FOLLOWUP: Alki Point 'Healthy Street' parking plan

Alki resident January 4, 2024 (12:35 pm)

This is absolutely asinine. I can’t believe they’re taking away all of this parking. Why? What’s the explanation that truly makes sense to take this much parking away? My best friend has lived at the end of that street for 30 years, and I’ve been in West Seattle for 43 yrs and never once have we seen an issue with this street. Unreal

reed January 4, 2024 (2:15 pm)

To discourage people from driving and give everyone else more room to enjoy the scenery with a lower risk of being mowed down by a driver or having to breath exhaust while exercising.
- CarDriver January 4, 2024 (3:24 pm)
  
  Reed. Residents and their guests will still be driving there at will. I’m quite certain USPS and various delivery trucks will drive there at will. What are you going to propose to limit them?And have to ask you if you’re going to leave your car at home to walk there?
- Alki resident January 4, 2024 (4:05 pm)
  
  Do you believe what you just wrote? How many people have been “ mowed down” there? Never heard of one person in all of my life.If you’re so concerned about that, then speed bumps can be installed. NOT taking away tons of parking spots and changing the entire dynamic of something so special to us locals. Give me a break
  - John January 4, 2024 (8:42 pm)
    
    Well said!!
  - CAM January 4, 2024 (11:06 pm)
    
    Parking spots are what make the “dynamic” special to you?
    
    Also, I’m not going to go and look up for you the people who’ve been run over by reckless drivers on Alki/Beach drive but I’m sure you could find them just as easily as me.
  - Rick January 5, 2024 (7:59 am)
    
    Mom always told me to not play in the street.
  - reed January 5, 2024 (9:30 am)
    
    Traffic-related pedestrian deaths are up citywide, that is is a fact. Someone on a scooter was killed last summer at Me-Kwa-Mooks by a driver making a U-turn, a cyclist was killed on the east end of the Spokane Street Bridge and a cyclist was killed two weeks ago on Marine View Drive. While nothing has specifically happened along Constellation, the same Car Brain Disease exists across all of West Seattle. Alot of the same people who are criticizing my comment are the same people who paint with broad brushes when it comes to crime in the city, so I can certain do the same with terrible drivers.And to CarDriver yes, I always walk or bike there, often with my 8 and 12 year old, because our family often puts health and fitness over lazy convenience.
    - Lex January 5, 2024 (10:17 am)
      
      We aren’t talking about city wide issues we’re talking about “3300 Beach Dr SW to 64th Ave S” so what was the last time a car mowed down people in that area or a huge truck stopped and smogged up that particular area? OOn a side note; WA state has done away wirh emissions because our EXHAUST is much CLEANER!! The goal is to resolve issues, there were never any issues in that area…its pointless. More than likely, this will cause more foot traffic, more scooter traffic, more potential conflicts with others. I live on Alki Ave, good luck to those living near 3300 Beach Drive and 64th
    - Alki resident January 5, 2024 (5:18 pm)
      
      My old neighbor Steve was killed on Marine View Drive. None of your comments have anything to do with the parking getting taken and the major changes to Constellation. People come from all over to go to that spot not to mention those who drive up to have a quick lunch break and get back to work. My job is extremely physical and anyone that’s driving there shouldn’t be called “ lazy” maybe show some respect for those going there for their own reasons.
    - Kai January 5, 2024 (6:50 pm)
      
      Well said!
  - walkerws January 5, 2024 (11:29 am)
    
    1. Just because someone hasn’t been mowed down there means nothing for the future. Due to distracted driving and larger/higher cars, pedestrian deaths from cars are rising rapidly.2. Changing the dynamic isn’t a bad thing if it changes it for the better, which reducing cars in this area *absolutely* does!
- Jim January 4, 2024 (8:42 pm)
  
  Breathing exhaust?! Alki even with any emissions from a vehicle has some of the cleanest air in the city
  - MJ January 5, 2024 (11:32 pm)
    
    Hi Jim, the air is not clean 😢 I moved to an Alki apartment specifically for the sea air. Most nights I cannot open my windows due to car exhaust or smoke from beach fires. And sometimes it’s not wood smoke – I think they burn garbage or plastic. During the summer, parks department comes by and makes sure all the fires are out at closing time. The fires are lit up again soon after. If the police are called because the park is supposedly closed, they clear the beach and Then the beach fills again and people light the fires again.
    - Canton January 6, 2024 (4:18 am)
      
      Maybe you need rural accommodations to fit your needs, after all this is a city… Can’t expect near 800,000 people to follow your wishes.
    - Reed January 6, 2024 (2:06 pm)
      
      No I’m good with the city life and watching those with car brain disease slowly get hamstrung.
So Stupid January 4, 2024 (5:27 pm)

Couldn’t agree with you more, Alki Resident!
Pedestrian January 4, 2024 (10:09 pm)

The benefit is that the park is better with fewer cars. Everyone wins!
- Rhonda January 4, 2024 (11:37 pm)
  
  The public street and sidewalks isn’t a park.
  - Jeff January 5, 2024 (10:45 am)
    
    Some of it should be a park.
  - walkerws January 5, 2024 (11:17 am)
    
    It very much is a park.
- Alki resident January 5, 2024 (7:47 am)
  
  What park are you speaking of? Were talking about a road along Beach drive with beach on one side and houses on the other.

April January 4, 2024 (12:56 pm)

This is stupid! Taking away to much parking! There is not a problem there and no reason to mess it up with this!

Adam January 4, 2024 (12:56 pm)

Watch me park there. I don’t care how much these folks wanna keep it all for themselves. I moved to West Seattle after visiting Alki and loving it. I run it nearly daily. I take my dog down. I’ve brought friends and family and spent money at the local businesses. I’ve walked and picked up trash. I’ve rented out space for parties for birthdays for kids. I’ve paid my taxes. I’ve been a good citizen. I don’t speed, or smoke weed out in front of families, or walk around drunk, or pick fights. I’ve done 5Ks down there, played volleyball, spike ball, tossed a football. I’ve had fires on the beach, welcomed the pirates. And I’ll keep parking down where space is available. It’s not your own personal strip of beach, and I’ll use it as the public space it is. I’ll do as I see fit down there because what I’d be doing is much less of a nuisance than NIMBYs who want to keep it to themselves. And if they extract any money from me via parking tickets, I’ll get it back in kind. Nice try, a worthy effort, but it ain’t gon work.

937 January 4, 2024 (4:52 pm)

Hear Hear!!

This is a public access road. And a scenic right of way.

I will continue to use it as such. On 2 feet, 2 wheels or 4
Pelicans January 4, 2024 (9:58 pm)

Adam, You and others have been lumping all the residents of Alki Avenue and Beach Drive (property owners and renters alike) along the point together and blaming us for this. The city put out a survey with various plans for the area, but not an option to leave it as is. Anyone could vote in that survey. Anyone. I rent there and purely despise what the city is trying to do. They are trying to fix something that absolutely is not broken. They did not give citizens the right to choose “none of the above” in the survey and as of their last update still had not identified a “source of funding.” The city is in a huge budget deficit. These three things alone should be enough reason to end this nonsense. The good news is that we have what amounts to a new city council. Yesterday (?) the president of the council basically said that despite the deficit, they were not looking at new forms of taxation but will closely scrutinize city spending, to start with. I think that can be an opportunity to put a stake through the heart of this plan. So many people enjoy this area, that to take away parking and clutter up the view and wide open space with ugly signs is more of an elitist thing to, imho. It is the opposite of an equitable and inclusive plan. I’ll be writing to our new District One rep on the council, Rob Saka as well as any other at large reps to try to get this project canceled. I strongly encourage everyone, whether you live there or not, whether you want the project or not, to do so, too.
- WSB January 4, 2024 (10:59 pm)
  
  Just one clarification there, the language that was still on their website at the time of the update a month ago regarding “no source of funding” was wrong and was removed, per SDOT. I realize looking back at my back-and-forth with them at the time, however, that I never got the final answer on “so where IS the funding from, then?” so I’m following back up on that.
  - Pelicans January 5, 2024 (7:16 am)
    
    WSB, thank you-I must have missed that because I haven’t visited their website in awhile. So they quietly removed that bit of info, and yet are not providing info on where the funding will come from. Seems kind of evasive to me…
- Adam January 5, 2024 (7:57 am)
  
  Thanks, I appreciate this added context and I did not realize there was no option for status quo.
Rhonda January 5, 2024 (2:13 pm)

Adam, you said EVERYTHING I wanted to say. I’m glad you’re a West Seattleite!

This is dumb January 4, 2024 (12:58 pm)

So many ongoing actual problems and they focus on this. This street is plenty safe as it is. How about use our tax money to maintain the terrible roads in the area? That would at least be useful.

Tony January 4, 2024 (3:36 pm)

Couldn’t the argument be made that by reducing vehicle traffic on a road you are reducing the required maintenance on said road due to less wear and tear?
- S January 4, 2024 (11:06 pm)
  
  But are you decreasing traffic? Think of all the times people will be circling the blocks to find a spot.

rob January 4, 2024 (1:15 pm)

I think this is great news. We now have the most senic spot to start having saturday morning street hockey ternaments. we won’t have to worry the puck hitting any cars. This is so cool.

Adam January 4, 2024 (4:45 pm)

Sure, but you’re gonna have trouble identifying offsides and icing what with all the pickleball striping I now intend to add to all this new open space.
1994 January 4, 2024 (10:08 pm)

But what about your puck hitting a pedestrian, someone’s pet, or a cyclist? That would certainly be worse than hitting a car…maybe the comment was in jest? The street should be open like it was prior to being designated a healthy street. What a waste of funds!
Jill Loblaw January 5, 2024 (4:50 pm)

I think this opens up the prospect for a Pickle Ball court myself! All kidding aside, I will join others here and drive on the road I pay for anytime I like.

Rhonda January 4, 2024 (1:36 pm)

Insanity.

Admiral-2009 January 4, 2024 (1:49 pm)

Why? All the City needs to do is to replace the existing signage with a more formal curb bulbs and signs and leave the rest of the street and parking as is. Street parking calms traffic.

Mr J January 4, 2024 (2:10 pm)

This is a bad use of resources. I’ve walked this semi-regularly for the last 10 years and I don’t see a problem with the current configuration. My guess is would be adjacent residents wanting to keep people out, but which people… I wonder. This money and planning should really be used to make Beach Drive easier for cyclists and walkers, the stretch just to the south of here could use significant improvements.

Chris January 4, 2024 (2:17 pm)

Alki Resident – agree with you. This has always been a special place for our family to come since 1962. Grab a pizza & sit & watch the wildlife. Our dad loved feeding the seagulls as it was therapy for him. Coming and watching the waves during stormy days and more. It is hard to understand the thinking here. Many years of very happy memories. Perhaps we are misunderstanding the parking???

Reed January 4, 2024 (3:38 pm)

And how is this preventing you from doing those same things?

Jay January 4, 2024 (2:17 pm)

That’s wild, so this is kind of the end of kid-friendly tidepooling during low-low tides? It’s such a wide road that it doesn’t make sense to remove all of the parking. That park is a destination for many and it’s not uncommon for hundreds of people/families to show up. Why aren’t they removing parking from areas that desperately need sidewalks and/or bike lanes instead?

walkerws January 5, 2024 (11:18 am)

Park a block away and walk. Park two blocks away and walk. People all over the world live in areas where they walk with children.

Kyle January 4, 2024 (2:22 pm)

What a joke by SDOT. Visiting this beautiful public park from White Center will now be a 2+ hour round trip journey with a bus transfer. Say goodbye to less rich families who can’t afford to live within walking distance.

Kim January 4, 2024 (3:40 pm)

LOL because there is no other parking between White Center and Alki, right? Good grief.
- Derp January 4, 2024 (4:33 pm)
  
  You may not have caught it, but this person rides transit and has no need to park. Good grief

junctioneer January 4, 2024 (2:31 pm)

Interesting. I am very curious the rationale. I don’t understand the plan for this location. Too bad I missed the outreach for this.If I could make a pickleball joke without angering 50% of west seattle I would.

wscommuter January 4, 2024 (3:36 pm)

I think the point is you should make a pickleball joke precisely for those you’ll trigger. Just sayin’ ….Making popcorn now for the outrage back and forth about to hit this comment section. What’s the over/under on comments north of 50 by tonight?

Andrew January 4, 2024 (3:03 pm)

What is a “ Healthy Street” suppose to be?

Actually Mike January 4, 2024 (3:08 pm)

Bad government, again. Remember: They don’t work for us; we work for them. Once you get that straight, stuff like this makes perfect sense.

Rhonda January 4, 2024 (3:13 pm)

Maybe while they’re at it, SDOT should put up 600 feet of 12-foot high concrete wall. It won’t block all the view, just keep the view down to a more manageable level. Also, put in turnstiles at Constellation Park so only those with a Good To Go pass can walk down the ramp to the beach (with a 20-minute time limit). They should also remove all the concrete from the roadway, new bike path, and sidewalks so only those with mountain bikes, SUVs, and hiking boots can use them in the mud. Road bikes and joggers go too fast, anyway.

Matt January 4, 2024 (3:16 pm)

I’m so glad they’re making more space for people! I feel so much safer jogging on the waterfront since they introduced the healthy street! I’d love more transit/bus lanes to Alki to continue making it more accessible.

Runner January 4, 2024 (3:43 pm)

Same. Last week I ran by a woman along Constellation who was pushing herself down the middle of the street in her wheelchair. That would be be a much harder task on that skinny, overcrowded sidewalk.

Tracey January 4, 2024 (3:43 pm)

Utterly disappointed in this decision. This was the one cool thing my family enjoyed doing when they visited. I spent time in RI parked along the ocean watching the sun rise from my car with a coffee, contemplating life. It was a wonderful soothing experience. I moved to West Seattle and watched the sun set instead. Why does Seattle insist on ruining everything that people enjoy. I have never seen a problem in that area. The street is pretty darn wide and the sidewalks are on both sides. Perfect place to have some parking. Instead they chose to have parking on narrow streets which is much more dangerous for pedestrians or cyclists. Did the City have a comment period about this that I missed? Can we stop it at this point?

Resident January 4, 2024 (3:50 pm)

Let’s see – 80,000+ residents in West Seattle and less than 1,000 or 1.25% of the residents responded to the survey and that makes the results demonstrative of the wishes of our entire Peninsula? I believe another review should be in order where SDOT specifically lays out the direct impact to all of us.

Lola January 4, 2024 (3:53 pm)

Street closed Local Access only, I will still be driving it as long as I am being charged on my Tabs for my Car to pay for said street. Once you start charging everybody for the TAX on this road I may reconsider my not driving on it when I want to.

937 January 4, 2024 (4:58 pm)

Hear Hear!!
bill January 4, 2024 (5:29 pm)

Oh goodness Lola, you don’t know how city streets are paid for do you? But go ahead, work out how much each of us pays to maintain half a mile of city street.
- 937 January 4, 2024 (6:50 pm)
  
  Roads are paid for by licensing, registration and gas taxes. Amongst others, I’m sure.
  
  If Lola, 937 or bill (or any of us) pay one CENT of any of the above – they are entitled to public road usage. Please do not get me started on “tolling” state and interstate highways/freeways (bridges are a different matter)
  - walkerws January 5, 2024 (11:19 am)
    
    You are legally and ethically incorrect.

Yes January 4, 2024 (3:54 pm)

Ah…all in the name of good health. Well connected families live there.

FlatSprite January 4, 2024 (3:55 pm)

I’m kind of stunned. Not like the stun when the bridge was closed, or when the opening date kept getting pushed back, or when 99 was closed and even Big Bertha’s diamonds couldn’t keep that on schedule. Not like the stun from the pothole at the top of the Holden Hairpin either, the one where if you try to miss it you either encroach on the narrow westward lane or hug the curb by the drop-off; that stun is more visceral. No, this is a pretty response-less stun. I was just thinking how I look forward to going to Constellation Park to see the Brandts pretty soon. I’ve been feeling blue and holed up sick over the holidays, not a lot of pep. Wonder how far out I would have to park. Hmmm. I think I’ll just watch David Attenborough instead. Cheers.

💡 January 5, 2024 (3:01 pm)

I’ve seen Brandts at Cormorant Cove and all along Alki Beach, not just Beach Drive. Cheers!

norsegirl January 4, 2024 (4:02 pm)

Where are the ADA spaces going to be located?

neighbor January 4, 2024 (4:06 pm)

I don’t understand why people are so upset about this. The park will still be open for everyone to use, and there will still be 48 parking spaces? I don’t think I’ve ever seen that many people there at the same time, even in summer. And no, before anyone asks, I don’t live on this street, so I have no vested interest either way. But I have walked there and noticed that the sidewalk on the water side is really narrow, so not having cars parked against that side will allow more room for pedestrians to pass each other safely. I suppose it’s debatable if this was truly necessary or not, but the plan itself doesn’t seem bad to me.

Adam January 4, 2024 (4:54 pm)

Ok, so my question for you is if they never even get close to 48 vehicles, then why remove it at all? Sometimes the ONLY parking one may find on Alki is that last bit after Cactus, the stuff past 63rd. Non-locals usually turn up 63rd and give up. I almost always park down there because it’s all that’s left. In fact, that bit is RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE PARK.
- 💡 January 5, 2024 (3:21 pm)
  
  Adam, you seemed to have missed a salient part of the prior comment that the sidewalk on the water side is really narrow. That’s the issue for a pair of pedestrians walking/jogging together, a person in a wheelchair, parents pushing a stroller, or even an individual walking a couple of rambunctious dogs. They all have to pass like individuals coming towards them, and often there is NO ROOM to pass without moving into the street which may, or may not, be blocked by parked cars.
alki_2008 January 4, 2024 (11:27 pm)

Upset maybe because if you wanted to have visitors to a house or apartment on that street, then they have to park a 1/4 mile away and walk to the house/apt. And if one of them is frail then that’s even more burdensome. And what if a house/apartment there needs a vendor to come to fix something and those vendors have to haul their tools and equipment a 1/4 mile, instead of parking in front of the worksite.
walkerws January 5, 2024 (11:19 am)

People are upset about this because they are so deep in car-centric thinking that they cannot imagine another, better way of living.

GWS January 4, 2024 (4:12 pm)

This is crazy. Where are the accident and injury statistics that usually dictate draconian changes such as those proposed above by SDOT? What is the cost associated with this nonsense and where in the city budget is it coming from? It sure seems as if there are better ways to spend the $$$ on more immediate issues.

foop January 4, 2024 (4:17 pm)

You all may have to park and walk *gasp* half a mile…MAYBE to enjoy this street and park. You’ll live. And there will be ADA parking for those with accessibility concerns, so let’s not start that concern trolling again.

FlatSprite January 4, 2024 (4:46 pm)

You are so right, foop. Silly me….. silly silly silly me………
Entitled January 4, 2024 (5:08 pm)

I hardly think 3 ADA parking spaces is going to be enough. This is ridiculous!
- walkerws January 5, 2024 (11:25 am)
  
  It should be plenty.
  - Jill Loblaw January 5, 2024 (4:59 pm)
    
    And you’re an expert on this, right?
    - Walkerws January 5, 2024 (7:57 pm)
      
      Yes, actually.
Frog January 4, 2024 (6:33 pm)

Right, basically the rich owners of waterfront houses have pushed all the parking onto other streets in the neighborhood, so we have to deal with it instead of them.
- Darren January 4, 2024 (7:34 pm)
  
  Totally agree, wonder if the rich privileged neighbors will have their property re evaluated and taxed appropriately I still wonder; if there was some real investigation someone who made these decisions are raking in the benefit I for one will drive down any time I please, so get out of the way
- walkerws January 5, 2024 (11:27 am)
  
  People from all over West Seattle get to benefit from this park having fewer cars in it. If the owners of the homes there get a little added benefit, it’s minor compared to how much of a win this is for thousands of other people!
alki_2008 January 4, 2024 (11:29 pm)

Another ableism post. So many -isms are against the rules, but ableism is always just fine. There are plenty of elderly people that would have problems with walking a hundred feet, especially if carrying things, but that doesn’t mean they are going to have a handicap placard. But ableists like you probably don’t care about such people.
- Pedestrian January 5, 2024 (3:43 am)
  
  People like you are always trying to disingenuously leverage the disabled and elderly for your car-centric design that ruins cities and public places. There will be ADA parking. Everyone else can walk a block.
  - alki_2008 January 7, 2024 (4:13 pm)
    
    ADA parking requires a placard and many people that don’t qualify for a placard can have a hard time doing the physical things you think are inconsequential.
Enough already January 5, 2024 (11:23 am)

I’m not super fired up to walk a couple of blocks to half a mile carrying a 10′ long paddleboard that weighs 25 lbs (20% of my body weight). I mean I’m reasonably fit but come on. There are a variety of reasons people come to this street. Many use it for water access utilizing equipment that doesn’t do well on the bus. I’m very grateful for the changes to this street. It’s been a deterrent to the kids who descend on it in a stream of incredibly noisy cars and hang out blaring music while they drink and get high and then proceed to drive off under the influence. That said, I personally think further changes are overkill and SDOT’s time and our money can be better utilized addressing other issues.
- Seth January 5, 2024 (1:17 pm)
  
  Why dont you just launch from the boat launch and paddle board to alki>?
- 💡 January 5, 2024 (3:29 pm)
  
  You’ll still be able to park just across the street–it’s a few more feet, hardly a couple of blocks, let alone half a mile. Or, park at the other end near Cactus on Alki, lots of other boarders do.
  - Enough already January 5, 2024 (8:54 pm)
    
    Yes, that’s right. I said a couple of blocks to half a mile in reference to a previous post. I have parked just across the street on Spokane and carried my board at the crosswalk to get to the water when I couldn’t get a closer spot. My arms aren’t long enough to carry the board under my arm so I have to lift it up on my shoulder and I can only see on one side while I’m crossing the street, but cars are coming both ways. Some cars come through at a pretty good clip and I had a bit of a close call with one car as I was in the middle of the crosswalk. I was not in a position to dart out of the way if the driver didn’t see me. Visibility isn’t ideal when you’re driving there because the crosswalk is on a curve. It was a little windy and it was pushing the board. It’s hard to control already because it weighs so much. All this detail is just to ask the commenters here not to dismiss others out of hand so readily as there are more factors at play than you may realize. Thank you.
    - 💡 January 5, 2024 (11:15 pm)
      
      I often see parking available on 64th near Beach, much closer than Spokane! Just a few extra steps than parking across the street on Beach. Good luck!

onion January 4, 2024 (4:41 pm)

I would prefer the city to fix things that are truly broke rather than make changes to a street that seems extremely calm and is already bike and pedestrian friendly.

Mike Hodges January 4, 2024 (4:53 pm)

Why is the street parking in Alki free at all? Why are there no meters in West Seattle?

bill January 4, 2024 (5:34 pm)

Excellent point!
CarDriver January 4, 2024 (5:48 pm)

Mike Hodges. Guess they’re waiting for you to collect signatures for a ballot measure to add them.
WiseWoman January 5, 2024 (11:12 am)

Because not everyone can afford them and that would make Alki inaccessible for lower income peoples like me, petsitters, elderly, and everyone else who would and should have free access to the beach which NO ONE OWNS.

Jeremy January 4, 2024 (6:48 pm)

We go there often sometimes twice a weekend. There’s never any problem with parking, there’s never a problem with runners bikers walkers, even when it’s more crowded people navigate it. This strikes me as a waste of money and time when there’s more important things. I’m frustrated and don’t want to lose easy access and parking to a place where we go often.

Alkioldguy January 4, 2024 (7:18 pm)

This is a Public street. Alki park is big enough for all the “Runners” and closing the road is fine for Lake Washington residents but taking parking away is an act of public violence! Horrible Policy!! .

Charles Burlingame January 4, 2024 (8:09 pm)

Public doesn’t mean you get to drive on it and it never has. In this case, the pedestrian realm is just being expanded.
- 937 January 4, 2024 (8:47 pm)
  
  Wrong.

Steve January 4, 2024 (7:19 pm)

Are these advocates the same ones that were trying to stop the school from expanding too?But please stop complaining about SDOT. They were tasked with a job and worked on it. Where were all the citizens prior to this work?

Pauline January 4, 2024 (7:21 pm)

Why are people being greedy with accessing this spot! My elder mom and family been living in the Highest Point in West Seattle for 35 years and this rocky beach area is our go to spot away from the busy restaurant strips! We pay our taxes lol Even if there’s the signage for closed and local access only since pandemic…I’m like screw it. I’ll park!

walkerws January 5, 2024 (11:31 am)

There will be ADA parking spaces after this change. Calm down.
- Erithan January 5, 2024 (5:05 pm)
  
  ADA won’t help with people who don’t have placards, you can be non able bodied and still not qualify, and they usually don’t put many in either.
  - Walkerws January 5, 2024 (7:58 pm)
    
    Well that seems like a problem with the placard system and not with the parking spaces.

Maureen January 4, 2024 (7:47 pm)

If I recall correctly, when I voted for that “healthy street”, it included removing car traffic and thus, parking for non-residents. WSB – can you confirm? The change down there was almost immediate, especially when the groupings of similar cars stopped gathering there nightly to socialize, drink, smoke or generally hang. I run down there almost daily and walked my babies down there almost daily (and I live up the hill). I have felt much safer having less car-specific large-group loitering happening down there close to as I have had some negative experiences, including almost being hit with a speeding vehicle.I have always felt it was more loose on the otherside closer to Cactus, but that sign saying something like “closed to general traffic” has been there too. I feel more badly for the residents around these parking closures who will likely feel the parking pinch in an already congested Alki area as we lose that parking. Is there going to be permit parking now for residents in the mapped area? Also – sidenote – isn’t the West Seattle Bridge “fix” only a 10-year bandage? If so, shouldn’t we be putting out bids and making moves to replace it already?!?! Seems like maybe the better use of energy for everyone on our little slice over here.!!

WSB January 4, 2024 (8:29 pm)

No, there was never a proposal to “remove” all parking or traffic for “non-residents.” This is not a city-code thing – city law was not changed. (Here’s one story we wrote about it back in 2021.) No, there is no proposal for parking by permit. And no, the West Seattle Bridge repair is not a “10-year bandage” – it’s projected to be a 40-year fix.

Danimal January 4, 2024 (8:23 pm)

This, people, is why we have a City Council member, and an email address for SDOT. If all the bitching in this comment thread was done proactively instead, to the people that actually can do something about it, imagine what might happen. Now, commenters, go write your Councilmember and SDOT. I agree, this is egregious, wasteful, and totally unnecessary. How many deep pockets got a little lighter to make this happen I wonder?

alki_2008 January 4, 2024 (11:33 pm)

As if our councilmember Herbold ever listened to us? Never have I gotten a response, except once I got some form letter that just thanked me for my message and never heard anything else. I’ll be reaching out to Saka and I hope other Alki residents do as well.

And even if someone is able to walk it. Have you considered how someone (particularly someone that is more vulnerable) would feel if they’re walking at night, or even at 5pm considering it gets dark that early in the winter? In case you haven’t noticed, there is such a thing as stranger danger nowadays (as always).

Jim January 4, 2024 (8:25 pm)

This is absolutely ridiculous and they’re abusing authority they were given during a public health emergency to ram something through that is not legal without a vote of the people.

walkerws January 5, 2024 (11:21 am)

You are incorrect that this is not legal. This is entirely legal, and beneficial to the community as a bonus!

wetone January 4, 2024 (8:28 pm)

How much money has been spent on this project along with how many hours by city employees ? How much more to finish ? Is this an open check book type project ? People need to pay attention to this one and multiple others in city just as asinine. City and SDOT will soon be asking for more money ( levy’s) due to budget issues. I know this project is minor $$$$ compared to some but city and SDOT have many of these types of smaller projects throughout city. They ad up quickly dollar wise along with employee hours that could and should be spent more wisely on needed infrastructure issues. The best way to stop this type of behavior is with your Voting ;)

Paul January 4, 2024 (8:31 pm)

Let’s be honest, this has nothing to do with healthy streets or pedestrian access or safety. There are miles of safe bike and pedestrian trails from the bridge clear down to this boondoggle. The government is gifting millions of dollar in increased property values to the multi-million dollar homes along this route. This is about choosing winners and keeping everyone else out.

alki_2008 January 4, 2024 (11:38 pm)

Nope. There are plenty of people living in the affected area that do not want this and expressed that feeling in the survey.
- walkerws January 5, 2024 (11:21 am)
  
  And there are plenty of people within a many mile radius who love this change and are so excited for more car-free or lower-car areas. This is a win!
Tracey January 5, 2024 (9:35 am)

Thanks Paul. I can’t seem to figure out what problem this is solving. I am hopeful that the new council will realize that “Healthy Streets” was a pet project of the previous council, pandemic inspired, cutesy and all but no longer relevant. That street is wide enough to accommodate all users including parking. What a wonderful thing! A lovely street that can accommodate all its users. Why are we fixing this?
- Walkerws January 5, 2024 (12:35 pm)
  
  Because carfree areas are more peaceful and nice and there aren’t enough of them because of entitled drivers who complain if their precious metal box privileges are threatened even a tiny bit.

Dave January 4, 2024 (8:43 pm)

Contact Rob Saka…the new councilperson in District 1 for West Seattle …to put a stop to this ridiculous project.Rob.Saka@seattle.gov. 206-684-8801Stop this nonsense for the real people who care about public policy in West Seattle and not their personal reasons

Jeff January 5, 2024 (10:48 am)

Rob works for the rich. Good luck with this one….this is why I wanted Costa.
Lori D January 5, 2024 (11:02 am)

This email bounces back. Try this one: Rob.Saka@seattle.gov
walkerws January 5, 2024 (11:22 am)

Reducing/removing cars from this area is a public policy win!

Not that Bill January 4, 2024 (9:04 pm)

The Seattle police said they only close the street and enforce it on the forth of July, I asked them.

hahahaha January 4, 2024 (9:47 pm)

So many people mad! No, no, don’t take away my parking spaces! Ahahhahahahaha, this was a hilarious read. Not my parking! Wherever will I store my huge metal cage when I’m not using it?! I love it. Thanks for the laughs, Rhonda, 937 and the usual gang, you’re all simply priceless.

walkerws January 5, 2024 (11:22 am)

Terminal carbrain afflicts a depressingly high proportion of West Seattle residents.

CheeseWS777 January 4, 2024 (10:16 pm)

How is taking parking away going to reduce the # of driving cars? My guess would be that there will b more cars on the road for longer because they now will drive around searching till they can find an open parking space

Vlad January 4, 2024 (10:54 pm)

This area is adjacent to the best tide pool area in the entire city, the parking is often filled with school buses full of enthusiastic children getting their first exposure to the marine environment. This is also a place I regularly park with my friends, put on my rubber boots and go down the stairs or ramp leading to the tidal flats. Perhaps SDOT in its enthusiasm to be innovative has not taken into account that this project may be taking away more than it gives back. I hope that this project is reconsidered before it goes to construction and replaced with a design that retains most of the parking which already serves an important “healthy street” function for our community.

Tracey January 5, 2024 (2:54 pm)

Thank you, Vlad. Exactly how I feel but you expressed it much more eloquently. Sometimes the best solution is to leave things alone. It takes strong leadership to recognize that.
💡 January 5, 2024 (3:36 pm)

School buses can park on 63rd instead near Beach Drive. Never a problem for the kids to get to the tide pools in the summer.

alki_2008 January 4, 2024 (11:52 pm)

The SDOT site showed that the “future condition” would have 7 feet of parking on the residential side of the street, then 10 feet of sharrow space for car driving and biking, then a 2 foot buffer, then another 10 feet of space for ‘electric scooter’. So is the purple area on the map in this post going to still have parking on one side of the street? If so, then I think that would stem a lot of outrage.

Walker January 5, 2024 (3:45 am)

Nothing can stem the outrage of carbrains if you take even one iota of their privilege away.
- alki_2008 January 7, 2024 (4:20 pm)
  
  Thanks for the useless commentary to a question: So is the purple area on the map in this post going to still have parking on one side of the street?

SSS January 5, 2024 (3:50 am)

It does t matter until the city actually enforces no parking. I’ve road my bike several times along here. Especially in the summer there are cars parked with teens and 20 year olds loitering, smoking weed and playing loud music from their cars. I initially agreed with this but I see this now as a waste of money to be working on this when the money can be better spent on something that’s needed (pot holes, sidewalks in bad condition because of tree roots, cracked concrete). The rode is already wide enough for easy passage with cars parked on it. Let’s put our tax dollars to projects that are really an issue.

Seawalk January 5, 2024 (7:27 am)

Just an idea, walk to the park. If you’re feeling anxious about gas prices, climate change and pickle ball, walk it off.

Another Thought January 5, 2024 (11:55 am)

There are people in West Seattle (and everywhere) that would love to walk to the park as you say. Not everyone is:
1. Fortunate enough to live within walking distance
2. Has the mobility to walk/run/bike and be Car free
3. Side note- There is barely any metro service the Alki area!
I think it’s great to have a street that is feet only, but I also think it’s unkind to not consider who the park belongs to and that is EVERYONE.
- walkerws January 5, 2024 (1:27 pm)
  
  Those who don’t live within walking distance can drive and park a block or two away.
  
  Those who have mobility issues can use the ADA parking that will still exist there.
  
  Side note – maybe instead of people wasting their energy advocating for more public space to be used for subsidized storage of their personal vehicles, they should instead advocate for better and more frequent bus service to the Alki area!
- SeaWalk January 5, 2024 (2:23 pm)
  
  I live in Highpoint, so I’m not sure if I qualify as fortunate to live within walking distance. However, I visit Alki several times a week via foot. Perhaps consider the journey rather than the destination and try commuting by scooter, bike, bus or water taxi. In terms of mobility or lack there of, that’s a little bit like the chicken or egg. If you choose not to walk/run/bike, either out of fear, lethargy, or inconvenience, then after years of inactivity one becomes car dependent out of physical necessity. Hence the term “healthy streets”side note, the 50 bus goes directly to Alki. One must walk to cross the street however.

Rick January 5, 2024 (8:56 am)

If you can’t find a “problem” that needs fixing, create one! Or more. Ignore the others. There surely are plenty.

walkerws January 5, 2024 (11:24 am)

But this is fixing a problem. The problem is too many cars in a beautiful area for pedestrians, and this fixes that problem!

Lori January 5, 2024 (11:01 am)

Folks should contact Rob Saka as one person states above. Here is his correct contact information: Rob.Saka@seattle.gov Let’s have the new City Council take another look at this project. They won’t unless we let them know to do so.

Lori D. January 5, 2024 (11:02 am)

Folks should contact Rob Saka as one person states above. Here is his correct contact information: Rob.Saka@seattle.gov Let’s have the new City Council take another look at this project. They won’t unless we let them know to do so.

walkerws January 5, 2024 (11:24 am)

I agree! We should all contact Rob Saka to express our support for the reduction in parking in this area, and additional reductions in the ridiculous subsidies that the city gives to drivers!

SeaWalk January 5, 2024 (2:00 pm)

Please help me square the circle. Many in WS are against removing parking spaces from Alki, some are against expanding mass transit to WS, others even want to widen or expand existing roads, and a majority when polled, deplore high gas prices, but then state preferences for pro-environmental or sustainable policies. Seattle in reality is no different than a red voting city in that big vehicles rule (more SUVs than trucks) our roads are congested, filled with trash and after a few days of no wind and precipitation, our stagnant air is polluted. Yet, try winning a local council seat promoting drill baby drill, endorsing a carbon tax, or removing parking spaces from Alki or Lincoln park.

neighbor January 5, 2024 (3:11 pm)

Wow. Just wow. If the city decided to make this a one-way street, I feel like some of you would demand the right to drive the other way because you pay taxes. As if that somehow means you should always get your own way. SMH

Pete January 5, 2024 (3:27 pm)

One thing I think everyone can agree on is that we need to drastically improve/increase bus services especially during the summer.

David January 5, 2024 (4:54 pm)

I think that all parking except ADA should be removed – this will make it safer for us as pedestrians to use the vacant street for pickleball and street hockey

💡 January 6, 2024 (12:35 am)

According to the map, the parking spaces being removed on Beach appear to be primarily in front of the water treatment plant, and parking will apparently continue as is in the area between 64th and 63th on Beach–a favorite viewing spot for those people in cars. Perhaps the world has not in fact come to a complete end! (Or, I have completely misread the map 🤔?)

Paul January 6, 2024 (1:37 pm)

After much discussion and participation in the Safe Streets project since 2020 the most important element missing from this discussion, and my written comment at the time, was recognition of the “certain days and hours” nature of the problems and their fair solutions. I am a four days a week – a hour at a time – daylight user all year. My wife and I have limited mobility and value the best beach-side sounds and wildlife available anywhere at Constellation Park. We experience maybe a dozen cars and proper respect between all users – especially during Oct-May. So, restrict parking at times known problems occur e.g. summer weekends and evenings. Residents would then be largely freed from bad actors and civil folks would continue to have use of their beloved park most of the time.

Jack January 6, 2024 (3:49 pm)

Sometimes the best thing to do is nothing.

JAH January 9, 2024 (12:53 pm)

I think we have an early contender for 2024 Top 10 Most Commented Stories. Honestly, the only dead person I’ve seen in this area was a blue faced dead scuba diver being pulled out of the water some 15+ years ago. What does that mean? Should we outlaw scuba diving in the area? I gotta tell you, the most ridiculous thing I saw in the spring of 2020 was that someone had gone up the beach and put 2×4’s on each bench, in an attempt to prevent people from sitting outside on the bench’s breathing in fresh marine air. You people think you’re so smart. I remember driving home on the southside of the point early in this whole thing. People were walking, exercising, etc… right down the middle of the street, looking at me like I had no business there. I don’t know if you guys have figured it out, but Bellevue is absolutely laughing at Seattle. Everyone is laughing at Seattle. It’s because this stuff is ridiculous. No common sense. None. Just a bunch of people who think they are smarter than everyone else. People die. Your last day could be tomorrow. You’re not God.