|
In this issue:
Council Bill Protects Streams and Waterways
A major event has recently taken place, one that’s sure to be talked about in years to come. The Seattle City Council
passed the precedent-setting Environmentally Critical Areas (ECA) Ordinance. The state requires that the ECA
be updated every ten years, in accordance with state’s own breakthrough Growth Management Act (GMA).
Update Seattle did. But the city went beyond the bare requirements of the GMA and added environmental provisions
that protect creeks, shorelines and wetlands throughout the city – improving upon the current ordinance. Once again,
Seattle is leading the way.
Among the changes to the executive proposal that Councilmembers approved in March 2006 were provisions that:
- Expand buffers along riparian corridors to 75 feet where anadromous fish,
such as salmon, are present and expand buffers to 50 feet where they are not;
- Ensure that mitigation for shoreline habitat occurs as close to the
shoreline as possible;
- Protect streams and waterways by restricting use of fertilizers and
pesticides in riparian corridors and wetlands;
- Further protect streams, wetlands and shoreline habitats on public and
private golf courses by establishing a 50-foot buffer in which pesticide use
is prohibited;
- Recognize seismic events in Seattle as a risk to safety and welfare.
These are just a few of the amendments that were adopted by the full council.
CLICK
HERE for a complete version of the ECA ordinance.
As many here know, streams, wetlands, fish, wildlife and critical habitat areas have received
intense focus from the Council’s Energy and Technology Committee in recent months. The ordinance is the result of a healthy
dialogue and collegial working relationship that developed between all parties working to improve this legislation as it moved
through the committee process. Success has many parents. And many can justly claim credit for making this legislation stronger
and more effective at protecting fish, critical areas and waterways in the Emerald City. The ECA required hard work, but that
effort paid off. The result is a healthier environment for fish, for vegetation, for the waters and streams and for
everyone who calls Seattle home.
Seattle can be proud that the ECA’s provisions match and enhance the city’s resolve to lead the
nation in preservation of natural resources.
|
 |
|
Jean takes a stroll through the Seattle Youth Garden Works project at Marra Farm.
|
Senior Source
Investing Today for Tomorrow's Seniors
Greetings, Fellow Seniors.
There's some good news for those of us who rememeber hard times. Like you, I have often wished that
there could be more help for seniors. I feel that seniors have given so much to build this city, state and nation
that they should also be able to reap benefits.
Indeed, I have felt strongly that, even in lean times, there could be more and better programs to assist those
who remember years when we lived by the motto of: "Fix-it-up, make-it-do or do-without."
Fortunately, today there are more resources available to assist seniors than ever before.
And we do not have to always do without.
Often the problem is not a lack of programs. What I've found is that it is frequently difficult to find
out where to go, whom to consult and when to ask for the help that you need.
That's why I'm introducing a new focus feature on my web page and newsletter that will be dedicated to helping
bridge this gap. I will post tips and resources that I've found here in this city and elsewhere that could be helpful
to you.
For my first installment, I am focusing the spotlight on utility rate discounts. If you are not familiar with this
program, you should know that Seattle City Light provides reduced rates for qualified seniors (age +65) and for persons
with disabilities. Those who qualify for this program receive a 50 percent discount on their electric rates.
Being a Seattle resident may also qualify you for a reduced rate on Seattle Public Utilities bills. For more
information, call 206.684.0268.
I am committed to helping seniors live better lives right here at home. Let's do it together.
Senior Source Archives
Comcast Franchise Renewal Continues
One of the important issues coming before the Energy & Technology Committe that I chair is the cable franchise
renewal for Comcast, one of the city's two cable providers. The city drafted the renewal proposal after meetings
with citizen groups, answers to questionnaires and reviews of what the city can and cannot require of Comcast under
federal law.
The legislation would approve a franchise renewal that includes many of the features of the previous franchise
as well as funding for Arts Zone, enabling the Seattle Channel to create 12 hours a week of arts programming.
A separate agreement would raise the cable franchise fee to support SCAN, the public access channel. Under the
agreements, there would also be money for youth civic involvement projects, community technology centers and a grant
for SCAN. There also will be discounts for low-income seniors, low-income people with disabilities and residents of
subsidized housing.
|
