SEATTLE—October 14, 2004—A recent agreement between the City of Seattle and Seattle Housing Authority provides $2.7 million to build the natural drainage system at the redeveloped High Point community.

"This agreement has been in the works for more than two years," noted project manager Tom Phillips. "It represents an extraordinary level of cooperation among four City departments all working together to support a shared vision for High Point." The process of designing and building a natural drainage system that would lessen the impact of runoff on nearby Longfellow Creek required that department leaders involved with utilities, planning, transportation and fire fighting agree on issues as varied as street widths and vegetation.

The City of Seattle was interested in reaching agreement on the natural drainage system because it represents the most cost effective way to manage stormwater runoff over the long term. While the City had installed some small natural drainage systems in other parts of Seattle, the High Point redevelopment presented an opportunity to develop a natural drainage system on a large scale.

The result of the agreement is that the new medium density development at High Point, which will have up to 15 residences per acre, will perform like an open meadow with respect to rain water runoff. The system will feature vegetated swales that allow runoff to seep naturally into the ground, porous sidewalks and pavement, and a new pond the size of a football field. The pond is already excavated and will begin to hold runoff in early 2005. It will gradually release water into Longfellow Creek, one of Seattle's most significant salmon streams.

The City Council unanimously approved the three-way agreement in late September. Parties to the agreement include the City, the Housing Authority, and a new Open Space Association that will be formed in the new neighborhood. According to Phillips, "This agreement proves that when organizations like SHA and the City stay focused on a mutual goal, huge obstacles can be overcome."

Phillips especially credits Ray Hoffman and Miranda Maupin from Seattle Public Utilities for their commitment to making the natural drainage system a reality. "They were the driving force that helped the City keep its promise to work out the details."

The natural drainage system will not only enhance the environmental qualities of this 120-acre community, it will also enhance its beauty and livability. A quarter-mile trail around the pond will provide opportunities for residents to exercise and take in views of downtown. The southern edge of the pond will feature a man-made stream that will function as a natural aerator for water as it flows into the pond. Native plantings around the pond will add beauty and natural character.

"With the City's help, we have taken a feature that could have been a liability and transformed it into a desirable amenity and community asset," noted Phillips.