FOLLOWUP: Next step for SW Lander ‘People Street’ proposal

Thanks to a nearby resident for the tip. SDOT has sent an update on the “People Street” project proposing to close part of SW Lander west of California SW to motor-vehicle traffic. After a survey and in-person events, here’s how SDOT summarized feedback:

Accompanying that graphic:

Now, we are using your feedback to create design options for the project … Later this year, we will share these design options with you and the neighborhood to gather feedback to inform the final design. We will send out dates for future events soon.

The section of street under consideration from the change is between Lafayette Elementary and the commercial building housing The Good Society and Seattle Yarn. It’s currently one-way eastbound. If you have questions or comments, the SDOT update points you to urbandesign@seattle.gov.

ITotallyAgreeWithYou September 22, 2026 (4:22 pm)

In other words, the closure was always a foregone conclusion and the survey was not asking “if” the street should be closed but what to do with the space “when” it is closed. Same song, next verse with SDOT.

Reest September 23, 2026 (8:00 am)

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That is not what the story says. You just entirely made that up.

SJ September 22, 2026 (8:22 pm)

Still confused about why this is happening. There are two “people parks” and a “people community center” literally across the street from this project.

Frog September 23, 2026 (10:52 am)

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It does seem like a uniquely bad idea from an agency famous for them. Closing that block would turn the alley behind PCC into an arterial at Lafayette pickup-dropoff times, and greatly increase traffic on Stevens, which is already narrow and crowded. A casual observer might think the brew pub must have friends at city hall.
rankler September 23, 2026 (11:35 am)

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It’s happening because it makes the neighborhood better for both those who live there and visitors.
- Scarlett September 23, 2026 (4:46 pm)
  
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  So, now you’re putting a the desires of a few residents, and a less restricted flow of traffic, ahead of the rest of West Seattle? Wow, quite the change from those like you who chastise residents claiming they have a right to park in front of their home. What’s next? I can’t wait!

DeadEnder September 22, 2026 (9:23 pm)

Once again, the City magically has too many actual paved streets AND money, and tries to become relevant by asking citizens for input on their foregone conclusion. If DOGE ever existed at our City level, these petty games are ripe for a slate of layoffs.

Charles Burlingame September 22, 2026 (9:52 pm)

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The problem with that is that the program was DIRECTLY advertised before the voter approved levy.

KT September 23, 2026 (3:05 pm)

I would like to encourage everyone to contact our City Council member, Rob Saka, by emailing Rob.Saka@seattle.gov or by calling the office at (206) 684-8801, as I will be doing. Again and again. He is also the Chair of the Transportation Committee on the Seattle City Council. I want SDOT to place some traffic mitigations on Lander, to slow traffic down first before placing a pedestrian only zone, thinking that is the way to increase safety.