Monday, March 31, 2014

#2HoursInSLU - AMLI South Lake Union

This month, we are introducing a new feature to the SLU Review entitled #2HoursInSLU.  We ask representatives from our member organizations to tell us a bit about themselves and their business.  Additionally, we uncover what they do when they have a couple of hours free in our fine neighborhood.

Heidi Isaacson, Marketing Coordinator for AMLI Residential, was kind enough to sit down and chat with us about her life, work, and love of South Lake Union.  A lifelong Seattleite and former Sea Gal, Heidi spends most of her time out in the community connecting people with their ideal living situation.  She creates perks programs for AMLI residents that offer discounts to local shops and services, puts together fun activities like “Ping Me,” a table tennis contest where neighbors get to know one another, and creates an outstanding living environment for all AMLI residents. 



When Heidi has a few hours to spare she grabs a chai latte at CaffĂ© Torino and enjoys a long walk with her boyfriend Mike and their dog Ellie.  During the warm summer months, all three take to Lake Union on their paddleboards (Ellie shares her board with Heidi, of course).  A nice dinner at Cactus followed by a nightcap at Paddy Coyne's round out a great evening in SLU for this family. 

Heidi looks forward to enjoying even more of the area’s amenities this June when they move into AMLI South Lake Union.  She can’t wait to enjoy the serene 3,600-square-foot sky deck including outdoor entertainment facilities with a green roof, grilling station, fire-pit and views of Lake Union.  Ellie should be pretty pleased as well because their new home features a pet run and pet spa!

Thank you to Heidi for taking the time to talk with us.  For details on life at AMLI South Lake Union visit
www.amlislu.com.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Denny Substation Draft Environmental Impact Statement

Notice of Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Public Hearing 
Denny Substation Project
Seattle City Light
March 27, 2014

Seattle City Light, in accordance with the Washington State Environmental Policy Act (RCW 43.21), issued a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) on the proposed Denny Substation Project, which is a proposal to construct:

* a new electrical substation on Denny Way in the Cascade area of Seattle Washington's South Lake Union neighborhood

* a new primarily underground high-voltage transmission line to connect the new substation to the existing Massachusetts Substation in the South of Downtown (SODO) neighborhood

* a new underground electrical network distribution system to serve the South Lake Union area
The DEIS also evaluates installation of electrical equipment (inductor) at the Broad Street Substation.

The DEIS includes 3 alternatives for the new Transmission Line and 3 alternatives for the substation.  Project components would be constructed in stages between late 2014 and approximately 2020.

The DEIS addresses Aesthetics, Noise, Transportation, Land Use and Housing, Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases, Historic and Cultural Resources, Hazardous Materials, Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF), Energy and Natural Resources, Water Resources, and Utilities.

The DEIS and background materials are available on the web at:  http://www.seattle.gov/light/dennysub/.

Copies of the DEIS may also be reviewed at the Seattle Public Library Downtown Branch (1000 Fourth Avenue, Seattle); International District/Chinatown Library Branch (713 8th Avenue South, Seattle); Capitol Hill Library Branch (425 Harvard Avenue East, Seattle); and the Seattle Department of Planning and Development, Public Resource Center (700 5th Avenue - 20th floor - Seattle).  Copies are also available to purchase for cost of reproduction by contacting the project hotline at (206)257-2142. Agencies and Tribal governments may obtain copies free of charge by calling the project hotline and leaving their contact information.

Individuals may comment on the DEIS by emailing or mailing written comments to:

Kathleen G. Fendt, Senior Environmental Analyst
Seattle City Light
700 5th Avenue, Suite 3200
Seattle, WA 98124-4023

Commenters should include "Denny Substation" in the subject line of the email or letter.

Individuals may also provide comments at the DEIS public hearing to be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on April 16, 2014.  An open house will precede the public hearing from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  The public hearing/open house will be held at: Seattle City Hall, Bertha Knight Landes Room, 600 4th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98104


To be considered in developing the Final EIS, all comments must be postmarked or Emailed by midnight, April 26, 2014.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

SLU Chamber Offers My Future 401(k) Plan

The SLU Chamber has worked with industry leaders to create and offer an exciting new membership benefit  - The MyFuture 401(k) plan.  The My Future 401(k) Plan is a Multiple Employer Plan that enables unaffiliated employers (and members) to adopt and offer a retirement plan, built on a model of aggregated shared services. By leveraging economies of scale, the My Future Plan provides adopting employers with lower costs, a lessened administrative burden and reduced fiduciary risk.

Each adopting employer retains control of the vesting, eligibility requirements, matching contributions, profit sharing, and general plan design.  It makes the 401(k) experience easier and more cost-effective for your company.

For 401(k) retirement information contact Jodie King (206) 547-2577, or Jason McKinney (206) 271-9916.
  
Key features include: 
  • Low Cost - Only $500/year with valid SLU Chamber Membership
  • No set-up fee
  • Flexible Plan Design
  • Reduced administrative burden - one TPA
  • Annual compliance testing and preparation of IRS form 5500
  • Institutional grade investment options, including professionally managed risk-based portfolios
  • Onsite education and enrollment services from a local investment advisor
  • Participant website with online tools, calculators and investment materials

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Umpqua Bank Introduces Next-Generation Flagship Store in SLU

Located at 200 Westlake Avenue N., the store integrates technology and design to create a compelling and inviting space for customers and the community. Umpqua’s SLU location includes elements from the company’s recently opened San Francisco flagship, which won the Retail Design Institute’s 2013 Store of the Year Award.

Store features include an interactive digital wall showcasing products and services, open spaces for browsing, reading and recharging digital devices, and private conference rooms available to the community and businesses.

As part of the store‘s opening, Umpqua commissioned interaction design studio Daily Tous Les Jours to transform its storefront into a Conversation Wall - an interactive installation to engage with South Lake Union's community directly on the street. Passersby can text conversation topics they care about and Umpqua will curate a series of events in response to community interest. Events will be posted at www.umpquabank.com/SLU. The Conversation Wall will be up through May 31st.

The store also features Umpqua’s Local Spotlight program, a rotating retail display featuring local companies that share Umpqua’s passion for innovation. On display this spring are products from three Seattle technology start-ups – Poppy, Touchfire, and Micro Phone Lens. Their products are available for trial and purchase, and visitors can nominate other forward-thinking businesses they’d like to see in the spotlight.


Learn more at www.umpquabank.com/SLU.