515 contribution with in-kind resources and donations valued at $2,961,190. Projects range from the construction of a neighborhood center at Pike Place Market to a cultural event series in Delridge.

“Neighborhood volunteers truly make a difference,” said Seattle City Councilmember Sally Bagshaw, chair of the Seattle Public Utilities and Neighborhoods Committee. “Countless volunteer hours go into each of these projects, and I’m impressed by the desire, dedication, and tenacity of community members to see these projects to completion.”

Every application to the Large Projects Fund goes through an extensive evaluation process by two teams: the Citywide Review Team (CRT), a group representing each of the 13 neighborhood districts, plus four at-large community members; and the District Council Review Teams, comprised of members from the District Councils. These volunteers review the applications, interview applicants, and make the recommendations for funding.

“In every neighborhood, the Neighborhood Matching Fund has made an impact – from Georgetown’s Hat n’ Boots to Wallingford’s Meridian Park Playground,” said Kathy Nyland, director of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods. “Over the past 27 years, more than 5000 community projects have been completed with help from the Neighborhood Matching Fund.”

There are two other funds in the Neighborhood Matching Fund program, the Small Sparks Fund (awards up to $1000) and Small and Simple Projects Fund (awards up to $25,000). To learn more about the Fund, visitwww.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/neighborhood-matching-fund.

2015 Large Projects Fund Awardees

North Region (north of Ship Canal)
$100,000 to the Broadview Community Playground Improvement Project to renovate the school playground and play areas to benefit the school, Bitter Lake Community Center, and the surrounding neighborhoods. (Community match: $112,760)

$100,000 to Viewlands Elementary PTSA to construct a new play structure, track, and site, and renovate the field and painted sport courts to revitalize this gathering place with purposeful and accessible areas. (Community match: $183,904)

$88,887 to Friends of Yesler Swamp to complete the restoration of Yesler Swamp and construct 300 additional feet of the remaining section of an environmentally-designed, ADA-accessible boardwalk. (Community match: $90,160)

$25,000 to the Roosevelt Neighborhood Association to convert a cut-through street into a safe pedestrian- and bike-friendly zone that bridges the gap between the I-5 Park and Ride and the Sound Transit station. (Community match: $106,655)

$99,414 to University Heights Center to renovate the community performance hall to include egress improvements, ADA accessibility, creation of a foyer, installation of stage lighting and audio-visual equipment, and other aesthetic improvements. (Community match: $99,414)

$99,000 to John Stanford Playground Improvement Committee to improve the school grounds into a more accessible, safe, and welcoming public space. Project includes replacing concrete fixtures and play equipment and the addition of accessible ramps and pathways. (Community match: $108,150)

South Region
$100,000 to the Mount Baker Community Club to improve the clubhouse’s energy efficiency and safety by replacing the roof, removing or repairing the damaged brick chimneys, and installing an energy-efficient gas-fired boiler. (Community match: $152,689)

$100,000 to Seattle Tilth to activate the Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands by adding a children’s learning garden, rain gardens, and educational signage; equipping the community farm stand, kitchen, and greenhouses; and hosting a community-led celebration. (Community match: $111,464)

$100,000 to Rainier Valley Corps to implement a leadership and capacity-building program where emerging leaders of color will be recruited, trained, and placed in full-time work at communities-of-color-led nonprofits in Rainier Valley. (Community match: $568,800)

$100,000 to Friends of Seward Park to build a new torii in Seward Park to replace the one that stood for 50 years and served as a community icon and gathering place. (Community match: $199,977)

West Seattle
$69,975 to the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association to produce 12 events in 2016 that will connect diverse community partners and build stronger relationships between organizations, groups, and individuals in the greater Delridge neighborhood. (Community match: $47,760)

Central Region
$50,000    to the Melrose Promenade to implement a series of community-supported road safety and placemaking measures to include pedestrian lighting, distinctive paving, crosswalks, signage, and art. (Community match: $145,793)

$43,785    to Friends of Jackson Street Mural Project to commission the painting and installation of a mural depicting significant historical labor events in the multicultural context of the Chinatown/International District and the Central Area. (Community match: $90,288)

$100,000 to the    Friends of Jimi Hendrix Park Committee       to construct Phase 2 of Jimi Hendrix Park designated “Are You Experienced?” to include additional pathways, lawn mow curbs, and vine plantings. Project entails demolition, earthwork, hardscape, and planting and irrigation. (Community match: $189,169)

$49,454 to the Central Area Senior Center to conduct a feasibility study to identify and prioritize options for future redevelopment of the center. Consultant will do surveying, architecture, parking and traffic analysis, engineering, and community engagement. (Community match: $103,200)

$100,000 to the Hirabayashi Place Legacy of Justice Committee to complete and install community-led project located on and around Hirabayashi Place to provide historical and cultural identity of Nihonmachi, Seattle’s historic Japantown, by honoring civil rights leader Gordon Hirabayashi. (Community match: $289,625)

$80,000 to the Pike Place Market Foundation to support the planning, design, and construction of a new Pike Place Market Neighborhood Center, a 1,950 square foot welcoming, accessible venue to serve as a downtown community gathering and activity place. (Community match: $171,300)

$50,000 to Lake Union Neighbors to proceed from 30% design completion to final construction documents for the East Howe Steps Plaza project which will provide a plaza and pedestrian connection from Capitol Hill to Lake Union. (Community match: $62,582)

$50,000 to the Plymouth Housing Group to construct a rain garden on the hill climb of the 710 Cherry Street property with benches and spaces for pedestrians, along with education panels on stormwater runoff, native plants, and green infrastructure. (Community match: $127,500)

CONTACT:
Patricia Lopez, (206) 684-0713
Jason Kelly (206) 684-8379