Tag: built environment

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Pioneer Square Health Impact Assessment

Pioneer_Square_HIA_final_16June2014_Page_01Does Pioneer Square need a grocery store? According to a study recently completed by the Health Impact Assessment graduate class at the University of Washington we do. The Pioneer Square Health Impact Assessment (PDF) considers the neighborhood’s built environment, community and social services, mobility, and economic issues, all with an eye on the effects on human health. Other key findings include:

  • Provide a public toilet in the heart of the neighborhood
  • Encourage developers to include affordable housing in new residential buildings
  • Continue the expansion of bike lanes and pedestrian sidewalks

Much of the assessment considered the goals and objectives of the neighborhood’s 2015 plan, Pioneer Square 2015—A Strategy for Seattle’s First Neighborhood. Members of the 2020 strategic planning subcommittees will use the study to inform their recommendations for areas of focus during the next five years.

We’re deeply grateful to the students and faculty who produced the assessment. Their labor, analysis and expertise will help the Square continue to improve through a greater understanding of our condition and the strategies we can use to improve.

 

David Yeaworth

Deputy Director

Alliance for Pioneer Square

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Parks & Gateways Project Jumps a Hurdle

Pioneer Square's parks and gateways

Working with a dynamic group of volunteers, the Alliance submitted a grant request to hire a consultant to lead the neighborhood through a process to create a concept plan for our eleven parks and gateways. Our end goal is to then develop a master design plan for one of them. The grant application was submitted to the City’s Department of Neighborhoods (DON) for $100,000.

We recently learned that DON’s Citywide Review Team made a recommendation to the Mayor, City Council and the City Neighborhood Council to make the full award. Barring any unforeseen disapproval, we’re cautiously optimistic we’ll be funded in the autumn.

The idea for the project was inspired in part by an event led by the Seattle Parks Foundation. Foundation staff conducted a parks assessment tour for community members, City staff and Alliance staff last spring. The analysis suggested environmental design could help our parks feel safer and rethinking our gateways could help visitors recognize they’re entering a grand historic district.

The Alliance appreciates the opportunity the DON grant would provide. Our neighborhood thrives when our community works together. This project will work to bring out the best in the neighborhood.