WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: What do you think? Local writer sets up site as potential community hub

Before this year is out, the Sound Transit Board of Directors is expected to take a final vote on exactly where West Seattle’s light-rail extension will run, and stop. That decision will set in motion a wave of changes for multiple neighborhoods. Some people will have to move their homes and businesses. Some are looking forward to access to more transit. Local writer Marie McKinsey is launching a site to collect community opinions and information, after seeing how some light-rail-related posts on her personal website – such as this one – draw a lot of interest. She explains further:

The response to blog posts like this one has shown me that there are deep concerns in the neighborhood about this project. I’m not sure it would pass if presented to voters today.

I was talking to some friends about this recently. They are frustrated with this project and believe others are, too. They just don’t have a way to connect with them.

It occurred to me that it might help if there was a single website that could show the Big Picture of public sentiment. One that gives people a place to share their DEIS comments, their experiences with Sound Transit, and stories about how this project will affect them. Maybe that will lead to connections between people across the various micro-neighborhoods affected.

So I created a blog that people can contribute to. I will add separate pages if needed to accommodate community organizations, like Pigeon Point, Delridge, etc. It’s a Blogger site, so there are no expenses for any of us. Here’s the URL: westseattleneighbors.blogspot.com

I’d like for people to know they can send me information and I will post it. I have no idea where this will go. I’m just going to put it out there and see who shows up.

Her email address is on the site. Right now, Sound Transit is working on the final Environmental Impact Statement for the extension, which has to respond to concerns raised after the Draft EIS went public before last July’s “semi-final” routing/station location vote. ST’s current estimate for Final EIS release is “late” this year; 2032 is the estimated date for the West Seattle light-rail extension to start running.

Jeff January 16, 2023 (8:10 pm)

Exhibit A on why it takes FOREVER to get anything done around here. We voted, it passed. Build the dang train!

Joseph January 16, 2023 (10:00 pm)

Totally agree with you Jeff – sometimes I wonder how can do we the opposite of what these people are trying to do? Should I buy “buildthedamwstrain”.com and get all the approval signature haha. This and the skylink are just attempts to slow down needed transportation
WS Res January 17, 2023 (8:45 am)

And some of us bought homes in West Seattle BECAUSE light rail is coming.

jan roberts January 16, 2023 (9:07 pm)

Thank you for creating this informative site, Marie. It is the perfect vehicle to create awareness and engage those of us in community about the multifaceted impact Sound Transit light rail link will have on West Seattle. I stress urgency for people to drill down into the details and respond now while there is still time to be heard.

Scubafrog January 17, 2023 (12:15 pm)

Thank you, after poring through the information, I’m more excited than ever for Light Rail – and pronto.

Mary January 16, 2023 (10:16 pm)

The year 2032 ? !

WSB January 16, 2023 (11:21 pm)

The date was originally 2030. It slid back two years in the 2021 “realignment” process.
https://westseattleblog.com/2021/06/west-seattle-light-rail-in-2032-heres-what-the-sound-transit-board-chair-is-suggesting-for-potential-realignment-scenario/

Penny January 16, 2023 (10:18 pm)

Ironic it’s rarely the younger people (the one’s who will actually benefit) complaining about light rail. The only ones benefiting from no light rail are those holding on to their large suburban homes and causing a housing crises, while also complaining about newer, younger residents taking up all the street parking. The NIMBY is strong.

Rhonda January 16, 2023 (11:41 pm)

Please enlighten us on how homeowners “holding on to their large suburban homes” are “causing the housing crisis”.
- j January 17, 2023 (6:47 am)
  
  Rhonda,There is no denying that single family zoning is a huge detriment to increased housing.
  Established single family homeowners are a vocal and powerful force of NIMBY opposition. SFR zoning is definitely a cause of our housing shortage and rising costs.
  Many boomers are now retiring into their 2 -3 bedroom family sized homes after their children move out with the attendant underutilization of housing
  So the West Seattleites sitting in large SFR are indeed on of the causes of our acknowledged housing crisis.
  - Waeattleite January 17, 2023 (11:29 am)
    
    What? Who says that everyone wants and needs density? Some people enjoy having yards and gardens. If they own them, let them have them. I swear some people would like everyone to live like the Borg on Startrek in giant concert beehives of apartment buildings. You do that if you want. Some of us don’t want too. If you look down on me for not wanting that, I do t care in the least.
    - Jradz January 17, 2023 (2:34 pm)
      
      PREACH! I can’t build a mini ramp, or treehouse for my kids while living in an apartment… some people just dream bigger.
  - Rhonda January 17, 2023 (12:52 pm)
    
    What an age-discriminating and privileged view, J. Insulting older people who have worked hard all of their lives to provide a comfortable, safe home with a yard to raise their families is an extreme example of elitist rhetoric. We LOVE our yard full of tall trees and wildlife. The sound of neighborhood kids playing in their front and back yards is the sound of a healthy community. We bought our rambler with a 10,000 square foot yard so we can retire and be active in our gardening and avoid having to navigate stairs. We have a family of raccoons on our back hill and we know our squirrels by name. Bald eagles screech from our tree tops in the summer. We have 8000 square feet of dirt and foliage to provide natural drainage and carbon-absorbtion. I’ll take that over a concrete and steel tower, any day, but you are free to live how you wish, just as we all are.
    - Jradz January 17, 2023 (2:39 pm)
      
      Some people don’t get it… They’re angry they can’t afford/didn’t plan properly for buying a house. And they now want to lash out at the ones who planned and made it happen. I wasn’t expecting another round of flurries, but there’s definitely some snowflakes out here. Seriously, trying to shame someone for homeownership… Only in Seattle.
    - j January 17, 2023 (3:00 pm)
      
      Yes Rhonda, I am quite different from you.
      
      I sold my 3,000 + sq ft view home on 17,000 sq ft lot overlooking the Sound after becoming an ’empty nester’.
      
      Now I enjoy all of those activities you so laud, but in a cooperative sharing manner. I enjoy our parks and greenspaces unselfishly, and if I feel like doing gardening I can take part in the numerous community gardens or better yet volunteer for our parks and forests.
      By retaining your bucolic oversized estate, you are simply moving the concrete and steel towers towards our magnificent rural areas- mountains and forests, where they will do far greater environmental harm.
      I can view the invasive non-native squirrels anywhere in West Seattle.
      And I observe the bald eagles, humming birds and migrating fowl from my downsized one bedroom apartment on California Ave SW.
      I am 70 years old and can claim as much entitlement to West Seattle as most since I was born and raised here and have been back long enough to raise a family here.
      My life is just not encased in amber for the ages and I hope to pass on a community that will available to all, not just the privileged few who were here first.
- Mando#2 January 17, 2023 (6:56 am)
  
  Yes, please
- Frustrated January 17, 2023 (7:01 am)
  
  According to some of the commenters here, we should all willingly move out and bulldoze our homes so developers can put up condos and duplexes. I distinctly remember someone writing “Pack ’em in” on a previous blog post.
  - WS Res January 17, 2023 (9:46 am)
    
    Literally no one has said that. The “pack ’em in” comment you reference was, I believe, regarding encouraging density in new developments, not “run people out and bulldoze their homes.” If you dislike living near density, that’s not a reason not to have it, but it’s your choice to leave or stay.
    - Exactly January 17, 2023 (10:56 am)
      
      Exactly, if you can’t afford housing in WS it’s your choice to leave or stay.
- Rick January 17, 2023 (7:42 am)
  
  “You have something you worked hard for and I’m entitled to it because of my immaturity and irresponsibility”.
- shotinthefoot January 17, 2023 (12:49 pm)
  
  @Rhonda – you’re soooo close to getting it.
YeahIReallyDoThink January 17, 2023 (6:20 am)

Penny, it’s “ironic” in the Alanis Morissette sense of the word (i.e., not ironic).

I also think there’s a difference between “Not in my backyard” and “Please don’t force me to move and then tear down my house.” Even if you don’t agree with them, it’s possible to sympathize with that predicament.
Anne January 17, 2023 (7:26 am)

What a ridiculous comment.
Canton January 17, 2023 (7:31 am)

So it’s the homeowners fault, for not wanting to live in 150 sq. ft. cages?
- WS Res January 17, 2023 (9:47 am)
  
  [eye roll]
- Derek January 17, 2023 (12:33 pm)
  
  What a gross exaggeration. Yes space should cost and be taxed repeatedly for lower count of dwellers. We have a housing crisis.
JARRRRRRSH January 17, 2023 (2:31 pm)

Yeah! Large families should pack into apartments, and sell off all their stuff so we can REALLY overpopulate the area, huh? ‘Stop trying to overdevelop the good parts of the city’ is more so the camp in which I reside… Houses good, apartments BAD! There are plenty of other places where apartments are abundant. We don’t need to stuff more people into over priced towers… we need to rebuild the infrastructure that’s collapsing under the weight of all the added bodies.

Rhonda January 16, 2023 (10:47 pm)

It’ll be interesting to see what happens to ST3 funding if the Legislature passes a law prohibiting police from “pretext” traffic stops for items like vehicle registration tabs. If thousands of residents in Sound Transit funding zones stop buying car tabs because they won’t be pulled over and ticketed for having expired tabs, ST could lose a staggering amount of funding.

tonenotvolume January 16, 2023 (11:55 pm)

This is only a useful website if you’re another entrenched WS resident afraid of much-needed change. It’s also a one way mouthpiece for the site’s owner to “share” her opinion. I’m not interested in keeping WS a mainly car accessible island of traditional life.

Flivver January 17, 2023 (6:44 am)

tonenotvolume. Actually, we DO know that change is needed. Your “vision” is the problem. Cars aren’t going away for a long time. Until that reality is accepted needed changes will be mired in your “pie in the sky” vision. Truth be told the VAST majority of WS residents are VERY happy to have car accessibly.
Mando#2 January 17, 2023 (6:58 am)

Nothing about this to me says one way
We want light rail January 17, 2023 (8:24 am)

Couldn’t agree more. The whole concept of actively trying to slow down a public transit project that is 10 years out is selfish af. This project will benefit everyone, stop fighting against projects aimed at making the city more accessible and affordable for people without cars!
snowskier January 17, 2023 (11:04 am)

Totally agree with you. I like having car access but I will like adding Light Rail access to my current car access even more, especially when it’s tied into the buses. More modes for all to get around. This project is needed and is happening. We’ve had years to vote on it and give public input on the route. There will always be sour grapes on any project because hey, unless you pay for it yourself, you don’t always get your way.

lightrailFTW January 17, 2023 (4:40 am)

Visited the site, feels much more like a rallying cry for the people who think that a gondola across the sound is a good idea.There is no way to “contribute” easily to the site. WSB at least has comments open on its articles, the blog could learn a lesson from that.Mass transit in/out of West Seattle is terrible as it stands and needs an improvement. Lightrail won the vote, live with it and learn to participate BEFORE the vote happens next time around instead of trying to throw a spanner in the works because ‘gondola’. I’ve looked into gondola construction, and they need supports and space to operate too. Y’all are gunna hate it when you realize that houses and businesses will still have to give up something for the completion of either project.

Corla January 17, 2023 (6:00 am)

Do we even need the light rail? It would be almost easier to have a shuttle that went directly to the light rail station downtown from West Seattle. We are already so close to downtown. What’s the point of either impacting the environment or peoples houses/businesses.

Derek January 17, 2023 (10:51 am)

We need lightrail. Density is only going to go up and SFH is getting picked at by the day. We need a faster way into the city. Light rail is good for the planet and efficiency.
- natinstl January 19, 2023 (5:42 pm)
  
  It takes 15 minutes right now to get to downtown, light rail will double that since you have to transfer. Life has changed with Covid, people will continue to work from home for the most part. The bridge has been glorious and I contribute that to people now WFH.
Wseattleite January 17, 2023 (1:01 pm)

We do not need light rail. We do not need the expense and displacement of housing for tracks that go from the junction area to SoDO. Bus can already perform that function. Need to add some busses? Add some more busses. People in West Seattle are going to be very disappointed when they realize they still need to take a bus or drive to get to a station for a tiny Choo Choo ride a couple miles East, to then get on another bus or train if they want to go anywhere else. There is no need to have a spur line of a very immovable and unchangeable set of tracks running into West Seattle. It will not help housing, it is tearing it down. Need more transit to the rail system? Add some busses. Done in an instant.
- Jort January 17, 2023 (3:00 pm)
  
  Speaking of immovable and unchangeable sets of tracks, have you ever seen the West Seattle Bridge and the thousands and thousands of miles of roads for cars that we’ve built in this city?

M January 17, 2023 (7:03 am)

This is…something else. I’m impressed by the commitment to continue to complain for years after the votes are in.

Marco January 17, 2023 (7:26 am)

There are so many negatives surrounding the light rail option that people should put their efforts behind the urban gondola option. https://www.westseattleskylink.org/

heartless January 17, 2023 (3:37 pm)

I know you’re joking, Marco, but be careful: there are some people who actually still think along those lines!
Bus January 17, 2023 (5:55 pm)

Or the hamster ball and trebuchet option? https://theneedling.com/2022/04/12/54m-sound-transit-feasibility-study-concludes-west-seattle-giant-hamster-ball-and-trebuchet-system-not-viable/

Jort January 17, 2023 (8:02 am)

Ah, yes, the one thing our transit planning needs is yet another outlet for people to vent and provide even more irrelevant, duplicative feedback. 2032 is, indeed, an unacceptably late date for this project, but a very, very big part of the reason for that is because of websites just like these, where people feel that Sound Transit has an obligation to listen to each and every piece of tiny “feedback” (coded: anti-change, anti-transit, anti-everything). Individualism as public policy rears its head again. The Seattle Process is crippling this region’s ability to get things done. Guess what? Everybody’s feedback doesn’t matter. You will never satisfy every single person. This project will not be appreciably better if every single person has an opportunity to air their gripes. Much like the “gondola” proposals, Sound Transit should politely nod, say, “thanks, you get a pretty gold star sticker,” and move on.

Rhonda January 17, 2023 (1:05 pm)

Well, only Authoritarians want to silence and ignore public comments and input on civil projects, so…
- Jort January 17, 2023 (2:52 pm)
  
  Authoritarians also like to overturn the majority results of democratically held elections, kind of like the overwhelming majority vote in favor of Sound Transit. So maybe it’s not a good idea to flippantly throw that word around? Hmm?
  - Rhonda January 17, 2023 (6:35 pm)
    
    Jort, NO ONE in West Seattle or the entire region voted for the current delays, corruption, and 40% fare-jumping that is ST3 today. When the Legislature passes a law prohibiting police pretext stops for license plate tabs, ST3 will lose gazillions of dollars per year. Drivers will stop paying hundreds of dollars per year for the expensive little stickers with zero consequences. ST3 will need to find alternate funding sources and, hopefully, delay/cancel more projects.
    - Jethro Marx January 17, 2023 (7:55 pm)
      
      Have you stopped renewing tabs or are you just talking about this repeatedly to get a movement going?

Meeeee January 17, 2023 (8:09 am)

Not sure what the purpose of the website is.You can find information on the project in myriad ways, and for anyone who has lived in WS for awhile you’ve had plenty of time to figure out what the options for routing and build will be. If you’re surprised by any of it you haven’t been paying attention.The WS Blog is one of the best sites for keeping updated on meetings, design packets, and all things RE: this project. If you read the WS Blog you’ve had access to it all.It seems I’m a bit of an outlier on this project. My home of 20+ years is on one of the potential routes. I’m at peace with that, and I hope the thing is actually built by 2032. I’m not holding my breath. I’m also fine with the routing not being tunneled and being built above ground. As noted above, we voted on it. Let’s move ahead with it.

wsgal January 17, 2023 (8:18 am)

Lifetime WS resident, along with my parents, and grandparents. Aside from WSblog commenters, I’ve never met a fellow West-Seattleite who is for this project. It’s going to be such a nuisance and eye sore (I am just on the outskirts of it’s route). Our world has changed DRASTICALLY in the last 3 years, I personally know I’ll never take the light rail (I already never go downtown) – I’m wondering if the NEED is still there for commuters. Especially 10 years from now…

Derek January 17, 2023 (11:05 am)

With all due respect, you aren’t talking to many people. My friends who just moved here and bought homes here are anticipating Light Rail at some point in their lives for a variety of reasons. I know at least 20 WS residents just offhand who definitely support this. Also this was voted on. No takebacks.
- Wseattleite January 17, 2023 (2:43 pm)
  
  Derek, not one single person voted for what is now happening. Stop the lies. What was voted on was infrastructure along with a budget and schedule for completion. The budget and schedule are long shot. Again, stop with the lies.
- WS Res January 17, 2023 (4:12 pm)
  
  Exactly. I bought in WS in part because my real estate agent showed me info on the long-term rail project and I am super excited to take advantage of it when it comes. I am honestly not very good with buses, but I love light rail and can’t wait to be able to use it. And changing trains doesn’t bother me. I’ve used the London Underground to get all over the place and have changed trains not once but TWICE in a journey!
Lola January 17, 2023 (11:57 am)

wsgal, I too am a lifelong WS resident as well as my parents were and their parents. I know I will never take the light rail as I do not go downtown anymore. I know that 80 % of my new young neighbors all work from home so they do not commute. They all drive cars as far as I can see, they will walk to the junction from time to time but most use their cars if they are leaving WS. I still see Dow and his cronies trying to get us to use the BUS that never comes or is always out of commission. You could not pay me to take the bus anymore, with all the shootings, druggies, and people yelling at you. No Thank You.
- Derek January 17, 2023 (12:27 pm)
  
  King County buses are almost always on time and very reliable. One of the most reliable in the country. This is just false information. The light rail is also reliable and MANY will use it. It will be a commodity and make west Seattle extremely prosperous. Not all of us are scared of going into the city. In fact most of us aren’t. Cars are also bad for the environment.
- Foop January 18, 2023 (5:01 pm)
  
  I think you’ve already figured out why your neighbors drive anywhere. No light rail, sparse bus service. Sounds like a reason to increase its access, no?

WSrealtor January 17, 2023 (8:20 am)

Its too late people. I’m pretty sure we’ve had the past 5+ years to express our concerns, opinions & fears, vent, cheer it on and complain. ST Board has engaged the community every step of the way through community forums/gatherings, mailers, online questionaires, small group meetings and the WS Blog has done an excellent job of informing and notifying the community of all these opportunities for engagement. If you need more intel on the history of all the route options and decisions made along the way, please search back through the blog postings, its all there, along with hundreds of comments. The majority of WS is looking forward to this fast, efficient mode of transportation, in spite of the inevitable changes it will bring.

Thank You! January 17, 2023 (11:05 am)

Thank You! You’re correct. The comment period is over. We’ve had years to attend meetings and provide comments. If you’re just now jumping on the bandwagon you’re to late.
Natinstl January 19, 2023 (5:46 pm)

I predict ST is going to ask for a vote on more funding, not sure it will pass this time.

Pete January 17, 2023 (8:26 am)

The tone of Mckensey’s statement makes it very clear that this is an anti-rail, anti-Sound Transit site, yet claims to be giving the “big picture.” The overall impression I’m getting is yet another NIMBY claiming that their opinion is what “the community” thinks, as evidenced by the completely unsupported claim that it wouldn’t pass today. I will be contacting the city, Sound Transit, and local representative to make sure they hear that light rail to West Seattle has strong support.

Marfaun January 17, 2023 (3:24 pm)

Does that mean you’re a pro-bad idea (April 2022 CAG said ST offered WS no good routing options), pro-3-plus million tons of atmospheric carbon & pollution (& pro-climate change), pro-slower transit, pro-displacement, pro-destruction person — esp. when better HCT options are available? Just checking.
- Peter January 18, 2023 (3:06 pm)
  
  Ah yes, the usual overly simplistic accusations that anyone who disagrees with you is for every bad thing you can think of. Thanks for “just checking,” but I’m not going to address your absurd claims in your factless Gish gallop.

Seth January 17, 2023 (8:33 am)

That website is going to be an echo chamber of a few people who don’t want the LR to come through and they will assume because everyone in their self sourcing echo chamber doesn’t want it that the entire WS population doesn’t want it either. Almost guarantee it. As a N Delridge homeowner who will have to have their house eminent domain ed for 2/3 proposals, build the freaking LR already, can deal with moving once for the greater good of all for public transit in this city.

J January 17, 2023 (3:05 pm)

Respect to Seth!

April January 17, 2023 (9:38 am)

I will continue to “hold onto my large suburban home” and “traditional life”! Your never going to make everyone happy. Unfortunately some will lose there home and that sucks. But bring on the transit!!

Sillygoose January 17, 2023 (10:35 am)

@Penny why would they complain it is us with the large “suburban” homes that are paying for this with our taxes. Since the majority of the younger generation owns nothing that is taxable to help pay for this, we have every rite to complain. The entitled noncontributing generation is free to leave West Seattle anytime.

DC January 17, 2023 (11:28 am)

This comment shows exactly the entitled, out-of-touch sentiment of the NIMBY anti-transit movement. You do realize young people buy things, right? And, as so many anti-density people love to bring up, some of us own cars. Sales tax and car tabs also fund the city. And really, we do effectively pay property taxes! Our landlords’ property is still taxed, and we pay it through our rent.
K January 17, 2023 (6:03 pm)

“Most of the younger generation cannot afford to own things that are taxable due to hoarding of wealth and property by my own generation, so just to add salt in the wound I say they shouldn’t have a say in anything at all either, because I pay taxes on things these people could not hope to afford.” –Signed, the guy calling someone else entitled.

Marfaun January 17, 2023 (10:43 am)

Light rail isn’t “fast”: takes more time by light rail to go WS to SODO than by Metro bus from WS to downtown.Young & old already benefit from bus. They’ll get less future benefit from light rail.Not what we voted for: > now 73% over budget voters approved, w/ payoff years past proposed end date, so cost will never be amortized (few public transit projects are),> minimum 2 years behind schedule voters approved for to SODO, 12 years behind for CID> project construction will generate more than 3 million tons of carbon, plus 5-7 years of traffic congestion & pollution, that will never be mitigated,> internal Sound Transit emails show misleading, misinforming & stonewalling of public, city & county councils, & public agencies about better transit options for Ballard-WS, and no need for second tunnel> displacement of up to 1000 residents & jobs, dozens of business closures, acres of green space losses (including Duwamish land), and possible disturbance of Duwamish Superfund sediments,> trains on 150-foot pylons never before built to support trainsClimate change doesn’t need help from massive ST carbon footprint.WS development doesn’t need extra push from Sound Transit bulldozers: it will occur anyway. Homeowners will eventually sell to multi-family & commercial developers; enterprises will go in & out of business. Forest & green space should be left intact to absorb carbon, generate oxygen, provide habitat, contribute to public health, etc.

Derek January 17, 2023 (11:07 am)

A lot of this is just straight up unproven. I see no data backing up about 3/4 of your claims.
- bill January 17, 2023 (4:15 pm)
  
  Derek: Marfaun is right about busses being faster to SODO. You have to wait at least 10 years for a train to SODO.
Scarlett January 17, 2023 (11:45 am)

You can’t reason with the irrational. They are determined to believe this light rail segment is going to fill some need going forward and they will demagogue all opposition.
learnmathplz January 17, 2023 (4:05 pm)

You do realize that IF the project finishes on time the current time for a light rail ride from West Seattle to downtown is roughly 9 years, so OFC a bus is currently faster. Tell me this: have you ever been waiting in the freezing rain for a ride home after a 12 hour shift while being surrounded by illegal camps on one side, illegal burning on the other, and vomit all over the bus stop, only to have the bus skip your stop because it’s already full? I have. While still not perfect, the light rail in this city is a far better transit experience than a bus.

David January 17, 2023 (10:46 am)

All I can see here is that this is an anti light rail website. We voted for it let’s get it built. All of those anti light rail folks probably use I5 and the Seattle Center facilities which both caused hundreds of homes and businesses to be bulldozed when they were built

Derek January 17, 2023 (10:52 am)

Bought a house in West Seattle because of the light rail. Get this done and done fast! Build the train!

NewAdventures January 17, 2023 (2:53 pm)

Same. I moved to the Junction anticipating future light rail. The current preferred alignment will take my home. Bad luck for me but I still want them to build it. My family took the light rail up to Roosevelt yesterday and it was great. I can deal with the relocation… Sound Transit has been pretty reasonable to work with so far.
- WS Res January 17, 2023 (4:14 pm)
  
  I hope you get a really solid deal when you’re bought out and are able to find a place in the neighborhood that works for you.

Scarlett January 17, 2023 (11:15 am)

My objection to this light rail segment has nothng to do with NIMBYISM, or a xnth generation West Seattleite complaining about their neighborhood changng, or objections to density, or objection to increased public transit. I’m none of the above. It’s just a bad idea based on unreasonable assumptions and unreasonable projections. It’s a piece of pork for the construction industry, and affiliated beneficiaries, who poured money into a campaign to market this fantasy to voters.

Jort January 17, 2023 (2:55 pm)

I’m sure your principled opposition to “pork for the construction industry” will encourage you to oppose the billions and billions of dollars spent on road construction projects for automobiles, too, right? Or are car drivers actually ‘OK’ as far as “affiliated beneficiaries” go?
- Scarlett January 17, 2023 (10:21 pm)
  
  I’ve made the case for increased bus transit, I won’t repeat myself, but I never brought up auto’s. Don’t fall into the trap of characterizing arguments into pro anti-car or pro-car. But if we’re still around in a decade, I guess we’ll see who proved to be prophetic.
  - Jort January 18, 2023 (11:24 am)
    
    No need to wait patiently for an outcome in the future: we can point to hundreds of examples all around the world from cities big and small that have benefited from rail-based transportation as a critical piece of infrastructure in a modern economy. It’s not theoretical, it’s real, and it works. And, again I’ll ask, are we asking to wait 13 years before every single multi-billion dollar construction project to see “who proved to be prophetic?” Because I can also tell you that you don’t need to look into the future, you can look right now: roadway expansion projects never solve traffic congestion, yet for whatever reason our planners are addicted to it. And nobody second-guesses the billions and billions and billions and billions of dollars we dump down the drain for road expansion.

Fiz January 17, 2023 (11:45 am)

I’ve lived in WS for 70+ years and didn’t know that it’s “suburban”.

J January 17, 2023 (3:13 pm)

Fitz,
in your 70 years in West Seattle did you never have anyone visit from a big city?
I have.
A common remark is, “I thought you lived ‘in the city.'”
West Seattle has long been known for being like a suburb, in fact it was planned like one.

Lisa January 17, 2023 (1:08 pm)

I love West Seattle! My first dose of independence was jumping on a bus. I would love to hear how many make the commute from West Seattle to Ballard! My fiancé does! The way I see it the Rapid C line to Rapid D line is the fastest way to get there if using public transport. I feel the light rail is a good idea but it’s going to wreck havoc with some of those beautiful houses that have been around forever.

Honey January 17, 2023 (1:15 pm)

We voted for ST3 in 2016 trusting them to provide sustainable and equitable transit for the region but we did not give them a carte blanche mandate. Many things have changed over the last six years. The pandemic has greatly altered the number of people working downtown, perhaps permanently. Construction costs have ballooned. We believe the entire project needs to be rethought before “irreparable damage” is done. We are pro mass transit and are Metro users. But we are opposed to Sound Transit’s West Seattle Link. West Seattleites still have a say in how we want our transit needs met, but Sound Transit benefits from us thinking we don’t. There are many reasons to call for a moratorium; here are a few. (1) Sound Transit 3 West Seattle Ballard Link light-rail DEL 6 will cause hundreds of West Seattleites to lose their homes, neighborhoods, businesses, and employment via eminent domain. In October, 2021, Sound Transit sent letters to approximately 1400 property owners letting them know that their properties “might” be affected. (2) The biggest threat Sound Transit poses, however, is to our regional climate due to carbon emissions. According SkyLink’s research on ST3 WSBLE DEIS (Appendix L4.6), “The West Seattle light-rail extension will generate 614,000 tons of carbon during its construction, the equivalent of 1.5 billion gas-vehicle miles and that line will not begin to reduce vehicle miles until 2040, when it is connected with the rest of the light rail network.” “Sound Transit’s estimated carbon load for the entire WSBLE (which includes tunneling downtown and under the Ship Canal) is three million tons. (3) How will Sound Transit secure FTA funding for a project with such a negative climate impact?” Sound Transit is already way over budget. We taxpayers will ultimately be stuck with the bill – once the bulldozers start the plea will be that it will have to be completed. (4) West Seattle presents unique topographical challenges. Existing corridors that are straight and level are where light rail is more economical and less destructive. The WSLink Extension will require (according to some of their proposed “plans”) one 80’ high station (requiring elevators) and another 90’ below ground (requiring three escalators). (5) There were monies allotted for an independent feasibility study regarding a gondola. What happened to those funds? Dow Constantine was among many local residents interested in a gondola. At a West Seattle Chamber of commerce debate on 10/09/2021 he said, “I have asked for a SkyLink study and will bring a motion to the Sound Transit board.” His website states, “Climate change is one of the paramount challenges for our generation and the generations to come”. Dow has a lot of power and a conflict of interest. Here is a quote from dow Constantine’s website, “Climate change is one of the paramount challenges for our generation and generations to come. Climate change is no longer a future problem. It’s happening now.”<img id="” src=”blob:https://westseattleblog.com/aa3c6a75-91e6-4a0b-b930-a43572a637d8” alt=”pastedGraphic.png” apple-inline=”yes” class=”Apple-web-attachment Singleton” style=”opacity: 1;”>(6) The 34th District Democratic Organization also “prefers an aerial urban gondola system to serve the transportation needs of our community over any proposed light rail alternative,” and urges Sound Transit to contract with an independent consultant to reassess the gondola option and compare its projected costs, completion date and environmental impacts with the light-rail for West Seattle(7) Climate change. ST3 WS Link will hugely and negatively impact Greater Seattle’s environment. Up to a third of Seattle’s urban canopy is housed in West Seattle. Our wetlands, parks, green spaces, the Longfellow Creek Basin and the West Seattle Green Belt also benefit the entire region – as do our many eco-systems. (8) Metro serves West Seattle well. We can get all around our community – and easily and cheaply to Seattle and points south. Can it be improved? Certainly!(9) West Seattle is a very unique and precious community. Seattle just tore down the viaduct. Why would we want to put up another monstrosity and lose businesses and homes as Sound Transit plows its way from The Skylark Cafe and Ounces to the Alaska Junction? (10) There is a NO BUILD option – both smartertransit.org and westseattleskylink.org have thoughtful solutions to our transit needs. Perhaps you do too. We also do not want to lose all that makes West Seattle such a wonderful place to live.

Jethro Marx January 17, 2023 (8:41 pm)

Honey mentioned:

“We voted for ST3 in 2016 trusting them to provide sustainable and equitable transit for the region but we did not give them a carte blanche mandate.”

Like it or not you DID vote to give ST a vague mandate, with unclear limits on budget, scope, and timeline. That’s how they phrased the request to voters and it was not a secret. They can choose the projects needed to achieve the goals, they define the goals as well as what constitutes success, and they can tax as they see fit.

skeeter January 17, 2023 (1:36 pm)

I arrived at Alki aboard the Schooner Exact on November 13, 1851. So I know a thing or two about getting around West Seattle. For those folks who do not own a sturdy watercraft to travel about the region, the light rail will be a reasonably good option. I just hope it gets built before I die. I’m getting old.

41stAVESW January 17, 2023 (3:49 pm)

I look forward to having my property purchased. I trust I’ll be given fair market value and my current tenant will be properly compensated.

Scarlett January 17, 2023 (10:37 pm)

Proponents of this light rail segment don’t provide any rational assessement of what this project will bring to West Seattle, only vagaries and press release platitudes. It’s almost as if “light rail” is a magical abracadabra term that conjures up visions of Amsterdam, or Munch and riders being whisked from point A to point B. They don’t really want to look at it any closer because they will have to confront the reality and absurdity of this project. The immense cost is no fantasy. The decade of construction disruption is no fantasy. Displacement of homes and businesses is no fantasy. And for what? Almost certainly lower than projected ridership, something that could be accomplished for a fraction of the cost and environmental disruption by those rectangular objects with wheels – BUSES.

K January 18, 2023 (6:51 am)

What are you talking about? There’s no magic or fantasy involved–segments of the light rail already exist so we KNOW it gets you from A to B way faster than driving… because that’s how it works on other light rail lines in this very same city. And, unlike the waterfront tunnel, ridership numbers have exceeded projections on those lines. We’ve seen the construction on Beacon Hill, the tunnel downtown, and on the East Side. We know what that’s going to look like AND that it’s going to be worth it when it’s done. The reality of West Seattle getting the same rapid transit we’ve used in Columbia City, Capitol Hill, and Northgate is what’s EXCITING about it.
- Scarlett January 18, 2023 (4:36 pm)
  
  West Seattle is not Beacon Hill. West Seattl is not Capitol Hill. West Seattle is not Amsterdam, or Munich, or the East Coast for that matter. I’ll say it again, and I’ll stand by what I say – this is a poorly thought out project for West Seattle. But even in stations such as Beacon Hill, if you subtract the riders going to the airport, they are ghost towns. Might as well throw in some tumbleweeds. This is what we can expect for West Seattle. It’s a magnificent piece of pork that will do nothing to increase access to public transportation. I’m not sure how many different ways I can explain to those who want to stick their heads in the sand and ignore reality.

Alkistu January 18, 2023 (4:29 am)

What we don’t need is more cars. As West Seattle grows, competition for street space and living space becomes more challenging. As well, the ability to preserve or expand open space. For many of the residents who love this beautiful part of the city, buying a house is out of the question. These are younger, healthier people who are hesitant to start families in the current world climate. Densifying the housing and adding alternatives to the transportation system is what these generations of the future will need. Hopefully this will make housing affordable for the median wage earner. This does not mean in any way that you will have to reduce your presence in West Seattle. As we age maybe we will want to anyway. Is it possible that aggressive opposition to the light rail initiative has delayed the design phase? Opposition is good, but only when it is rational and helps build a better community.

Scarlett January 18, 2023 (4:52 pm)

Proponents of this light rail segment have fallen in love with idea. It’s really that simple. Once you’ve fallen love with an idea – or a person for that matter – all your objective analysis goes out the window. And it is futile to warn them or present a different perspective. The irony is that those who claim they are not susceptible to being hoodwinked are usually those who are most susceptible. People are willing to tear up the neighborhood, spend a jaw-dropping amount of money, and wait ten years so they can say they have light rail. So be it.

CAM January 19, 2023 (12:16 am)

Scarlett-Arguing that people are being illogical solely because they disagree with you is a pretty big logical fallacy. You aren’t listening to people respectfully or trying to understand what they are saying. I, as a very strong proponent of light rail from day one with no weakening in that opinion over time, can absolutely hear the points that people make against light rail and I understand why they feel that way and how they got there. They have reasons for what they are saying. Some will lose their homes. Some will lose the feeling of the community they enjoy. Some feel that the neighborhood is moving in the wrong direction. Some feel it’s a waste of money that could be directed elsewhere. I don’t agree with them but they aren’t saying those things because there’s anything wrong with their ability to reason or think. They’ve reached a different conclusion then me. In my opinion they are wrong and are valuing the wrong things. More people agree with me than them. I won’t insult them. Maybe stop and think that through.
- Scarlett January 19, 2023 (8:55 am)
  
  See Cam, that’s why it’s called an opinion. I am ascertaining the motivations or rationale – or lack of rationale – why people do what they do. In this case, its why people would vote a ridiculous extension of light rail into a neighborhood that is sufficiently served by by transit and could be in the future with enhancements. You and others make these sorts of judgments all the time I’m sure – which is absolutely your right – so don’t go all huffy and fragile on me now. I am absolutely convinced that the majority – not all – of those that voted for light rail didn’t think it through and were largely for a cool sounding idea, not a real viable solution, cost-wise, or other.
  - CAM January 20, 2023 (8:53 am)
    
    If cautioning you from taking the stance that greater than 50% of your neighbors are complete morons is “huffy and fragile” I think you may need to look up the definition of those terms.
Jort January 19, 2023 (8:15 am)

“Proponents of this light rail segment have fallen in love with (this) idea …” Scarlett, did you know that the tagline for the LeMay Automotive Museum is “Celebrating America’s Love Affair with the Automobile”?

Sorry, comment time is over.