Duwamish Head parking-change work ‘under way,’ 2025 momentum, SPD stats, more from Alki Community Council’s first 2025 meeting

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

In the fourth of this week’s four community-coalition meetings in West Seattle – the Alki Community Council‘s meeting last night – the biggest news came from an attendee, toward the end.

(WSB photo, December)

Harbor Avenue resident Steve Pumphrey, a leader of the neighborhood group that’s been advocating for safety improvements and other changes in east Alki, told ACC leaders and attendees that SDOT has told him work on one will start soon – removing the Duwamish Head angled-parking zone (above). District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka got $175,000 for the change included in this year’s budget. Pumphrey read from email sent by SDOT staffer Bill LaBorde, saying design is under way, to be followed by outreach and “work-order writing,” and construction (which SDOT says “includes grinding angled parking stalls, installing barrier, updated channelization and signs”) likely in May/June: “We will do our best to implement the conversion as soon as possible but there are several variables, including weather and emergencies that can impact crew schedules between now spring; design variables include time to construct, sign production and procurement of materials. However, the project is definitely underway and appears to be straightforward enough that it should be relatively fast to design and deliver.” Pumphrey explained to attendees that the angled parking is “like bleachers” for spectators when racing and other driving stunts are happening on the street. He also advised that to get city leaders to respond and take action, “you have to stay on them.”

Here’s what else happened at the meeting facilitated by ACC president Charlotte Starck, with more than two dozen attendees in-person at Alki UCC and online.

POLICE/CRIME/SAFETY: Officer German Barreto and crime-prevention coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite were in attendance online. Barreto noted that the precinct has two new officers (as noted at two other community meetings this week), working third watch (late night). Will that enable patroling Alki as needed? Starck wondered. “If there’s a hot spot there, they’ll send officers to patrol,” he said. A representative from an area building lauded Satterwhite for “being amazing” and “responsive” in two visits to the building. Satterwhite also brought stats – first the precinct as a whole ended the year with an 8 percent decrease in crime: “That’s 300 fewer incidents of crime.” Motor-vehicle thefts were down 30 percent – after a historically higher 2023. What do you attribute that to? asked Starck. A big 2024 emphasis in trying to prevent auto theft is probably at least partly to thank. Alki stats: For the year, 21 percent crime decrease – 1 homicide, compared to 2 in 2023 – auto theft was down (38 percent decrease – 52 incidents, compared to 84 in 2023).

2025 OVERVIEW: Starck said, “We’re super excited about the momentum we have with more and more people coming into the Alki Community Council,” especially because of events such as Alki Trick or Treat and Alki Holiday Lights. “The goal is to keep our momentum going – we’re seeing a lot of interest in young families” among others. How much time can you give? What skillset can you contribute? She mentioned the ACC’s long-running Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza maintenance acountabilities – not the bricks but cleaning the benches, ensuring the statue’s light stays lit, etc. Starck mentioned David Hutchinson‘s “unsung hero” contributions. Safety is ACC’s first priority, then connecting people, with the recent natural disasters around the country reminding Starck of the importance. “We’re in this place where I think social connection is valuable and needed.”

BOARD: Springboarding off the volunteering discussion, Starck talked about roles they’d like to have people fill, such as a safety chair – a role Starck has been bridging, talking with city officials, precinct police, etc. “This is an amazing neighborhood. it’s worth fighting for,” she said, and that includes communication between neighbors. While acknowsledging “the president is the spokesperson for the organization,” Starck said, “I just need help. … We just need the voice in front of city leadership,” in addition to individual neighborhood and building reps who’ve been advocating too.” A volunteer to take over the business committee also spoke up, as well as a potential volunteer to take over from longtime treasurer Kathy Olson. Starck hopes the board will expand so that it increases sustainability.

EXPENSES: So what does money have to be spent on, to run and grow the ACC? One example Starck detailed – efforts to raise the ACC’s profile, with big standup banners, featuring a QR code, which has helped increase their newsletter subscriptions, among other things, about 350, up from 80. They’re paying for web hosting. There’s a budget for “special events” too. Where does the money come from? asked one attendee. Paid memberships (which start at $10) and donations, said Starck – noting that other local neighborhood groups are also trying to figure out how to cover rising expenses (they add up – even at seemingly low rates for a do-it-yourself website, a meeting room, etc.). Volunteering is of major value, added operations chair Kevin Kramer. A discussion ensued, with various attendees speaking up about skills they might lend to the effort.

BYLAWS: They’re being revised after almost 20 years – Kramer noted they even mention “things that are no longer in the neighborhood.” The ACC will vote on new proposed bylaws once they’re drafted.

ALKI HOLIDAY LIGHTS: The eventt aligned with the Christmas Ship’s Alki visit was organized at the last minute but “it was great!” enthused Starck. Wyatt Carlock, who organized it, gave a recap with Kramer, who assisted: They brought lights, Christmas gear, swag to give away; businesses were excited about all the customers it brought in – the Log House Museum had hundreds of visitors, Fire Tacos ran out of 15 gallons of hot chocolate, Argosy Cruises gave ACC a shoutout, people were asking about opening up the Bathhouse in future years (but that might take away from the businesses, Kramer observed). So for next December – more lights, more publicity, more everything, said Carlock. How about putting Christmas lights on the business sponsors’ buildings? suggested one attendees. “Wherever there is a roof, fence, something with a line, I see an opportunity for lights!” he enthused.

Before the meeting ended, more from attendees:

(June photo by Don Brubeck)

ALKI POINT HEALTHY STREET: An Alki Point resident spoke about the Healthy Street and the recently released SDOT survey results. “The report was much the way we as neighbors expected it to be, reinforced our observations that the street has experienced an increase by walkers, bike riders, and car drivers, and there’s plenty of parking at all times. He cited that 71 percent of users felt safe in the “new lane,” and that more than half the respondents said it makes them more likely to use Alki Point. He mentioned the new plans for safety improvements at the 63rd/Beach Drive crossing, and the reason for the city’s delay in extending the walking/biking/rolling lane in the last block, because of the forthcoming work on the pump station at the south end, which will include a trench to be dug 63rd to 64th, this summer, George said. He says they believe the work will start this spring.

ANOTHER TROUBLE SPOT: An attendee said there’s been so much racing on 63rd, he wants the city to put in speed cushions, and needs to know how to advocate for them. Pumphrey offered to provide advice.

NEXT MEETING: The ACC meets third Thursdays most months, 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) and online, so next month that’ll be February 20.

25 Replies to "Duwamish Head parking-change work 'under way,' 2025 momentum, SPD stats, more from Alki Community Council's first 2025 meeting"

  • star 55 January 17, 2025 (10:19 pm)

    How can I sign up for the ACCnewsletter please?

    • Derp January 17, 2025 (11:16 pm)

      Click the blue highlighted Paid Membership in the article

  • 1994 January 17, 2025 (10:57 pm)

    Thank goodness the cat converter thefts have tapered off. We don’t hear about them so much lately – yah!

  • bradley January 17, 2025 (11:27 pm)

    Why are we letting the law breakers run the lay of the land?  The Head is a peaceful place to enjoy the harbor and city view, and we’re letting street racers take it away (among other things)?  Insane.

    • C January 18, 2025 (6:53 am)

      What is being taken away? 

      • Bradley January 18, 2025 (9:56 pm)

        Did you read the article?

  • 22blades January 18, 2025 (5:15 am)

    Duwamish Head served us well during the pandemic. As a senior, it WAS one of the few places you can sit at the waterfront & relax (other than Friday night until Sunday morning. Public assets should be available to all. That includes people with mobility challenges.

  • Al King January 18, 2025 (5:46 am)

    What was the reason for, and who pushed for the change to back in angle parking at Duwamish Head?  Curious if they’re against the changes happening.

    • WSB January 18, 2025 (11:17 am)

      We’ve reported this many times. Nearby residents (including Steve Pumphrey, who brought the update; bullets went through his window the night of the most recent murder nearby.

    • Kyle January 18, 2025 (8:59 pm)

      The catalyst was a shooting last summer there. Because Seattle police have been ineffective at enforcing existing laws and breaking up late night car parties, Alki residents have decided to appeal to SDOT to make parking less available and more difficult for everyone.

  • Joan January 18, 2025 (8:11 am)

    It’s not clear. Is there going to be any parking there?

  • sgs January 18, 2025 (9:39 am)

    The link to the budget has this info on new parking format:*$175,000 to eliminate angled parking at Duwamish Head, a longtime
    request of nearby residents concerned about street disorder and
    gatherings (the budget item spells out “to convert angled on-street
    parking on Harbor Ave SW at Duwamish Head to parallel-only parking, and
    to restore parallel-only parking to Alki Ave SW adjacent to this
    location”)

    • WSB January 18, 2025 (9:45 am)

      We’ve reported that multiple times before. There has not to date been any estimate of how many parallel spaces, nor exactly where. Interestingly, note that the new SDOT communication mentions installation of a barrier.

  • KT January 18, 2025 (10:29 am)

    So Seattle … 5 to 6 months to get underway.  Why is is not as easy as painting over the angle stripes and restriping for parallel parking (“includes grinding angled parking stalls, installing barrier, updated channelization and signs”)?  

    • bill January 18, 2025 (7:11 pm)

      Because unless there are physical barriers drivers don’t obey.

  • Azimuth January 18, 2025 (11:05 am)

    It’d be nice if they widened the sidewalk where they are removing the parking. 

  • JustSarah January 18, 2025 (11:21 am)

    Do we have any idea how the extra width will be used when this zone is restriped for parallel parking? Obviously back-in parking requires more road/sidewalk width than parallel. Understood design is just beginning, but wondering if ACC or SDOT have discussed general concepts.

  • Gary Richardson January 18, 2025 (11:31 am)

    Turn Alki Ave into a parking lot.So, as you might have heard from city planners, Seattle is expected to be double in population in 10 years.Whether that projection becomes a reality or not, we don’t know. But if the population doubles, assuming Alki will get their share of growth, then what can be done to mitigate traffic congestion?Planners are most likely going to concentrate growth in West Seattle near the ST-3 line with zoning upgrades to mid rises and encourage ridership with assistance from secondary services such as UBER ride friendly parking near stations and businesses, shuttles and other public transportation sources.However, a lot of those new people will want to flock to Alki and other points of interest on their day off without having to endure a drive that would take longer than biking there on a leisure 4 wheel pedal rental.Convert Alki Ave from 2 lanes to 4 lanes.If the parking and bike lanes are converted to a 4 lane road then the capacity nearly doubled at the cost of 

    • Himbo January 18, 2025 (12:18 pm)

      Great plan to ruin Alki by turning it into a highway. If you actually want to solve traffic and make it accessible, close it to cars and run high frequency buses (or ideally a tram).

  • Gary Richardson January 18, 2025 (12:08 pm)

    Put a 5 lane tunnel under Alki Avenue.If the tunnel is bored the same cost and method as the Las Vegas Tunnel network then we are looking at a couple of million per mile as opposed to a billion per mile.At 14 ft diameter each, that strip along the water may accommodate 5 lanes and the topside could handle enough parking similar to the parking on Lake Union’s west side and increase the amount of bike/pedestrian space.To pay for the tunnel, a combination of toll charging over 40 years and other funding methods used in Seattle’s past might fit the budget.Or maybe, we bring a modern boardwalk back into the picture and stretch the shoreline further north.

  • Jim January 18, 2025 (4:27 pm)

    This is absolute BS! Stop stealing public places because you won’t enforce the law on criminals. The fact that Rob Saka believes that this will stop shooting is hilarious

  • Tae January 18, 2025 (7:33 pm)

    While changing the Duwamish angled parking is being touted as a safety issue (at a cost of $175,000) because the angled parking is like bleachers for spectators when racing and other driving stunts are happening, has it been considered that the spots are also like bleachers for enjoying the view? And that angled parking is also kinder on those to which parallel parking is harder and painful for those with disabilities? Not all disabilities qualify for passes, nor are there enough spots for those passes. Rather than keep pushing taxpayers away due to the unsavory activities on Alki how about more patrols and consequences for the offenders while spending the $175,000 on needed services.

  • M January 18, 2025 (8:06 pm)

    Everyone knows that if you paint and sign for back-in angle parking, it’s scientifically impossible to have violence within a half mile radius.

  • Craig January 18, 2025 (11:18 pm)

    If the back in spaces are bleachers, turn around the spectators, like how the parking there was prior. This way the non racing drivers (certainly the majority of drivers) can enjoy the view of the water. Do we really think youthful car racers who are drawn to the beach scene as they have for decades along Alki are going to decide after seeing parallel parking here that this long graceful curve in the road, next to the scenic ocean, with a quarter mile of straight approach, and quarter mile of exit from the curve is suddenly going to be unattractive to race because possible spectators had to park in a row, not angled in to the street?  Does the logic of making it parallel parking to save local residents from car racers take into account that when the spaces faced the other way, a few years ago, there was still car racing – so therefore the direction of cars parked is not the cause of the cars speeding. $175k can be spent so many other better ways. 

  • 1994 January 18, 2025 (11:27 pm)

    Front in angle parking only would be better so drivers are facing the water when parked. Isn’t that how it used to be prior to the back in angle parking? 

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