Summer is here, and so are Eastside Neighborhood Nights! This August, we’re opening our space to serve our local neighborhood with family-friendly evenings designed for connection and belonging.
Come enjoy local craft and food vendors, kids’ activities (including sand carving on August 9!), and a welcoming place to meet neighbors and make new friends.
Bring a friend, bring your dog, and come as you are. Let’s create a space where everyone feels seen, valued, and at home.
August 2, 9, 16 | 4–8 PM We’d love to see you at each event!
June 10, 2025, 7:00 PM
Swantown Inn, 1431 11th Ave SE
MINUTES
Members Present
Sherry Chilcutt (President), Jim Rioux (Treasurer), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Karen Sweeney (CNA Representative), Nathan Allan, Cheryl Bayle, Therese Vogel
Guest
Brittany Gillia, CP&ED Associate Planner/Historic Preservation Officer
1) Historic Preservation & Neighborhoods Program
Brittany discussed her background and her work in historic preservation and as the Heritage Commission’s liaison. In response to a question about historic trees, she said they need to be listed on the Heritage Register to be protected. A tree can be nominated for listing with the property owner’s approval.
Board members asked about neighborhood matching grants for various future projects and events. Jim S. suggested updating the Eastside brochure with a walking map. Brittany suggested the City may be able to help with GIS expertise. Jim R. asked if the ENA has a contract to allow us to spend grant funds. Brittany said the grant is approved. It was generally agreed that the ENA can reimburse individuals from our funds and request grant payments from the City at a later time. Brittany said the City prefers that we bundle receipts for payment. Also, none of our events will require insurance.
Jim S. suggested the CNA could play an important role in reviewing next year’s RNA grant proposals. Brittany said involvement by the CNA would need to happen before grant applications are submitted to avoid a potential conflict of interest.
The Board thanked Brittany for attending and we look forward to fresh ideas and a re-invigorated neighborhoods program.
2) Approval of May 10th Minutes
Jim S. described two minor corrections to the draft minutes.
The Board approved the May 13th minutes as amended.
3) Treasurer Report
Checking $406.19
Savings $2,948.75
Total $3,354.94
Jim R. reported one new $70 membership was paid.
Our new mailbox is at Ralphs Thriftway. We will need to circulate the new address.
4) Affordable Housing Forum
The May 21st forum was well attended thanks to everyone who helped promote it. The City is compiling the comments which were received. The CNA intends to follow-up with a second forum, likely on the subject of sidewalks.
5) Land Use and Urban Design Comp Plan chapter
CP&ED (Community Planning & Economic Development) completed a major re-write of the chapter before the June 4 public meeting. A new Urban Residential land use designation was unveiled, along with a policy to allow small scale commercial uses within neighborhoods through conditional use permits to limit impacts.
6) CNA report
Karen reported on the issues discussed at the June 9th CNA meeting.
Olympia neighborhoods are hearing more complaints about speeding and noise.
The East Bay neighborhood is selling oyster seed to plant in Budd Inlet.
The Governor Stevens neighborhood will be holding a neighborhood garage sale.
ONNA (Olympia Northeast Neighborhoods Alliance) has made good progress on emergency preparedness and the Southwest neighborhood has appointed block captains.
Airport noise and a lack of transparency by the Port in their master plan update is an issue, and some would like to see it on the City’s radar.
Peter Guttchen would like neighborhoods to be able to get ahead of development proposals on large vacant parcels through subarea planning.
Councilmember Vanderpool talked about wayfinding signage. He also expressed interest in speeding, particularly in school zones. The Council will be looking at increasing costs and funding for the Yelm highway park and the Armory.
7) Block parties
Currently there are four block parties being planned for Saturday June 28th.
1. McCormick Street between 7th & Legion, sponsored by Dan & Aicha, Abigail, Jim & Karen.
2. McCormick & 13th, sponsored by Patricia Campbell.
3. Lions Park, sponsored by Jim Rioux.
4. 10th & Lybarger, sponsored by Sherry Chilcutt.
If sponsors have not applied for street closure permits, this needs to happen right away.
We’ll plan to start by 4:00 and be finished by 7:00.
Each sponsor is allocated up to $125 for food and supplies – keep your receipts!
Event locations will be advertised on sandwich board signs, on the ENA website, and with handouts, at the discretion of sponsors. Jim and Karen will ask Abigail about signs at our planning meeting on Thursday.
Please save leftover non-perishable food and supplies for the annual picnic.
8) June newsletter topics?
For “Ask the ENA” – What is the new restaurant at 1001 4th Avenue E, where doughnut shop used to be?
Suggested “neighbor spotlight” – David Bellefueille Rice
9) Other
A Council candidates’ forum is being planned but we don’t yet know the date.
A School Board candidates’ forum is scheduled July 12 at Capital Theater.
The following comprehensive plan chapters and meetings are from Olympia’s June update email:
Introduction Chapter – A public hearing is tentatively scheduled for June 16.
Community Values & Vision – Apublic hearing is also scheduled for June 16.
Housing – A briefing for the Planning Commission is scheduled for July 15.
Utilities – The Council is scheduled to review and accept the draft chapter at its meeting on June 17.
The annual picnic is scheduled for August 9th. Nathan is looking into live music.
In response to a question about serving alcohol in City parks, these are the terms & regulations for City park shelters:
Alcohol is prohibited at most City facilities and in adjoining parking lots unless a City approved permit has been granted. If approved, liability insurance, a banquet permit and a $50 alcohol permit fee are required and must be submitted/paid at least 45 days before event. Banquet permit must be posted during your event.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.
The next Board meeting will be July 8th at 7:00 PM.
]]>May 13, 2025, 7:00 PM
Swantown Inn, 1431 11th Ave SE
Members Present
Jim Rioux (Treasurer), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Karen Clemens (CNA Representative), Nathan Allan, Dan Rydholm
1) Approval of April meeting minutes
Jim S. described two minor corrections to the draft minutes. The Board approved the April minutes as amended.
2) Treasurer Report
Checking $514.02
Savings $2,048.46
Total $3,462.48
Jim R. reported that our insurance policy lapsed. We may need to renew it for grant projects.
3) Swag and event sign
Nathan has information on event signs similar to the Beekeepers new sign. The Board will discuss this further after we receive the signed grant approval.
Dan asked if we received grant funds for swag. The answer was we did not.
4) Neighborhood Matching Grant
Nathan has asked Brittany Gillia for a copy of our signed grant application.
Dan indicated he will apply for the Block Party Street Closure.
Current tentative block party locations are:
1. McCormick Street between Legion & 7th, Sponsors – Dan, Abigail, Jim & Karen
2. McCormick and 13th – Typically sponsored by Patricia Campbell
3. Lions Park, Sponsor – Jim Rioux
4. 10th & Lybarger, Sponsor – typically Sherry Chilcutt
5) CNA report
Karen reported there are two Council candidates who have offered to talk to RNAs. Nathan said we could invite the neighbors and do interviews at the Inn. Jim R. offered to contact them.
The Southwest and Northeast neighborhoods are organizing Map Your Neighborhood emergency preparedness programs. Karen is thinking about inviting her neighbors to a get-together to discuss the program.
Both South Capital and East Bay neighborhoods reported on their efforts to control speeding. It was suggested Eastside residents need to call the non-emergency Police number when they hear cars racing.
The Council’s Land Use and Environment Committee discussed proposals to allow commercial uses in residential neighborhoods. Jim. R. talked about commercial deserts in neighborhoods. We can address comments to David Ginther at: mailto:dg******@***********wa.us” data-original-string=”EzM5KP2JSvCj48MP7yQ6xw==a2dLJ+wOVd/G3yhB3rmqgeuxoDK7BUsh5agbOoZnfRqkeKtjJ9d4EVJbPhnEs7kJoMI” title=”This contact has been encoded by Anti-Spam by CleanTalk. Click to decode. To finish the decoding make sure that JavaScript is enabled in your browser.
6) Sidewalk repairs and inventory report
Jim S. briefly described repairs completed by contractors during Olympia’s 2024 sidewalk repair project, the recently completed “Sidewalk Condition Assessment,” sidewalk discussions at CNA and LUEC meetings, and Larry Dzieza’s Get Stuff Done Initiative. There are articles in Jolt about sidewalk repairs.
Karen described sidewalk repair projects completed by Lacey City crews.
The CNA and the City are preparing for the May 21st Affordable Housing Forum. Nathan suggested including an announcement in the May newsletter.
Nathan suggested Free Music Olympia may be available for the annual picnic.
7) May Newsletter topics
Suggested topics for the May newsletter included the Affordable Housing Forum and block parties. Karen will send the Forum announcement to Nathan.
8) May event
There will not be a May event. The ‘Meet Walk Talk’ event needs to be removed from the website calendar.
9) Other
Jim S. said there is one last review of the Military Department’s Armory sign underway. Once this review is completed the sign is scheduled to be installed before July 1st.
The next Board meeting will be June 10th at 7:00 PM.
The meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM.
]]>Block parties are potlucks, please bring food to share with your neighbors! The ENA will be providing some burgers, dogs, and a veggie option at each party, along with a selection of drinks.
Please pack out what you pack in! Be conscious of your hosts and take any dishes/leftover food you have brought with you when you leave a party (take what you brought onto the next party!). While each party may have limited seating, please bring chairs for yourselves.
We hope to see everyone at one or all!
Locations
- McCormick and 7th. Hosted by Abigail, Karen & Jim, Aicha & Dan.
- McCormick and 13th. Hosted by Patricia Campbell.
- Lions Park. Hosted by Jim Rioux.
- Lybarger and 10th. Hosted by Sherry Chilcutt.
You are invited to participate on May 21st in a dialog about housing affordability and how Olympia neighborhoods and community members are affected. The City will use your input to help inform solutions. You can attend in-person or through Zoom.
The City of Olympia and Council of Neighborhood Associations are co-hosting an opportunity for community members to learn and talk about housing affordability in Olympia. The conversation takes place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 in Olympia City Hall Council Chambers, 601 4th Ave. E, Olympia WA.
Attendees will learn about the issue of housing affordability in our community and the actions the City and its partners are taking to address that challenge. You’ll be invited to talk with others in small groups about how neighborhoods and community members are impacted and explore how the City and broader Olympia community can further address housing affordability. City staff will collect your input to inform what solutions move forward for further analysis and possible consideration by the City Council.
Caregivers are welcome to bring children. If you would benefit from special accommodation, please contact the City two days or sooner in advance of the meeting.
Use the following link to participate through zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/…/register/l6axOD9lQF6vACoyr8YHRw
Stay informed of housing information by signing up for “Housing” e-news notices at www.olympiawa.gov/news.
]]>April 8, 2025, 7:00 PM
Swantown Inn, 1431 11th Ave SE
MINUTES
Members Present
Jim Rioux (Treasurer), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Karen Clemens (CNA Representative), Abigail Twombly, Therese Vogel
Guest: Valerie Roberts
1) Armory update – Valerie Roberts
Valerie provided an update on progress making the Armory into a safe, accessible, functional community arts center. A full-scale audit of the facility has been completed along with phase 1 design and construction plans. The Council will be asked to approve the budget in May and construction should take 12 to 18 months.
The City negotiated with eight community arts non-profit Anchor Partners who will occupy and operate the facility under long-term leases.
2) Approval of March meeting minutes
A motion was made, seconded and passed to approve the March meeting minutes as submitted.
3) Treasurer Report
Checking $465.77
Savings $2,948.17
Total $3,413.94
Jim R. reported there were a couple of recent dues payments.
4) RNA grant
Jim S. asked if there is any new information about our RNA grant. Jim R. said Nathan submitted the application. Karen said the CNA expects to hear from Brittany Gillia next week about the grants. It was decided to continue this item until May.
5) CNA report
Karen reported on an Affordable Housing Forum the CNA is planning with City officials on May 21. All Board members and residents are encouraged to attend.
She also discussed the Habitat for Humanity housing project planned on Boulevard Road, and efforts to lower the cost to build affordable housing.
The City has a Middle Housing survey on the Engage Olympia website for people to tell the City what they think about housing code amendments. The survey will close on April 30th.
The CNA requested that the City keep their online construction map up to date by adding projects as soon as they are aware of them.
6) Newsletter topics
Jim S. suggested adding a feature allowing people to ask questions of the ENA to the monthly newsletters. The idea is to encourage people to ask about things they might see or hear that would be of general interest. Someone from the Board could then volunteer to research it and write an answer for the next newsletter. Examples include: What is Ziply Fiber? What was recently installed on the Fir Street water tank? Who is responsible for hazardous trees in the City’s rights of way? Why is it so hard to add a sidewalk along 7th Avenue west of Lions Park? Abigail suggested asking a neighborhood expert to answer plant and garden related questions.
The Board generally liked the idea but agreed to continue the discussion to the May meeting as we are not expected have an April newsletter.
7) May event ideas
Jim S. said he would like us to have an outside event in May if the weather cooperates. The group discussed possible walking routes, such as starting at Lions Park and ending at Beerwerks. Jim and Abigail agreed to talk later and let the group know if we come up with a feasible time and place.
8) Other
Abigail reported she met with Dan Rydholm and Emma Shaw to discuss purchasing swag. The Board agreed to continue this discussion until the next meeting, and to talk about buying a new event sign.
The next Board meeting will be May 13th at 7:00 PM.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.
]]>March 11, 2025, 7:00 PM
Swantown Inn, 1431 11th Ave SE
Members Present
Jim Rioux (Treasurer), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Karen Clemens (CNA Representative), Nathan Allan, Abigail Twombly, Therese Vogel
Guest: Emma Shaw
1) Approval of February minutes
The February meeting minutes were approved as submitted.
2) Treasurer Report
Checking $427.69
Savings $2,943.88
Total $3,371.57
We need to continue reminding Eastside residents of the need to pay annual dues. Nathan suggested letting people know how their dues helps to leverage neighborhood projects, events and volunteers. Jim R. made a motion to add a reminder to the next newsletter. Karen seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
3) CNA report
Karen described the following topics which were discussed at the March 10th CNA meeting.
- 2025 RNA grants – 12 RNAs requested $40,000 total; the next step in the process will be a City review panel
- Changes to Intercity Transit bus service
- Energize Thurston County heat pump program
- Briggs Village zoning changes, Fieldstone affordable housing project, Community Planning and Economic Development staffing, and the upcoming housing forum.
4) Newsletter topics
Board members brainstormed possible newsletter topics. The aim is to generate interest in events happening in the neighborhood and the city. Some possible topics:
- ENA membership dues
- RNA grants
- Armory interpretive sign
- The Procession of the Species art studio
- Energize Thurston County heat pump program
- West Bay Yards development proposal
- Ziply internet
- Work on the Fir Street water tank
Jim R. will be featured as the neighbor profile
If you agreed to do a write-up for the newsletter please try to send it to Nathan within a week following the monthly meeting.
5) Other
Jim S. mentioned the City’s ‘Wayfinding Master Plan’. You can read more and take a survey at: https://engage.olympiawa.gov/wayfinding-plan
Jim S. talked to Valerie Roberts, the Armory building manager, about the Military Department’s interpretive sign. She agreed to attend the ENA Board meeting on April 8th to talk about this and other issues.
The next Board meeting will be April 8th at 7:00 PM.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM.
]]>7:00 PM February 11, 2025
Swantown Inn, 1431 11th Ave SE
Members Present
Jim Rioux (Treasurer), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Karen Clemens (CNA Representative), Nathan Allan, Abigail Twombly, Cheryl Bayle, Therese Vogel, Dan Rydholm
1) Approval of the Minutes
The January meeting minutes were approved as submitted.
2) Treasurer Report
Checking $757.01
Savings $2,943.62
Total $3,700.63
Jim R. reported a reimbursement check to Sherry has not been cashed. There are two additional deposits through Stripe for $48.25 and $66.89 as well as a $1,840 deposit that included City RNA grant reimbursement, plus $80.00 in donations from the annual meeting.
He also mentioned that people have asked him if we could remind them to pay dues. The Board discussed including swag for various membership tiers. Dan and Cheryl volunteered to be on a swag subcommittee.
3) Workgroup Update
Jim S. reported that a work group has met twice to work on:
- The ENA Website – Dan made several upgrades to the website, including the calendar. He suggested we add a statement on the home page to the effect that the ENA welcomes all groups and individuals.
- Events Calendar – Nathan brought the website calendar up on the screen and Dan explained the free WordPress plug-in. We agreed to pick a date for every event when it’s entered on the calendar, with the understanding we may need to change it later.
- Newsletters – Nathan said newsletters will be sent out about a week after monthly Board meetings. He also created an archive on the website for newsletters. Dan said he can create a newsletter template using Mailchimp, and we can add a link to the newsletters on Facebook. Jim R. volunteered to draft a profile on Therese.
Board members expressed appreciation for all the work Nathan, Dan and others have invested in improving our communications abilities.
4) 2024 RNA Grant Closeout
Jim R. reported he has completed the submittal to close out the 2024 RNA grant.
5) 2025 RNA Grant Application approval
Nathan walked us through the online grant application. After a few minor changes, the Board agreed on projected volunteer hours, the grant request amount and other application details.
Nathan made a Motion to approve proposed RNA grant application and forward it to the City; Dan seconded and the motion was approved unanimously.
6) CNA Report
Karen reported that the CNA discussed the following during its February 10meeting.
The South Capital RNA used Capital City Press to print and send their newsletter.
Councilmember Clark described the City’s position regarding news filtering down from the other Washington.
A proposal to build a new WA FED bank near 4th and Water Street. Abigail described discussions that have taken place at the Design Review Board.
Changes proposed for the commercial zoning in Briggs Village.
A housing project on Franz Anderson road.
The West Bay Yards project. For more information see:
https://www.olympiawa.gov/info/construction_in_olympia/west_bay_yards.php
Middle Housing. Joyce Phillips briefed the CNA on code changes being considered in response to recent legislation affecting residential zoning. She offered to come and talk to neighborhood associations. More information can be found here:
https://www.olympiawa.gov/government/codes,_plans___standards/missing_middle.php
7) Other
- Jim S. described the CNA “Sounding Board” comments on the comp plan Land Use and Urban Design chapter. These comments have been forwarded to the project planner and the next step will be an in-person meeting.
- The City recently announced a project to reconfigure the intersection at State Avenue and Wilson Street. A public information session is scheduled in the City Council chambers Thursday February 20th from 5:30 to 7:00. More information can be found here: https://www.olympiawa.gov/info/construction_in_olympia/state_and_pacific_project.php
- Suggestions for guests we may want to invite to future meetings:
- Zeima Kassahun, Urban and Community Forestry Specialist, to talk about tree pruning.
- Brittany Gillia, Associate Planner, to talk about the City’s neighborhoods program and RNA grants.
The next Board meeting will be March 11th.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.
]]>ENA Board Meeting
7:00 PM January 14, 2025
Swantown Inn, 1431 11th Ave SE, Olympia
Members Present
Jim Rioux (Treasurer), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Karen Clemens (CNA Representative), Nathan Allan, Abigail Twombly, Cheryl Bayle, Therese Vogel
1) Approval of the Minutes
The December 11, 2024 meeting minutes were approved as submitted.
2) Treasurer Report
Checking $1,969.87
Savings $2,943.25
Total $4,913.12
Jim Rioux reported he received and deposited a Neighborhood Grant check for $1,840.40. He also deposited $90 in cash and checks received at our Annual Meeting. We still owe Laurel $1,200 and Sherry $369.32.
He received a bill for the Post Office box that is due at the end of the month; 12 months for $256. The Board agreed to renew for 6 months and Jim said he would look into less expensive alternatives.
3) January 7th Annual Meeting
Everyone agreed the annual meeting was a success. The table arrangement allowed people to socialize and connect with their neighbors. Jim Rioux did a nice job with the introductions. The guest speakers were interesting and engaging. Many thanks to Nathan and Casey for hosting and providing the excellent food.
4) Election of Officers
All current officers have agreed to continue. Karen agreed to fill the vacant Vice President position and continue as the CNA representative.
5) CNA Report
Karen reported there was no council member present.
Tim Smith reported the City currently has about 60 projects in permit review, including West Bay Yards, SPSCC dormitories, Briggs Village and Henderson apartments. Abigail described a new bank building proposed near 4th and Water, on the site formerly occupied by Procession of the Species.
Fire Chief Matt Morris talked about CERT – Community Emergency Response Team training (see link below). He also described OFD’s Community Assistance Referral and Education Services program.
Larry Dzieza continues to try and open an on-going dialog with the Planning Commission. This could include neighborhood association members commenting during meetings and being added to the Commission’s annual work plan.
6) RNA Grant Closeout
7) 2025 Work Plan & Events Calendar
Nathan projected the ENA website on the screen and the Board discussed what information should be prominent on the home page and in menus. It was agreed we need to update the 2025 events calendar regularly.
8) Other
The Board agreed to schedule time to work on the things that routinely fall through the cracks because we don’t have time for them during monthly meetings. Some examples are newsletters, email lists, the events calendar and website. It was decided to meet Sunday morning January 26 from 10:00 to 12 at Swantown.
Jim S. described a recent Strong Towns article about civic engagement; “How a Walk About Nothing Can Change Everything About Public Engagement” Here’s a link: https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2025/1/10/how-a-walk-about-nothing-can- change-everything-about-public- engagement?apcid=0060f5c4aeb5b5bba4851200&utm_campaign=25-1-14- digest&utm_content=25-1-14-digest&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ortto
Following are links to websites describing the CERT training Chief Morris talked about, and other emergency preparedness sites.
“What is CERT Training?”
https://community.fema.gov/PreparednessCommunity/s/cert- trainings?language=en_US
“Community Emergency Response Team”
https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/individuals-communities/preparedness- activities-webinars/community-emergency-response-team
“Disaster Preparedness Training for Communities and Organizations
The next Board meeting will be February 11th.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.
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