On Thursday, September 17 at 9:00 AM at City Hall, the City Council’s Housing Committee will discuss the Rent Control Resolution introduced by Councilmember Nick Licata and me. Passing the Rent Control Resolution would make it official policy that the City of Seattle wants Washington State to lift its undemocratic ban on rent control. It […]
Category: Councilmember Sawant
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“Seattle Educators Week” Resolution Passes Unanimously
Thank you to all those who came to City Hall today to support my resolution designating this week as Seattle Educators Week! With the unanimous passage of this legislation, the City Council calls on the district to negotiate in good faith, and for the WA State Legislature to fully fund education. See below for the full […]
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Community Forum: Stand with Seattle Educators!
On September 10th, 2015, three days after the Seattle Education Association went on strike for a fair contract, I hosted a Community Forum, “Stand with Seattle Educators – Support a Fair Contract and High Quality Education for All.” The event was sponsored by the newly formed Coalition for the Schools Seattle Deserves, an alliance of educators, parents, […]
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Councilmember Sawant to Co-Host Community Meeting with the Coalition for the Schools Seattle Deserves to Support Striking Educators
On Thursday, September 10th, I will co-host a community meeting with the Coalition for the Schools Seattle Deserves to discuss how we can come together and support Seattle’s striking educators. Please read the press release below for more information. Read my statement about the issues concerning the educator’s contract here. Councilmember Sawant to Co-Host Community […]
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Councilmember Sawant to Co-Host Community Meeting with the Coalition for the Schools Seattle Deserves to Support Striking Educators
On Thursday, September 10th, I will co-host a community meeting with the Coalition for the Schools Seattle Deserves to discuss how we can come together and support Seattle’s striking educators. Please read the press release below for more information. Read my statement about the issues concerning the educator’s contract here. Councilmember Sawant to Co-Host Community […]
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Letter to the Seattle School Board Supporting the Right of Educators to Strike
See below for the letter that I and two other Councilmembers sent to the Seattle School Board, urging them not to take legal action against the Seattle Education Association (the union representing teachers and other educators in Seattle). To read the solidarity statement I wrote supporting the union’s demands and a fair contract, see my blog […]
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Support a Fair Contract for Seattle Educators and High Quality Education for All
I support all the educators in the Seattle Education Association (SEA) who teach and guide the youth of Seattle. They are the best stewards of any education system. The district administration of Seattle Public Schools must listen to the union in their ongoing contract negotiations. Teachers and other educators deserve to be acknowledged for their […]
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Rent Control Petition – Click Here For the Link to Sign!
Rent Control Petition – Click Here For the Link to Sign!
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Mayor to move forward on acquisition of NE 130th Street beach
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8/13/2015
Mayor to move forward on acquisition of N.E. 130th Street beach
SEATTLE - Mayor Ed Murray today announced that the City plans to purchase portions of two properties that make up the former N.E. 130th Street beach from the current owners and restore waterfront access for the public.
“For decades, generations of Seattle residents enjoyed lakefront access from the N.E. 130th Street beach,” said Mayor Murray. “I have directed the Parks Department to begin the process of restoring that access by acquiring the properties using all tools at our disposal.”
The two properties lie at the end of N.E. 130th Street and Rivera Place, near the Burke-Gilman Trail in the Cedar Park neighborhood in the Lake City area. Earlier this year, the private property owners restricted the public from accessing the waterfront.
“This parcel bordering Lake Washington has been used by the public to gain access to the water for over 80 years. It was very unfortunate to have access denied,” said Councilmember Jean Godden. “It’s great news that the City is now taking affirmative steps to restore this property to the public and to neighbors who know how much it matters to save this beach.”
“Privatizing public property based upon an 82 year-old records error is a disservice to the neighborhood,” said Councilmember Nick Licata. “I commend the Mayor for joining the Council in reclaiming what has long served as the only public access to Lake Washington between Matthews Beach and the northern city limits.”
“I visited the 130th Street beach with neighbors and community members and stand firmly behind them in their desire to have the beach end returned to its original use—a neighborhood park,” said Councilmember Sally Bagshaw. “Many congratulations to the community who worked hard to ensure this space is open and welcoming to the community.”
“When public access to Lake Washington was taken away, community activists pushed the City to recover it,” said Councilmember Kshama Sawant. “Generations in Lake City will be able to swim in the neighborhood due to their organizing efforts.”
Under the Mayor’s direction, Seattle Parks and Recreation will send a purchase and sale agreement to the current owners. The owners will then have 30 days to agree with the terms, counter-offer, or decline. In the event a negotiated purchase of the portions of the properties cannot be reached, the Mayor will transmit an ordinance to City Council authorizing the use of eminent domain to acquire the parcels for public use and benefit.
“The 130th Street beach has provided recreational access to Lake Washington for residents since 1932,” said Dave Pope of the Friends of 130th Street Beach community group. “As Seattle continues to grow, more parks are needed, not fewer. I applaud Mayor Murray and City Council for taking the first steps in restoring beach access for those who do not have the luxury of owning waterfront property.”
“Shoreline access is precious everywhere in Seattle,” said Jesús Aguirre, Superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation. “We constantly strive to increase park and recreation opportunities for our residents and restoring this property to public use provides critical access for the community.”
In June, the City Council sent Mayor Murray a letter urging him to condemn the properties. The letter was signed by all members of the Council.
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Celebrating 70th Years of Social Security and Medicare
On August 8, 2015, Councilmember Kshama Sawant celebrated the 70th anniversary of Social Security and Medicare at Westlake Park, alongside US Senator Bernie Sanders, State Senator Pramila Jayapal and others. Sawant highlighted the lessons from the historic struggle that won these essential programs and discussed how it applies to today’s movements for economic and racial […]