By Maria G. Ramirez
For the past 14 months a coalition of neighbors called Reconnect South Park have explored options for a preferred future for the portion of State Route 99 that bisects South Park.
The largest drivers for visualizing a preferred future are the disproportionate health outcomes (i.e., shorter life spans and high rates of disease including asthma and COPD), noise and air pollution in South Park. We also consider the impacts of global climate change (flooding and lack of green space); the need for affordable housing; small businesses, and safety for pedestrians, bikers and children playing outdoors.
In 2023, the RSP group worked with a consultant to create a story map of the area. Please visit the RSP Coalition website to view the story map, timeline, and our first annual report: https://reconnectsouthpark.org
Last month we kicked off a series of RSP coffees in South Park and Georgetown. By the end of March, we will have held eight of them. We invite you to join us to learn about RSP and hear what people have on their minds. There is no agenda, no PowerPoint and no talking heads!!
Through these coffees, participants will identify priorities that will be explored further in coffees planned for May and June. The goal is for the community to come together to visualize the preferred future for the folks that live, work, and play in the Duwamish Valley.
Please join us at an upcoming Reconnect South Park (RSP) Coffee:
Thurs, March 21, 5 p.m.-6:15 p.m.
Duwamish Longhouse, 4705 W Marginal Way SW
Mon, March 25, 7 p.m.-8:15 p.m.
Mini Mart City Park, 6525 Ellis Ave S
Dinner and childcare will be provided at both coffees.
RSP is led by María G. Ramirez. Maria has lived in Westwood for nearly 30 years and is the chair of the Duwamish Valley Affordable Housing Coalition CLT. Maria can be reached at: connect@reconnectsouthpark.org
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