FOLLOWUP: City extends Alki Point ‘Keep Moving Street’ status

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB photo, Beach Drive “Keep Moving Street” in May)

While the city has long since declared that most of its “Stay Healthy Streets”.- closed to vehicle through traffic – would remain that way permanently, the status of a few similar stretches dubbed “Keep Moving Streets” because of their proximity to parks remained unsettled. Late today, that changed. The Alki Point “Keep Moving Street” – Alki SW west of 63rd SW and Beach Drive SW west of 63rd [map] – has an end date of sorts, for now:

This Keep Moving Street will remain through Phase 3 of reopening in King County. We hear you asking us to consider permanent closure and sharing your associated concerns, and we’ll be reaching out over the next few months with more conversation on possible future configurations.

(If you’ve forgotten, we’re still in Phase 2.) The announcement was made in conjunction with more-firm end dates for two of the three other “Keep Moving Streets” in other parts of the city. SDOT’s post also summarizes feedback it’s received, including this regarding the Alki Point stretch:

What we heard:

=A desire for permanent closure! Over 1,000 of you signed a petition to keep this Keep Moving Street open permanently
-This street was especially helpful for wheelchair users, because the sidewalks are too narrow for wheelchairs
-Concern about “privatization” of the beach by limiting car and parking access
-Concern that the Keep Moving Street limits the capacity of people who cannot walk, bike, or roll to enjoy the view by driving by
-Concern about the shifting of speeding/noise south between Mee Kwa Mooks Park and Jacobsen Drive

On this “Keep Moving Street,” SDOT says, “We’ve seen an average of 415 cars per day, with a median speed of 17.5 MPH.” It was closed to through traffic four months ago.

MrsB September 4, 2020 (6:52 pm)

Judging by the number of cars parked regularly on the Sound side of the road, either the street closure is being ignored or the residents are enjoying their additional parking.

Lbalm September 4, 2020 (7:37 pm)

The street closure is being ignored. Initially there were very few cars, the numbers have steadily increased because parking enforcement doesn’t patrol regularly.
heartless September 4, 2020 (7:40 pm)

“Judging by the number of cars parked regularly on the Sound side of the road, either the street closure is being ignored or the residents are enjoying their additional parking.”

The street closure that doesn’t exist? Probably a good thing it’s being ignored, then.

Ya see, the street isn’t closed; never has been. Feel free to drive down there and park and enjoy the amenities.

What they ARE asking you to do is, if you’re driving through the area, please use an alternate route so that there are fewer drivers on that stretch.
WSJ September 4, 2020 (8:01 pm)

Of course it’s being ignored, but it’s still working. Vehicle traffic is way down, and it’s a much better experience for anyone walking/biking that section. Working out fine as far as I’m concerned
- Patrick H. September 5, 2020 (7:27 am)
  
  Just to clarify, parking is still totally allowed on Keep Moving Streets. They just stop being through streets and only permit local access. As long as people aren’t driving from Beach Dr. around to the intersection with 63rd ave. without stopping, they’re following the rules.
- Thomas September 5, 2020 (8:07 am)
  
  This street should of never been closed in the first place mainly because it is a park and people should be allowed to park there and since the mayor never had a petition by the people of West Seattle wanting the street closed it is in violation of the city charter
  - heartless September 5, 2020 (8:52 am)
    
    “This street should of never been closed in the first place mainly because it is a park and people should be allowed to park there…”
    
    PEOPLE ARE STILL ALLOWED TO PARK THERE, THAT HAS NEVER CHANGED!
    - Joseph September 5, 2020 (1:09 pm)
      
      100% Wrong. Only residents and guests of residents are allowed to drive beyond the ROAD CLOSED signs. One can get a citation for driving in there unless they live there, have business there (like a delivery), vendor, real estate agent, or are a guest. Otherwise, the city would’ve put up NO THRU TRAFFIC signs. SPD is simply not enforcing it. I drove in one day for my regular dinner break and there was the SPD mobile unit parked there. I got out and walked right by them and they said nothing. It’s unenforceable, anyway, as every motorist would have to be stopped, show ID, and/or prove they live there, have business there, are feeding their vacationing friend’s cat, etc.
    - heartless September 5, 2020 (5:54 pm)
      
      Uh, evidence? The signs say closed to thru traffic, and the city of Seattle website specifically states that local access is fine. So show me where the rules suggest only residents and guests of residents are allowed.
      
      ps
      “These are located on streets with higher speed and traffic volume than Stay Healthy Streets and are temporarily closed to cut-through traffic (people driving from outside of the closure to a location beyond it). ”
      
      https://sdotblog.seattle.gov/2020/09/04/three-miles-of-lake-washington-blvd-will-stay-open-to-people-walking-rolling-and-biking-until-the-week-of-oct-5/
    - Joseph September 5, 2020 (6:51 pm)
      
      The signs say ROAD CLOSED and STREET CLOSED. Nothing about thru traffic is posted. LOCAL ACCESS ONLY means for residents, vendors, and guests only, but I’ve never seen a local access only sign there, including 2 days ago. My former home on 34th SW has STREET CLOSED signs for 2 blocks north and south, and again, no local access only signage.
    - heartless September 5, 2020 (9:51 pm)
      
      “LOCAL ACCESS ONLY means for residents, vendors, and guests only”
      
      I mean, according to who? You? I agree the signs could be clearer–and Seattle could have gotten out a better message regarding these streets. But in the end, again, the city of Seattle has this explanation:
      
      “These [streets] are temporarily closed to cut-through traffic (people driving from outside of the closure to a location beyond it). ”
      
      And to me that’s pretty clear–if you have a destination along that street, you are free to go there and park. Do you really disagree with that interpretation?

Joseph September 4, 2020 (6:57 pm)

It should be ended immediately.

RayWest September 4, 2020 (7:19 pm)

End this immediately. Everyone should have equal access to this public place–by car, bike, walking, etc.. Not everyone can park blocks away and then walk to the beach area. There is less and less opportunities for views of Puget Sound, especially now with the Alaskan Way viaduct gone. If the city wants to designate certain days or weeks throughout the year to close it off, then fine, but not permanent.

Lbalm September 4, 2020 (9:13 pm)

There are great views of Puget Sound and downtown from Hamilton Viewpoint Park off California as an alternative. Very few people actually walk on the rockly area off Beach Drive compared to those who walk/bike/drive through the area. And, anyone who walks on the rocks needs to have good balance to navigate them. The only real beach area with sand is on Alki Ave in an area with no restrictions.
- RayWest September 5, 2020 (6:39 am)
  
  LBALM – The sandy beach along this stretch is accessible during low tides. I’ve walked it often. Beach Naturalists use this beach for interacting with the public during the summer when there are low tides during the day. Also, the view from Hamilton Viewpoint Park is mostly of the city skyline, not of the Olympic Mountains, and it is not near the water. Not the same experience at all.
  - Lbalm September 5, 2020 (2:31 pm)
    
    Have you gone this year? You can park your car there or on 64th by Beach and visit the tide pools, other people do. Beach Drive is just not supposed to be used as an arterial or through street, 63rd is the designated arterial.

Plf September 4, 2020 (7:26 pm)

Should end, been difficult for handicap folks and nasty comments from residents these streets are paid by all citizens and should be available to all

Lbalm September 4, 2020 (8:37 pm)

There are three designated handicap parking spots that the Parks Dept added on Beach Drive, and just today I passed a gentleman in a wheelchair on the sidewalk along Beach.
WSJ September 5, 2020 (1:14 am)

Actually this added ADA parking, so it’s been great for expanding handicapped access

payattention September 4, 2020 (7:46 pm)

mrsb. Both. People that want to go that way are going around the signs. Resident’s and their guests continued driving to their homes.

1994 September 4, 2020 (8:04 pm)

To be completely transparent they should also post the number of people who responded they are against a permanent closure, otherwise this comment has no reference point:A desire for permanent closure! Over 1,000 of you signed a petition to keep this Keep Moving Street open permanently

WSB September 4, 2020 (8:05 pm)

I believe – though won’t be able to clarify until after the holiday weekend, as this came out late in the day – that they are referring to the private online petition, not the city’s survey.

Alki resident September 4, 2020 (8:55 pm)

You know, sometimes a mom has sleeping kids in their car seats and they just want to park and take in the peace and quiet, the majestic view of the sound and chill for a bit, while stuck in their car before chaos erupts again. I’ve lived here since the 70’s and I’ve never seen a wheelchairs person struggle to get around someone else walking in the sidewalks. And that’s been my go to spot for ages. There’s no excuse to continue to close off this block. Enough is enough.

PSA September 4, 2020 (9:30 pm)

There is at least one good excuse… PANDEMIC and the need for social distancing.
Elton September 5, 2020 (10:16 am)

Comments like this are driving me nuts. What is stopping you from going and parking right now? The whole point of the closure is that it is closed to through traffic not for people who need to get to their houses there or who need to park there to enjoy the beach.
- heartless September 5, 2020 (6:44 pm)
  
  Elton:
  
  A pirate walks into a bar with a ship’s wheel affixed to his crotch.
  
  The bartender goes: “What’s with the wheel? Looks uncomfortable.”
  
  The pirate replies: “Arrrrr! It’s driving me nuts!”
  
  But yeah, see my other comments–people are (with intent unknown) fundamentally misunderstanding the rules regarding these streets.

Born and raised September 4, 2020 (9:23 pm)

All you do gooders are way off base. Get our streets back and let us resume our lives if not now then later. Wearing masks and social distancing of course until science deems it appropriate for normalcy. But a permanent closure…give me a break..

Sheals September 5, 2020 (8:03 am)

Do you actually use this stretch of the road on any regular basis, or is it just the principle of the matter that bugs you? This closure has given a much needed break from the chaos that used to reign there before the pandemic to all those who have been using it since access has been restricted.
- RayWest September 5, 2020 (12:09 pm)
  
  SHEALS – I use –or rather “used to use” this stretch all time. I always went out of my way to use it just because I love to drive by and/or stop to enjoy the view. I keep binoculars in my car in the hope of spotting whales or seals offshore. Every time I’m on or near Alki, I would use it. It’s not about “needing” to use it, it’s about “wanting” to drive it. I’ve lived in West Seattle all my long life, driven this stretch thousands of times. I’ve NEVER seen “chaos” at any time. Shutting the ends of the street is not going stop whatever “chaos” people claim is going on there. Every time I have driven it, it’s quiet with relatively few people. I would like to see this made into a one-way street to aid congestion.
  - Sheals September 5, 2020 (12:56 pm)
    
    RAYWEST- The chaos came at night and was well documented by the neighbors which resulted in the installation of speed bumps a few years ago; that unfortunately did not reduce the problem. However, even during the day, members of car groups would regularly congregate on the sidewalk making it difficult to pass so people would be forced onto the road to do so because the sidewalks are so narrow. The Keep Moving Street initiative has eliminated these problems.
Stevie J September 5, 2020 (12:39 pm)

It’s not closed. On the contrary it is more open than ever. If you want to drive there are plenty of automobile-only roads such as I-5. Enjoying nature should be done with all of your senses, not at 20 mph. Keep your eyes on the road, find a place to park, and walk to the beach.

Joe Z September 4, 2020 (9:27 pm)

Keep it permanently. There are >2,000 miles of other streets for cars to drive on in this city.

Alki Local September 4, 2020 (10:06 pm)

Agree, make it permanent. The Parks Dept has been responsive to every request to make this accessible for people with a disability. And nearby side streets allow for parking no more than 1/2 block away for everyone else.
RayWest September 5, 2020 (6:59 am)

JOE – Z – It’s not a matter of how many alternate miles of street there is in the city. It’s about having access to a highly popular public area with a desirable beach and views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, and being close to the marine wildlife. It should be accessible to everyone at all times, even just to drive by and take in the view. I would suggest this be made a one-way street. That would help alleviate congestion. Also have less parking (i.e. no parking on the water side and use that space for an expanded pedestrian and bike area.
- PSA September 5, 2020 (10:52 am)
  
  ‘It’s about having access to a highly popular public area with a desirable beach and views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, and being close to the marine wildlife. It should be accessible to everyone at all times…’
  
  Yes! A highly popular beach area, etc… which most people would prefer to enjoy outside of their cars.
  
  And yes! It’s about accessibility for all… car through traffic makes it less accessible for all.

K to the F September 4, 2020 (10:06 pm)

What is the problem people have with this? You can still drive TO this street, just not THROUGH. Not every street needs to be available as a bypass — that’s what arterials are for. I wish every neighborhood, non-arterial street wasn’t a through street to vehicles. Work with police/fire to make sure their access isn’t hampered and shut these down to drivers speeding through these small streets.

heartless September 5, 2020 (4:10 pm)

People are idiots.

In this comment section we have multiple people repeatedly complaining they can’t drive to this location, which in no way is true.

ALKI RESIDENT, RAYWEST, and others continue to misunderstand the changes to the street, and continue to bemoan the “fact” that they can no longer drive there.

I can think of no explanation for their statements other than three possibilities:
1) they are too dumb to understand what the Keep Moving Street initiatives actually mean
2) they are too lazy to learn what the initiatives mean
3) they understand just fine but feign ignorance (for whatever reason)
- Vine September 5, 2020 (4:36 pm)
  
  OMG–I wish I had posted this. Best ever on this topic.

Julia September 4, 2020 (10:54 pm)

I suggested making it one way, with a bike lane next to the beach-side sidewalk, then a parking lane, with a single driving lane on the inside. Similar to the roadway along Alki beach, but cars only in one direction.

Lbalm September 5, 2020 (6:43 am)

The sidewalk isn’t wide enough to accommodate all the pedestrians who want to walk on the water side, especially during the pandemic. Along Alki people can walk four or more across and safely distance, plus there’s a bike lane. That’s the whole point of closing this street to cars. If the cars are going to park anywhere on Beach it should be on the side opposite the water, don’t think that’s view people in their parked cars want.
- RayWest September 5, 2020 (12:50 pm)
  
  LBALM – “The sidewalk isn’t wide enough to accommodate all the pedestrians who want to walk on the water side, especially during the pandemic.”
  
  The reality is, there’s VERY FEW pedestrians along this stretch at any one time, even during the pandemic, which will not last forever. It’s not a high foot-traffic area, and not even with the streets closed off. Most people gather on the main Alki beach, not here. And during later Fall through early Spring, there will be practically no one there, but we’ll still have to drive around to allow for a handful of people to have “access.” This was a poorly thought-out and executed plan.
  - Lbalm September 5, 2020 (1:32 pm)
    
    RAYWEST–Hmm, you must be there at different times than I am. I frequently have to walk in the street to avoid oncoming pedestrians/joggers, especially those not masked-up.
  - Kathy September 5, 2020 (2:43 pm)
    
    One Way would not solve the problems of backed up idling traffic, drag racing, speeding and cars violating city noise ordinances. This is a residential street adjacent to a lovely and significnant marine access park. It doesn’t need people just driving through in a car, polluting for no reason, causing conflicts with pedestrians, who have no intention of actually visiting the park. The difference before and after the closure has been amazing in the calm atmosphere and evident enjoyment of the visitors it has produced. Keep this natural environment and the species who inhabit it safe from excessive and unneccessary noise and pollution. Please make it permanent.

DoseOfReality September 5, 2020 (12:36 am)

To the people saying wheelchair access and ability to find zen is interrupted by this section of street being converted to limited access…I call your bluff. Anyone that uses this street knows that the recent changes have been a huge upgrade in usability for all. Go to constellation park/rocky beach, look at all the rubber scarring on the asphalt, remember the constant burnouts and intimidation that was going on when you tried to walk down that narrow sidewalk, and try to logically defend a position that wheelchair access and a quite respite of the busy world was more likely then vs now. You can’t. For those of us that use it daily, with both handicapped family members and toddlers in tow, it’s blatantly obvious that those arguing to open this street in the name of accessibility/usability have an ulterior motive. If you don’t want to keep it limited access, then we need more police presence in order to suppress that activities that prevent families and handicapped people from using it. But you probably don’t want that outcome either do you?

WSJ September 5, 2020 (1:16 am)

Thank you!
heartless September 5, 2020 (8:49 am)

Indeed. The sheer number of people bemoaning the fact they can no longer drive to that section is baffling.

YOU ARE WELCOME TO DRIVE THERE, PEOPLE!

Middle ground? September 5, 2020 (6:13 am)

I’ve been thinking that a compromise might be to close half of the street and make it one way. Allows car access and walker/biker/etc access. There probably is some room for some handicapped spots as well

James September 5, 2020 (7:36 am)

Make It Permanent! There is no need whatsoever to have cars on that street putting pedestrians and biciclists in danger. Safety should be the primary concern. The cars gotta go!To those that have complained that the street had been made ‘private’, that’s wrong. Anyone who has visited since the street closure knows it has become the opposite. The usage of the street by non-car traffic has risen dramatically as the street has become safer for use.

nadmercury September 5, 2020 (7:59 am)

This making of a street in to a
park/recreation area is unconstitutional.
Article 2, Section 40 of the Washington State Constitution quite
clearly forbids (SDOT) using any highway/street funding to make a street into
a park/recreation area. This is a terrible program; in effect turning
large areas of Seattle into semi-gated communities largely for the benefit of the
few that live in the restricted area. It effectively closes-off one of
the most scenic areas of Seattle to residents and tourists doing a casual tour
and to many people with disabilities.

heartless September 5, 2020 (8:47 am)

Sounds like you should snag a lawyer and handily win a lawsuit.

Alki Resident September 5, 2020 (8:02 am)

Limited mobility/elderly are NOT accessing the Beach Drive park viewpoints. The closure starts at Cactus and extends past the Lighthouse to Constellation park. Effectively it takes out about six blocks of city streets. I walk it every day and monitor the usage and the older people that I saw daily pulling up to the curb and enjoying the view for a few minutes are gone. Try legally parking your car and enjoying the view from in front of the Pumping station. You will be walking a long ways. Now imagine being old and each step hurting. “We” have cut them off from the streets they have helped pay for. But we now have a new semi-gated community so hey – forget everybody else – lock out everyone that doesn’t “belong”. Mission Accomplished.

heartless September 5, 2020 (8:46 am)

Again: it is perfectly fine to drive down there, drive onto that exact stretch of street, and park.

And as someone else has point out: handicapped parking has actually increased in that area.

All they are asking is that through traffic–that is people for whom that stretch is not their destination–take an alternate route.

I find it utterly bizarre that you “walk it every day” and still fundamentally misunderstand what is going on.
Sheals September 5, 2020 (9:10 am)

How do you explain all the people parking their cars currently and getting out to walk along Constellation Park? Plus the three designated ADA parking spots? The elderly/disabled have not been blocked from visiting, this story is not backed by the reality I see daily. Although I do worry about the elderly I see sitting on benches and possible contact transmission of the virus.
Alki Local September 5, 2020 (10:14 am)

One of my older relatives hasn’t ventured out further than her backyard since the pandemic started. Perhaps some at-risk people are no longer taking walks in their usual areas or times, if at all, and that’s why you don’t see them. I for one avoid the main drag of Alki by the restaurants at certain times because it’s too crowded and not enough people are wearing masks–I take side streets and alleys instead.
Lbalm September 5, 2020 (10:16 am)

One of my older relatives hasn’t ventured out further than her backyard since the pandemic started. Perhaps some at-risk people are no longer taking walks in their usual areas or times, if at all, and that’s why you don’t see them. I for one avoid the main drag of Alki by the restaurants at certain times because it’s too crowded and not enough people are wearing masks–I take side streets and alleys instead.
Vine September 5, 2020 (1:11 pm)

If any of the older people you used to see live in any kind of residential living situation, they have been on lockdown due to the virus. Until recently they couldn’t even have visitors, so no trips outside. That might explain why some people aren’t being seen in their usual haunts. When was the last time you saw a van full of senior citizens from Brookdale or Aegis drive by the beach and stop for donuts?

SCAK001 September 5, 2020 (10:20 am)

As much as the residents who live there want a permanently private road, it was funded and is maintained by taxpayer dollars. If the road continues to be closed, by very definition it becomes privatized and you, the residents who now “own” the road will have to pay for all repairs and maintenance (think cement/paving, sidewalks, snow removal, drainage, maybe even seawall and railings…oof!) That’s a big LID cost/assessment for you, despite the increase in the value of your “private road (we got rid of the riff-raff”) homes. Do you really believe all public roads should become “private” and yet have taxpayers continue to pay for them? I don’t love packed streets, loud motorcycles, speeding car rallies either, but c’mon. Stop being elitist and put yourself in others shoes for a second. Open the public street, or go through the process and YOU pay personally for it to become privatized.

PSA September 5, 2020 (11:02 am)

It is not being privatized. It has become more inviting and accessible and safe for the public to visit and utilize the street, outside of their car, simply by restricting car traffic driving through.
Vine September 5, 2020 (11:02 am)

Hmm, a permanently accessible road to everyone in Seattle and beyond who wants to safety walk, run, bike, or if you have a disability, park in a designated ADA spot. Interestingly, this closed street is also being used by cars that also park for a bit to enjoy the view. How does all this fit the definition of being privatized when everyone seems to be using it? Your argument holds no weight against the reality of how it is actually used.

Steven Cesmat September 5, 2020 (10:38 am)

Thank you Alki Resident. You hit the nail on the head. I just wish more people had the insight you have.

Seriously? September 5, 2020 (10:56 am)

I live on 40th, I would really like it if people didn’t drive on my block to go shopping at the junction. You can DRIVE to 40th but you may not pass through. You see, there’s a pandemic and all those cars and people walking on my block is just not ok. I bet my block is more crowded every day more so than the street that’s closed at alki, everyday, every season, all hours. But guess what? People pay for 40th just as they do for alki streets, i guess we’re just not as entitled.

PSA. September 5, 2020 (12:35 pm)

This street is a popular and beautiful location for people to enjoy outdoors.It has been closed as part of a program, in which ‘select’ streets within communities are identified as being an opportunity for a safe and healthy space for people to enjoy outdoors.If you believe your street should also be considered for a Stay Healthy street, by all means, contact someone and make the suggestion. Many people would love to see more streets closed, go for it..
Kathy September 5, 2020 (3:06 pm)

Seriously: So write to the city and request a street closure on your block! The city is seeking nominations for more candidates for street closures. In fact, the survey which just closed solicited nominations. But you can still make a suggestion: https://www.seattle.gov/transportation/projects-and-programs/programs/stay-healthy-streets

Michael Ostrogorsky September 5, 2020 (12:53 pm)

Absolutely one of the best things the City of Seattle has done! This does NOT mean you can’t park there. This does NOT mean you can’t drive there. So get over it!

WSB September 5, 2020 (4:35 pm)

For those arguing over “the rules” for Stay Healthy/Keep Moving Streets, you can consult the webpage:
http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/projects-and-programs/programs/stay-healthy-streets

That also points to more data from the city’s recent survey.

And it has a difference in wording regarding the prospective end of the Alki Point restrictions: It says “until Phase 3,” rather than the SDOT Blog post/news release we quoted, which said “through Phase 3” (which could be interpreted as “until Phase 4”).

heartless September 5, 2020 (6:40 pm)

Indeed. I’d like to call attention, in particular, to this portion: These streets “…are temporarily closed to cut-through traffic (people driving from outside of the closure to a location beyond it).”

Meaning, of course: YOU CAN DRIVE TO LOCATIONS ON THAT STREET AND PARK THERE.

Raywest, Alki resident, Joseph, & others: have some crow, compliments of the Heartless.