FERRIES: Terminal talk @ Fauntleroy Community Association’s June meeting

| Fauntleroy | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Ongoing state planning for the ferry-terminal replacement project was a major topic at this month’s Fauntleroy Community Association meeting.

From the recent Washington State Ferries online meeting for the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth and Point Defiance-Tahlequah communities (WSB coverage here), FCA board members were concerned to hear WSF management mention the idea of a second slip was still in play. While it isn’t envisioned to be part of this project, WSF was clearly leaving the door open for a possible addition down the road.

FCA has also continued talking with 34th District state legislators (who represent both West Seattle and Vashon/Maury Islands, as well as other areas). They’re hoping to get insights on which way WSF is leaning, either toward a new terminal/dock with the same footprint, or one with expanded overwater space. They’re also talking with City Councilmember Lisa Herbold to see if the city could renew its 1997 resolution opposing dock expansion.

Speaking of which, they also discussed last week’s WSB/District 1 Community Network candidates’ forum for the race to succeed Herbold. FCA submitted the question we asked about whether the candidates supported expanding the dock’s overwater footprint. None of the eight candidates expressed opposition. So FCA president Mike Dey messaged them all to explain the FCA’s position and the dock’s history. At Tuesday’s meeting, Dey said Stephen Brown was the first to reply, saying he had changed his mind after reading Dey’s letter. He said Phil Tavel and Rob Saka also responded, asking for meetings with the FCA board or Fauntleroy residents to talk about it. But as of Tuesday night’s meeting, the other five hadn’t responded.

Also discussed – the upcoming FCA community survey. Their emphasis this year will be to gather more demographic information. Questions also will focus on public safety, pedestrian safety, and neighborhood density.

The Fauntleroy Community Association meets at 7 pm second Tuesdays at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) and online. Watch fauntleroy.net for more info between meetings.

Ferry June 16, 2023 (7:25 am)

There are many more voters who want dependable ferry service than voters who don’t want the dock expanded. A larger dock will make that mode of public transportation more reliable. My coworkers and I use the ferry to get to work, and there’s over 100 children who use it to get to school on Vashon.

cbiscuit June 16, 2023 (7:59 am)

What is the reason for the Ferry Dock expansion opposition, or at minimum doing any prep to leave room for a future expansion? Seems prudent and responsible to prepare for more people accessing the ferry system with the city and area increasing in population and density.

Fauntleroy resident June 16, 2023 (9:02 am)

Thanks for the ferry update! Extremely frequent and escalating car ferry line altercations over lane-cutting have become a significant safety concern for those of us who live near or frequently walk past the Fauntleroy ferry line during afternoon peak traffic. We are fortunate to have a calm, kind and professional police presence at the head of the line on some afternoons who cheerfully sends line-cutters to the end of the long line. Please lobby for additional ferry line support before violence erupts!

Ivan Weiss June 16, 2023 (10:30 am)

The best ferry line support you could hope for is dock expansion. The greater the dock capacity, the fewer cars on the street, and the faster the ferries load. Dock expansion is first and foremost a safety issue, and your neighbors who oppose it are only contributing to the problems you say you want solved.

Fauntleroy Fairies June 16, 2023 (10:48 am)

Looking forward to learning more— We live next to the dock and are not opposed to expansion if done thoughtfully in ways to preserve and improve fish and wildlife habitat and public access. The FCA doesn’t represent all Fauntleroy residents—some of us envision a win-win for the neighborhood and those who depend on the ferry for transportation. Our communities are growing— seems like we all need to find ways to adapt and support change.

Ferry June 17, 2023 (9:45 pm)

Thanks for this. I’ve long suspected that the FCA does not represent the majority of Fauntleroy residents, particularly those who stand to benefit from the reduced lines that a larger dock will afford.

Kyle June 16, 2023 (7:20 pm)

Please speak up with Washington State Ferries. FCA has been very loud and vocal. If dock expansion will serve the greater region better the time is now to voice that.

Tim June 17, 2023 (8:22 am)

A tiny but privileged vocal group such as this is attempting to set policy for the region. Like it or not, the Ferry System is a regional asset and predates most of the residents living near the current terminal. It’s like moving near railroad tracks then complaining about trains or moving into rural areas and then complaining about the AG/Timber industries. WSF’s needs to update and expand the dock, add vehicle holding capacity over water, as well as add a second slip in case we experience another ferry crash and the lone slip is rendered unuseable. The “beyond capacity” situation at this terminal is hardly a recent issue, so the neighborhood can hardly claim surprise that WSF is FINALLY addressing their neglect of a crucial element to a state resource.

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