Dear Loyal Supporters of Save Madison Valley
It occurs to us that there might be some of you who are not aware of the outcome of our efforts to adjust downward the size and scope of Velmeir Corporation’s proposed development of City People’s Garden store.
Most of you probably saw the article in the Seattle Times NOW & THEN section November 20 heralding the end of an era, and celebrating the unique service and quality of life provided by City People’s over the past 5 decades. Quoting one customer: "This is my church, my safe place” and Alison Greene, the owner, “It’s like a park; it’s filled with beauty, and it’s inspiring”, the article captured the spirit of this neighborhood ‘cornerstone’ and bemoaned its loss. “Where is the soul of Seattle going?”
City People’s was not able to get an adequate lease extension from the developer, Geza de Gall of the Velmeir Corporation, so they anticipate closing for good on December 31st. The demolition of City Peoples and the removal of the entire hillside, (plus 14,500 sq ft of urban forest!) is slated to begin in the Spring of 2023.
In February 2022 SMV lost its final legal appeal, effectively ending our ability to further challenge the project, and giving the city leeway to green light the project.
Velmeir Corporation was unwilling to compromise on any aspect of the project over the course of our 6 year long challenge. Every attempt to negotiate a development that would have had a less destructive impact on our neighborhood was ignored, and we are left now with the prospect of a concrete and steel colossus overwhelming the neighborhood, casting the P-Patch in shadow for much of the day, clogging Madison St with an untenable traffic situation, and demolishing the gardening store that has served this community for almost 70 years.
It is a sad day for us all.
SMV will continue to exist as a 501c 3 nonprofit in order to monitor the project as it proceeds. Already we are hearing that the developer is attempting to bypass agreed-upon requirements from the city. SMV has been in contact with the city planner and other city agencies to track the city’s response and to make sure that now that the developer has gotten their Master Use Plan approval, they follow required procedures.
SMV will no longer continue to update our website on a regular basis due to the change in circumstances. We are, nevertheless, still here! And we have deeply valued your interest in and support of our efforts these past 6 years.
Moving forward, we shall make every effort to keep you informed of the developer’s actions, and we will let you know of any opportunities for your further involvement in the preservation and livability of our community.
Best Regards and Happy Holidays
SMV