July 7, 2026 Beacon Hill Council
July 7, 2026 Beacon Hill Council on Zoom
Community Members Present: North BH: Tyler, Mid BH: Deirdre, Sarah, South BH: Betty Jean, Kaleigh O’Reilly, Lydia Faitalia from the Dept. of Neighborhoods (replacing Alvin Edwards), Mergitu with the Office of Community Police Commission
Board Members Present: Maria Batayola, Amy Kaminishi, Kalia Carter, Gerry Chambers
Welcome and Hello Neighbor
Beacon Hill BOD Elections:
Adam Vance and Amy Kaminishi were re-elected unanimously. Their terms had expired in 2025.
Maria Batayola, Simon Knaphus, Kalia Carter and Gerry Chambers were elected by 10 votes for another 2 year term.
Environmental Justice
Maria reviewed the Legislative Report Back of the June 6 meeting. This includes:
SAMP (SeaTac Airport Master Plan) and NEPA finding of No Significant Impact, and SEPA (State Environmental Protection Agency). Earthjustice continues to help with this. Maria encouraged people to go to STACC4Justice to ensure a robust response.
The HEAL Act may need some rewriting. Additionally, there have been rollbacks of funding in the King County Climate Office, including some staff cuts. This is concerning because communities under the flight path, including Beacon Hill, were not being included as impacted areas. The full cost of SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) is not being included.
Beacon Hill Asset Mapping Study - UW Master’s Project of Heather Ali .This is a study to identify where vulnerable populations are and trying to get mitigation. Two studies to separate particulate matters and to get HEPA filters.
Kayleigh O’Reilly, a UW Doctoral Student, described her study of trying to clarify heat effects in vulnerable populations. Recruitment for the study has passed. It involves having in home temperature monitors and responding to questionnaires, 30 homes in both South Park and on Beacon Hill. Participants receive compensation for their time. There will also be an Advisory Board to take part in interviews to facilitate “healthy densification” and to mitigate impact on overburdened communities.
BHC has received a $20,000 grant to promote Environmental and food justice. Beacon Arts will be the umbrella organization administering this. Betty Jean reported back on the garden share and Programs to help people grow their own food, with instructions in Spanish and Chinese. They are trying to get culturally appropriate foods.
Safety
Gerry reported on CM Eddie Lin’s April 22 meeting with North Beacon Hill Residents. Here is his recent response:
Maria discussed CM Dionne Foster’s legislation regarding Unwanted Solicitation of Homeowners. Community discussion supported sending a letter of support.
Trees
Nate Moxley was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict. The $12 million Foresting Seattle grant will be focused on the CID and Beacon Hill. Maria made the point that most trees are on private property.
Announcements and Concerns
Sarah Welch noted that Beacon Hill neighbors were not informed about the ECDLR Mount Baker Development Project that is taking place at the old site of the UW Laundry. This project will include 400+ housing units and construction will be over 4 years. They will be setting up a meeting, as the project borders Cheasty Greenspace.
Betty Jean noted that Saturday is the Beacon Arts Street Fair from 11 to 5. There will be various speakers in Centilia, as well as the Garden Share. Jefferson Jumpstart Concerts begin Thursday, July 16.
Betty Jean also noted that Beacon Arts is talking with Seattle Parks about the property that Parks purchased at 17th and Walker. They are developing a petition to request that the house on the property not be torn down and that Beacon Arts be allowed to be its anchor tenant. She notes that there are very few meeting spaces on Beacon Hill and this would be very useful.
Betty Jean also noted that Beacon Arts has a new program, The Writers Circle, which will be meeting at The Oak from 10 to noon on the first Saturday of the month.
No meeting in August.
Meeting adjourned at 8:08
Board Meeting
Present: Maria, Amy, Kalia, Gerry
It was noted that Whit Bouton decided not to run for re-election
Motion: BHC to write letter of support for CM Foster’s legislation regarding Unwanted Solicitation of Homeowners. Moved by Gerry, second by Amy, Passed 4 votes.
Reviewed the Draft BHC Committee Structure written by Maria. Amy and Gerry approved.
Other: Gerry will be at Centilia 7/11 tabling for BHC. Others are welcome to join as able. She will table on Aug. 8 if space is available.
Meeting adjourned 8:50