SDOT scales back grant-funded walkway near Chief Sealth IHS because of possible future development
(Above, original design made public in March; below; revised design announced today)
Sent late today by SDOT – news that they’re scaling back on planned pedestrian improvements because of possible future development. The update sent to the project mailing list was signed by outreach lead Michael Charles:
I am touching base with you to share an update on SDOT’s Chief Sealth High School Walkway Improvements project. This project is part of the Neighborhood Street Fund program, which funds community-requested projects.
Updated Design
In the original design, we planned to have a walkway along 25th Ave SW. This was removed because of the likelihood that a developer will submit a permit for construction on the east side of 25th Ave SW in the relatively near future. Knowing this, we’ve removed the paved walkway on 25th Ave SW from the project design, because the developer will be required, per the City’s Land Use Code, to construct similar right-of-way improvements.
We recognize that this is unwelcome news to some of you who looked forward to the improvements on 25th Ave SW. While it could still be several years before this development takes place, the high likelihood of its occurring means that investing public funds at this location would not be prudent.
We will continue to advance the project and improve the walkway on 26th Ave SW. Please see the project website to view the updated project design.
(That’s the second map at the top of this story.) This is the first major update since project feedback was sought back in March. The project website now has an updated “fact sheet.”
As for the possible development, we’ve just checked the parcels along the east side of 25th and have not found any early-stage filing that would correlate with what the city’s referring to, so far. But there’s vacant land on the north side of Trenton and 25th (as spotlighted unpleasantly during last year’s Find It, Fix It walk) – we’ll keep watching the files.
WEST SEATTLE’S NEWEST CROSSWALK: SW Alaska, west of Fauntleroy
The long-anticipated SW Alaska crosswalk on the west side of Fauntleroy Way is now open (lower half of the top photo). First word came in a short time ago from Matt, who also sent the photos:
Finally! They painted the stripes this morning and it was open by the afternoon. They also re-striped East across Fauntleroy.
The walk signal is about 15 seconds long and the turn arrow does remain red; however, I did observe one southbound car start to proceed through the right turn when the signal turned green for the other two lanes only to stop quickly when they saw a pedestrian crossing. I’d suggest caution when crossing here as it may take a while for people to get used to a crosswalk being here.
This crosswalk has been years in the making – though SDOT installed it, it was part of The Whittaker‘s (WSB sponsor) “public-benefit package,” required for its alley vacation; the crosswalk goes from The Whittaker’s northeast corner across SW Alaska to Spruce (LA Fitness + apartments). We’re told there’s still a little more work ahead at this intersection, so don’t expect to see it crew-less just yet.
WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Recognize this found bicycle?
The photo and report are from BrianD:
Our house sitter found this bike near the Fauntleroy Ferry dock over the weekend, Silver/gray with red front forks. To claim, give us some sort of identifying feature – what is printed on seat, what is printed on handlebars, or what sort of markings are on the frame. If not claimed in a few days, it will be turned over to SPD.
Yours? Contact us and we’ll connect you.
PREPAREDNESS: Free, one-of-a-kind regional, accessible class for neighbor-to-neighbor emergency-response skills
The storm scenes from Houston might have convinced you to review your disaster preparedness. Local preparedness advocate Cindi Barker shares word of a unique opportunity that’s not in West Seattle but might be helpful because this kind of training isn’t being offered by the city of Seattle at all any more. She summarizes it as “a special class offered for people who have access issues (ADA, seniors, learning barriers) so that they can take a class and train in Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) skills, (which) can still be used by people at any time to respond to a disaster.” The Accessible CERT class is happening in Redmond, three full days:
It is a CERT class trained using a variety of learning styles. It is based on the concept of universal accessibility. It is designed for any person who self-identifies as having a disability and members of advocate groups for people with disabilities. Of course, all are welcome!
The class is three days long. Friday, September 29th, through October 1st, 2017. The first two days are interactive classroom training. The third day, participants will respond as a team to a staged mock disaster.
The entire course is free of charge, will have full accessibility, sign-language interpreters, lunch is included, and we will cover the cost of transportation for individuals with disabilities if requested.
Again, it’s free, but registration is required, and spaces are limited – go here. (Even more details are available via this fact-sheet flyer.)
The case of the vanishing sidewalk signs
The photo and report – more of a request, really – are from Hillary:
My wheelchair-bound mother and I have had to keep our sidewalk at 24th Avenue SW and SW Holden closed until we can get a retaining wall replaced. Our retaining wall failed due to rain and contractor error in February. The city insists we keep the sidewalk closed and pay to do so. We have had to put up sidewalk-closed signs at our own expense. They have been repeatedly stolen and vandalized. It has happened again this week. Both signs, which cost us $152, were stolen. We get the wall replaced in September. We have spent several thousand dollars to keep the sidewalk closed already. We can’t keep replacing signs. Could you please appeal to the community on our behalf? We just want our signs back. No questions asked.
West Seattle (and vicinity) Tuesday: From community to comedy
Thanks to Ben for today’s featured bird – video of a peregrine falcon seemingly oblivious to other birds’ harassment at Westcrest Park. Meanwhile, the week before Labor Day continues, it’s a smoky and warm Tuesday – here are highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WADING POOL AND SPRAYPARK: The only West Seattle wading pool still open for the season – this is the last full week! – is Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way); it’s open 11 am-8 pm today, as is Highland Park spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), both open daily (weather permitting, and today that’s certainly not an issue) through Labor Day.
FREE LUNCH FOR KIDS: From our ongoing listings for three West Seattle locations where kids can get lunch while school’s out – noon-1 pm at Neighborhood House High Point, 12:30 pm-1:30 pm at Delridge Library, 12:30 pm-1:30 pm at High Point Library.
FREE BUSINESS PLANNING CONSULTATION: 2:30-5:30 pm at Delridge Library – but you need an appointment; our calendar listing explains how. (5423 Delridge Way SW)
SOUTH PARK COMMUNITY SAFETY MEETING: 7-8:30 pm at South Park Neighborhood Center, tonight’s the community-requested meeting intended to discuss “emerging issues and growing concerns,” with city and community reps, including Councilmembers Lisa Herbold and Lorena González. Doors open at 6:30 pm. (8201 10th Ave. S.)
COMEDIANS’ POWER HOUR: 8-11 pm at Parliament Tavern: “The joking-and-drinking roadshow that’s had showdowns from New York to New Orleans has come to the Pacific Northwest to find out which Seattle comic has what it takes to call themselves CPH Champion.” $6 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
SEE WHAT ELSE IS UP … for today/tonight/beyond, by browsing our complete calendar.
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