Mayor McGinn to Tour Lake City this Saturday

All NE Seattle residents should consider attending this event so I'm re-posting my Lake City Live story here as well:

Ever since Mike McGinn stepped into the mayoral office three months ago, he has made it a priority to get out and tour different neighborhoods in Seattle.  His purpose, to learn about the issues and opportunities in different parts of the city. The walks started in the Pioneer Square/International District neighborhoods where over 70 people attended and discussed their concerns and ideas. I'm not sure what, if anything, came out of that walk and the subsequent ones that followed. But I can bet, at the very least, it increased the sense of community; something I think our area could use a little more of.

This Saturday, April 10th, the Mayor will tour our very own Lake City. This is an open event to public and residents are encouraged to attend and share their concerns about the neighborhood. Many thanks to Ed Pottharst, of the Seattle Dept. of Neighborhoods, for sharing the following tour details:
People will have the chance to talk with Mayor McGinn at tour stops.  Most of the tour is walking.  The last two gathering places—Little Brook Park and Jackson Park House & Village (youth tutoring program) –are about a mile north of the earlier stops.  You are welcome to join Mayor McGinn on bike hops to these two places.


11:15 am Pre-tour gathering at the Lake City Neighborhood Service Center

• Located above the Lake City Library at 12501 28^th Ave NE.
• Coffee, refreshments, and tour map will be provided.
• Parking in garage under library or on street.
• You are encouraged to walk, bike, bus, scooter, blade, skate, or skateboard in.

11:30 am Mayor arrives and talks with community members.
11:40 am – 2:30 pm Tour will stop at the places in the order listed below. There will be a short break for lunch at noon.  Lunch is on your own, and you are encouraged to lunch with other tour members at one of the many diverse and quick eateries in Lake City (list will be provided).

• Lake City Community Center:  history and new recreation program ideas shared.
• North Seattle Family Center:  visit Latino family group and teen parent group.
• Lake City Village: the “greenest” affordable housing development project in the state. Construction begins in May.
• North Helpline:   food bank will be in operation, many clients and volunteers, plus fabulous art.
• McDermott Place:   new building for homeless veterans and individuals. 
• Little Brook Park:  engaging neighbors in reactivating the park.
• Jackson Park - Youth Tutoring Program:  youth tutoring program for immigrant residents.

Let's start discussing now! What do you think is the most important thing to tell Mayor McGinn?