Police Blotter 2/16/11

Here’s a story hard to believe.  For the three-week period, January 24 through February 15, there were no crimes in the neighborhood, or at least none that was reported to the police.   That’s the official Seattle Police map, above, showing a dearth of criminal activity for the period since our last Police Blotter posting.   Usually there are plenty of little icons on the map, representing three or four car prowls, a couple of breaking-and-entering incidents, and at least a few other random criminal acts (credit-card fraud, car theft and graffiti are the most likely other infractions).

But nothing at all for the past three weeks.  Based on our experience, the no-crime probability was so low that we assumed there must be a mistake.  Not so, according to Mark Jamieson, public information officer for the Seattle Police.  If there’s nothing on the map, it almost certainly means that there has been no police report during the period, he told us.  

How is that possible?  Has the weather just been too crummy for anyone to want to come down here and steal a car?  Or is it that we’ve simply given up reporting the kinds of crimes we’re most likely to be involved in; in other words, anything short of murder?  

To be fair, we should note that crimes that are reported utilizing the police’s on-line system do not show up on the map.  However, there are not that many people using internet-based reporting; and the kinds of crimes reported from our area in the past appear to be pretty minor (theft from a car, graffiti, etc.).  

If you are aware of any crime having occurred recently, we (and the police) would be interested in knowing about it, especially if you already officially reported it.  That would indicate that the map system is not entirely accurate.   If, on the other hand, you experienced a crime and purposefully did not report it, the reason for not doing so would also be interesting to us.   Officer Jamieson points out that it is critical for the police to know where crime is happening.  And as we’ve commented before, police staffing decisions are based in part on the number of criminal incidents reported in the various precincts.  Underreporting can mean under-policing, if that’s a term.

Last month, when we had some actual crime to talk about, we received an email from a victim of an incident reported on our Police Blotter.  Noting that “Diligence is the key to a successful neighborhood watch,” he ruefully commented that if he had done a better job of that he might not have been victimized—or, at minimum, might have been able to help the police catch the culprits. Here’s his story: 

“Our garage was burgled and our car [which was inside] ransacked. The garage opens to a back alley.  The main garage door had been left open and was entered between my arrival back home at 6 am and the time I discovered the intrusion at 7:45 am.  They took a pair of men's skis, a snowboard and a box of misc. stuff. The only thing I can remember being in there were baseball cards, nothing of any significant value.  Nothing from the car or trunk was taken.

The aggravating thing is that I'm pretty sure I saw their vehicle idling in the alley when I went out at 7:45, but thought nothing of it as it was light out and it was a nicer vehicle (late model dark sedan, possible Saab or Audi).  It pulled away slowly after I appeared.  Kicking myself now for not getting a better look or a plate number. 

Brazen is the word to describe these people, as the skis/snowboard were inside the garage quite a ways, and they did it so late in the morning.  They were also savvy enough to turn off the headlights as the car faces the main house and the headlights shining in could've alerted me.”

Consider this a word to the wise.

By the way, just to show what a crime backwater Madison Park is relative to other parts of Seattle, just look at this map showing criminal activity in the general vicinity over the past week:

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About those property taxes

We understand from the County Assessor's Office that the 2011 property-tax bills went into the mail starting yesterday, so the homeowners among us are just about to officially receive the bad news.  The local press has done a surprisingly good job this year of preparing the public for what's to come; so if you've been paying attention you already know that in spite of our generally lower property values, you are still likely to be paying much higher property taxes this year.


The reason for this, as we've noted many times, is that there is no direct relationship between assessments (which were down an average of 1.3% in our area of town last year) and tax rates (which are up in Seattle by almost seven percent this year).  Assessments are the government's guess of your home's value based on movements in the market.  Tax rates are determined by the amount of money the government thinks it needs for the year, relative to the total value of the assessed properties in its taxing jurisdiction.   So, when property values decline while government's funding needs increase, the tax rate must be jacked up, first to offset the property-value decline and then to provide the additional tax revenues.  A sorry situation--even for renters, who will ultimately pay higher rates as their landlords' tax bills rise.


Since last year, according to the King County Assessor, the total value of Seattle property fell from $118.1 billion to $114.7 billion, a 2.9% decline.  At the same time, however, Seattle's total tax obligation rose by almost $6 million dollars, a 1.7% increase.

More funds needed from a lower property based translates into higher tax rates.  This year the City of Seattle tax rate has been increased from $9.04 to $9.66 per $1,000 of assessed value, a 6.8% increase.  This means that the tax bill for a home assessed at $700,000 will be $6,762 this year, versus $6,328 last year.  There are no official numbers available, but $700,000 is probably a good approximation of the median* assessed value of homes in Madison Park.  The average assessed value of homes in our Assessment Area is $1,148,000, which means an average annual tax bill of $11,090.


By the way, we did this to ourselves.  Of that $9.66 we're paying, over a quarter, $2.56, is the result of voter-approved initiatives, such as school levies.  The rest is primarily the consequence of spending decisions made by our elected representatives.


Last year, for fun, we took a look at how much our part of town (Madrona and Leschi included) paid as a percentage of the City's total tax obligation.  Our share had declined from 4.12% to 4.11%.  This year there was a much bigger decline, to 4.07%.  What this probably means is that there has been little construction in our area and therefore little additional property value created relative to other parts of Seattle, where new multi-family residential and commercial buildings are always being added.  The total value of property in our part of town declined from $4.86 billion in 2010 to $4.67 billion this year, down 3.9%.  

There's probably not much comfort, however, in knowing that as our property values fall and our neighborhood's share of total taxes declines, the absolute amount of taxes we each will be paying is still going to rise.


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This year, as always, the staff of the Assessor's Office was extremely helpful in researching and providing assessment and tax data for us. One of the senior managers there chuckled as she told us how the process plays out every year at this time.  As the tax bills start arriving, she says, it's inevitable that her office will begin receiving calls from people complaining about the unfairness of it all.  Last year, she said, a woman called to say that since she had not voted for any of the tax levies, she shouldn't have to pay for them.  "Guess what?" the manager told the caller:  "Majority rules."


[*Here's a little refresher for those who are not math wonks: the median is the point midway between the top half and the bottom half of the range of values. It is generally regarded as a better measure of home values, since the average value of homes can be skewed by high or low outliers.  For Madison Park and the surrounding neighborhoods in our Assessment Area, high-end outliers, such as the $6.7 million waterfront home which recently sold in Washington Park, distort the average home value but have much less impact on the median home value.  If this is still too complicated for you, send us an email.  An additional note:  The 2011 tax bills are based on property values established at January 2010.   See the map above for the Assessment Area covered by this report (click to enlarge).]

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Maison Michel decamps

We had hardly completed our posting about the new Bob Marley photo exhibit at antique store Maison Michel when we got word that the store had, in fact, closed its doors earlier in the week.  Maison Michel thus joins a lengthening list of departing Madison Park businesses.  The store had seen its share of troubles, experiencing a burglary during the summer of 2009, and a hasty departure last spring from its previous location in the infamous Madison Street building of Constance Gillespie.   The store moved to its current location in the Villa Marina building on 43rd Avenue E. last summer, joining forces with McQuesten Fine Arts to include an art gallery component.


The sudden departure of Maison Michel is certainly not welcome news for Villa Marina's owner, Lakeside Capital Management, which is attempting to push the retail core of the Village a little closer to the Lake.  Lakeside has just finished building out a new (and interestingly configured) retail space in the building, right next door to the now-departed Maison Michel.  The "For Lease" sign on that unit went up last week.  But 43rd is a bit off the beaten path for Madison Park shoppers, and it has been reported to us that Maison Michel's owner, Michael Schoonmaker, was complaining about the lack of foot traffic past his store almost from the moment he arrived.  And while the street is not entirely devoid of retail, there's certainly not much.


In fact, apart from the Madison Park Conservatory directly across the street,  the only business drawing foot traffic to the street, as far as we know, is Terzo Salon, the rebranded remnant of Spa del Lago.  The salon moved into the Villa Marina building earlier in year, leaving its former space across the street vacant.  So by our count, that means three retail units on 43rd now awaiting tenants.

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Starbucks to experiment with wine and beer

When we reported last summer that our biggest neighborhood coffee purveyor was soon to be renovated, we said patrons should expect no significant changes to the menu as a result of the revamp.  We noted that although Starbucks had recently been experimenting with evening wine and beer sales at one of its Capitol Hill locations, the company had no intention of extending the experiment to Madison Park.  We had that on pretty good authority.

Within 24 hours, however, Corporate Headquarters took note of our story, and we were asked to take our posting down.  Which we did.  Starbucks later requested that before we reposted the story we remove all mention of alcoholic beverages.  We suspected that we had not heard the last of the issue--and we were right.  Starbucks now confirms that wine and beer will be on the menu once the Madison Park store has been revamped.

Moreover, what was originally thought to be just a minor re-do of the existing space is actually going to be quite a transformation.  Starbucks spokesperson Stacey Krum admits that it's now a more ambitious project than first envisioned.  The new store will, in fact, be similar in design to Starbucks' Capitol Hill location on Olive Way--including "green elements," lots of wood, and new furniture and fixtures.

What happened?  According to Krum, the Corporation has learned some things at Olive Way and wants to expand the experiment begun there by trying it out in the very different environment of Madison Park.  She tells us that the wine-and-beer thing has gone over very well at Olive Way, and Starbucks is pleased with the way people have responded to the new options and to the completely revamped space.

The remodeling of the Madison Park store will take place over the next two months, with construction scheduled to begin as early as late February, according to Krum.  The store will be open during the remodeling, so patrons will get to watch the progress.  There is almost no structural work involved, says Krum, who adds that some of the construction will be done at night.  However, as it looks now, the Community Room will probably have to be closed during all or part of the construction period.

Starbucks has set up an easel in the store showing some design concepts and finishes, for those interested.  There will also be a formal presentation of the remodeling plans for the new store and a chance to ask questions of the Starbucks design team on Wednesday, February 16 at 5:30 pm.  New store manager Andrew Nix, who begins his assignment this week, will be present.  Those who plan to attend are requested to RSVP to pguy@starbucks.com.

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February Happenings

It’s time again for the Japanese Garden in the Washington Park Arboretum to open its doors and get ready to celebrate the beginning of spring (so we hope). The Garden, which celebrated its 50th Anniversary last year, will emerge from its winter hibernation this Sunday with a traditional Shinto “Blessing of the Garden” ceremony and other opening events, which begin at 11 am. The Japanese Garden (shown above) is located at 1075 Lake Washington Boulevard E.


McQuesten Fine Art’s gallery in Maison Michel (1928 43rd Avenue E.), this month has on display never-before-seen photos of Jamaican reggae singer Bob Marley that were taken by Seattle photographer Edward M. Melillo during Marley’s USA Survival Tour. The photos will be on view through the end of the month, at which time, the gallery will close. Owner Dee McQuesten reports that she is just too busy with her framing and fine art consulting business to devote the time necessary to keep the gallery operating at the optimum level. It is expected that Maison Michel will continue to put art on display, as well as the antique furnishings that are the mainstay of the store. Maison Michel moved from E. Madison to its new location during the summer last year and McQuesten added her gallery to the mix soon thereafter.


Madison Park Conservatory begins its Sunday neighborhood dinner series this Sunday, February 13, with a pre-Valentine’s Day dinner hosted by Lucio Gomiero, owner and winemaker of Vignalta Winery (located in the Italian Veneto). There will be one seating at 7 pm, for what the restaurant describes as a special dinner with the special wines of Vignalta. Details, including the complete menu, are available here.


The MPC, by the way, is not only beginning its Sunday dinner program but has now extended service into the daylight hours: Thursday through Sunday, 10 am until 2:30 pm. They are not calling what they're serving lunch, but rather the day menu. Last week that meant chickpeas and salt cod with a six-minute egg, baked eggs, salads, fresh baked goods—and “more.” The Madison Park Conservatory is located at 1927 43rd Avenue E. (206-324-9701).


Pharmaca (4130 E. Madison St.) hosts “Maximize Your Cardiovascular Health” with Erik Altmann, ND, tomorrow, February 13 (1-2pm) at the pharmacy, and “Stress and Depression” with Jason Peterson, ND, on Saturday, February 26 (1-2 pm).


Finally, we have this promotional teaser from Bill the Butcher in Madison Valley (2911 E. Madison St.): come into the store and find where we have hidden “a bit of love” in the form of something shaped like a heart. You’ve got until tomorrow to come up with and take a photo of the discovery, which then must be posted (details available at the store). Winners will be awarded a couple of choice steaks for Valentine’s Day.


[Notice to event planners, non-profits, and businesses located in Madison Park and Madison Valley: Madison Park Blogger will be posting a monthly Happenings report in which we will aggregate events expected to occur in the neighborhood during the coming month. If you wish to participate, please email us well in advance of month end with your information. We reserve the right to include or exclude at whim.]

[Photo of the Japanese Garden in winter (2009) by SpiralCageon on Fickr.com]

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KeyBank crashes the ‘hood

On Monday, KeyBank will open the fourth bank branch to grace Madison Park, and the first new one to arrive here in several decades. Those hoping that the space vacated last year by Ropa Bella would be filled by small retail shops (or even a neighborhood sushi joint) will just have to suck it up and deal with the fact that the Village is becoming a little more financial hub and a little less boutique row.

As we reported when the deal was first announced, Key is ostensibly coming to the Park to be closer to its customer base, given that the closest Key branch is located on First Hill. But as we all know, Madison Park is also where the money is, and it’s generally not a bad idea for a bank to follow the money. So, at 9:00 am on Monday, Valentine’s Day, KeyBank will open its Madison Park doors for the first time, holding an all-day Open House featuring cookies from Madison Park Bakery, chocolates and salted caramels from Oh! Chocolate—and free cash for everyone.

We’re kidding about that last part.

KeyBank’s operation here is headed up by Manager Brooke O’Malley, a bright and eager six-year veteran of the Bank, who for the past three years has managed a KeyBank branch on Capitol Hill, where she resides. She’s a graduate of the UW and of Seattle U’s MBA program. In her new role she heads a staff of seven.

O’Malley claims to know the territory well, since her grandmother lives in Washington Park Tower and O’Malley has been coming down here for years, walking the neighborhood with her grandmother and visiting the shops. Since the announcement of her new job she’s made the rounds, and she tells us “the interaction I’ve had with people so far has been great.”

O’Malley reports that KeyBank has made a special effort to be sensitive to neighborhood concerns, beginning with mitigating the noise and unnecessary disruption related to construction of the branch. Additionally, she says, Key worked with the Madison Park Community Council to ensure that the Bank’s signs were compliant with neighborhood standards. And in order not to further impact the difficult parking situation on Madison Street, she says, the Bank has asked its employees to park further away from the Village.

KeyBank has also committed to being actively involved in the Madison Park Business Association and to providing financial support for neighborhood projects. Even before officially arriving in the Park, Key was a contributor to last summer’s successful Art Walk, sponsored by the Business Association. O’Malley says that the Bank will continue to look for ways to contribute to the community.

KeyBank is willing to contribute a bit of money to you, too, if you're willing to open a new account there. But since the Madison Park Blogger is a banker in real life, we're naturally reluctant to use this blog to shill for a competing bank. You'll therefore have to go into the branch for yourself to learn how to get that promised monetary reward. Do it before they run out.

[KeyBank’s Madison Park branch is located at 4105 E. Madison Street. Monday’s Open House continues until 5 pm.]

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McGilvra prepares to move on

If they were hoping to hear that the School District would relent and not dramatically increase enrollment at McGilvra, those attending last week’s PTA meeting were quickly disabused of any such notion. School Board member Harium Martin-Morris was on hand to deliver the word from on high: the contract between the School District and the McGilvra PTA will be terminated and the School should expect as many as 300 students to be enrolled there next year.

The hundred or so parents and teachers who crowded into the school library Tuesday evening were given plenty of time to vent about the situation, but what followed was a productive discussion, led by School principal Mary Lane, about they ways McGilvra can adapt to the changed circumstances—and perhaps even thrive. Many parents who came to the meeting skeptical about the School’s prospects are reported to have had a change of heart after hearing Lane’s presentation.

But it was clear from the start of the meeting that before any discussion could take place on the question of “Where to from here?” there would have to be a discussion of “Why are we here in the first place?” On that score, Martin-Morris, who represents a district that includes McGilvra and extends north to View Ridge, did a good job of fielding the parents’ challenging (though generally not hostile) questions.

Former PTA President Bob Steedman questioned whether the School could physically accommodate 300 students, noting the small size of the School’s two portables, the inadequate cafeteria, and limited bathrooms. Martin-Morris responded by explaining the basis on which the District calculates “functional” capacity, and argued that on that basis 300 kids could fit into McGilvra. He noted that the Seattle Public Schools are growing at the rate of two or three small elementary schools per year (500 to 600 new students), and the district he represents has grown more than any other part of Seattle. The excess capacity at McGilvra will be needed to accommodate this growth, he said.

Skeptical audience members questioned why, if that’s true, the District recently sold the one-time Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School in Madison Valley. Martin-Morris responded that the MLK site was not viable as an elementary school because of lot size and anticipated repair costs, therefore not meeting the District’s needs. A parent also questioned why McGilvra was being expanded when there is apparently significant excess capacity at Madrona Elementary School. Martin-Morris said that Madrona has had management issues that are still in the process of being resolved. He went on to enumerate other issues impacting the School District, including the cutting of State funding and the fact that several Seattle elementary schools, because of the demographics of their neighborhoods, are already operating above capacity. He said the enrollment dilemma for the District as a whole is only going to get worse.

After about an hour of “Why, why, why?” from those assembled, a parent summed up the resigned mood: “Okay. This is done. This has happened, and now we need to deal with it.” Another parent agreed, saying “It’s not that they are picking on little McGilvra. It’s an uncertain time, but we need to be optimistic and positive. Grumbling among ourselves is not going to help.”

With that, the discussion moved on. Earlier in the meeting PTA Co-President Will Kilbourne had presented what he described as a wish list for the future of McGilvra, a set of principles that had been developed by an ad hoc committee of parents. The parents, he said, felt that small-group learning was important and that enrichment programs needed to be available in the School to allow for individual student growth. They also preferred single-grade classrooms.

Principal Lane, however, cautioned that whatever the School does to respond to increased enrollment should be research based and not simply re-engineering old approaches. “I challenge you to look outside the box and be creative in dealing with the new situation,” she told the audience. She noted, for example, “There are some very positive advantages in multi-age grouping. We do not see this as a negative approach.” What this would mean in practice is that there would be some classrooms with two grades, for example with second and third graders learning together. With the increased number of students in the School, she said, “it’s not going to be possible to only have single-age classrooms.” She added that multi-age learning would allow for better differentiation in teaching individual students at the School, with the challenge being to make sure the students are properly grouped. Another approach known as looping, where teachers remain with their students over a two-year period, may also have some advantages for McGilvra, she said.

Lane told the audience that “organizing our resources to support early intervention is a guiding principle” for McGilvra. One way to do that, she said, would be with the use of additional tutors. Kindergarten, which is expected to grow to 88 students at McGilvra next year, would be in single-age classrooms, as would first grade. This might mean as many as four separate Kindergarten classrooms if the projections hold up. Because of the probable imbalance of the number of students in Kindergarten compared to those in first grade next year, looping and multi-age learning will probably not be possible for those classes.

Lane reaffirmed her commitment to the School’s enrichment programs, including Art education, and noted that McGilvra’s literacy programs might even be enhanced by larger class sizes. “There are all kinds of things that we are looking at that are actually exciting,” she said. But the bottom line is that no decisions have been made regarding next year. “I know this is scary and you want what’s best for your children. We do too.”

Lane said that an on-going dialog with the PTA will be necessary for the School to be prepared for what’s coming, and she ended by urging everyone to keep an open mind: “We may get something that is even better than what we have.”

[Photo: Principal Mary Lane explains why change is sometimes okay.]

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