Community Organizer a Beacon on the Hill

A friend once compared Judith Edwards to another fierce neighborhood activist but with one difference, “She smiles all the time.”

At the retelling of that story Edwards herself breaks into a huge grin and offers up a hearty laugh.

Edwards is 3 years into her latest term as chair of the North Beacon Hill Council where she says she’s had a seat, “For more years than I can count.”

The NBHC is a nonprofit 501(c) that was incorporated in 1993.  The group’s website describes its role this way:

“There’s a lot going on in the neighborhood.  The next few years will see more change on North Beacon Hill than the last 50 years of its history.  This is our opportunity to shape the growth in our neighborhood.”

Currently the council is deeply involved in the city’s neighborhood planning efforts.

“Its probably the most important issue we’re facing,” says Edwards who’s spent countless hours talking to both neighbors and city staffers about what should come next for North Beacon Hill.

“I want to get more people involved,” says Edwards of a process that to an outsider may seem daunting and even boring in its detail.

Still neighborhood planning efforts, kick started by Mayor Greg Nickles, are underway across the city of Seattle.  Edwards says its part of her job to ensure that process includes voices from neighbors.

When asked about priorities, Edwards goes down her list, “Smart development, lightrail and public safety.”

They are concerns voiced in many neighborhoods, but Edwards says each must be tackled from a unique perspective on Beacon Hill.

Public safety for example, Edwards says she thinks neighbors are feeling safer in the last two years.  However she notes, “My heart and my head tell me I am safer, but I still drive [instead of walking across the hill].”

Neighbors report more graffiti lately and several high profile attacks have shaken some of the sense of safety.

Sound Transit has predicted growth and development surrounding lightrail stations and Beacon Hill should be no different.  Edwards says keeping a close eye on that change is important for the character of the neighborhood.

Thursday night the council will host Lyle Bicknell with the city to talk about the next steps in the neighborhood planning process.  Brian Dougherty with Seattle Department of Transportation will be on hand as well to talk about parking changes along 15th Avenue.

Edwards says all neighbors are welcome to any of the NBHC meetings and no matter what's on the agenda you are guaranteed at least one treat, her famous smile.

For the complete agenda as well as time and location visit the NBHC website.