Politics & Government

Denny Creek Alliance Votes to Become Kirkland Neighborhood Association

Longtime neighborhood environmental group's name will change to Finn Hill Neighborhood Alliance.

Members of the Denny Creek Neighborhood Alliance have voted to change the longtime Finn Hill environmental group’s name and become an official city of Kirkland neighborhood association.

The new Finn Hill Neighborhood Alliance (FHNA) will be a direct liaison with the city, which annexed the area on June 1.

During a membership meeting at Finn Hill Junior High Wednesday night, DCNA members voted to approve a change in the group's bylaws identifying all residents within the Finn Hill borders as members of FHNA. The group’s mission statement was broadened and five new members of its board were elected.

The Denny Creek Alliance formed in 1996 to challenge threats to the heavily forested area’s environment. Over the years it has helped preserve the 40-acre Juanita Woodlands, helped improve fish habitat in Denny Creek, and worked on King County ordinances to protect mature trees. Members also helped a petition drive and tax levy vote that formed the Finn Hill Park District, which took over management from the county of treasured O.O. Denny Park.

Some members at the meeting questioned whether the transition to a neighborhood association would result in an inadequate focus on Finn Hill’s environment, but the membership overwhelmingly voted to approve it.

"Finn Hill residents feel strongly that their neighborhood is uniquely blessed with parks, creeks, and green spaces, which they are committed to preserve," said FHNA Board President Scott Morris. "We look forward to maintaining and building on that commitment while addressing other civic issues that are important to the neighborhood’s welfare, including such matters as transportation, public safety, and land use.”

The revised mission statement maintains the organization’s strong environmental emphasis, a press release from the group said, while adding that FHNA will "promote the welfare of the Finn Hill community by engaging in civic issues."

The City of Kirkland works closely with neighborhood groups to communicate with residents regarding issues and concerns. Neighborhood associations are non-profit organizations that are legally independent of the City though they do receive some grant money from the City to use for projects and communications.

Joining the current 12-member board will be Ted Marx, a current Kirkland Park Board member; Jon Pascal, a member of the city’s Planning Commission; Mathew Pruitt, member of the Finn Hill Parks District Board; Kathy Schuler, a member of the Kirkland Parks Exploratory Committee; and Connie Winter.

More information about FHNA will be posted at its website. The current URL is www.dennycreek.org; in coming weeks, a new web address consistent with the Finn Hill Neighborhood Alliance name will be adopted: www.finnhillalliance.org.


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