Moorage update

On July 9th, a group of residents concerned about moorage met with Concilmember Kshama Sawant and then Councilmember Bruce Harrell to discuss the pertinent issues. Jeannie O’Brien of Lakewood CC and Kristin Shober who manages the Lakewood Marina came with data that showed they could manage the Lakewood Marina successfully without a private entity.

Leschi Marina suffers from poor repair. Although the past Mayor with the approval of the City Council set aside $4 million to do repairs at the South Marina, none of that money has ever been spent. Although that money was approved two yeaers ago, it still sits with Parks. It is possible that Leschi could also be self-sustaining IF marina fees were used for needed upkeep rather than being transferred to the general fund as has happened in the past.

Both Councilmembers Sawant and Harrell agreed to discuss this issue with Councilmember Jean Godden who heads up the Parks Committee on the Council.

Leschi Parks Chair John Barber prepared the following letter to send to councilmembers and Mayor:

LESCHI COMMUNITY COUNCIL 140 LAKESIDE AVE. SUITE A #2 SEATTLE, WA 98122

Leschi Community Council 140 Lakeside Avenue, Suite A, #2 Seattle, WA 98122

Seattle City Councilmember Jean Godden Attn: Parks, Seattle Center, Libraries, and Gender Pay Equality Committee 600 Fourth Avenue, 2nd Floor Seattle, WA 98124-4025

Dear City Councilmember Godden,

In August 2013, Parks Acting Superintendent Christopher Williams announced that $4 million had been allocated for the renovation of the South Leschi Moorage due to seriously deteriorating conditions.These funds were approved by the previous Mayor and the City Council two years ago.

Very little of that budget allocation has been utilized and consequently the moorage facility is in worse shape yet. The boating community, several living in our neighborhood, are suffering from the lack of timely repair of the moorage facility at South Leschi Moorage and also with poor conditions at North Leschi Moorage.

Please note also that moorage fee revenue has produced the amount of $1 million yearly for the last several years. Operating costs were covered, but maintenance was ignored. 39% was diverted for general park purposes, not moorage repairs.

This is to request that the appropriated funds be implemented in short order towards the renovation of South Leschi Moorage.

Sincerely,

Diane Morris & Diane Snell

Diane Snell and Diane Morris Co-Presidents Lesch Community Council c: Bruce Harrell, Seattle City Council Kshama Sawant, Seattle City Council Mayor Ed Murray

~John Barber