SCC News 9/8/13
The following article is from Shoreline Area News, 9/8/13. Not specifically about the dorm, but it sounds like it might come up.
Membership Luncheon, Wed., Sept. 11, 11:45am, Shoreline Community College PUB, RSVP, $20
The Chamber will be updated by Stephen Smith, VP of SCC Human Resources, on the current search for the permanent replacement of former Shoreline CC President, Lee Lambert. The SCC International Education program will then discuss the economical impact of their program on the Shoreline community and what the potential growth of their program means to future of the college and surrounding area. Also, Ron Carnell will give an overview of the SCC Plus 50 Program and the SCC Summer College.
The chamber luncheon from the college will be broadcast live thanks to FX Video. Contact Dwight Edwards, FX Video, for more information on the channel or sponsorship opportunities at 206-799-8358.
RSVP is required no later than Monday, Sept. 9, for members and visitors. Send an email to the Chamber or register on-line.
The following article is from Shoreline Area News, 9/8/13. Not specifically about the dorm, but it sounds like it might come up.
Membership Luncheon, Wed., Sept. 11, 11:45am, Shoreline Community College PUB, RSVP, $20
The Chamber will be updated by Stephen Smith, VP of SCC Human Resources, on the current search for the permanent replacement of former Shoreline CC President, Lee Lambert. The SCC International Education program will then discuss the economical impact of their program on the Shoreline community and what the potential growth of their program means to future of the college and surrounding area. Also, Ron Carnell will give an overview of the SCC Plus 50 Program and the SCC Summer College.
The chamber luncheon from the college will be broadcast live thanks to FX Video. Contact Dwight Edwards, FX Video, for more information on the channel or sponsorship opportunities at 206-799-8358.
RSVP is required no later than Monday, Sept. 9, for members and visitors. Send an email to the Chamber or register on-line.
News 7/28/13
Master plan is under review with the City.
Summary of Comments from Public Meetings
Public comment for this project is due July 19 at 5pm. Interested persons are encouraged to mail, fax (206) 801-2788 or deliver comments to City of Shoreline, Attn Steven Szafran, 17500 Midvale Avenue N, Shoreline WA 98133 or email to [email protected]. You may also request a copy of the decision once it has been made.
Summary of Comments from April 9th and April 23rd responses:
Traffic:
Comments:
Residents are concerned about increased traffic in the areas. Specifically: Innis Arden and Greenwood intersection is challenged by high traffic volumes; Residents are concerned that students do not always negotiate Innis Arden Greenwood intersection safely.
The TSI consultant pointed out that the intersection is not challenged by high volumes so much as it is the configuration of the intersection (a 5-way stop) and because of this delays, at even low volumes, are to be expected.
The Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) indicates that that the relatively small increase in traffic volumes associated with the Housing Project is not likely to increase delays discernibly.
The configuration of the intersection is an existing condition identified in the City's Capital Facility Plan. Given the small amount of impact anticipated by the Master Development Plan (MDP), there is no rational nexus to support requiring the College to fix the existing deficiency.
The College does anticipate a comprehensive Transportation Management Plan (TMP) for the College which will help to mitigate overall traffic volume.
The TIA indicates that the housing project will not likely cause an increase in off campus trips during the day. If anything, student residents will likely make fewer trips off campus during the day than commuting students.
Campus Housing with on-site food service is not likely to increase traffic during peak times. There is a possibility that during the evenings more students will choose to travel off campus. To respond to this potential evening traffic, the College is developing an off-site shuttle as part of a comprehensive Transportation Management Program. Details of the TMP will be incorporated into the MDP conditions.
Questions:
As noted above, the limitation of this intersection is beyond the scope of this project to fix. A resolution of the challenged tuning movements at this location will have to be implemented as part of the City's Capital Facilities plan.
No. No changes to the current configuration or turning movements at the existing driveways are planned for.
As part of the MDP process, the College hopes to develop a template for the elements of a Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP). These will likely include:
The College intends to propose limitations on resident student parking on campus as an element of the lease for student housing units.
It is possible to control which parking areas of the campus use which campus exit. However, the Traffic Engineer has reviewed this issue extensively and determined that this option would not result in better traffic flow on and off campus than the current layout.
Parking
Comments:
The parking supply during the MDP will actually increase available on campus parking in the first years of the MDP. The College will continue to look for offsite parking opportunities for student parking. Further, the College would be very supportive of a Residential Parking Zone in the surrounding neighborhoods to prevent spillover parking.
Questions:
The new lot adjacent to the housing will be able to use any one of the current entrances and exits of the Campus.
The Greenwood lot is being converted in part to a drainage detention and water quality treatment system over the next 20-30 years. Storm runoff from the MDP site area will be collected into underground pipe systems through yard drains and catch basins. Runoff from building roof areas will also be collected to the underground pipe system through roof drain systems. The underground pipes will connect to an existing 18-inch diameter pipe that runs downhill to the Greenwood Parking Lot area adjacent to Boeing Creek. Through this pipe system, the collected water will be conveyed to a new wetpond to be built in phases at the Greenwood Parking Lot for pretreatment and water quality treatment. The treated water will be released to an adjacent pond for infiltration. Overflow from the infiltration pond will be discharged to Boeing Creek through a flow control structure. Only the first phase of this process is anticipated during the life of the MDP. This will result in the removal of less than a quarter of the Greenwood lot area. A full description of this stormwater system is included in the MDP Appendix.
Yes. During the life of the MDP, less than one third of the Greenwood Lot parking area will be used for the new stormwater facility.
Yes. Vehicle access to the housing site, accommodating fire trucks, service vehicles and automobiles, will be provided through the existing horn shaped parking lot east of the athletic field. A 158 stall parking lot will be built immediately adjacent to the student housing project, providing 42 stalls for housing use and replacing the 116 parking stalls in the horn shaped parking lot that will be lost by construction fo the student housing access road. To ensure that parking is adequate, the College intends to adopt lease restrictions on car ownership and parking for students residing on campus. The College will continue to utilize use of offsite parking and will provide a shuttle service for students to offsite parking locations. Further, the College intends to adopt a Transportation Management Program that will ensure continued adequate parking throughout the life of the MDP.
Stormwater
Comments:
Residents are concerns (sic) about increased stormwater runoff and conveyance: The housing projects will increase need for sewer and drainage connections; There will be increased runoff and sewer.
All the stormwater detention and water quality treatments for the student housing will be provided on site in the form of underground detention vaults located below the parking area. The Civil Engineer has determined there is adequate water and sewer capacity already on site for the student housing and other MDP projects.
Questions:
See above.
The stormwater engineering analysis indicated that the completed stormwater system will result in a net improvement to the water quality and stability of Boeing Creek. Once completed, the quality and quantity of stormwater runoff from the Campus will meet predevelopment conditions, meaning that that (sic) in terms of flow to Boeing Creek, it will be as if the Campus is a forested natural area.
The housing project will have its own detention and treatment system located under the parking lot. The other three buildings in the MDP will require the first phase of the Greenwood lot detention system to be installed concurrent with those projects. The earliest this is anticipated to occur is in 2017 if the Allied Health Services project receives funding. Alternatively, The Automotive Center expansion could be the first project of the MDP developments if it received outside private funding. In this case, one of two options will be followed. Either on-site detention and water quality treatment facilities will be provided because of the special funding for the automotive center project, or the first phase, the detention system, would be built in the Greenwood Parking Lot. At this point, this is all that is anticipated to be needed in terms of detention for the life of the MDP.
Noise
Comments:
Residents are concerned that: New residents may be disruptive and noisy.
The College is sensitive to the fact that new on campus residents will increase the level of activity on campus. The proposed housing was sited on the ball fields, buffered by trees from the surrounding residential area in such a way as to minimize these conflicts. Additionally the College intends to enforce a Student Code of Conduct that will set forth rules regarding behavior expectations of student conduct on and off campus including:
Noted: The College agrees to work with the organizers of this event to ensure that reasonable sound reduction measures are enforced.
Noted.
Questions:
As described above, the College does not anticipate substantial noise from the student housing project. To the degree that evening and weekend activity associated with the housing could result in additional noise, the student code of conduct will apply.
Public Nuisance
Comments:
Residents are concerned that: The area will turn into a University District atmosphere; Residents will change the dynamics of the City; Students will be able to drink, have parties.
The College, is located in a suburban neighborhood. Given the layout of the site and the surrounding residential zoning, it is not likely to result in the development of a commercial University atmosphere. Given the low student population and the relatively thick landscape buffering, it is anticipated that student housing will not be disruptive to the surrounding area. Based on the current MDP and future plans for the College, additional student housing is not anticipated.
Neighborhood concerns regarding use of the park are noted. One of the principle goals of the MDP is to foster an inclusive, academically focused environment that encourages on campus fellowship among students. Current students will continue to utilize the park. To address concerns that campus residents may utilize the park more frequently, the College anticipates that its Code of Conduct will need to include a section that addresses expectations for students using City facilities off campus.
Miscellaneous
Comments:
Residents are concerned that: There was not adequate notice for the Comprehensive Plan Policy change.
The Comprehensive Plan notice was not handled by the College. It is a City administered process.
Several alternative locations have been explored by the College including the nearby WSDOT property. None of these exploratory processes resulted in a viable project. Additionally, the College's goal of creating an inclusive academic environment is better served by providing on campus housing. The College is not proposing off campus housing.
Yes.
Noted: Coordination with the City and any adjacent developers will need to be included as part of a Comprehensive Construction Traffic Management Plan. These CTMP's will need be reviewed and approved by the City prior to issuance of construction permits for individual projects and will at a minimum include:
Noted. This is not a new precedent in the area. Both Edmonds Community College and Green River Community College provide student housing.
Questions:
The College requested a change to the CTMP in order for it to be consistent with the Shoreline Municipal Code which allows new uses, in this case housing, to be approved on campus zoned property through an MDP.
Yes. There was public notice and at least two public hearings. Questions regarding City notice requirements should be directed to City Staff who oversee the Comprehensive Plan review process.
There are no new entrances proposed to the campus. The College does not intend to provide additional vehicle access to the northwest portion of the campus. There are no uses proposed there and the area is heavily wooded and steep.
Summary of Comments from April 9th and April 23rd responses:
Traffic:
Comments:
Residents are concerned about increased traffic in the areas. Specifically: Innis Arden and Greenwood intersection is challenged by high traffic volumes; Residents are concerned that students do not always negotiate Innis Arden Greenwood intersection safely.
The TSI consultant pointed out that the intersection is not challenged by high volumes so much as it is the configuration of the intersection (a 5-way stop) and because of this delays, at even low volumes, are to be expected.
The Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) indicates that that the relatively small increase in traffic volumes associated with the Housing Project is not likely to increase delays discernibly.
The configuration of the intersection is an existing condition identified in the City's Capital Facility Plan. Given the small amount of impact anticipated by the Master Development Plan (MDP), there is no rational nexus to support requiring the College to fix the existing deficiency.
The College does anticipate a comprehensive Transportation Management Plan (TMP) for the College which will help to mitigate overall traffic volume.
- Residents frustrated with midday peak traffic times. Queues for intersections are long and so are delays in the middle of the day.
The TIA indicates that the housing project will not likely cause an increase in off campus trips during the day. If anything, student residents will likely make fewer trips off campus during the day than commuting students.
- There are concerns that traffic from resident students going to get food off campus 24 hours a day will impact traffic.
Campus Housing with on-site food service is not likely to increase traffic during peak times. There is a possibility that during the evenings more students will choose to travel off campus. To respond to this potential evening traffic, the College is developing an off-site shuttle as part of a comprehensive Transportation Management Program. Details of the TMP will be incorporated into the MDP conditions.
- Residents are concerned that student housing will bring many new trips to campus due to construction, food service trucks, new residents and new College staff.
Questions:
- What improvements are planned for Greenwood/Innis Arden intersection?
As noted above, the limitation of this intersection is beyond the scope of this project to fix. A resolution of the challenged tuning movements at this location will have to be implemented as part of the City's Capital Facilities plan.
- Are driveway limitations planned for? Turning movement restrictions? Right in Right out?
No. No changes to the current configuration or turning movements at the existing driveways are planned for.
- How will construction traffic be handled?
As part of the MDP process, the College hopes to develop a template for the elements of a Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP). These will likely include:
- Designation of haul routes;
- Location of construction worker parking and truck access; and
- Notice to neighbors of CTMP conditions and construction schedule.
- Is the college planning on students not owning cars?
The College intends to propose limitations on resident student parking on campus as an element of the lease for student housing units.
- Is it possible to funnel parking in the lot into different campus exits?
It is possible to control which parking areas of the campus use which campus exit. However, the Traffic Engineer has reviewed this issue extensively and determined that this option would not result in better traffic flow on and off campus than the current layout.
Parking
Comments:
- Residents are concerned that students will own cars that will impact the available parking supply in the neighborhood.
The parking supply during the MDP will actually increase available on campus parking in the first years of the MDP. The College will continue to look for offsite parking opportunities for student parking. Further, the College would be very supportive of a Residential Parking Zone in the surrounding neighborhoods to prevent spillover parking.
Questions:
- Where does the new parking lot adjacent to the dormitories exit onto the street?
The new lot adjacent to the housing will be able to use any one of the current entrances and exits of the Campus.
- Is the City required to close the Greenwood lot and why?
The Greenwood lot is being converted in part to a drainage detention and water quality treatment system over the next 20-30 years. Storm runoff from the MDP site area will be collected into underground pipe systems through yard drains and catch basins. Runoff from building roof areas will also be collected to the underground pipe system through roof drain systems. The underground pipes will connect to an existing 18-inch diameter pipe that runs downhill to the Greenwood Parking Lot area adjacent to Boeing Creek. Through this pipe system, the collected water will be conveyed to a new wetpond to be built in phases at the Greenwood Parking Lot for pretreatment and water quality treatment. The treated water will be released to an adjacent pond for infiltration. Overflow from the infiltration pond will be discharged to Boeing Creek through a flow control structure. Only the first phase of this process is anticipated during the life of the MDP. This will result in the removal of less than a quarter of the Greenwood lot area. A full description of this stormwater system is included in the MDP Appendix.
- Is there room for parking and storm treatment in that lot?
Yes. During the life of the MDP, less than one third of the Greenwood Lot parking area will be used for the new stormwater facility.
- Is there enough parking planned for the student housing?
Yes. Vehicle access to the housing site, accommodating fire trucks, service vehicles and automobiles, will be provided through the existing horn shaped parking lot east of the athletic field. A 158 stall parking lot will be built immediately adjacent to the student housing project, providing 42 stalls for housing use and replacing the 116 parking stalls in the horn shaped parking lot that will be lost by construction fo the student housing access road. To ensure that parking is adequate, the College intends to adopt lease restrictions on car ownership and parking for students residing on campus. The College will continue to utilize use of offsite parking and will provide a shuttle service for students to offsite parking locations. Further, the College intends to adopt a Transportation Management Program that will ensure continued adequate parking throughout the life of the MDP.
Stormwater
Comments:
Residents are concerns (sic) about increased stormwater runoff and conveyance: The housing projects will increase need for sewer and drainage connections; There will be increased runoff and sewer.
All the stormwater detention and water quality treatments for the student housing will be provided on site in the form of underground detention vaults located below the parking area. The Civil Engineer has determined there is adequate water and sewer capacity already on site for the student housing and other MDP projects.
Questions:
- How will drainage be handled?
See above.
- What will be the impact to Boeing Creek?
The stormwater engineering analysis indicated that the completed stormwater system will result in a net improvement to the water quality and stability of Boeing Creek. Once completed, the quality and quantity of stormwater runoff from the Campus will meet predevelopment conditions, meaning that that (sic) in terms of flow to Boeing Creek, it will be as if the Campus is a forested natural area.
- What is the timeline and sequence of storm water detention in the Greenwood lot?
The housing project will have its own detention and treatment system located under the parking lot. The other three buildings in the MDP will require the first phase of the Greenwood lot detention system to be installed concurrent with those projects. The earliest this is anticipated to occur is in 2017 if the Allied Health Services project receives funding. Alternatively, The Automotive Center expansion could be the first project of the MDP developments if it received outside private funding. In this case, one of two options will be followed. Either on-site detention and water quality treatment facilities will be provided because of the special funding for the automotive center project, or the first phase, the detention system, would be built in the Greenwood Parking Lot. At this point, this is all that is anticipated to be needed in terms of detention for the life of the MDP.
Noise
Comments:
Residents are concerned that: New residents may be disruptive and noisy.
The College is sensitive to the fact that new on campus residents will increase the level of activity on campus. The proposed housing was sited on the ball fields, buffered by trees from the surrounding residential area in such a way as to minimize these conflicts. Additionally the College intends to enforce a Student Code of Conduct that will set forth rules regarding behavior expectations of student conduct on and off campus including:
- Outline prohibited use of profane, abusive or vulgar language in any common area (including exterior areas associated with the property) or any excessive or disruptive noises of any kind;
- Outline safety expectations for travel to and from Campus;
- Set forth Quiet Hours;
- Identify security and complaint protocols and
- Outline restrictions on the use and/or possession of alcoholic beverages or other drugs.
- Residents are concerned that the Volkswagen rally that College holds is already noisy.
Noted: The College agrees to work with the organizers of this event to ensure that reasonable sound reduction measures are enforced.
- The dog park is already noisy.
Noted.
Questions:
- What measures will the College use to mitigate the noise?
As described above, the College does not anticipate substantial noise from the student housing project. To the degree that evening and weekend activity associated with the housing could result in additional noise, the student code of conduct will apply.
Public Nuisance
Comments:
Residents are concerned that: The area will turn into a University District atmosphere; Residents will change the dynamics of the City; Students will be able to drink, have parties.
The College, is located in a suburban neighborhood. Given the layout of the site and the surrounding residential zoning, it is not likely to result in the development of a commercial University atmosphere. Given the low student population and the relatively thick landscape buffering, it is anticipated that student housing will not be disruptive to the surrounding area. Based on the current MDP and future plans for the College, additional student housing is not anticipated.
- Dorms are located to close to the park and students will use the park.
Neighborhood concerns regarding use of the park are noted. One of the principle goals of the MDP is to foster an inclusive, academically focused environment that encourages on campus fellowship among students. Current students will continue to utilize the park. To address concerns that campus residents may utilize the park more frequently, the College anticipates that its Code of Conduct will need to include a section that addresses expectations for students using City facilities off campus.
Miscellaneous
Comments:
Residents are concerned that: There was not adequate notice for the Comprehensive Plan Policy change.
The Comprehensive Plan notice was not handled by the College. It is a City administered process.
- Alternative locations were not considered, specifically vacant land on Aurora.
Several alternative locations have been explored by the College including the nearby WSDOT property. None of these exploratory processes resulted in a viable project. Additionally, the College's goal of creating an inclusive academic environment is better served by providing on campus housing. The College is not proposing off campus housing.
- Is there really a shortage of student housing?
Yes.
- Coordination with adjacent development of Aurora Square is needed to enhance traffic and parking.
Noted: Coordination with the City and any adjacent developers will need to be included as part of a Comprehensive Construction Traffic Management Plan. These CTMP's will need be reviewed and approved by the City prior to issuance of construction permits for individual projects and will at a minimum include:
- Designation of haul routes and truck access;
- Hours of construction and peak constriction traffic;
- Signal or sign control of Campus entrances/exits where warranted;
- Location of construction worker parking;
- Street condition survey before and after construction; and
- Street cleaning measures during the excavation phases of construction.
- It is not appropriate for two year colleges to have dormitories.
Noted. This is not a new precedent in the area. Both Edmonds Community College and Green River Community College provide student housing.
Questions:
- Why was the comp plan changed?
The College requested a change to the CTMP in order for it to be consistent with the Shoreline Municipal Code which allows new uses, in this case housing, to be approved on campus zoned property through an MDP.
- Was there public notice?
Yes. There was public notice and at least two public hearings. Questions regarding City notice requirements should be directed to City Staff who oversee the Comprehensive Plan review process.
- Several years ago there was a planned road on campus, off of Innis Arden, up to a planned amphitheater located northwest of the student parking. What happened to this plan?
There are no new entrances proposed to the campus. The College does not intend to provide additional vehicle access to the northwest portion of the campus. There are no uses proposed there and the area is heavily wooded and steep.
SCC Project News 4/28/13
On Tuesday, the Shoreline Community College had their second public meeting on the issue of onsite dorms. The turnout for this one was lower than the first; again, most of the attendees were representing Shorewood Hills. There were assurances that the dorms would be available to all students, not just international students; that the dorms would be staffed and students would be held to behavior standards while on campus; that this project really wouldn't impact traffic much at all. Residents are still concerned about noise and students in Shoreview park (away from campus supervision), traffic that is already bad; construction traffic and noise.
SCC Project News 4/14/13
At the meeting on April 9, Shoreline residents (mostly from Shorewood Hills) expressed concerns about the SCC plans for an on-campus dorm. Most issues related to traffic, stormwater, and noise. The neighbors identified concerns surrounding the lack of sufficient roads leading off the campus - 2-lane roads (affecting Innis Arden, Highland Terrace, and Richmond Highlands); inconsiderate student drivers who make it difficult for residents to get out of their homes; the necessity of food service trucks going to and from the dorm; noise levels 24-7, as students won't leave; spillover into Shoreview Park (and wear & tear due to increased use); parking for more cars; and what happens to the stormwater.
At the next public meeting on April 23, SCC will try to have a stormwater engineer and traffic manager attend, to explain the real impacts and possible mitigations for those concerns.
At the next public meeting on April 23, SCC will try to have a stormwater engineer and traffic manager attend, to explain the real impacts and possible mitigations for those concerns.
SCC Project News 3/24/13
Friday, March 22, 2013
* Notices go out on master plan and housing
The next step along the path to a Master Development Plan that now includes student housing at Shoreline Community hits the mail today, March 22, 2012.
“As required by the City of Shoreline, we are sending notices of two public meetings that will be hosted here on campus,” said Daryl Campbell, Vice President for Administrative Services at the college. “We’re excited to show the community what we’ve got in mind and to get feedback to see how it might be even better.”
Public notice letter
The city requires meeting notices be mailed to all residences within 500 feet of the college, but Campbell said the college is trying to let everyone know about the open meetings. “We want to share with our neighbors and the larger community and hear what everyone has to say,” he said.
The meetings are actually part of the city’s required process for a Master Development Plan. The college did such meetings in December, 2010, but at that time, student housing wasn’t anticipated. Since then, a private investor group came forward and put housing in the mix. Because of the time delay and the added project, city officials asked for new public meetings.
At the April 9 meeting, attendees will get an overview of the city’s planning and review steps, including the Master Development Plan and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) processes. Officials will describe projects anticipated to be developed in the next 10 years. They will also ask for comments and discuss how feedback will be used to inform decisions.
At the April 23 meeting, officials will review and respond to comments received at the first meeting, then describe the process moving forward in review of the Master Development Plan.
Both meetings will be from 6-8 p.m., in the 9000 Building (PUB), Room 9208. City staff, college officials and college consultant staff will be on hand. The meetings will be recorded.
The student housing project that is now part of the proposed Master Development Plan is proposed to include 400-beds. It would be sited in the general area of the current soccer field at the north end of the campus.
“Student housing is becoming an increasingly important part education delivery for community colleges,” Campbell said. “Shoreline has a number of programs – automotive, machining, nursing, dental hygiene, film, our terrific science offerings and others – that draw students from outside the area. In addition, our international-student numbers are growing. This past fall, we swamped the existing supply of homestay options for international students.”
Campbell said that if approved, the housing project would be first-come, first-served. “This project will be available to help all our students,” he said.
The idea for student housing came in 2011 when local resident David Lee approached the college with an idea for a privately funded and operated project. Shoreline President Lee Lambert met with David Lee and investors in China in September, 2011 to sign a memorandum of understanding that opened the way for further talks. In February, 2012, Campbell updated the college Board of Trustees on the project, and in December, 2012, Lambert signed a more definitive memorandum of agreement with the investors.
On Feb. 13, 2013, officials from the college, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), the state Attorney General’s Office and the investors met to discuss details of the proposal. Because the project is proposed on state-owned land, the SBCTC must give approval and the state Attorney General’s Office works out the details of the lease. Both of those items are proceeding.
On Feb. 14, immediate neighbors to the college and other interested parties were mailed a notification as required under Washington’s State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). That notice said the college intends to amend previous planning documents adopted in 2003, 2006 and 2011 to include the proposed housing project. The notice also said that the proposed housing project won’t have significant environmental impacts beyond those already anticipated in previously approved and adopted planning documents.
“These public meetings on our Master Development Plan are the next steps toward a project that we believe will help our students and our community,” Campbell said.
-From the SCC website
* Notices go out on master plan and housing
The next step along the path to a Master Development Plan that now includes student housing at Shoreline Community hits the mail today, March 22, 2012.
“As required by the City of Shoreline, we are sending notices of two public meetings that will be hosted here on campus,” said Daryl Campbell, Vice President for Administrative Services at the college. “We’re excited to show the community what we’ve got in mind and to get feedback to see how it might be even better.”
Public notice letter
The city requires meeting notices be mailed to all residences within 500 feet of the college, but Campbell said the college is trying to let everyone know about the open meetings. “We want to share with our neighbors and the larger community and hear what everyone has to say,” he said.
The meetings are actually part of the city’s required process for a Master Development Plan. The college did such meetings in December, 2010, but at that time, student housing wasn’t anticipated. Since then, a private investor group came forward and put housing in the mix. Because of the time delay and the added project, city officials asked for new public meetings.
At the April 9 meeting, attendees will get an overview of the city’s planning and review steps, including the Master Development Plan and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) processes. Officials will describe projects anticipated to be developed in the next 10 years. They will also ask for comments and discuss how feedback will be used to inform decisions.
At the April 23 meeting, officials will review and respond to comments received at the first meeting, then describe the process moving forward in review of the Master Development Plan.
Both meetings will be from 6-8 p.m., in the 9000 Building (PUB), Room 9208. City staff, college officials and college consultant staff will be on hand. The meetings will be recorded.
The student housing project that is now part of the proposed Master Development Plan is proposed to include 400-beds. It would be sited in the general area of the current soccer field at the north end of the campus.
“Student housing is becoming an increasingly important part education delivery for community colleges,” Campbell said. “Shoreline has a number of programs – automotive, machining, nursing, dental hygiene, film, our terrific science offerings and others – that draw students from outside the area. In addition, our international-student numbers are growing. This past fall, we swamped the existing supply of homestay options for international students.”
Campbell said that if approved, the housing project would be first-come, first-served. “This project will be available to help all our students,” he said.
The idea for student housing came in 2011 when local resident David Lee approached the college with an idea for a privately funded and operated project. Shoreline President Lee Lambert met with David Lee and investors in China in September, 2011 to sign a memorandum of understanding that opened the way for further talks. In February, 2012, Campbell updated the college Board of Trustees on the project, and in December, 2012, Lambert signed a more definitive memorandum of agreement with the investors.
On Feb. 13, 2013, officials from the college, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), the state Attorney General’s Office and the investors met to discuss details of the proposal. Because the project is proposed on state-owned land, the SBCTC must give approval and the state Attorney General’s Office works out the details of the lease. Both of those items are proceeding.
On Feb. 14, immediate neighbors to the college and other interested parties were mailed a notification as required under Washington’s State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). That notice said the college intends to amend previous planning documents adopted in 2003, 2006 and 2011 to include the proposed housing project. The notice also said that the proposed housing project won’t have significant environmental impacts beyond those already anticipated in previously approved and adopted planning documents.
“These public meetings on our Master Development Plan are the next steps toward a project that we believe will help our students and our community,” Campbell said.
-From the SCC website
SCC Dorms 2/16/13
The proposed privately funded student housing project at Shoreline Community College is taking significant steps forward.
On Wednesday Feb. 13, 2013, officials from the college, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), the state Attorney General’s Office and the investors met to discuss details of the proposal.
“I believe the meeting went very well,” Shoreline President Lee Lambert said. “(SBCTC Executive Director) Marty Brown seemed supportive. I think he saw the vision, not just for Shoreline, but the larger possibilities, too.”
On Thursday, Feb. 14, immediate neighbors to the college and other interested parties were mailed a notification required under Washington’s State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). That notice says the college intends to amend previous planning documents adopted in 2003, 2006 and 2011 to include the proposed housing project. The notice also says that the proposed housing project won’t have significant environmental impacts not already addressed in the previously approved and adopted planning documents.
The SEPA notification and related documents are available for public review 8:30 am -5 pm, Monday through Friday, at the college Administration Building, 16101 Greenwood Ave. N., Shoreline, WA 98133.
The housing proposal came to the college from David Lee, a local resident with business ties in China. The project would build a 400-bed student housing facility on what is now a soccer field and track at the north end of the campus. Under a Memorandum of Agreement signed Dec. 9, 2012, David Lee and the investors would build and operate the facility at no direct cost to the college. The investors would lease the ground for the building from the state, with those lease payments going to the college.
“Shoreline has a number of programs that attract students from out of the area, including nursing, dental hygiene, automotive and our well-deserved, university-transfer reputation,” Lambert said. “Also, our internationalization initiative is bringing globally competitive skills to our domestic students and more international students to our campus.”
Lambert said the housing, which could be open for fall quarter of 2015, would be available on a first come, first-served basis.
“Housing at community colleges is becoming more and more common,” Lambert said. “This project will benefit students, the community and come at no cost to taxpayers.”
Windermere Real Estate Broker Marguerite Knutson, who is working with David Lee and the other investors, attended Wednesday meeting at the SBCTC office in Olympia. “I’m very encouraged by the response we got,” Knutson said.
Shoreline Vice President for Administrative Services Daryl Campbell identified the next step: “We will begin working with the Attorney General’s Office to craft the ground lease and incorporate advice we heard Wednesday.”
And then comes the approval process by the City of Shoreline.
Campbell said the college has been working on getting a Master Development Plan (MDP) ready to submit to the city for some time. Now that the proposed housing project’s SEPA document is finished, the college will be required to host two public meetings, one to gather comments and input from the community and a second to show how the college has responded to those comments and input.
“We are working with our consultants to prepare for those meetings and publicize those meetings,” Campbell said. “We will publicize them just as soon as we know the details.”
Once those meetings have occurred, then the college can submit the MDP to the city. The document would then wend its way through reviews by city planning staff, the Planning Commission and, ultimately, the City Council.
“This is an important project for the college, our students and the community,” Campbell said. “We welcome the opportunity to participate in the appropriate city processes. We are anxious to work with city government and our neighbors to make this the best project it can be for all concerned.”
- Jim Hills
www.shorelineareanews.com February 16, 2013
On Wednesday Feb. 13, 2013, officials from the college, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), the state Attorney General’s Office and the investors met to discuss details of the proposal.
“I believe the meeting went very well,” Shoreline President Lee Lambert said. “(SBCTC Executive Director) Marty Brown seemed supportive. I think he saw the vision, not just for Shoreline, but the larger possibilities, too.”
On Thursday, Feb. 14, immediate neighbors to the college and other interested parties were mailed a notification required under Washington’s State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). That notice says the college intends to amend previous planning documents adopted in 2003, 2006 and 2011 to include the proposed housing project. The notice also says that the proposed housing project won’t have significant environmental impacts not already addressed in the previously approved and adopted planning documents.
The SEPA notification and related documents are available for public review 8:30 am -5 pm, Monday through Friday, at the college Administration Building, 16101 Greenwood Ave. N., Shoreline, WA 98133.
The housing proposal came to the college from David Lee, a local resident with business ties in China. The project would build a 400-bed student housing facility on what is now a soccer field and track at the north end of the campus. Under a Memorandum of Agreement signed Dec. 9, 2012, David Lee and the investors would build and operate the facility at no direct cost to the college. The investors would lease the ground for the building from the state, with those lease payments going to the college.
“Shoreline has a number of programs that attract students from out of the area, including nursing, dental hygiene, automotive and our well-deserved, university-transfer reputation,” Lambert said. “Also, our internationalization initiative is bringing globally competitive skills to our domestic students and more international students to our campus.”
Lambert said the housing, which could be open for fall quarter of 2015, would be available on a first come, first-served basis.
“Housing at community colleges is becoming more and more common,” Lambert said. “This project will benefit students, the community and come at no cost to taxpayers.”
Windermere Real Estate Broker Marguerite Knutson, who is working with David Lee and the other investors, attended Wednesday meeting at the SBCTC office in Olympia. “I’m very encouraged by the response we got,” Knutson said.
Shoreline Vice President for Administrative Services Daryl Campbell identified the next step: “We will begin working with the Attorney General’s Office to craft the ground lease and incorporate advice we heard Wednesday.”
And then comes the approval process by the City of Shoreline.
Campbell said the college has been working on getting a Master Development Plan (MDP) ready to submit to the city for some time. Now that the proposed housing project’s SEPA document is finished, the college will be required to host two public meetings, one to gather comments and input from the community and a second to show how the college has responded to those comments and input.
“We are working with our consultants to prepare for those meetings and publicize those meetings,” Campbell said. “We will publicize them just as soon as we know the details.”
Once those meetings have occurred, then the college can submit the MDP to the city. The document would then wend its way through reviews by city planning staff, the Planning Commission and, ultimately, the City Council.
“This is an important project for the college, our students and the community,” Campbell said. “We welcome the opportunity to participate in the appropriate city processes. We are anxious to work with city government and our neighbors to make this the best project it can be for all concerned.”
- Jim Hills
www.shorelineareanews.com February 16, 2013
