West Seattle, Washington
01 Monday
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
6:21 AM: Good morning! More sunshine, and so far, no incidents in/from West Seattle.
OVERNIGHT BRIDGE CLOSURE #3: Tonight is scheduled to be the third night that the west end of the West Seattle Bridge will close, 9 pm-5 am, for the Fauntleroy Expressway seismic-cushion-re-replacement project. You might notice the closure – requiring, among other things, bridge exiting at or before Delridge – if you’re returning from …
STADIUM CONCERT: Stadium-zone traffic alert – superstar Beyoncé performs at CenturyLink Field tonight (7:30 pm).
LOOKING AHEAD – “BIKE EVERYWHERE DAY” FRIDAY: Friday is “Bike Everywhere Day“ (Cascade Bicycle Club‘s new name for what used to be “Bike to Work Day”), and riders will find a “celebration station” in the usual spot on the path west of the low bridge.
LOOKING AHEAD – WEST SEATTLE 5K SUNDAY: Sunday, Alki Avenue will be closed until late morning for the West Seattle 5K (with co-sponsors including WSB) run/walk. Tomorrow’s your last chance to sign up online, or do it at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) noon-6 pm Saturday or at the start line 8 am Sunday.
(WSB photo from last month, police searching for shell casings after Puget Ridge gunfire)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Frustrated Puget Ridge residents came to the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting tonight to ask Southwest Precinct police what they’re doing about the gunfire problem plaguing their neighborhood.
First – the monthly crime-trends briefing:
“Our criminal element is alive and kickin’,” as is unfortunately usual in the warmer months, began Capt. Pierre Davis, Southwest Precinct commander. “Right now, the crime du jour is car prowls, up all over the city, and our regional partners are having the same type of issues.” In some areas, it’s doubled. Highland Park, Morgan Junction are getting the biggest increases right now.
He mentioned a spike in drug use, “and a lot of that activity is driving the car-prowl increase right now.”
Quick biznote tonight for anyone wondering about the former Redline space on the ground floor of The Residences at 3295 on the southeast corner of 35th and Avalon, since the “for lease” signs came down recently: Building permit and “site plan” documents reveal it won’t be another restaurant, but instead will become a dental office; renovations are under the name Glo Dental Studio.
The Metro League-champion West Seattle High School Wildcats won their first game at the district softball tournament tonight, 4-0 over Bainbridge at the Southeast Athletic Complex. They’ll be back in West Seattle for their next game, 6 pm Thursday night vs. Lake Washington at Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
Thanks to Brian Presser of TouchTech Systems for the tip that demolition was happening today at 4528 44th SW in The Junction, tearing down an 8-unit apartment building to build a 6-story, 58-unit apartment building. The project got final Design Review approval last September (WSB coverage here). The site is prominent, as it abuts a busy alley (from which we took the photo) behind a block of West Seattle Junction businesses, and as we reported here in March, the construction team is posting information online here, including what’s next with the project:
• Excavation for the foundation
• Installation of concrete foundation
• On-site utility improvements
In Crime Watch this afternoon – Marie‘s bike has been missing since Saturday:
My bike was stolen from my apartment building at 2250 Bonair Pl SW near Alki Beach. The bike was in the laundry room in a secured building. The robber would have had to wait until the door was propped or had a key. The Kona was a gray mountain bike with “hybrid” tires. The bar handles had scratches.
Bicycles are often stolen to get from crime to crime, so you might spot one dumped somewhere, down a ravine, against a pole or fence – if you do, contact police.
P.S. Speaking of police, last call for tonight’s West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting, 7 pm at the SW Precinct (2300 SW Webster) – come hear about local crime trends and ask about your neighborhood concerns.
Half a dozen West Seattle development/real-estate updates:
NORTH DELRIDGE TOWNHOUSES: A 10-townhouse development is proposed for 2821 SW Yancy (map). The newly filed “site plan” shows four structures (all circa early 1900s) to be demolished at 2811, 2821, and 2827 to make way for the project, which the city website says will go through Design Review. Five townhouses would face onto Yancy, and the other five would be behind (south of) them, while 11 offstreet-parking spaces are shown on the east side of the site.
MORGAN JUNCTION APARTMENTS: A 48-unit building with 5 offstreet-parking spaces is proposed for 5952 California SW in north Morgan Junction. This would replace a 1925 house with garage spaces behind.
9030 35TH SW: Demolition permits are being sought for the two structures on this site that will be replaced by a 40-apartment, 32-offstreet-parking-space project, which had its most-recent Design Review meeting earlier this month.
4801 FAUNTLEROY WAY SW: This mixed-use project got final Design Review approval back in February, and now the site and plans are up for sale, no price listed. It was approved for 53 units (including 13 micros), ground-floor commercial, no offstreet parking.
4453 CALIFORNIA FOR SALE: A corner commercial building in The Junction is on the market, the northwest corner of California/Oregon, home to more than half a dozen businesses. Its $4.3 million listing, touting “one of the last remaining key sites available,” notes that (as is most of the heart of The Junction) it’s zoned for up to 65′.
3050 AVALON FOR SALE AGAIN: The potential 104-unit “grandfathered” microhousing project is back on the market, asking $3.1 million. This version of the listing shows that two potential purchases “pending feasibility” didn’t go through since we first mentioned its listing back in January. The listing also says the plans are “paid off” and that construction could start immediately, if a purchase is completed.
The photos and report are from Sam Brown, who along with Billy Edwards, both Special Education staffers at West Seattle High School, coach the WSHS Special Olympics Unified Sports teams. If you’re not familiar with Unified sports, she explains, “These are teams that are made up of both Gen-ed Students (Partners) and Special Ed Students (athletes) who compete with other schools in the state.” The big news, from her announcement that went to the entire school:
This last Saturday, WSHS took two teams of Partners (gen – ed students) and Athletes (special education students) to the King County Special Olympics District soccer tournament.
Our “Player Development” team took the SILVER MEDAL, losing to Mercer Island in a double overtime situation [photo above]. Our “Division 1” team [top photo] took the GOLD MEDAL, beating Chief Sealth 3-1 – this allows our D-1 team to move on to the Washington State Special Olympics Championship Games, vying for an opportunity to take first place in the whole state.
This may seem like just another team and another announcement of athletic success – but it is SO much more than that. West Seattle is so blessed to have gen-ed student partners who are willing to volunteer their time and energy to make these games happen. They are bridging the stigmatic gap here in our school between gen – ed and special – ed students, creating relationships and silently advocating for equity all across the boards. West Seattle is also blessed to have spEd student athletes who are hard-working, motivated and so amazingly ATHLETIC!!
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of this group of students. We will be hitting the State Tournament the last weekend in May, waiting on location details.
(Male Calliope Hummingbird, photographed by Mark Wangerin, who says they’re not often seen in Seattle)
Lots happening today/tonight – here are some highlights:
EAT AT JOE’S, HELP THE FESTIVAL: The Endolyne Joe’s (WSB sponsor) dine-out fundraiser for the Fauntleroy Fall Festival today has expanded to the entire day/night; there’s also a silent auction during the dinner hours. (9261 45th SW)
CITY COUNCIL TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: 2 pm at City Hall, with agenda items including a proposed resolution with the council’s feedback for Sound Transit 3 (as reported here Monday) and the Bicycle Master Plan implementation update (which includes the SW Admiral Way Safety Project). If you can’t be there, you can watch live on Seattle Channel. (4th/5th/Cherry/James)
POWER-FUL MEETING: Interested in info about your electricity service? This was announced by City Councilmember Lisa Herbold:
Join me and Seattle City Light (tonight) from 6 – 7 at Hiawatha Community Center. City Light will have a short presentation on the utility’s strategic investments, budget and rate proposal for 2017-2018. In addition to Q&A with City Light staff, applications will be available for the Utility Discount Program and information about the solar and conservation programs and customer rebates.
(2700 California SW)
SOFTBALL: Not in WS, but in case you want to go cheer them on, the Metro League champion West Seattle High School softball team opens district-tournament play tonight at 6 pm vs. Bainbridge at Southeast Athletic Complex. (8815 Seward Park Ave. S.)
EVENING BOOK GROUP: 6:30 pm at High Point Library: “Join us for a discussion of the 2016 Seattle Reads featured work, ‘We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves‘ by Karen Joy Fowler.” (35th SW/SW Raymond)
TUESDAY TUNE-UP: Support SASG at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), featuring “live tunes by Piano-man and Emcee Victor Janusz with Medearis ‘MD’ Dixson on saxophone and Conor Apperson on drums.” Full details in our calendar listing! (1936 Harbor SW)
WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL: 7 pm at the Southwest Precinct, it’s your monthly chance to bring neighborhood concerns to local police, and to hear what they’re focused on. Also, WSCPC president Richard Miller has booked a guest from the city’s “code compliance” division – here’s what they enforce. All welcome. (2300 SW Webster)
LOTS MORE … on our complete calendar, for today/tonight/beyond.
(Photo courtesy Seattle Chamber Music Society)
Just announced – a new outdoor-music series in West Seattle this summer!
For more than twenty years, the Seattle Chamber Music Society has presented a series of free, family-friendly summer concerts in various parks around town. This year — for the first time — we will be coming to West Seattle.
In partnership with the Delridge Community Center, these events will take place on Tuesday, July 5th, and then three successive Mondays (July 11th, 18th, and 25th). Each event begins at 7:15 pm with a live performance by an outstanding student ensemble, followed at 8:00 pm with KING-FM’s broadcast of that evening’s Seattle Chamber Music Society concert, streamed live direct from Benaroya Hall.
Here’s the lineup for the live ensembles:
July 5th: “An eclectic program of music for guitar and violin, performed by an ensemble from Cornish College of the Arts”
July 11th: “Trio from UW”
July 18th: “Quartet from the Seattle Youth Symphony”
July 25th: “An eclectic program of music for guitar and violin, performed by an ensemble from Cornish College of the Arts”
Delridge Community Center is at 4501 Delridge Way SW.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
7:30 AM: Good morning. The sunshine’s back; it’s been a morning free of major incidents in/from West Seattle.
BRIDGE CLOSURE TONIGHT: The second overnight closure of the west end of the high bridge is scheduled for tonight, 9 pm-5 am, as part of the Fauntleroy Expressway seismic-cushion-re-replacement project; the 35th/Fauntleroy entrance to the eastbound bridge will be off-limits, so you’ll have to get on at Harbor/Avalon or Delridge; if you’re headed westbound, you’ll have to exit by Delridge.
NOTES FOR FERRY USERS: First, if you board via Fauntleroy, be aware of this change starting next Monday. Second, if you’re out there today, watch for whales – check this tweet:
@westseattleblog orcas this morning on ferry between vashon and southworth pic.twitter.com/h6kMV4Zo8n
— Joe Hauser (@4whodey) May 17, 2016
We also had a tip about whales yesterday, though not quite so early.
9:05 AM: Crash on the eastbound bridge at the 99 exit. “Gridlocked,” reports Randall.
9:15 AM: SDOT says the crash is cleared. But as the advisory goes, “residual backup” might take a while to do the same.
10:52 PM: The barrels and barricades blocking the 35th/Fauntleroy entrance to the eastbound West Seattle Bridge are just one sign that the Fauntleroy Expressway seismic-cushion-re-replacement project is finally under way. This is the first of dozens of expected overnight closures of the west end of the bridge so that crews can jack it up a bit from surface Spokane Street so more than 500 cushions can be re-replaced, four years after their original replacement, which turned out to have a design flaw. In addition to the eastbound ramp closure, if you are heading westbound on the bridge, you’ll have to exit at Delridge – Mike reports that the going is a bit slow because of that, and while under the bridge checking on the work, we noticed the heavier volume of vehicles coming off the ramp. The crews were staging in the center area when we went by.
The closure is scheduled to continue until 5 am, and to be repeated tomorrow, Wednesday, and Thursday nights, 9 pm-5 am. No closures are scheduled Friday and Saturday nights, and SDOT says the closures will be delayed until 11 pm on nights with Mariners or Sounders games where crowds of 20,000+ are expected. We’ll have reminders in our weekday morning traffic coverage as well as, for the Sunday closures, in our morning “what’s happening today/tonight” lists.
5 AM: This “live” camera verifies that the first night’s closure is over and the bridge has reopened.
Elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu of Seattle invites you to its Grand Reopening next Sunday (May 22nd). This is the big gym at 5050 Delridge Way SW, known previously as Straight Blast Gym of Seattle (WSB sponsor). From the announcement: “Recent events have allowed the two female owners of BJJ gyms to come together and grow our communities and provide a number of martial-arts programs such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai, along with Strength and Conditioning classes for both youth and adults! We’d like to invite the community to our event and check out the mini clinics that will be held. There will be a gathering of people of all skill levels and interests.”
That photo is from this past Sunday, when they had a staff meeting with other Elite groups from around the metro area. Next up before the Sunday event, they’ll be doing renovations and rebranding this Wednesday through Friday, “which will include transformation of both the inside and outside facilities!” And then on Sunday, set for 1-4 pm, here’s what you can enjoy:
Join us in celebrating a new chapter as we open our doors and start our journey as a part of the Elite team.
Elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers year-round programs for the entire family for kids and adults of all ages and skill levels, in a fun and safe environment.
1:30 and 3:30 pm
Take part in either a Muay Thai, Strength & Conditioning, or Kids clinic. A short 30-minute class with highly experienced coaches, you’ll have fun and learn something new. All skill levels welcome.2:30 pm
BJJ clinic with Professor Miriam Cardoso, head professor of Elite – 5x World Champion; check out her technical jiu-jitsu skills and coaching!* Stop by for some local eats and fun!
* New student and family specials!
* Raffle Prizes
From Washington State Ferries:
Starting Monday, May 23, all vehicles except motorcycles and bicycles must stop at the tollbooths at the Fauntleroy Terminal to purchase and/or redeem tickets. Motorcyclists and bicyclists will continue to be processed near the Terminal building at the west end of the dock.
To speed up the loading process during peak travel times, a bypass lane will be provided for pre-ticketed vehicles only (no sales). New signage has been installed in front of and on the toll booths to indicate when the pre-ticketed bypass lane is open, in addition to providing other important information. Please pay attention to signs and watch for instructions from WSF staff at the Fauntleroy Terminal.
Please note that as a safety precaution, WSF will not allow passengers to be dropped off or picked up at the terminal when the pre-ticketed bypass lane is open. Passengers can be picked up/dropped off in the load zone just south of the Terminal on Fauntleroy Way during these times. Customers with disabilities that prevent them from using the walkway at the terminal should notify WSF staff upon arriving at the terminal that they will need a closer pick-up/drop-off point.
This change is being implemented to speed vehicle processing and loading times. Thank you for your cooperation!
So much summer fun is approaching – including West Seattle Outdoor Movies, a free six-Saturday-night series in the courtyard next to Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) at California/Genesee, with sponsors including WSB. Opening night of this year’s series is exactly two months away – July 16th – which means it’s time for a WSOM tradition, your suggestion(s)! Here’s what not to suggest, since they’ve been shown in recent years:
2015’s movie lineup was “Zoolander,” “Singles,” “Raising Arizona,” “Big Hero 6,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Rocky Horror Picture Show”
2014’s movie lineup was “Gravity,” “Spice World,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” “The Blues Brothers,” “The Goonies,” “Frozen”
*2013′s movie lineup was “Goldfinger,” “Devil Wears Prada,” “Muppets,” “Avengers,” “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure,” “This Is Spinal Tap”
*2012′s movie lineup was “Pretty in Pink,” “Young Frankenstein,” “Lion King,” “Iron Man,” “Yellow Submarine,” “Top Gun”
The goals otherwise, besides avoiding recent reruns, are “relatively family-friendly” (obviously, as you can see from the lists above, it’s not all G-rated!) and “entertaining.” So if you have a movie to suggest, please post a comment – thank you, and set your calendar reminders for July 16, 23, 30 and August 6, 13, 20!
12:54 PM: Thanks to David Williams for the photo and first word that a bit of Junction history is exposed right now – in front of Talarico’s Pizzeria at 4718 California SW. The restaurant doesn’t open until 3 today so we haven’t yet reached anyone to ask for details of the work (and the sign’s fate) but an online permit filing has the notation, “Install 45 lineal feet of rigid canopy on storefront with no signage or graphics.” Meantime, Mike Phelps also sent a photo, which we’ve cropped for a closer look:
Mike adds, “The revealed signage predates (the old) New Luck Toy. Predates me; interesting to see if any readers remember or have photos.” The recently released West Seattle Junction Historical Survey says this building dates to 1950.
1:51 PM: As “Chemist” points out in comments, the address is identified on this Junction-history site as having belonged to “Star Radio” before New Luck Toy in 1950.
5:30 PM: During a brief stop at Talarico’s this afternoon, we learned this work is part of a bit of remodeling of the entire front, including the windows. The sign, we’re told, is from when Schuck’s was in part of the building. No plans to preserve it, so if you’re interested in seeing it in person, get down there fast. The work is only expected to take a few days.
Via text (thank you!): A “small pod of orcas” is reported to be in view right now between The Arroyos and Vashon Island, mid-channel. Even if that’s too far south for you – they’ll have to head north eventually!
As proposed in the draft plan for Sound Transit 3 – the 25-year outline for expanding light rail around the region, expected to go to voters in November – West Seattle would be served with an elevated line. Some community advocates think a tunnel would be better, once the line gets across the Duwamish River (currently envisioned as happening via its own new bridge). With the proposed final plan just weeks away, the City Council is expected to pass a resolution shortly offering its feedback to ST. Here’s what’s mentioned about that in the draft of the council resolution, which you can read in full here:
The ST3 package should include a light rail extension from Downtown Seattle to the West Seattle Junction, including a grade-separated alignment through West Seattle. The ST3 package should allow for future consideration and evaluation of a tunnel alignment through West Seattle, if cost savings within the ST3 program or additional funding resources become available.
We asked City Councilmember Lisa Herbold for comment on whether she supports this language; she is the “alternate” member on the City Council Transportation Committee, which will consider the resolution at its 2 pm meeting tomorrow (Tuesday, May 17th). We just received a reply through her legislative assistant Newell Aldrich: “The resolution incorporates language suggested by CM Herbold and the WSTC — we worked with them on the WS section. We all wanted to ensure there was equivalency with the Ballard section (i.e. listing a potential tunnel option if funding allows).”
WSTC is a reference to the West Seattle Transportation Coalition. As a side note to this, you might recall that the WSTC ran a survey about WS light rail this spring, before the ST3 draft plan came out. In WSB comments, some have wondered when those results would be released. Former WSTC board member Joe Szilagyi, who led the group’s online presence during his time on the board, published them in this Medium.com post today.
(Barn swallow, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
Before we get to today’s highlights – if you’re here mostly for the bird photos, you might love a Saturday event just announced by the Duwamish Longhouse – a presentation on “Birds of the Duwamish Valley.” It’ll be in our calendar shortly; here’s their announcement.
Now, to today/tonight! – highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
EARLY DAYS: Drop-in support group for new parents, 10:30-noon. Suggested donation $10, but no one will be turned away. Info in our calendar listing. Meets at Nurturing Expressions (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. (4746 44th SW, Suite #201)
AFTERNOON BOOK GROUP: All welcome, 2 pm at Southwest Library. This month’s title is “Animal Dreams” by Barbara Kingsolver. (35th SW/SW Henderson)
TINKERLAB DROP-IN: 6-7:30 pm, fun STEM-based crafts for all ages, free, at Delridge Library.
(5423 Delridge Way SW)
HIGHLAND PARK ELEMENTARY PTA: The end of the school year is already in view, but that’s no time to disengage – if you’re in Highland Park, the HP Elementary PTA would love to see you at tonight’s meeting. From president Holly Briscoe:
Come out to help finalize the PTA’s Vision, Mission, and Core Values that we have been crafting this year, join in on the conversation about school accessibility, and take a walk around the school to help brainstorm projects for upcoming community service events. Have you considered being on the PTA Board, or would you like to nominate someone for next year? Now is the time! PTA meeting at 6:00. Snacks will be provided. Spanish interpreters will be available. Child care provided by City Year. All are welcome!
(1012 SW Trenton)
OLD-TIMEY COUNTRY MUSIC … with Collapsible Rodeo at Parliament Tavern, 8 pm, no cover. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
MORE … on our complete calendar!
Four reader reports from the weekend in West Seattle Crime Watch, plus a reminder about this month’s West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting:
INSTRUMENTS STOLEN: Another case of musical instruments stolen from a car. They may well already be up for sale somewhere – that’s what happened in another recent case – so Brandon, who plays in a band called Black Bone Exorcism, hopes you’ll be on the lookout. Here’s the flyer including his contact info. He says the gear all has “stickers and marker spots for settings …” A police report is filed.
TOOLS STOLEN: Leschi residents visiting West Seattle report that their Toyota Tacoma parked in the Les Schwab parking lot at Fauntleroy/Alaska was broken into on Saturday night “and approximately $2,000 of tools (were stolen) and some items of little monetary value but lots of sentimental value. Please be on the lookout for these that might have been tossed aside. Name ‘Solem’ written on some.”
WINDOW BROKEN: Late last night, around 10 pm, somebody broke a window on Reed’s car at 11th/Barton. “Nothing stolen, just a broken window. Filed a police report.”
SIDESWIPES: This might be a warning as much as anything else, Adam reports, if you park in this area:
Within the last week, I have seen 3 or 4 different instances of sideswipes of parked cars within one block of The Sanctuary (Lander and 42nd).
There were two (recently) that seemed a little bizarre. Both were on 41st Ave SW between Lander and Admiral. Police were on the scene at about 7:15 am when I drove by. What makes it strange is it seemed like the parked cars rammed into the cars parked in front of them and it didn’t seem like those cars were hit from behind. Both instances were on different ends of the block. Another instance was on Lander at the Safeway. The other happened in front of the Sanctuary on 42nd Ave SW.
WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL TOMORROW NIGHT: 7 pm tomorrow (Tuesday, May 17th) is the monthly meeting at the Southwest Precinct with your chance to hear about local crime trends and bring concerns to Seattle Police. WSCPC president Richard Miller also usually books a guest and this time, it’s a rep from city code compliance – which relates to issues including “nuisance houses.” The precinct is at 2300 SW Webster.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
6:21 AM: Good morning! It’s a somewhat-soggy Monday so far. No incidents in/from West Seattle. But we’re reminding you again that the city says the Fauntleroy Expressway quake-safety-cushion-re-replacement work starts tonight, which means the west end of the bridge is scheduled to close starting at 9 pm, as explained here.
8:50 AM: First notable incident of the morning, and an alert for surface traffic – Mickey reports via Twitter, “An accident involving a train and semi at Spokane and Alaskan Way – no apparent injuries. @SeattlePD on scene.”
High Point and South Park are two of four neighborhoods whose Seattle Public Library branches will get Friday hours back as of July 1st. Here’s the SPL announcement:
Thanks to funds from the seven-year, 2012 voter-approved Library levy, The Seattle Public Library will restore Friday operating hours to four neighborhood branch libraries whose hours were reduced during recession-related budget cuts.
The High Point, International District/Chinatown, South Park, and University branches will all have restored Friday hours as of July 1.
“We are so glad to be able to restore hours at these four branches,” City Librarian Marcellus Turner said. “Expanding Library hours in neighborhoods that currently have limited access continues to be a priority.”
When the levy passed in August 2012, 15 of the Library’s 27 locations were closed on Fridays and Sundays. In 2013 the levy funded the restoration of Sunday hours at all locations and the expansion of the Columbia and Northgate branches into branches operating seven days a week, but patrons often tell the Library they wish more branches were open on Fridays.
Last year, the Library Board prioritized adding open hours at several branches when a limited amount of funds became available from inflation savings from the levy. The $378,000 in levy funds to restore Friday hours at the four branches were approved as part of the Library’s 2016 Operations Plan.
The branches were selected after an administrative review of traditional Library statistics, community demographics, income distribution, transportation links, key partnerships, internet and Wi-Fi sessions, and review by a Library staff team involved in the city’s Race and Social Justice Initiative and more.
The new open hours at the four branches will be: 1 pm-8 pm Monday and Tuesday, 11 am-6 pm Wednesday through Saturday, and 1 pm-5 pm Sunday. The HP and SP branches’ Friday closures started six years ago, this archived WSB story reminds us.
One more reminder that tomorrow night – 9 pm Monday to 5 am Tuesday – brings the first closure of the west end of the West Seattle Bridge for the re-do of a project from 4 years ago: Earthquake-safety cushioning for the section officially known as the Fauntleroy Expressway. To replace the cushions, the bridge deck has to be jacked up from beneath, and so westbound traffic will have to get off at the Delridge exit (if not sooner). Eastbound traffic won’t be able to get on from 35th/Fauntleroy, but will have access from the Avalon/Harbor ramp. There’ll also be some lane closures under the bridge, daytime as well as nighttime, but no more than one lane closed in each direction, SDOT says. We’ll have daily reminders in our weekday morning traffic watch; this week the closures are scheduled to run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights, and subsequently Sunday nights through Thursday nights. Also, SDOT notes, “There will be NO bridge closures on Friday or Saturday nights. On evenings of Mariners or Sounders games with attendance of 20,000 or more, weeknight closures won’t begin until 11 pm.” (The project backstory is here.)
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