FOLLOWUP: Alki Point Healthy Street construction about to start, SDOT announces

(Constellation Park section of Alki Point Healthy Street, February)

When SDOT reiterated one month ago that it would build the permanent features of the Alki Point Healthy Street – both Beach Drive and Alki Avenue SW, west of 63rd SW to the point – the construction schedule was still pending.

(Rendering of design for Beach Drive north/west of 64th)

This morning, they’ve announced via email that work is imminent:

We are excited to share an update that last week crews marked the five new speed hump locations. As soon as this week, they will start construction of the permanent treatments for the Alki Point Healthy Street. This work will include:

-Removing two speed humps and installing five new speed humps
-Marking for the new street layout, pavement markings, and sign locations

Once the new speed humps have cured, crews will install:

-A 10-foot-wide shared walking/rolling space
-Three ADA parking spaces
-Stop controls at intersecting streets
-Pavement markings, parking signs, and striping the public parking lot

Unauthorized on-street parking located within 20 feet of intersections will be removed for new installation. Please visit the project webpage for more information on design elements.

SDOT originally announced those design elements last December, more than a year after saying the “Healthy Street” would be made permanent. It was originally designated a “Stay Healthy Street” in the early months of the pandemic, starting with the Beach Drive stretch – which had long been the source of resident complaints about driver gatherings – and quickly expanding to add the Alki Avenue stretch. More recently, the final parking-removal plans for the project sparked a new round of opposition, but the plan apparently is proceeding unmodified.

walkerws April 22, 2024 (11:15 am)

This is super exciting! I can’t wait! The war on cars is gaining momentum and I’m so here for it.

AG April 22, 2024 (9:39 pm)

I think you should follow your big feelings on this by staying consistent — no partaking in any automobile-related anything. No visitors arriving by vehicle. No food that’s brought in via vehicles. No emergency vehicles servicing you or you home. Puget Sound Energy will deliver to you only those utilities that can be transmitted by bicycle.
- cover all the bases April 23, 2024 (6:59 am)
  
  AG- Not just food delivery right, but all groceries and home supplies too right? No amazon deliveries of TP, soap, shampoo, etc?
Tired WS Mom April 23, 2024 (11:09 am)

I hope you homestead and butcher your own meat and grow your own veggies.
platypus April 23, 2024 (12:00 pm)

I’m really glad people aren’t blowing this out of proportion

One hand clapping April 22, 2024 (11:28 am)

Laughing out loud at the city really giving the homeowners a free value increase by providing them essentially a tax funded waterfront private road. And the rest of us get to pay for it and smile about it. No surprise this city is in disrepair when they cater to those who are already rich.

TAnderson April 22, 2024 (11:32 am)

Instead of spending time and limited resources on making Alki and Harbor Avenues safer, that the city is moving forward with this project is really irresponsible.

TZ April 24, 2024 (6:45 pm)

I’ve requested a crosswalk on Harbor Ave or a sign alerting drivers of pedestrians and been told no by SDOT. The resources allocated to this healthy street project are baffling when you consider the relatively non existent safety risks in the area compared to those you’ll face on the long stretches of Alki and Harbor Aves with no traffic calming or pedestrian safety measures in place.

reed April 22, 2024 (12:04 pm)

Last call to sit in your car on the water side eating your paunch burger and smoking weed/cigarettes or drinking alcohol.

Anne April 22, 2024 (1:10 pm)

Or perhaps you aren’t up to walking & handicapped spots aren’t available but you still love to see the beauty there. Did that never occur to you?
Alki resident April 22, 2024 (1:50 pm)

So sad that’s your take on what goes on there. Hundreds go there for peace and tranquillity. To remember those they’ve lost and the cherish special times like weddings, engagements and announcements. But kudos for thinking so badly of people who gather there.
- platypus April 23, 2024 (12:01 pm)
  
  But now there is more peace and more tranquility
Jay April 22, 2024 (2:23 pm)

I bike here and smoke weed, so it doesn’t impact me. It only negatively impacts all the people who come here for the Seattle Aquarium tidepool events and other children’s activities.
- Rob April 23, 2024 (6:20 am)
  
  So your admitting your an impaired bike rider on our streets. GREAT

Paul Hage April 22, 2024 (12:11 pm)

The new Seattle Transportation Plan identifies seniors as a “vulnerable community” worthy of equitable treatment under Transportation Justice, the central goal of the STP. It is a contradiction of this goal for SDOT to deny seniors their chosen preference for shore-side enjoyment along Beach Drive while focussing on improved access for walkers, bikers and scooters.

SDOT surveys identified citizens over 60 years of age as the single largest age group of surveyed respondents. Of those who park along Alki Point for recreation, SDOT surveys indicate more than 39% of respondents do so “to view the waterfront from my vehicle”. Assuming that viewing from a vehicle is more likely done by seniors, loss of shore-side parking must affect seniors more than others and represents a lack of understanding by the planners – of their own survey data. Further evidence of short sightedness may be found in the SDOT reply to concern expressed over loss of ADA spaces. SDOT says that other ADA spaces are made available across the street and up a side street – probably not the first choice for waterfront viewing.

It would have been reasonable, indeed an obligation, to review the proposed loss of shore-side parking along Beach Drive with the needs of our vulnerable parents and grandparents in mind if the Transportation Plan is seriously intended to meet its stated goals. And it wouldn’t have cost a penny.

I guess the next step would be a stop work order.

Bbron April 22, 2024 (1:21 pm)

unless you have other sources (which you can always provide when making an argument) the SDOT survey had 30% of the 1,800 respondents (~550 people) reply to the question “How would you use parking along Alki Point?” with “To view the waterfront from my vehicle” (https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/SDOT/ProjectsAndPrograms/Stay%20Healthy%20Streets/Alki_Survey_Report_%20Part1_of_2.pdf). instead of relying on an assumption, we can reference a different part of the survey where ~550 respondents said that they enjoy Alki Beach with the assistance of a mobility device; this is as a whole a vulnerable population (and likely one where there is an over representation of seniors). the changes to the area will categorically improve the experience for these folks, so no, there isn’t a “lack of understanding… of their own survey data” by SDOT.
- Paul Hage April 22, 2024 (3:33 pm)
  
  I removed the category “I wouldn’t use it” and the one “to access homes” – and re-calculated. Regarding lack of understanding – I found their option of parking elsewhere to be ignorant of the needs of the disabled who just want a shore-side visit from their car. I think it is irresponsible of SDOT not to consider time and area closures when needed. The STP recognizes that option My experience suggests the use of Beach Drive looks just like the dozen or so photos in their documents – not much going on there. They make no mention of off-season use, which is most of the time seen from these 80 year old eyes.
  - Bbron April 22, 2024 (4:17 pm)
    
    “I removed the category… and re-calculated” that’s… not how that works? when you do that you’re just comparing the difference between people that wouldn’t use the parking with those that would use it to view the shore; also, with your “recalculation” the percent of folks who wouldn’t use the parking is 61% which conveys greater eagerness than before. none the less, the percentage becomes useless when you remove categories because you’re selecting an interpretation of the data that wasn’t present during creation (in this case, removing options that were available to chose from). the outcome is biased from the start.
    
    “not much” is going on there because it’s a pretty dismal place to walk. we’ve seen it play out time and time again: make an area for people to exist in and people will come to it. it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy because nothing has changed from the car-centric status quo that yo yourself say has been the constant the whole time you’ve been observing. the survey shows there are plenty of people that want to move in the area given the infrastructure, but y’all parking enthusiasts are hung up on the past defining the future.
    - Paul Hage April 22, 2024 (5:54 pm)
      
      If the percentages add up to more than 100% (in this case 161%) we are not talking percentages anyway. I still think inclusion of people who “would not park there” is meaningless to the question of how they would use parking there. So, just use the 30%. The point was people do park there to take in the seashore from their car, many are seniors, and SDOT seems ambivalent to their needs – and downright rude to the disabled – contrary to their stated goals in the STP. You did not respond to my suggestion that the dozen or so photos of largely empty streets in the SDOT documents is a statement of low use in itself. But you do seem to suggest cars prevent people from easy access. I have taken about 20 photos since February at mid afternoon looking north. My photos reveal few cars, walkers or bikers – just like the SDOT photos – not much is going on there. There are a lot of Brandt.
    - Kyle April 22, 2024 (6:08 pm)
      
      That survey was a master course in a biased survey with an intended outcome. Why was their no option to leave it as is?!
    - Bbron April 23, 2024 (10:29 am)
      
      @Paul it’s a failure of the folks presenting the data, but the reason the percentages add to more than 100% is because you could reply more than 1 answer (except when replying “won’t use”). people saying they wouldn’t use parking is important in a discussion as to whether parking is needed. also, you need to assume that the people viewing the beach from the shore are disabled or senior when there are categories that are directly related to those marginalized experiences that are in favor of changes that favor space for humans. you have folks all over this comment section saying they view the beach from their car not because they are disabled but because of other reasons like eating, being out of the weather, or containing their kids. it’s silly to think that all respondents that said they view the beach from their car are the vulnerable populations you have concern for. as for the pictures of low usage: you’re right that car access doesn’t result in usage. if there’s less infrastructure for humans than cars, you’ll end up with less humans wanting to exist in that area. I agree, and modifying the space to have less parking and more space for humans will increase it’s usage (as we’ve seen in other instances). if it’s used so little with all the car access, then we can reduce car access, yeah?
- Rick April 23, 2024 (8:30 am)
  
  My car is a mobility device.
KB April 22, 2024 (1:49 pm)

This was my favorite spot to watch the ocean while my baby, then toddler, napped in the back seat. And lovely to facilitate the beach exploration with the same kiddo once he got a little older. Sad to lose these moments of peace and joy.
- cover all the bases April 23, 2024 (7:05 am)
  
  KB- same, enjoying the view with a kid napping in the backseat. When the kids were a little older, they loved parking there during wind storms, to watch the waves crashing at the shore, lots of excited squeals and giggles. Probably not going to be watching the waves/ windstorms from our bikes.
K April 22, 2024 (1:50 pm)

These are quite the assumptions!

Pinto April 22, 2024 (12:54 pm)

Another example of the city cow towing to privileged wealthy people while those furthest from social justice continue to have their freedoms stripped away. I hope the wealthy Karen’s who live on that street feel good now that their view is no longer obstructed by the parked cars of those who are less privileged

TJ April 22, 2024 (12:56 pm)

A temporary COVID era thing now being made permanent. COVID is history, and so should anything that was temporary during it. There won’t be any enforcement on this so don’t worry about driving on this stretch of road

sixbuck April 22, 2024 (1:21 pm)

And yet the potholes on Seattle streets continue to multiply like rabbits. This is complete and utter 🐂💩

Neighbor April 22, 2024 (1:27 pm)

How long is this project expected to take? Will the road remain accessible to bicycles and cars during construction?

Donna April 22, 2024 (1:40 pm)

Please sign our petition directed towards Mayor Harrell and the City Council asking them to stop this project until its many harmful impacts have been considered. Nearly 1200 people have signed so far. Read the comments and add your own.

https://bit.ly/3vonQOK

Our coalition, Alki Point for All, is meeting with SDOT next week. We’ll let everyone know what they have to say, and what our next steps will be. Join us!

Seth April 22, 2024 (1:57 pm)

No thank you!
walkerws April 22, 2024 (3:13 pm)

Your coalition isn’t for all! It hates those of us who like to use this park without breathing exhaust! Shame on you!
- 3M April 23, 2024 (9:51 am)
  
  Please join people who love Constellation Park and marine mammal wildlife by joining the City’s program to adopt a drain. The drains across from Constellation Park drain directly into the Sound – UNTREATED. SDOT’s plan is ecologically sound for marine mammals by reducing car traffic that leads to pollution going directly into the Sound thru the drains. More cars on Beach Drive make it harder for whales and seals to survive and thrive.

local April 22, 2024 (1:42 pm)

Unbelievable this all came to pass. Gross.

Denden April 22, 2024 (1:44 pm)

In the world of business, as I understand it, there is
someone at the top of the ladder where “The buck stops here” All
through these discussions there is no mention of that person! The Democrats,
the governor, the mayor, the city council or the individual council member are
always pointed to. Who is the person, or specific position, that gives the
order to proceed with these projects. Is it ‘Bob the custodian’ or ‘Jane in the
IT department’? Who decided to have you back into a city viewpoint over at City
Park? Who specifically makes these decisions to do things like that? As pointed
out by Paul above a majority of the people don’t want and yet here we are. WHO?

BTW I have no ill feelings toward ‘Bob’ or ‘Jane’. A Stop Work Order would be interesting.

WSB April 22, 2024 (1:54 pm)

SDOT has a director – the current one was not in the job when “Stay Healthy Streets” were first announced. That director in turn reports to the mayor – also a position that has changed hands in that time. And that would be the person with the final say on this, the mayor.

Millie April 22, 2024 (2:09 pm)

Is this really a priority for SDOT at this time? Surely, there are more pressing needs (especially if they are focusing on “seniors”) for example: sidewalks (repair or new where non-existent), bridge maintenance, the list can go on. Why fix something that appears to be working? It never ceases to amaze me!

NE to SW April 22, 2024 (2:16 pm)

Long-time Seattleite but new to West Seattle and trying to understand the change. It seems like it’s possible to still drive your car along this stretch, and maybe even park if you’re lucky to find one of the spaces free, but the idea is that you’re not supposed to drive through it if it’s not your destination. Is that right? Is that what “local access only” means?I lived in north Seattle recently near something marked “local access only” and I, as a local but not resident of that particular street, accessed the road all the time for my local needs without any trouble or hassle from anyone. Seems this could be similar?

WSB April 22, 2024 (3:39 pm)

Yes, that’s what “local access” means.
Poor house April 22, 2024 (3:49 pm)

Local access is supposed to mean only people who live there or visiting someone who does or delivery people. They haven’t passed a law to enforce it but I don’t doubt they would.
- foop April 23, 2024 (9:36 am)
  
  Local access also means you can drive onto it and park for the purpose of visting the park or taking your bike off your car and biking to Alki without dealing with Alki parking.
Jim April 22, 2024 (7:43 pm)

They originally did this during COVID because people were walking out in the street to avoid one another. They said it was going to be temporary and per the city charter it is illegal for them to do what they’re doing but they’re ramming it through anyway at the behest of a portion of the waterfront property owners that live on that street

Public Street April 22, 2024 (2:22 pm)

Where are all the protesters that stopped pickleball in its tracks at Lincoln Park? Why can’t WE be like them? This is so wrong! Everyone deserves access to this street, whether it’s by car, bike, or two feet just like every other public street! 🤬

Bbron April 22, 2024 (4:19 pm)

there aren’t protestors to your liking b/c you’re misunderstanding what’s happening. the street isn’t becoming private. it’s being modified so it’s a better place for walking, rolling, biking, etc. with less infrastructure going to cars.
- Public Street April 22, 2024 (6:47 pm)
  
  I understand what’s happening. I want this street open to all, including cars! I enjoy parking there with my 90 y/o mother in law who has lived in West Seattle her entire life. A lot of people that can’t walk far, ride a bike, are older, etc like to be able to sit in their car and enjoy the view. There is a bike path/walking path all along Alki for the able bodied to use.
  - YT April 22, 2024 (8:05 pm)
    
    But the street will still be open to cars, and there will still be parking there. Only some of the parking is getting removed, which will still leave more than enough parking for 95% of the time, and for those few occasions it’s not, there is parking all over the nearby streets.

Ted April 22, 2024 (3:29 pm)

Please ensure to share your concerns by visiting the waterfront that is being taken over by wealthy homeowners and bring a battery powered speaker. ensure to play your music at appropriate and legal volume until 10pm each night.

Megan April 22, 2024 (6:50 pm)

🤘
reed April 23, 2024 (9:03 am)

Ted you realize that there are many people beyond the handful of homeowners on that road that support this, right?
- walkerws April 23, 2024 (2:36 pm)
  
  What you have to understand is that people like Ted who only see things through selfishness and self-interest assume that others approach the world similarly. So Ted does not realize that there are many of us beyond the handful of homeowners on that road who support this.

Arbor Heights Resident April 22, 2024 (3:38 pm)

0.25 miles of street will be made more friendly to bicycles and pedestrians! And in an area where lots of bicyclists and pedestrians go! Looks like a great excuse to clutch my pearls and blow this up to be some great assault upon our community, or something.

Arbor Heights Resident April 22, 2024 (3:40 pm)

If Alki doesn’t want this, that’s fine, just bring it to Arbor Heights instead, where most streets don’t have sidewalks and a bicyclist was just recently killed in part due to a lack of adequate infrastructure.

Alki resident April 22, 2024 (6:04 pm)

The infrastructure had nothing to do with my friend getting killed on Marine View Drive. There are thousands of people on their bikes up and down that road with zero fatalities. Yes super unfortunate that it happened but this guy was not insured or licensed if I remember right to even be driving. 100% driver error. RIP Steve
- Arbor Heights Resident April 22, 2024 (9:33 pm)
  
  I’m sorry about your friend. I drive by the memorial very often and think about him a lot- what a tragedy. My point is that infrastructure like bike lanes improve safety- ideally, driver error won’t impact bicyclists at all. If there had been a nice bike path for him to take, or a bike lane separated by a barrier, perhaps the accident could have avoided.

Vlad April 22, 2024 (4:30 pm)

I don’t see anything resembling the word healthy in this plan, all I see is over-engineering by SDOT that will spoil a spot that already serves our community well. Currently this street serves many functions, from pedestrians to bicycles to cars to buses full of students coming for their first experience with ocean tide pools. It is frustrating that SDOT hasn’t learned from Europe and embraced a more democratic and flexible street design approach. Labeling this proposal “healthy” is quite frankly insulting. It is quite the opposite.

1994 April 22, 2024 (9:56 pm)

Isn’t this referred to as an oxymoron? Encouraging people to be healthy in the street does not come across as healthy, or safe. Agree with Vlad – idea is frankly insulting.
- Elton April 23, 2024 (10:03 am)
  
  The “stay healthy” branding is a callback to peak COVID, where there was an interest in staying healthy in terms of both keeping social distancing and engaging in outdoor physical activities (since indoor physical activities was not a good idea back when we had growing death tolls from COVID). That being said, there is more evidence out there that the European model is really good so I would like to see more of that here.

Megan April 22, 2024 (6:49 pm)

You guys are terrible for doing this. Congratulations on the free waterfront park paid for by our taxes. Ridiculous.

YT April 22, 2024 (7:59 pm)

Seriously ridiculous! How dare the city use our tax dollars towards a free waterfront park.

admiral admirable April 22, 2024 (7:23 pm)

If you want to watch the waves from your car you still have most of Alki Ave and Me Kwa Mooks to do so. I for one would rather there be more room for people than for idling cars. Alki is nothing but cars. Let’s let the quiet side be quieter. I’m sure you miss the Viaduct too for the great views while driving.

cover all the bases April 23, 2024 (7:11 am)

After steamrolling all this through, I’m surprised that they didn’t widen the sidewalk. I find that to be completely ridiculous. That sidewalk is too narrow when it’s nice out and there are lots of people, families with dogs, etc. going in both directions. Kinda tells me what i need to know about the reason for the project and who is being prioritized here (ie, the homeowners that live along this stretch)
- Curious April 23, 2024 (10:17 am)
  
  Per the plan description above they will be adding: “A 10-foot-wide shared walking/rolling space.” The sidewalk itself isn’t being widened, but 10′ of the road next to the sidewalk will be available for walking. The drawing shows a scooter in that lane, but it includes walkers and bikes. Hope that helps.
Paul Hage April 23, 2024 (9:59 am)

Those who use the shore-side for closeness to nature find the parking spaces being excised as particularly valuable. Many users are disabled whether by age or permit. SDOT is obligated to go the extra mile to accommodate their needs. Read the Equity goal of the STP. Read the definition of “vulnerable” in the definitions section at the end of the STP. Walkers have been accommodating cars all along, and vice-versa. The number of cars has already been reduced by signage and speed bumps, and will be further reduced by more bumps and one lane of traffic. Bikers are way more absorbed in watching where they are going than gazing at the water. I rarely see or hear parked cars idling.

Craig April 22, 2024 (11:31 pm)

Wait, is going to be a ONE WAY street? In the rendering picture from SDOT I see one lane for driving and I’m assuming it’s TWO way? If cars are coming both directions and it’s only one lane won’t there be a log jam of cars not able to scoot over or back up if they can’t pull into a new parking spot to yield to the other car? This street should be one way, for sure.

Mellow Kitty April 23, 2024 (6:48 am)

The speed bumps are useless unless they are one solid piece going across the road. They also need to be more steeper. I’ve lost count of the number cars I’ve seen maneuver through the gaps without dropping their speed. The bumps are too low and the gaps are too big.

Scarlett April 23, 2024 (8:39 am)

Considering we’re slipping into real economic feudalism, a nation of the have’s and the have not’s, and SCOTUS on the verge of criminalizing homelessness, my response to this tempest in a teapot, is “whatever.”

Seattle Resident April 23, 2024 (9:03 am)

This is great! With this becoming permanent, I encourage all residents to use this safe street as much as possible and in as high a number as possible. Be sure to bring groups of friends with you and enjoy talking, laughing, group singing. Set up chairs! Let’s utilize our tax dollars and make this a real crowd attraction. Afterall, the homeowners are getting the street semi-closed for the good and use of the people, right? They’ll be so happy. It could also become a new gathering area for protests since we don’t have to worry about traffic!

wetone April 23, 2024 (9:36 am)

My original thought was that someone living in one of those nice view houses or owns property around the Alki point area was behind all this. Maybe ex government, dot-com or SDOT employee ? Then I thought well maybe just a friend or relative of someone tied to someone high up in that group, wanting area for themselves or a way to keep the homeless issues away…..But now I really think it’s just the complete incompetence of SDOT and the kind of projects they hold high and important. Fixing something that works just find today for most all, with exceptions of few. A project that will do little for safety or noise issues and leading to many other problems. I see permit parking coming soon for this area….This really shows bad for SDOT director Greg Spotts, mayor Bruce Harrell and city council for allowing this mess to get to this point. Dividing people more and more with works as this one. In a time where city of Seattle’s budget is hundreds of $$$$ millions in the red, asking voters to pass upcoming transportation levy of $1.4 billion….. Yet SDOT has been busy spending money, engineering and skilled workers time with projects such as this and the Healthy Streets projects for the last 3 years. Now I know some will say the budget dollars for small projects such as this are minor in the big picture, but problem is Seattle and SDOT have a lot of these so called (little)projects and it adds up pretty quickly. There are miles of walking and bike paths less than 1/2 mile away for those that want them, use them…..don’t keep taking away parking on public roads that impact so many, benefiting so few…………. I know how I’m voting on upcoming levy as this project and others like it makes it a very easy decision ;)

West Seattle Person April 23, 2024 (10:52 am)

WON’T SOMEBODY THINK OF THE CARS?!

LunaMarie April 23, 2024 (12:23 pm)

I foresee a nighttime skating rink in our front yard!

Eldorado April 23, 2024 (1:28 pm)

Are we all going to lay in the middle of the street tomorrow or tie ourselves up to the trees or the railings or march up and down the street shooting off fireworks or what? I say Bring back the loud car stereos, smoke all the weed you want. Do donuts with your muscle cars. Park your RV’s here for as long as you are legally allowed.This is bad form Mr. Mayor, SDOT, and whomever else pushed this through.! It made sense for CoVid, but it sure don’t make sense now.

Kathy April 23, 2024 (10:28 pm)

No, we’re not, because we support the project.

AlkiJenna April 23, 2024 (1:56 pm)

So great to see this happening after 4 years of outreach. Thank you mayor Harrell and SDOT for taking a data driven approach and improving and preserving the most used Stay Healthy Street in Seattle!

Sorry, comment time is over.