We've just been given news we couldn't be happier to report:

Pilgrim Coffee is coming to Oak Tree plaza!

Starting tomorrow Pilgrim Coffee will be operating at 10002 Aurora Ave N Monday - Wednesday 7-10 AM, and we've heard rumors that if demand is high enough they may expand their hours next month.

It's been a little less than two months since Starbucks left Licton Spring's urban village, leaving the area without any coffee options. Tomorrow that all changes. While many would have been content with almost any Coffee Shop setting up at the location, we couldn't be more ecstatic that our favorite Coffee Truck is setting up right in front of the old Starbucks. We've been a fan of Pilgrim Coffee for a while, as they've roasted some great coffee right here in the neighborhood:

It also doesn't hurt that the opening happens at the perfect time for holiday-inspired drinks:

We hope you will join us drinking some great local coffee!

Where College Way N and Meridian Ave N meet in Licton Springs there is a small police station. That station is responsible for serving all of North Seattle. From Ballard to UDistrict, Fremont to Haller Lake, all of them are served by the North Precinct. This easily makes it the station that serves both the largest land area and population.

Naturally, this has led for many calls to split the precinct, or most recently, replace it with a new much larger location (on Aurora). However, thus far, there hasn't been political alignment to turn these calls into reality. The most recent of which was stopped by a counter campaign to "Block the Bunker", primarily driven from those who live in areas that aren't in the area served by the precinct they wish to block.

Now, if you walk by the precinct, you will be greeted by many land use signs. The North Precinct plans to increase its footprint at its current location.

Where grass and greenery used to be, the precinct plans to pave additional parking and add portables. The plan isn't meant to be a permanent solution, but the hope is it will enable the precinct to keep up with the next 5-7 years of growth. And while there is concern by many over the loss of greenspace as illustrated in the public comments (record # 3031508-LU), with no other agreed on options, combined with an increasing call for greater public safety and police presence, it seems increasingly likely that we will see the start of an expanded precinct in Licton Springs come this time next year.

Hi Neighbors!

A friend of the blog reached out to us to let us know that this year's Halloween Walk is looking for volunteers:

We are looking to recruit Friends of the Forest for this year's Licton Springs Halloween Walk - Do you or anyone you know like to dress up and give out treats? (The treats are provided.) Are your kids older and you miss seeing the young ones dressed up? Groups are welcome. You must be at least 12 years old to be a Friend or parents with children. Please contact Melanie at 206-227-9155 or email [email protected] if you can volunteer. The time commitment is from 4:15 to 6 pm. Hot cider provided.

Yesterday morning several neighbors came together at 85th and Meridian to clear away invasive weeds (looking at you blackberries!) and make way for an urban forest.

The work party was the second such event at the site and made significant progress:

Planting trees in the area, which borders an I5 off-ramp, will have a large positive impact on the neighborhood as highways and their ramps are a major source of pollution and noise. Trees have been shown to reduce highway noise while cutting pollution by half. The trees will work in tandem with the noise wall put in place in 2009 along I5 itself, to make Licton Springs a quieter and healthier neighborhood for all of us.

Hope to see you at the next work party!

As we reported back in May, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) added Licton Springs along Aurora Ave. to its pilot list of twice-weekly cleanup locations. Now SPU is asking residents and businesses in the area for their thoughts on the effectiveness of the Litter Abatement Pilot Program and the additional 2x/week litter cleanup it has provided. The survey seeks community thoughts on how they feel about cleanliness in their neighborhoods to determine next steps on the Litter Pilot Program.

Take the survey here.

Additionally, if you live, work, or travel through Nesbit Ave. N. between N 88th to N 90th streets:

then Seattle Neighborhood Group would like to know about any safety concerns you have, via this survey.