State budget allocates $995,000 for Phinney Center renovation

Phinney Neighborhood Association Executive Director Lee Harper tells us that the state legislature’s early-morning budget proposal contains $995,000 for the PNA’s renovation.
The state had originally allocated the money through the Heritage Capital Projects Fund, but Gov. Gregoire canceled all the fund’s grants during massive budget cuts last year.
The PNA had scaled back its renovation plans after losing the money, but will now start looking at which renovations can be completed. The PNA’s Capital Campaign includes a new entryway for the Blue Building, plus an elevator, ADA upgrades to bathrooms, seismic upgrades, better landscaping, and improved access from Phinney Avenue. The work will be done in phases as money allows.