West Seattle, Washington
09 Monday
(The size/shape alternatives under consideration for Fauntleroy terminal/dock replacement)
As Washington State Ferries moves closer to deciding on a “preferred alternative” for replacing the Fauntleroy ferry dock, two of the project’s advisory groups are meeting online this week, and all are welcome to watch and listen. First, on Tuesday (December 10), the Technical Advisory Group meets 10 am-11:30 am; then on Wednesday (December 11), the Community Advisory Group meets 6-8 pm. (The project page has information on who comprises the two groups.) You can register to get the meeting links by going here. Construction of the new dock, currently budgeted at almost $100 million, is not expected to start before 2027; the intersection at the dock’s entrance/exit, however, is scheduled for changes including a signal, with work starting in fall of next year. Our report on the Community Advisory Group’s most-recent meeting a month and a half ago is here.
Report from a reader on the water: Somebody in Fauntleroy with a green laser is pointing it at ferries again. Striking navigable vessels with a laser is a felony crime, not to mention a health and safety hazard. If you see anyone doing it, call 911.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Almost a year after concerns were raised about the Fauntleroy YMCA‘s viability, it’s on the rise.
Over that year, the YMCA (WSB sponsor) has added hours and programs, and it’s about to expand its offerings again.
That’s what about 50 people heard at last night’s “town hall” update at Fauntleroy Church (which is co-housed with the Y).
Branch executive Cleveland King said they’ve surpassed the required membership goal – they figured out how to sort out members who primarily use Fauntleroy, and that number is up to 411, aiming for 500. (That stat is dwarfed by the thousands who primarily use the West Seattle branch, but King said he’s focused on the trend – steadily upward.) Here’s our video of his opening update:
King showed photos from the church/Y Chili Fest celebrating a century together, saying the acceptance from the church leadership and community “is a lot different than when I started here” – saying some had previously “given up on” the relationship, but that’s not what’s happening any more. “It’s really the community stepping up, supporting each other … I was just the conduit.”
More additions were listed: Hours, group fitness classes, personal training, youth sports workshops, guided adventures, the Y’s return to the Fauntleroy Fall Festival after being “absent a long time,” partnering with church for medical-debt forgiveness
What’s ahead:
They’ll open 8 am-noon Fridays starting January 1, so they’ll be open every weekday. More group fitness classes, enrichment after-school programs, camping and outdoors, Livestrong (small-group cancer-survivorship program). That all drew applause.
King noted he’d spent a lot of time talking to Fauntleroy UCC senior pastor Rev. Leah Atkinson Bilinski about “how we were going to fix the problem” and called her “instrumental” in “talking, brainstorming … with ideas on how we could save our Y.” He then thanked everyone for “unwithering support this year” before inviting ideas and comments from attendees.
First person said he was one of many attendees from the Active Older Adults group and said they “get so much out of that class,” so they hoped more classes will be added – and Y staffer Madisson (photo below) said, yes, they will be.
Another person asked for more Pilates classes – mat Pilates – and Madisson promised that’s in the works, maybe for spring. Then Art took the mic and said that he is thankful that King came to West Seattle, as he’s seen “a steady step-by-step improvement …” He was also impressed that King came to join an AOA class and experienced it “in person for yourself.” King said that “starting in January, I’ll be here probably more than you want to see me.”
Mary asked to hear more about King’s vision. He’s looking into what it would take to purchase equipment. Some say they like the current equipment the way it is, though. He says he understands – but ‘there are benefits to upgrading sometimes.” Machines that are aging may not be conditioning yu the right way. “I don’t feel we
Next questioner: “When you’re deciding about changing machines, how are you making that decision?”
When repair costs start to pile up, King replied. Also when tests on equipment show it’s failing. The questioner suggested asking members for advice and participation when making that kind of change. Also, providing someone to educate members on new equipment “The transition needs to make sense to people.” Like explanations about how the new machine(s) might work the body more efficiently, for example. “You wouldn’t get (so much) pushback.” King agreed. He said they’d considered having the PT staff on site for the first month of new equipment. That touched off a discussion about how to get questions answered and instruction offered regarding new machines. Madisson said they’re working on that. “We’re always going to be here for you.”
Next questioner, Nancy, said she likes the current machines but isn’t opposed to new ones. She said she would come more often if classes were available – she attended strength and fitness, Pilates barre, and “those are the things that would bring me back” as well as other former classmates. She’d rather see money spent on more classes than new machines.
Madisson said the bar classes will return, among others. She’s also bringing in former longtime instructors as well as new ones. “I’m really excited about bringing more and more … over here.” And, “even if we add more in January – that’s not it – we’re not done.”
Another question: “Will the Kid Zone be open when you open (more) mornings?” King replied, “In 2025, I am hoping to address that.” First, though, his goal is to get to 500 memberships for Fauntleroy, and they’re close. “We are going to work with our family programs around what’s a good time, how many families are interested,” etc.
Andrew from the advisory board noted he was one of several board members in attendance. “Are they going to play basketball Saturdays here or at the main branch?” Both, all day, playing basketball, King replied. Andrew asked about more hours/days, and King said if the need is there, he’s open to fighting for it. They could look at opening the rest of the facility while the gym is already open for basketball. King said he sometimes has to convince the association that Fauntleroy is a branch of its own – “we need to not have it so connected to the West Seattle branch … if we ca get to the point where the numbers show it’s a branch, that helps my fight every day.” He hopes Fauntleroy can get up to 1,000 members of its own by the end of 2026.
Inez wondered about adult sports, like an adult basketball league. And what about more in-person classes? She also wanted to have a transcript of the meeting for those who weren’t able to attend. King replied that they’ve been trying to encourage adult basketball players to help them form a league – which he believes is more effective than more drop-in times. Inez asked about 4-8 pm, and King said there’s “no room” during those hours – it would have t be “after 8.” Madisson said programs for the chronically ill would require collaborating with a health-focused staff. She added that they’re going to be adding senior healthy potlucks == could just focus on “fun things,” could also bring in speakers. December 12 is the first one. They’re also hoping to bring in “Pedal for Parkinson’s” and weight-loss-related programming. Regarding getting info, King said they put some info on Instagram and also noted that WSB was there to report on the meeting.
Another question: Why not count Fauntleroy/West Seattle users as Fauntleroy members, at least partially? And she added “compiling email lists should not be a challenge in today’s environment.” King said he agreed.
Another board member, Tristan, asked about the afterschool enrichment programs mentioned briefly in the slideshow. A Y staffer said it was her second day in her new role and West Seattle Elementary, Arbor Heights, Concord, Fairmount Park, Boren have licensed child-care sites but that’s not an enrichment program – what is, is cooking classes, yoga, etc. for kids and families. “You’re gonna sign up for something specifically for your kiddo.”
Next person said she appreciates how clean and pristine the facility here is. King then said there’ll be a budget for staffing at Fauntleroy next year. That too drew applause.
Another member who stepped to the mic said he was glad to see the promised changes really did happen. He then brought up a website feature that doesn’t break out Fauntleroy and West Seattle separately. He expressed hope it could be made more functional. King said, “We have to continue to find ways to separate what had been separated for so long.” The member had some simple suggestsions for distinguishing online listings.
Madisson then brought up the Y360 app. She said she and other Healthy Living directors have been working on changes for “as many possible ways to communicate class changes, subs, etc.” and the Y360 app will be able to help with that.
Next, a question about a mention of more adult pickleball. There’s only one court at Fauntleroy, said King, but it wasn’t very popular – though it is a popular sport at the West Seattle branch. “But if you want it, we’ll try. … We can definitely figure out 8 to 12 (morning), though the evening is definitely consumed with basketball.
The question after that – could the cable machine be moved back into its original position? “I think we’re still assessing that space and how we can maximize it,” said King, “but that is something I’m oiconsidering.” The next person said there are more people who also “would love seeing it move back.” Another person interjected that people like to stretch in that space. “Sounds like a big change oming down the pike for that room,” added someone else. Well, they’re starting a “planning phase” right now,” King said. “I we can put something there that’s more efficient … we are looking at planning for the future. I will do my best to accommodate those who need that accomodation currently, until we need to make those changes.”
He then said, how many people in the room know someone who might come back if they added more hours, more programming, etc.? What would it take? Early-afternoon hours – 1 to 4 – said someone. Kid Zone, said others. Saturday morning workout capability. One man suggested volleyball might be a draw. King reiterated that 600 kids are playing basketball since this is THE season – but they try to have other sports, sometimes including volleyball, at other times of year.
Do you need volunteers? Ask for them, suggested a voice from the back.
Next: Spend money on classes before you spend it on new equipment. And “thank you so much for the changes yoou have made and for coming out tonight and engaging in this dialogue.”
King mentioned a New Year’s promotion – $0 joining fee – is coming up. He also reiterated, “We will work on Kid Zone in 2025 – we’ll work on a budget, staffing, what that looks like … If we reintroduce Kid Zone, what are the most sought-after hours.” One voice said, “You’re asking the wrong group,” reminding King that so many of those in attendance were seniors. One younger attendee – Rev. Atkinson Bilinski – suggested 9 to noon.
King ended with words of appreciation. “We hear you, we will continue to serve the community, we will continue to make the changes and improvements you’re asking for.”
(WSB file photo)
What’s happened at the Fauntleroy YMCA since the possibility of closure shocked the community almost a year ago? It’s time for a progress report, says the YMCA (WSB sponsor), with changes over the year including expanded hours and programming. So, we’re reminding you, that progress report is expected at a “town hall”-style meeting at 6 pm Wednesday (December 4) in the Fellowship Hall of Fauntleroy Church (which shares its location with the Fauntleroy Y, at 9140 California SW). Last January, the Y convened an initial town-hall meeting about the challenges and needs, so you can come see – and ask questions about/provide feedback on – what’s happened since then.
(WSB photos by Tracy Record)
That’s a new menu item at The Hall at Fauntleroy‘s free Thanksgiving community dinner, happening until 3 pm – smoked turkey sliders. Kind of like something you might do with leftovers, grinned Reed Haggerty of D Squared, which operates The Hall and has presented this free feast for more than 20 years.
Reed also tells WSB that they were off to a “quick start” today – 125 people seated within minutes. So he advises not waiting if you’re planning to go – not that they’ll run out (“We never run out,” Reed promises), but, well, just go join the party. Here’s the menu:
(There’s a vegetarian option, too.) The chef who came up with it is Zach Mosely of D Squared’s Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering:
He’s presiding over a kitchen full of volunteers, many of them D Squared employees who give up some of their holiday time to come serve the community:
The dinner also features a table laden with desserts including donated pies, cookies, brownies, tarts, and more:
And anyone in need of warm clothing can choose from items on a table in the lobby, also the result of donations:
Again, this is happening until 3 pm; The Hall at Fauntleroy is on the south end of historic Fauntleroy Schoolhouse at 9131 California SW. All welcome!
(Competition was intense as sizable fish competed for spawning sites)
Story by Judy Pickens
Photos by Tom Trulin
Special to West Seattle Blog
Since 1994 when the first coho spawners in modern history came into Fauntleroy Creek, the count has ranged from 0 to 274, with 20 per year being typical. This year, however, the count hit an all-time high: 347.
Records were also broken elsewhere in central Puget Sound, including east West Seattle’s Longfellow Creek. The reason could be that these fish found ample food during their two years in saltwater, or because of other factors yet to be determined.
On Nov. 1, volunteer watchers began documenting the first of 19 spawners in the lower creek. With no more fish for a week, the Fauntleroy Watershed Council called off the watch on Nov. 10. Dennis Hinton, Tom Trulin, and Mark Sears continued to check, just in case especially high tides brought in more.
(Mark Sears made sure drift logs did not block spawner access to the mouth of the creek)
“More” proved to be an understatement. On Nov. 14, a second wave of vigorous two- to seven-pound spawners began pouring in from Fauntleroy Cove. The daily count ranged from 76 on Nov. 15 to none by Nov. 24.
The council had hosted an open creek for the general public during the first wave. Now without watchers on duty every day to ensure visitor safety, organizers instead invited volunteers to stop by and bring guests. All told, at least 400 visitors came during spawning season, including student groups ranging from preschool to high school.
With so many fish trying to leave fertilized eggs in the gravel, tens of thousands of eggs were lost to birds and other predators. How much “home hatch” results will be evident in mid winter when any surviving fry will emerge from the gravel to start feeding in the creek.
(Dennis Hinton with a board full of tick marks)
“The real benefit of such a glut of spawners is what it indicates about water quality,” said veteran watcher Dennis Hinton. “Hatcheries would have released most of these fish as smolts. Without a home creek or river to return to, spawners sniff for clean water.
“The fact that they found it here is a testament to how successful this community and our agency partners have been in restoring this small urban creek to health and keeping it that way.”
The council will have more extensive summary of spawning season in its 2024 annual report; watch for it in late January at fauntleroywatershed.org.
If you got stuck in a pre-dusk jam near the Fauntleroy ferry dock, this crash at Fauntleroy/Wildwood might have played a role. Sent by Mike:
Apparently the car was heading west on Wildwood when the brakes failed. The driver was trying to slow it down by trying to put it in Park. It wouldn’t go so he made a sharp left turn onto Fauntleroy heading south in order to avoid a potential collision with cars or pedestrians at the ferry dock if he were to follow Fauntleroy heading north. No injuries. Driver just shaken up.
The scene has since cleared.
(Tuesday photo by Kevin Freitas)
One week ago tonight, an arsonist set Camp Long‘s historic lodge on fire. That not only gutted the building, but also destroyed decades of history. And it torched some people’s plans for events at the lodge, which the city rented out. If you were among them, the company that manages The Hall at Fauntleroy wanted to share an offer. From D Squared Hospitality:
We were all devastated by the news of Camp Long and recognized the importance of the lodge as a meeting place for the community it’s served for many years.
We rallied together to come up with ideas about how we could offer our support and services to those who have already booked their special events at Camp Long by providing a deeply discounted venue space, including many of our standard fees waived with the sincerest intention to allow these community-building events to still happen!
Anyone who has an event booked in December 2024 and into January 2025 can connect with our team directly at info@dsquaredcompany.com if they have any questions or concerns. We would love to work with each person affected individually to help come up with a practical solution that works for everyone.
Meantime, no new info from Parks or Police yet in the Camp Long fire’s aftermath.
Never too late for gratitude! From this past week’s Fauntleroy Community Association meeting, words of thanks for a big event earlier this fall, from organizer Candace Blue:
The October Great Pumpkin Search occurred despite blustery wind and pouring rain at times. Several families stayed the full 2 hours to search for pumpkins and prizes. The grand prize was generously donated by Avalon Glassworks and had a value of $125. We sincerely thank them for their generosity. The young boy and his mother who found the prize were so happy.
His name is Hamish. This was their second year of participating in the Search. They had moved from another country and were unfamiliar with the fun to be had during the Halloween season. Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped hide the pumpkins. We were fortunate to have some students among them. Candace Blue, Scott Wiesemann, and the FCA appreciate this opportunity to serve the public.
(WSB file photo)
It’s been going on a year now since the possibility of closing the Fauntleroy YMCA shocked community members. The YMCA (WSB sponsor) convened a town-hall meeting in January to talk about the challenges and possibilities. Since then, they’ve committed to working with the community to keep it open, and the Fauntleroy Y has expanded its hours and programming. Now it’s time for a public progress report. Branch administrator Ethan Clarke sends word of a town-hall meeting set for 6 pm December 4 at the Fellowship Hall of Fauntleroy Church (the Y is co-housed with the church). All welcome, whether or not you’re a Y member.
(Salmon eggs after a predator gnawed at a spawner’s carcass)
Story by Judy Pickens
Photos/video by Tom Trulin
Special to West Seattle Blog
The 19 coho spawners that came into Fauntleroy Creek the past two weeks lured a record number of volunteers (27) to document them, as well as 262 visitors and students to the spawning reach.
The action began on October 13 with the Fauntleroy Watershed Council‘s annual drumming to call in spawners. They waited several days in Fauntleroy Cove for sufficient rain to freshen creek water – a sign that it would provide suitable habitat for the next generation.
(The last spawner came through the culvert under Fauntleroy Way on Nov. 5)
The first arrived in the spawning reach on Nov. 1 and the last showed up on Nov. 5. This year’s total compares to 34 in 2023 and a near-record 254 in 2022.
“Such fluctuations are typical for this small creek,” said veteran watcher Dennis Hinton. “Having just 19 in a short spawning reach means everyone could find a good spot to leave their fertilized eggs.”
Volunteers began preparing for spawning season in late September when Mark Sears led a work party to relocate drift logs on the beach so spawners would have easy access to the creek mouth. Once watchers saw them in the cove, he checked daily to make sure they could get in at high tide.
(Bridge School students brought questions about habitat and spawner behavior)
A cadre of veteran watchers was on hand to welcome 154 visitors during a Nov. 3 “open creek,” as well as when students and staff came from the Bridge School in White Center and Chief Sealth International High School.
Next up: Tiny fry will emerge from their protective blanket of gravel in about 4 months to start feeding in the lower creek.
Another neighborhood organization meeting on Tuesday is the Fauntleroy Community Association, with its regular board meeting including a discussion of the city’s new rezoning proposal. As we’ve been reporting, the proposal is open for comments until December 20; a key feature is the creation of more than half a dozen “neighborhood centers” in West Seattle (mapped here), and FCA told the city back in May that it was opposed to the one planned for the Endolyne mini-business-district area. So that’s a big part of the agenda. Community members are welcome at the meeting, which starts at 6 pm Tuesday (November 12) in the conference room at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW).
(Last March’s info pop-up at Fauntleroy and Wildwood)
The first under-road culvert that the city plans to replace for Fauntleroy Creek goes under 45th SW just north of the Endolyne business district, and SPU is ready to show off the new design at another roadside pop-up one week from tomorrow. Here’s the announcement:
Seattle Public Utilities invites the public to attend a Fauntleroy Culverts Replacement Project drop-in information session on Saturday, November 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – stop by anytime during this window to learn about the latest design plans and ask SPU project team members questions. It will be held at the corner of Southwest Wildwood Place and 45th Avenue Southwest in Seattle.
At past outreach events, SPU project team members listened to feedback for the 45th Avenue Southwest landing. SPU has taken this feedback to produce a re-designed plan with these updates:
-The landing’s size has been reduced
-Additional screening has been added to reduce visual impact and restrict access to the ravine
-Signage, low maintenance planting beds, lighting, and boulders are proposed to enhance the area and complement the surrounding environmentQuestions? Please contact Jonathan Brown, SPU Project Manager for the 45th Avenue Southwest Culvert: Jonathan.Brown@seattle.gov or 206-561-2581.
Construction of the 45th SW culvert is expected to start sometime in 2026. This will be followed by the culvert replacement beneath California SW near Fauntleroy Church/YMCA. We reported last summer on the agreement between the church and city regarding how to deal with that one.
As noted in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and on our daily list, Fauntleroy Church has a concert tonight – music and dessert! We’ve since learned that the musician who has led so many concerts and in-service performances at the church is making way for a successor. Maybe that’s you! Here’s the announcement we received:
After nearly 17 years in the role, Fauntleroy Church Music Director Bronwyn Edwards plans to step down in June. Fauntleroy Church is casting a wide net in search of a new director, who will tie music to a theme for each service and work with volunteer musical talent to promote joy and connection. To review the job announcement, visit www.fauntleroyucc.org/jobs.
“Visitors to Fauntleroy Church often mention three things that help them feel at home—our mission, our focus on children’s programming, and our vibrant music program,” said Rev. Leah Atkinson Bilinski, the church’s senior pastor. “Our music program is powerful, thanks to a great director, our choir, and vocal and instrumental ensembles and soloists who present a wide range of sacred and secular music in many different genres.”
The Music Director position is part-time (on average 28 hours per week) and includes benefits. Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume on or before Tuesday, Dec. 31, per directions found at the link above. Fauntleroy Church is a member congregation of the United Church of Christ.
(Photos by Tom Trulin)
The salmon spawners have arrived in Fauntleroy Creek and right now, it’s your first big chance this season to try to see them firsthand. Creek stewards and volunteer salmon watchers are hosting an “open creek” along the stretch where you’re most likely to see them, which runs through private property, but you’ll be guided down to creekside if you go to the public overlook that’s right off the corner of upper Fauntleroy Way and SW Director [map].
This opportunity continues until 3 pm today. All ages welcome, but children should be with an adult and dogs should be leashed. Note that you might see dead fish as well as live ones – that’s the natural end of the spawning cycle.
Two fish tales tonight:
ELLIOTT BAY LEAPING: We’ve been hearing about this for a while, and finally got some video from Brian. People ask why the fish are leaping; theories include trying to rid themselves of lice!
(added Sunday) Thanks to John Saalwaechter for video with a closer view of the jumping fish:
(back to original Saturday night report) FAUNTLEROY CREEK COHO: On the eve of Sunday’s “open creek” (go to the overlook at upper Fauntleroy/SW Director and wait to be called down), 1-3 pm, creek steward Judy Pickens tells us that volunteer watchers have counted 17 spawners in the creek so far. “Despite the rain and cold, our watchers are doing a great job documenting the fish and creek conditions.”
Halloween is segueing right into the holiday season this year. The Fauntleroy Fine Art & Holiday Gift Show has opened its three-day run at Fauntleroy Church, and we have photos of some of the artists and their work – above, Diane Bellisario; below, Kristen Miller:
Judy Pickens provides the overview:
The 15th annual Fauntleroy Fine Art & Holiday Gift Show will be open this evening at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California Ave. SW) until 8 pm to showcase the creative talents of 18 local artists and artistic crafters. Our calendar listing includes the list of artists. Show hours Saturday will be 10 am-4 pm and Sunday hours will be 11 am-2 pm in Fellowship Hall.
Here’s the work of Yuchen Lin:
Thanks to Ana Cecilia Del Claro for the photos.
Two and a half weeks after community members sang and drummed to call the coho into Fauntleroy Creek, salmon have arrived, Judy Pickens reports:
Veteran salmon watcher Dennis Hinton not only saw the first spawner of the season enter Fauntleroy Creek late yesterday (10/30) but also took the first photo (above). Volunteers report more spawners poised to enter from Fauntleroy Cove.
Sunday (11/3) the public can come have a look when the Fauntleroy Watershed Council hosts an all-ages “open creek” 1:00-3:00 pm. Dress for the weather and make your way to the fish ladder viewpoint at SW Director and upper Fauntleroy Way SW (on the bluff across from the ferry terminal). A volunteer will invite you down to creek level to check out the habitat, ask questions, and maybe see spawners. Children should bring a parent and dogs should be on leash.
(The size/shape alternatives under consideration for Fauntleroy terminal/dock replacement)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Building the new Fauntleroy ferry dock/terminal could take up to four years.
That’s part of what the project’s Community Advisory Group learned during an online meeting Wednesday night.
The time frame depends on what alternative is chosen for the new dock – Washington State Ferries is on the verge of deciding on an alternative to carry forward into environmental review. “We’re getting to the end of the PEL (planning and environmental linkages) study process.”
WSF’s David Sowers started the meeting by revisiting the Good to Go! tolling/advance-ticketing study, a focus of the CAG’s previous meeting last month.
Group member Judy Pickens asked about costs. Sowers said it’s in the report – they had options from $5 million to $20 million for using Good To Go! He said it’s effective in its full implementation but only saving a few minutes in “dwell time. … That for us was not enough to .. (pursue) significant policy changes” that it would take, “not something we could implement any time soon.” He added that the cost of operating and maintaining the system is sizable too – “some capital upfront costs … if money were no constraint, it might be a lot more doable, but the benefit we saw” (wasn’t enough to suggest they pursue the costly option).”
WSF’s Hadley Rodero reminded everyone that they had decided to carry a partial implementation of Good To Go! into the level 3 screening, as well as Wave To Go advanced ticketing with a “similar-sized” dock. (All the dock sizes being screened are bigger than the current one.) So all vehicles will continue to go through toll booths.
Another group member, Mardi Clements, said she was glad that there’d be some time saved, so everyone would benefit.
Next, Sowers focused on the factors that would have to be considered for construction. WSF will continue some level of service during construction – the dock won’t be completely out of commission. Sowers said they’d been asked by a King County Water Taxi rep if passenger-only service would be an option. Site constraints include “a narrow piece of land on which to operate.” Permitting requirements will include addressing noise, dealing with staging areas. “We know construction is disruptive – it’s impactful, sometimes stressful, but will lead us to a product we’ll all be happy with.”
Construction criteria are spelled out here:
Regarding maintaining some level of service, they may consider building a temporary slip as well as looking at ways to move passengers. Sowers said they’d also recently hired consultants to look at the Triangle Route schedule – reviewing it for the current time as well as construction.
He handed off to Ed Thomas, project engineering lead, who got further into construction details. He said they’re still trying to identify construction staging and office areas.
In the first stage, they’d use the existing dock. Then for 15-18 months, traffic would move to the temporary slip. Phase 2B, another move, then Phase 3, the temporary dock/slip would be removed and the new dock would move.
They chose the A alternatives for the graphics but that does not mean other options have been ruled out, Thomas clarified in response to a question. In response to another one, WSF acknowledged that some of the offshore components will be replaced as part of the project.
Group member Anne Higuera said she’s “excited to see this” and asked questions – starting with, have they consulted any contractors yet? Sowers said no, but there are a lot of people on staff with experience enough to know these plans are promising. Would materials come in and go out through West Seattle or be barged in? Both, said Sowers – a fair amount of suppliers are on the Duwamish River, for example. It’s a large-enough project that “most of the work is going to be done from the water,” he said. Higuera wondered if the temporary dock should perhaps be built elsewhere on the West Seattle peninsula. No, said Sowers – “building it in a completely different location” would require another level of permitting, among other things. He said they acknowledge building the temporary dock and demolishing it will be costly, but there’s no way around it.
Is there an estimated start date? Sowers was asked. No – could be as early as 2027-2028, “regardless of the option” chosen, he said. And yes, he replied to a question, they have to work around fish windows (times when in-water construction is not permitted because of fish-related considerations).
How much holding will there be on the temporary dock? “Less than 84 cars, so there will be additional traffic that queues on Fauntleroy Way, Sowers said. Thomas said it could range from 18 to 40 vehicles on the dock, depending on how the loading/offloading phase works during construction. So it’s a small temporary structure, Clements said. Yes, Thomas confirmed, it would be pretty much the same between all the alternatives.
The estimated durations are based on all the permit requirements and noise/work hours rules, Thomas said. Pickens asked, so anything affecting the creek flow would be limited to three months of the year? Yes, said Thomas.
Group member Justin Hirsch said he’s glad to see the temporary slip idea – the concept of rerouting downtown just wouldn’t work. But he’s worried that potentially three years of traffic backups on Fauntleroy is daunting, so traffic would need active management. “Sometimes Fauntleroy Way SW looks like a Mad Max movie and it’s going to look even more like that.”
WSF’s Hadley Rodero stressed that planning for schedules and traffic flow will be vital, including how they communicate it to the community.
Thomas said there’ll be a 15-foot-wide clear zone on both sides of the dock, north and south.
For construction duration – depending on the alternative chosen, anywhere from 33 to 48 months. And that’s just the “physical construction activities,” Thomas said.
Sowers then picked up the topic of “construction-delivery method.” They intend to use “design-build” – a single contractor who will design and build the project – as opposed to design-bid-build. “This is more of a ‘best value’ approach to project delivery,” Sowers said, adding that it helps the state manage risk, via one contractor being accountable for so much of it. He said it also means the project can be built faster – maybe they’ll come up with a better way to phase it. (And yes, they’ll have incentives for finishing earlier.) “I want to dispel any myths that the design-builder is going to do whatever they want” – they still have to live up to terms of the contract, Sowers said.
Group member David McDaniel hoped they’d be reviewing a “rough draft” sooner rather than later.” Sowers agreed. He said they’d like to build it faster, but the current estimates are in a three- to four-year timeframe.
In other discussion, Sowers said WSF has a lot of leeway about what they can put into the request for bids – if they wanted the building to be sided in cedar, for example, they could specify that. There’ll also be more community engagement as they move further into the planning purpose. They’ll also have to decide if the CAG will go forward in its current configuration.
As the meeting moved toward the hour and a quarter mark, it was pointed out that WSF had just sent an alert about possible reduced service to Vashon tomorrow morning – “we have to make sure that doesn’t happen during construction,” WSF was told.
Yes, Cove Park north of the dock will be affected, temporarily, Thomas acknowledged in response to another comment. But, CAG member Frank Immel pressed, will it be closed? No, that’s not the intention, Thomas said. Immel and Clements said that the project should take the space it needs – “we as a community have lived without that (access) before,” like during the pump-station project last decade. Speaking of Cove Park, WSF is still working to acquire the “little white house” property north of the park and is in negotiations with King County, said WSF’s Charles Torres. They’re keeping the tenants apprised. They’d use the site for staging and break-room space for starters, with the intersection project starting as soon as next year. Then they’d use it for construction administration during that project, and find a way to occupy it during the interval before terminal construction begins.
Other discussion included logistics and aspects of the intersection project, which will signalize the intersection. Nearby residents along Upper Fauntleroy Way will be taken into consideration as the signal is built, the group was assured. WSF’s Mark Bandy said the signal height should not lead to major effects for nearby residents.
Here’s what happens next – the last steps before choosing a preferred alternative for the new dock’s size and shape:
No date yet for the next meeting – you can watch this page.
As mentioned in our morning traffic/transit notes, the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry route has been down to one boat since early this morning because of a fueling-vessel problem. But as of a short time ago, Washington State Ferries says, it’s returned to two-boat service.
From Judy Pickens of the Fauntleroy Watershed Council:
(Photo by Tom Trulin: Volunteer Rich Rosenthal kept groups moving among 5 learning stations along the spawning reach)
Salmon watchers on Fauntleroy Creek haven’t yet seen coho spawners but on Monday morning (10/21), several of them saw a large school of kindergarteners. The 52 students and more than a dozen adults from St. Francis of Assisi School in Burien came to learn about salmon and their habitat. Volunteer watchers engaged groups of students in talking about why spawners bury their eggs, how their carcasses enrich the habitat, and related topics.
If and when spawners arrive, we’ll announce a weekend “open creek” for the general public here.
(WSB photos)
2:28 PM: It’s a blustery autumn day, but the Fauntleroy Fall Festival is on – both sides of the 9100 block of California SW, until 5 pm. See the map, activity list, and schedule here. Lots of indoor and under-a-canopy options – like the bunny petting zoo west of the schoolhouse! Also outside the schoolhouse, you’ll find The Falconer with amazing birds:
Among the other activities already under way: Until 3 pm, the decorated-cake contest is happening in the Fauntleroy Church Fellowship Hall, where you’ll also find the Jump Ensemble. More coverage to come!
2:46 PM: Quite an array of cakes entered. Above, the advanced; below, some of the intermediate:
Voting goes on a little while longer. With live music from the Jump Ensemble!
(Then come back at 4 pm for the “cake trot.”) And outside the church/Y building, build a birdhouse, paint a pumpkin, make a salmon hat … we are off to check on some of that.
3:10 PM: The weather’s actually not too bad – still dry, and not quite so windy in the sheltered area between the church and schoolhouse. Salmon-hat-making is going swimmingly:
And pumpkin painting is as popular as ever:
At the east end of the lot outside the church, the clatter of busy birdhouse-builders:
This is all free, except for the food concessions you’ll find scattered around the grounds.
(Photo courtesy Holli Margell)
Coming up at 3:30, a trio of performances – the West Seattle Big Band in the Emerald Room at The Hall at Fauntleroy (south side of the schoolhouse), Dance West Seattle in the Vashon Room at The Hall, School of Rock in the church lot, and the Hilltop Jazz Project by the playground outside the west side of the schoolhouse. The festival’s on until 5 pm.
5:02 PM: Before we left about an hour ago, we recorded a bit of the ever-fabulous West Seattle Big Band, directed by Jim Edwards:
And as we wrap up our coverage (aside from adding the cake-contest results later), we wanted to publicly thank the festival team for the surprise tribute to WSB co-founder Patrick Sand … buttons bearing a photo of him:
Even without him, WSB will keep showing up for what’s happening in West Seattle.
ADDED 11:02 PM: From cake-contest organizer Emer, the winners:
Beginner:
1st – cake #28 Emma
2nd – cake #26 Michael
3rd – cake #44 IrisIntermediate:
(Photo courtesy Fauntleroy Fall Festival)
1st – cake #34 Karen
2nd – cake #40 Leah
3rd – cake #35 KarenAdvanced:
1st – #12 – the unknown winner. Ghost cake with the spider web. (Seen in photo near top of story)
2nd – cake #40 Rachel
3nd – cake #22 Katie
#12 was dropped off without a name – they’d like to get the baker/decorator their prize; email us and we can contact you, or comment below. Emer adds, “I would also like to thank the church youth group for decorating and contributing so many cakes!”
Tomorrow’s biggest West Seattle event is the Fauntleroy Fall Festival, stretching across multiple venues on both sides of the 9100 block of California SW. Here’s the official map:
And here’s the schedule for all the events packed into three fun hours, 2-5 pm:
The full list of everything you’ll find is page 2 of this PDF that includes the map and schedule you’ll see above. Everything is free except the food that vendors are selling. And if you’re making a cake for the decoration contest/cake trot, be sure to drop it at the Fauntleroy UCC Fellowship Hall by 1 pm!
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