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1. tom kelley
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   A few years ago I was on my way home from work around 2 a.m. on the Friday that would soon start Summer Fest. Traveling south on California I looked down on the junction that was just alive with activity with people busily rushing back and forth across the street. The detour sign directed me to go right on Oregon, left on 44th, left on Erskine and right on California. Looking at the junction in my rear view mirror, I realized that the junction had been turned into a giant traffic circle with a pedestrian parkway running through it. Does anyone else think it would be great if that were permanent? I can visualize California closed to traffic, landscaped with shade trees, furnished with benches, beer gardens, tasteful kiosks, restaurant patios and jungle gyms. If traffic were routed on one way streets going counter-clockwise around the junction there might even be room for more street parking at an angle on both sides as there would only be a need for one lane of traffic. This idea could be considered this weekend in practice.

   Posted 10 months ago #         

2. DP
   Member Profile

   

   I support all efforts to create more pedestrian-friendly business districts. Your ideas sound good, tom. I can imagine a similar transition for Morgan Junction and Roxbury and 16th.

   When you visualize California closed to traffic, I assume you mean the street, not the state, right? I also assume you mean just the area around around the WS Junction, not the entire length of California Ave SW.

   Anyway, yeah, I like.

   Posted 10 months ago #         

3. Cait
   Member Profile

   

   I have to say, I really like this idea! For lack of a better example, I am envisioning something like Downtown Disney in Anaheim. It's a great atmosphere - there would be great opportunity for mini-parks, trees, benches, local art... I think this is great.

   Posted 10 months ago #         

4. GenHillOne
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   I love this idea too! With access to businesses from the outside edges (though southeast quadrant could use some help), it's very doable. I can't even remember the last time I parked on Calif or Alaska anyway. Don't forget the occasional musical performance in our new promenade :)

   Posted 10 months ago #         

5. tom kelley
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   Another thought:
   If traffic on Alaska between 44th and 42nd were restricted to transit only, we could have a really cool transit stop thus eliminating the buses that park next to Wells Fargo.

   Posted 10 months ago #         

6. Julie
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   I've always thought this made a lot of sense.

   Posted 10 months ago #         

7. 2 Much Whine
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   I recall as a youth when the powers that be in Everett came up with the same idea. They closed down Colby Avenue to make it pedestrian friendly. They bought some art and placed it on the street corners. Everyone complained about the change including lack of parking and how they had to go around this big "roundabout" (creating additional traffic issues where they didn't exist previously). I think sales in the local shops actually decreased due to lack of easy access and now Colby is back open to cars and has been for several years. Just last weekend I saw that some of the art has been relocated from downtown to the marina. Perhaps your suggestion would work for us West Seattlites but we need to be aware of the consequences.

   Posted 10 months ago #         

8. GoGo
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   At least we could close it on Sundays and move the farmers market so it could be bigger and better! Just a thought.......

   Posted 10 months ago #         

9. tom kelley
   Member Profile

   I think Everett's strategy was an attempt to revitalize the downtown. Given the zero vacancy rate in the junction this idea is not in response to commercial malaise but rather to improve the quality of life in West Seattle. In short the most compelling reason to do it is that it would be way cool!

   Posted 10 months ago #         

10. odroku
    Member Profile

    

    As it is, I make every effort to drive around the junction rather than through it. The timing and length of those lights is brutal.

    That being said, the idea would be amazing on the half-dozen sunny weekends out of the year.I loved walking around even through the crowds.

    Posted 10 months ago #         

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