First, thanks to all that responded to our request to Email the Seattle City Council in support of Bldg 11 LLC and Sail Sand Point. It was short notice. We were advised last Friday of the meeting today, and the intent of Councilman Rasmussen to kill the proposal by Bldg 11 LLC. Most of the Hobie Cat sailors were already at Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island for the North West Championship. Many of the monohull sailors, 30 ft and up, were also on the way to "Race Week" also at Oak Harbor, being held this week, with over 130 sail boats taking part.

Supporters of Bldg 11 LLC and Sail Sand Point packed the City Council meeting to a standing room only crowd this morning. Channel 4 and 5, plus 21 were there to film the proceedings.

Councilman Rasmussen explained his reasons for objecting to the Proposal, two much private participation, and not enough control by the City over the Lease. Public comments were then allowed, lead off by Bill Fuller, Principal, Fuller Sears Architects, and Partner in Bldg 11 LLC. Bill is also on the Board of SSP. His son Chris attended several classes at SSP, and is now one of our Instructors. Several other people also spoke in support of Bldg 11 LLC, and SSP including our Founder Jonathan Edwards.

Later, in the Full Council meeting the Proposal was rejected by vote of 7 to 0. This was very unfortunate for the Bldg 11 LLC people who have spent the last two years negotiating the Proposal with the City, at great personal time and expense.

As noted in prior messages, the City started this process in August 2005, after they were unable to raise the funds to upgrade Bldg 11 to a legal occupancy condition. Temporary occupancy has been allowed on a month to month basis. This year, two similar buildings in the Park were shut down on short notice. Sail Sand Point and other occupants in Bldg 11 have a "Concession Contract" to occupy the Building with the ability to have the agreement terminated on 30 day notice. After gaining approval in the Request for Qualification, then being selected in the Request for Proposal phases, Bldg 11 LLC (Limited Liability Corporation) was selected to proceed. During the next two years negotiations proceeded, with each concern resolved, including type of tenants. The Mayor and Parks Department were in agreement with all of the Proposal conditions, and it was to go to the City Council for final approval.

A similar long term lease was approved by The Mountaineers and they are now finishing their building and will move in later this year.

The decision by Councilman Rasmussen to block the award was a shock to everyone. You may have received the Email from Councilman Rasmussen, before the meeting that he would support Sail Sand Point and our program and help us continue in operation. A similar message was just sent by Councilman Burgess, indicating their desire to keep Sail Sand Point as a tenant.

While we hope for the best, we know there is no City money available for the promised help, or even to tear down or mothball Bldg 11. The Bldg 11 can be shut down on short notice, and Sail Sand Point would be without a home.

Caleb Tarleton
Sail Sand Point