After extensive negotiations, there is one last chance to save Sail Sand Point, Seattle's Community Sailing Center, and Building 11 LLC. See details at www.sailsandpoint.org. Please attend the Seattle City Council Meeting, Sept 9 at 9:30 AM if possible. Also, see suggested letter to send to the City Council Members. This is a very effective way to express your concern. We were pleased to receive individual responses from the City Council Members following the last effort and meeting.
Thank you for your help and support.
Caleb Tarleton
Sail Sand Point Board Member

We had a good turn out at the meeting today, most seats were filled. Thank you for attending and supporting Bldg 11 LLC and Sail Sand Point. While we were encouraged by the comments, looks like we have two more meetings to go. Councilman Rasmussen again stated his intent to have a final vote before the end of Sept., he has set two more meetings for additional public testimony. All meetings will be at the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of City Hall, 600 Fourth Ave. in Seattle.

The dates and times are:
Thursday, Sept 18, 5:30 PM
Tuesday, Sept 23, 9:30 AM

Thanks again for your support, looks like we two more rounds to go.

Caleb Tarleton
Sail Sand Point, Board Member

What are the "for and against" arguments being made (ok, I know the For, what is the Against? Are they trying to sell the property to a developer?) by the city council?

I was thinking about going to our local city council to try to start a community sailing program, any insight would be appreciated. Hope you can keep yours.

Thanks, Tim.

Of the 25 speakers, there was only 1 that I heard that was 'against'. She represented a neighborhood group, I think, and her argument was that turning over the renovation of these buildings to private development was akin to "giving away" assets. This is waterfront property. She felt that as long as the developer was profiting, then the City was losing. She implied -- though I am not sure I heard her directly say -- that the City should do the renovation.

Of course, we (incl. I think, Councilman Rasmussen) all know that the City: a) doesn't have the resources -- financial or otherwise -- to do the extensive renovations required; b) doesn't want to get into the development business, and; c) can use private money to leverage the public's return on the City's investment.

Coucilman Rasmussen was very, very supportive -- much more so than I expected. (It was my first time at one of these meetings.) So provided SSP people do their job and cover their butts, it appears to be 90% go.

GOOD NEWS! After four more hearings, the Building 11 LLC Proposal was approved today by a vote of 8 to 1 by the full Seattle City Council, and the future for Sail Sand Point is secure.

Thank you all for your Emails of support to the Seattle City Council Members. You made the difference. By listening to the objections and concerns by the City Council Members, Bldg.11 LLC was able to negotiate an acceptable agreement.

Caleb Tarleton

Congrats, Caleb - great news for sailing in your region. I'm constantly impressed with your tenacity and far-better-than-average attention span. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Caleb, My congratulations too! What a great team you must have out there! You sure set a fine example. Keep up the great work!