Councilmember O’Brien Hosts Office Hours This Wednesday
On Wednesday April 5, District 6 Councilmember Mike O’Brien will be hosting office hours at the Ballard Public Library. All District 6 neighbors (that’s us!) are encouraged to attend and bring questions and concerns directly to our councilmember. If you are new to these Office Hours events (there are several throughout the year) you should know that they are a one-on-one format and you will get a chance to speak directly to him.
While any concerns, comments or questions are welcome at this meeting, we’ve heard from several Greenlakers that are planning to discuss the proposed plans to privatize the Green Lake Community Center and Evans Pool with O’Brien.
So we asked Councilmember O’brien about his role in the Green Lake Community Center and plans for the future, here’s our conversation:
Seattle Greenlaker: Will you be taking the comments you hear from this meeting to future conversations/meetings with the Parks Department?
Councilmember O’Brien: Everything I hear from community influences how I move forward, so yes, next week’s conversations will be part of the body of knowledge I call upon as I continue to engage with parks. To date I have heard unanimous skepticism from community members about a partnership model for the Greenlake Pool. This is the baseline from which I am operating.
Seattle Greenlaker: Do you have a proposal or action plan to help the Community Center in the near term (ie. the leaky roof and broken boilers etc.)
Councilmember O’Brien: I am working with the parks department so they can present a clear plan to maintain current, uninterrupted operations for the pool. I don’t yet have clarity on the scale of investments needed to achieve that level of service, but hope to have clarity within a number of weeks.
Seattle Greenlaker: Is there anything else you would like to add about the Community Center?
Councilmember O’Brien: I’d just reiterate what I said in my blog post: While the Greenlake Community Center itself is showing signs of age, the community it continues to foster is as powerful as ever. I deeply value this community space and want to ensure it remains enjoyable and accessible for all the members of District 6 and the larger community.
To talk to Councilmember O’brien in person, be sure to attend the upcoming meeting:
Ballard Public Library 5614 22nd Ave NW
Wednesday April 5
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Please note this meeting is first come, first served, so no official sign up is needed.
