Followup: Seattle Council considers annexation proposal Monday afternoon
As first reported here a week ago, a proposal to annex White Center and vicinity has suddenly surfaced before the Seattle City Council. This Monday (December 15), they’ll vote on whether to take the first step toward calling for residents of the potential annexation area to vote on the idea. One big caveat, though: As pointed out in the council memo, the main reason this has jumped to the forefront is that Seattle leaders want to make sure the annexation tax credit doesn’t expire – since they plan to ask for even more incentive, because of how much it’ll cost the city to provide services to the area, among other costs. So the resolution that’ll be considered Monday says this is NOT a commitment that they’ll pursue the process to the end:
… the City and King County intend to request additional financial assistance from the state to bridge the financial gap between revenues and the spending needed to serve the North Highline Annexation Area. Although this resolution initiates an annexation election, the City will continue to evaluate the advisability of such annexation pending the state’s decision regarding increased financial assistance.
The council meeting starts at 2 pm in Seattle City Council chambers at City Hall downtown, and traditionally begins with a public-comment period.
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December 14th, 2014 at 10:07 pm
Just say no!
December 15th, 2014 at 4:27 pm
Just say no? Why? That sounds like a lesson in insanity. Yes let’s continue to say no, so the people of the area can continue to be ignored by their politicians, and our roads, and services continue to decline. How very farsighted of you. Unlike Liz here, I intend on seeing the North Highline Unincorporated Area get absorbed by someone. I refuse to let this area continue to wallow in failure because people will not pay their fair share. Isn’t it time to create a sense of community in this area?
December 15th, 2014 at 5:00 pm
Just a note – the video of this afternoon’s full Seattle Council meeting is now available, so we’re adding it to the story.
December 17th, 2014 at 7:13 am
A solid annexation discussion that includes the many interest groups and the not so visible majority, followed by a large turn out on Election Day is what White Center deserves and will get if Seattle moves forward to ask us to join their city through a democratic vote. White Center needs investment and we need excitement about our future that includes more voices than have been involved so far. A Seattle conversation will create that. Folks who think Seattle is a viable option need to get involved.
December 17th, 2014 at 10:11 pm
Patrick, facts please. Where do you live? How long did it take for Arbor Heights and the northern areas of Seattle to get the sidewalks they were promised before annexing to Seattle? How long did South Park have to wait for their library after annexing to Seattle? Speaking of Arbor Heights, which is known as a ‘dead zone’ in terms of fire service, did you know it had a fire station before it annexed to Seattle? Seattle’s interest is not geared to creating “a sense of community.” It is geared to filling our neighborhood with apartments and more poverty. Former Seattle Council Member Conlin pushed for annexing White Center. His explanation was that you can make more people, but you can’t make more land. Therein lies the truth. Seattle’s interest is not about community. Back to the beginning, where do you live?
December 19th, 2014 at 8:10 pm
Mark Ufkes, was your Independent White Center campaign a lie?