ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS

from Civic Defragmentation: UW MLA Capstone Studio 2016

by UW Landscape Architecture + UWASLA

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

Ecological systems of particular focus are Tree Canopy, Water and Critical Areas in the Licton Springs-Haller Lake Neighborhood. Seattle established a goal in 2007 to reach 30% tree canopy cover in 30 years.1 It is important to look at the existing conditions and try to fill the gaps. Water is also an important issue for Seattle. In Licton Springs- Haller Lake Neighborhood, the major receiving water body is Lake Union and flooding has occurred in this area before. We should consider how to treat stormwater in this area. Some critical areas like peat area and wetlands are found near North Seattle College.

1. http://www.seattle.gov/trees/docs/Tree_Canopy_Assessment_Council_EEMU.pdf

Canopy cover is the percent of the city that is covered by trees as seen in an aerial view. Seattle has about 23% canopy cover. However, many spaces lack tree canopy along Aurora Ave. We should consider how to plant more street trees in this area.

Source: http://web6.seattle.gov/DPD/Maps/dpdgis.aspx, Seattle Street tree map http://web6.seattle.gov/SDOT/StreetTrees/

STORMWATER

The major receiving water body for the Licton SpringsHaller Lake Neighborhood is Lake Union, and the majority of the stormwater system is a separated stormwater sewer. Additionally, a stormwater facility, Midvale, is located south of the cemetery.

Major Receiving Water Body

Source: http://www.seattle.gov/util/cs/groups/public/@spu/@ drainsew/documents/webcontent/1_037857.pdf

Critical Areas And Water Resources

The neighborhood is surrounded by two major creek systems in Seattle: Piper’s Creek and Thornton Creek. Seattle contains three small lakes: Green Lake, Haller Lake and Bitter Lake. All of them are located near or within our neighborhood. Regarding flooding issues, we should be mindful of wetlands, soil types and some steep slopes in the neighborhood. Wetlands are found in Licton Springs Park, cemetery, north west of Haller Lake along Ashworth Avenue North, within North Seattle College campus, and on existing police station site just northwest of the college.

Critical Areas

Seattle Small Lakes

Source: WAGDA, https://wagda.lib.washington.edu/

This Licton Springs-Haller Lake Neighborhood has a medium density population compared to the city, and has experienced increasing population and increasing housing during the last decade. The diversity of the neighborhood is high compared to much of North Seattle.

POPULATION CHANGE

Source: U.S. Census Bureau Decennnial Census 100% Count data 2000, 2010

HOUSING DENSITY

The Licton Springs-Haller Lake Neighborhood has a relatively lower income (darker blues indicate higher income) and higher crime rate compared to other parts of the city (lighter shades indicate higher crime). There is a high percentage of immigrants in this neighborhood compared to much of North Seattle.