Like their peers in the other Councils, members of the North End Neighborhood Council have dedicated a great deal of their time to projects that have resulted in valuable additions to their neighborhoods. But they have also devoted quite a bit of energy to fighting things they believe would be neighborhood detractions as well.
The Council's members have taken their role as the voice for the 13,000 residents of the North End seriously and have been very active in presenting to the City Council the opinions of their neighbors on issues that impact their neighborhood, whether that be wireless communication towers or mini-casinos.
The Council has also allotted many of its Small Innovative Grant and Building Tacoma Together bond funds to projects that have resulted in litter and debris removal, while at the same time adding new trees and flowers, playground equipment, trash receptacles and lighting that have made the neighborhood a better place to live and play.
- Our stories, Our times: A Retrospective of Achievements 1999
North End Neighborhood Council Profile
History
The North End is home to the original town site of Tacoma. The first settler’s home was a cabin built by Job Carr in 1864. Old Town, as it is known today, was formally established in 1871. The southwestern-most portion of the North End was annexed in 1891. The early economy of the community was dependent on many of the industries still active in Tacoma today: fishing, shipping, and logging. One of the more rapid periods of population growth came from an influx of Slavonian immigrants in the late 19th Century. Many homes from these early days can still be seen today.
Area Vision
The North End is shaped by a distinct sense of place that is formed largely by existing qualities rather than a desire for major changes. The physical elements that provide that sense of place include a grid of streets, historic structures, greenspaces, mature trees, parks, views, waterfront, neighborhood schools, housing variety, and compact commercial districts. Primary services are available within a reasonable distance. This environment is viewed as providing a comfortable and desirable place in which to reside and/or raise a family. The future for the North End is viewed as only incremental change. Infill development and redevelopment will occur throughout the North End. Densification, however, will occur only in designated areas. Amenities and improvements that enhance existing elements are desired such as beautification projects, historic preservation, and increased recreation. Aggressive code enforcement is also viewed as necessary to preserve and enhance the sense of place. In short, the North End is envisioned as being a place that will continue to reconcile its residents’ memories with their current experience.
Learn more
North End Neighborhood Council website - http://nenc.org/