The annual election for the International Special Review District Board was held Nov. 17. Three positions were up for election.
- Valerie Tran won Position #1 for a District business person, property owner or employee.
- Herman Setijono won Position #3 for a District resident, tenant or community participant.
- Carol S. Leong won Position #5 for a District resident, tenant or community participant.
Tran and Setijono will begin their first terms in December, and Leong will begin serving her second term.
The special character of the Chinatown International District is recognized and protected by city ordinance. In 1973, the International Special Review District Board was created to preserve, protect, and enhance the cultural, economic, and historical qualities of the District. The Board is composed of seven members—five elected by the Chinatown International District community and two appointed by the Mayor. Board members’ terms are for two years, and members may serve up to two consecutive terms.
Two of the five elected Board members own property or a business in the District or who are employed in the District, two of the elected members reside in the District or have demonstrated an interest in the District, and one member is elected at large. The Board reviews applications for Certificates of Approval for any change to the use, exterior appearance of buildings or structures, streets, sidewalks, and other public spaces in the District.
The current board members are Ben Grace, Carol Leong, Miye Moriguchi, Martha Rogers, Joann Ware and Marie Wong. Ware and Grace are outgoing members. There is currently one vacancy on the Board.
The International Special Review District is coordinated by the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Historic Preservation Program which is responsible for the designation and protection of more than 400 historic structures, sites, objects, and vessels, as well as eight historic districts located throughout the city. (end)