2024 Public Safety Survey
Survey Info
Seattle University is administering the 10th annual citywide Seattle Public Safety Survey, which is accessible at publicsafetysurvey.org from October 15th through November 30th and is available in Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, English, Korean, Oromo, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tigrinya and Vietnamese.
The purpose of the survey is to solicit feedback on public safety and security concerns from those who live and/or work in Seattle. A report on the survey results will be provided to the Seattle Police Department to help them better understand your neighborhood’s safety and security concerns and community-police dialogues will be held in May-August 2025 to provide opportunity for police-community engagement about the results. More information on the Seattle Public Safety Survey which is part of the Seattle Police Department’s Micro-Community Policing Plans (SPD MCPP), can be found on the SPD MCPP website.
Please circulate this email to your friends, family, co-workers and community members and feel free to post the information on your social media. Flyers advertising the survey are attached, which we encourage you to also share, print, and post at your work, religious institution, community center, apartment, or other communal location. Here is a link to access the 2024 Seattle Public Safety Survey flyers in all 11 languages.
If you would like to work with a Seattle University researcher to setup outreach and assist in the facilitation of the survey to your communities or organizations, or you would like more information about the survey, please do not hesitate to contact the SPD MCPP research team by replying all to this email.
Public safety and security are community concerns. Please make sure your voice is heard by completing the Seattle Public Safety Survey today.
Birding in Eastlake: A New Podcast
Local birding expert and Eastlake resident, Dave Galvin, appears in a new podcast: Birding in Eastlake. Check it out here!
Noise Wall Update
Noise wall construction on I-5 in Seattle begins Monday, Sept. 9
A special note from project planners on parking:
We have parking restrictions on Boylston that limit parking during the day between 7 AM and 5 PM, but people can park overnights and on most weekends.
We have work planned for the weekend of Oct. 5 – 6 that will close Boylston between Shelby/Franklin and Edgar, the road also will be blocked at Hamlin. The I-5 off-ramp at Boylston will be closed during this work. This closure will run from 9 PM Friday, Oct. 4, until 5 AM Monday, Oct. 7.
From Sept. 30 – Oct. 11 there will be street closures during the day on Boylston at Hamlin to Franklin until the dead end. This area will be blocked during the day, but the road will open at night and parking will be allowed at night.
The project will go on into the winter but I don't know exactly when things will happen beyond mid-October. I can reach back out to you in a couple of weeks with another update. The goal is for crews to do most of the work during the day, so parking will be allowed at night. There is a residential construction project going on in the same area, they also have a permit from SDOT to limit parking and I don’t know when or if they may limit parking.
Structure will reduce freeway sounds through Eastlake neighborhood.
SEATTLE – Construction on a new noise wall that will block sound from the Interstate 5 express lanes through Seattle’s Eastlake neighborhood will get underway Monday, Sept. 9.
Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will build the noise wall along Boylston Avenue East, adjacent to southbound I-5 between East Edgar Street and Franklin Avenue.
People should plan for closures on Boylston Avenue East during the project. The work will also require nighttime and weekend single-lane closures of the Boylston Avenue off-ramp from southbound I-5. A detour will take travelers around the closure when the ramp is closed.
Once in place, the wall should lower the noise level for people who live near the freeway, WSDOT Project Engineer Clint Monken said. “This stretch of I-5, south of the Ship Canal Bridge, carries close to 300,000 vehicles per day and construction of this noise wall will help create a more peaceful environment for the Eastlake community,” he explained.
The wall becomes gradually taller from south to north, ranging from just under 10 feet high to nearly 36 feet high. It is made of decorative pre-cast concrete panels designed to make it aesthetically pleasing. To accommodate the wall, crews must also remove seven trees before construction begins.
WSDOT follows Federal Highway Administration regulations for reducing highway noise and uses a three-part process to evaluate noise wall feasibility. The state considers the noise level, the ability of a wall to substantially reduce that noise, and the cost associated with the project.
Work should be completed this winter.
Real-time travel information is available from the WSDOT mobile app and the WSDOT Travel Center Map or by signing up for WSDOT's email updates.
Hyperlinks within the release:
Noise wall: wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/i-5-sb-east-edgar-st-east-gwinn-place-noise-wall
Federal Highway Administration: www.fhwa.dot.gov/legsregs/directives/fapg/cfr0772.htm
Noise wall feasibility: wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/protecting-environment/noise-walls-barriers
Mobile app: wsdot.wa.gov/travel/mobile-app-and-social-media
Travel Center Map: wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/
Email updates: public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOT/subscriber/new?topic_id=WADOT_727
Fall Maintenance Guidance from SDOT
SDOT has published a fall maintenance blog post which gives guidance and best practices for maintaining sidewalks, planting strips, and gutters. The post can be read in full here: https://sdotblog.seattle.gov/2024/10/09/fall-is-here-help-keep-sidewalks-planting-strips-and-gutters-clear-2/
Summary:
In autumn, we all need to do our part to keep sidewalks, planting strips, and gutters clear where we live or own a business.
This is important because keeping sidewalks clear of fallen leaves and overgrown vegetation makes it easier for everyone to get around, and reduces slipping risks when the sidewalk gets wet or frozen.
This blog post includes reminders and tips on how you can help ensure safe, reliable access for people walking and rolling in the city.
You can also learn more about preparing for winter weather and possible snow and ice storms, and how you can be ready before they arrive.
Kitchen & Market Grand Opening
Kitchen & Market has officially opened their Eastlake location, and will be having a Grand Opening from October 31st to November 3rd. Store hours are 8am to 8pm.
From their website: “Our grocery stores make life easier by being the one-stop in the neighborhood. From browsing recipes in our stores to unpackaging one of our meal kits at home, we hope to provide inspiration for every level of home cook.”
They are located at 1616 Eastlake Ave E.
Lake Union Talk
Eastlake Informed: A local series of talks and walks designed to inform and inspire
Our Wet Neighbor: Lake Union
A look at its past and present
Rescheduled for October!
One of the defining characteristics of the Eastlake neighborhood is its western border along Lake Union. For generations the lake has been a resource for recreating, transportation, commerce, as well as dwelling. Join us for this free presentation and discussion on how this resource has been transformed over time, how we impact it today, and how we can be better stewards of it for tomorrow.
Presenters
David Williams - local natural historian and author https://geologywriter.com
Anna Bachmann - clean water program director at Puget Soundkeepers https://pugetsoundkeeper.org
Where: Victor Tavern (Eastlake), 1600 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102
When: Tuesday, October 29th, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Sponsored by the Eastlake Community Council: contact info@eastlakeseattle.org with any questions.
ECC Election & Annual Meeting
Annual Fall Meeting of Eastlake Community Council (ECC)
Wednesday September 11, 2024
7:00 PM
Aegis Living, 1936 Eastlake Ave. E, first floor
Note: this new date applies to the meeting that was identified in ballots that was mailed to all ECC members in good standing.
The Sept. 11 agenda will include updates about Eastlake News and other activities, as well as the results of the ECC board elections. Light refreshments will be served. Hope to see you there!
Eastlake News Fall 2024
The Eastlake News Fall Edition for 2024 has arrived. You can find a printed copy at local coffee shops in Eastlake or delivered to your front door in the coming week! If you prefer the digital version: read it here.
If you’d like to check out any other editions of the Eastlake News (going back to the 70s!) check out our Eastlake News archive page.
Eastlake Summer Sounds 2024
Mark your calendars!
The Eastlake Community Council is excited to host the 3rd annual Summer Sounds live music event right here in Eastlake on Friday, July 12, 2024 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM.
The concert will be at Fairview Park at 2900 Fairview Avenue E.
We have a great line-up of local musicians again this year! Special thanks to the donors and volunteers who make this event possible each year. The park is such a special place to enjoy a summer concert right on the water and with easy access by foot, bike, car, or paddleboard! We hope to see you at the event.
The weather forecast is looking 😎... look out for promotional specials at our local restaurants. Great opportunity to stay in the neighborhood enjoying local food and music in a beautiful setting.
Performance by:
Meet the Board & Neighbors
Meet the ECC Board & Neighbors
Wednesday, June 26, 7:00PM to 8:30PM
Aegis Living, 1936 Eastlake Ave E
A “community gathering” to meet the ECC Board and your neighbors, as well as share information about Eastlake news. We hope you can attend! Let us know if you’re coming—and how many are in the party—so we can provide enough chairs and space. You can do so by emailing: info@eastlakeseattle.org.
Healthy & Safe Streets for All
“Healthy & Safe Streets for All”
Monday, June 17, 6:30PM to 8:30PM,
Seattle City Hall, Bertha Knight Landes Room
A discussion and dialogue with City officials, first responders, and other experts. Learn about trends and share your experience.
Updated Location: Our Wet Neighbor: Lake Union Talk
Join us for Eastlake Informed: A local series of talks and walks designed to inform and inspire.
Our Wet Neighbor: Lake Union — a look at its past and present
Thursday, June 13th, 6:30PM – 7:30PM
UPDATED LOCATION:
The Otter Bar
2379 Eastlake Ave E
Presenters:
David Williams – local natural historian and author
Anna Bachmann – clean water program director at Puget Soundkeepers
Sponsored by the Eastlake Community Council.
Eastlake News Summer 2024
The Eastlake News Summer Edition for 2024 has arrived. You can find a printed copy at local coffee shops in Eastlake or delivered to your front door in the coming week! If you prefer the digital version: read it here.
If you’d like to check out any other editions of the Eastlake News (going back to the 70s!) check out our Eastlake News archive page.
Notice: Sheriff’s Department Officer Training
Please note that the King County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting officer training on board a ship at Lake Union Dry Dock on May 15 from about 2:30PM to 7:30PM.
We’re sharing this information so that people in the community are aware that there may be elevated police activity in the area as well as simulated boat crises, but it is only training.
Electronics Recycling Day
Electronics to recycle can be brought to an ECC event, May 4, 9:30 to 3:30, in front of Blue Ribbon Cooking (2501 Fairview Ave E). See QR code or link (https://friendlyearth.org/our-services/e-waste-recycling/) for what can be recycled.
Lake Front Cleanup
A great chance to meet your neighbors, get some fresh air and do a good deed for the community.
We will be starting in front of Lake Union Dry Dock at 9 AM whatever the weather and working our way north.
Clearing the walking path of vines and leaves, digging out the invasives west of the path, removing the ivy from the bottom of the trees and spreading mulch is what we will do.
Bring gloves, trowels, rakes, pruners and your community spirit. Some tools will be available.
Harmon and SuAnn Rogers and Detra Segar will be leading the work party.
Sponsored by the Eastlake Community Council.
Bird Walk
Join local birder Dave Galvin for one of two bird walks on Saturday, April 13, 2024:
“Early Birds” starting at 9:00 AM
“Late Risers” starting at 11:00 AM
We will meet on Franklin Ave E in futon of TOPS school, and will walk a short loop down to the lake and back up to Eastlake Ave to find coffee. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars if you have them (or borrow from a friend).
I-5 Colonnade Public Meeting
I-5 Colonnade Pump Track Coming Soon
Public meeting - April 10
Seattle Parks and Recreation and Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance would like to share information on pump track plans for I-5 Colonnade Park.
Please join us at the park’s central gathering area on Wednesday April 10 at 5:30 p.m. near the Blaine Street entrance off of Franklin Ave E.
Evergreen will also be holding a volunteer maintenance and clean-up work party from 2-5:30 p.m. and will be available for Q&A at that time.
For more info from Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance: https://www.evergreenmtb.org/blog/i-5-colonnade-update-2024
ECC Survey - Fairview Ave E
Quick Three-Question Survey of Eastlake Residents About Preserving Fairview
The Eastlake Community Council would like to gauge your level of interest in preserving Fairview Avenue East's current pedestrian orientation and other unique qualities. Three questions follow a short three-paragraph intro about why Fairview matters. It will take less than 5 minutes to complete. Please complete by 5 p.m., April 21.
Take the survey here: https://forms.gle/cJEK5bUuEstZxSUB6
Eastlake Ave On-Street Parking Changes
The Seattle Department of Transportation has started implementation of their changes to on-street parking near Eastlake Ave E. You can follow the final plan and updates here: https://www.seattle.gov/transportation/permits-and-services/permits/parking-permits/rpz-current-and-past-changes#eastlake
See the final plan document here: https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/SDOT/ParkingProgram/rpz/RPZ8_Eastlake_Decision_Folded_Mailer_fn.pdf
Eastlake News Spring 2024
The Eastlake News Spring Edition for 2024 has arrived: read it here.
If you’d like to check out any other editions of the Eastlake News (going back to the 70s!) check out our Eastlake News archive page.
Rapid Ride Federal Funding
The Rapid Ride transit project for Eastlake has been approved for federal funding, as reported by the Seattle Times. Eastlake Community Council President Shane Hope says that ECC will continue working with local agencies and partners to help the project best serve the neighborhood.
To read more: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/feds-award-64-million-to-start-new-rapidride-bus-project-in-seattle/
Eastlake Park Improvement Meetings
Upcoming Park Improvement Meetings
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and Eastlake Community Council are improving public access and shoreline habitat at the E Martin St shoreline street end, also known as “Good Turn Park”, located at 3201 Fairview Ave E. This site is a part of SDOT’s Shoreline Street Ends Program, which aims to enhance public access to shorelines at over 140 locations where Seattle streets end at water bodies.
Improvements at Good Turn Park will focus on stormwater management, improving ADA accessibility, providing seating, and enhancing public access to the water. Construction is scheduled for the fall of 2024.
Please join us at our upcoming open house events:
Online Open House
Tuesday, January 24, 2024
6:00PM – 7:00PM
Join the meeting using Microsoft Teams and this link: http://tinyurl.com/GoodturnparkIn-person Open House
Pocock Rowing Center
3320 Fuhrman Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102
Thursday, January 25, 2024
6:45PM – 7:45PM
Park Location: Good Turn Park, 3201 Fairview Ave E
To request accessibility accommodations or for more information on this project contact: Omar Akkari, PLA, Shoreline Street Ends Program Coordinator Omar.Akkari@seattle.gov 206-233-5114
For more information about the shoreline street ends program please visit: www.seattle.gov/transportation/stuse_stends.htm
Disaster Preparedness Classes
Eastlake Emergency Communications Hub Invitation
Virtual Disaster Preparedness Classes
Jan 10 - Feb 21
Wednesday Evenings from 7 pm – 7:30 pm
A series of 30-minute classes (2 topics each) breaks down preparedness into manageable steps. Increase your peace-of-mind by starting 2024 better prepared. The classes are free, held via zoom and take place on Wednesday evenings from 7pm to 7:30pm. The schedule is below and you can register here (https://signup.com/go/PPUBXVt).
Jan 10: Seattle's hazards and why we prepare -and- What are the odds of a big earthquake?
Jan 17: What to do when the earth shakes -and- Smartphone apps to download now
Jan 24: Water and what you need to know -and- Power outage lights
Jan 31: Managing utilities after a disaster -and- Sanitation
Feb 7: Communicating after a quake -and- Early earthquake warning system
Feb 14: Making a Plan -and- Building a "Get Home" bag
Feb 21: Working with Neighbors -and- Organizing with Community
If you want additional information contact Eastlake.hub@gmail.com
Eastlake News Winter 2023
The Eastlake News Winter Edition for 2023 has arrived: read it here.
If you’d like to check out any other editions of the Eastlake News (going back to the 70s!) check out our Eastlake News archive page.
ECC 2024 Membership
As we enter the final stretch of 2023, it is time to become a member or renew your existing ECC membership for 2024! We have sent out emails to everybody, but in case you missed it or are not yet a member, you can become one here:
Join, Donate, or Volunteer in 2024!
From our Membership Coordinator, Peter Haley:
Hello! I'm optimistic that 2024 might be a good year.
The pandemic is mostly over, and we still have the privilege of living in Eastlake. Cozy, slightly funky, scenic, and wonderfully accessible Eastlake.
What do we want for 2024? Getting out and about more? Less mess in our parks, sidewalks and shoreline?
This we can do. So please help the neighborhood stay active and connected by becoming member in the Eastlake Community Council.
Join, Donate, or Volunteer in 2024!
If you do that, the ECC will uphold our end of the bargain by keeping you in-the-know as we publish and deliver the Eastlake News with its affordable advertising space for our local businesses.
And we'll continue to create online content:
Last year we took the lead in keeping Eastlake undivided by the city council redistricting process, we initiated a multi-year rehabilitation of Good Turn Park, we put on the Summer Sounds concert, and we made our section of town better in other ways.
With you joining us we'll continue to stay on top of Rapid Ride J Line and the Fairview Green Street designation, we'll mount neighborhood clean-ups, and organize some fun stuff, too.
Memberships are $35 for individuals, $75 for businesses, and $10 for senior/student/low income.
And there's another option: Group Registration. Those living in condos, houseboat moorages and apartments can join the ECC en masse. It's easier than everyone joining singly.
If that might work for you and your close neighbors, call me for the details.
Thanks for caring about Eastlake and making it a great place to live, work, and play!
Peter Haley
ECC Membership Coordinator
206-713-5115
WSDOT Project
WSDOT will construct a noise wall along I5 from East Edgar Street to East Gwinn Place beginning this Fall.
Note that although the posting says construction will begin in Summer of 2023 it will begin in Fall of 2023.
See the WSDOT link for details.
We will be updating as more information is available.
November 2023 General Election
Please note that mail-in ballots for the November 2023 General Election are starting to arrive in the mail. Mark your calendars with the due date of November 7th to complete mail-in or in-person voting.
For full information on ballot measures, candidates, polling locations and times see: King County November 2023 General Election
Friends of Street Ends 30th Anniversary
Friends of Street Ends celebrates their 30th anniversary in Eastlake. See their press release for full information on the history of this volunteer organization and their upcoming event.
Saturday, September 30, 2023 4–6PM
E Harrison Street End (39th Ave E and E Harrison St)
For more information: streetends.org or contact Friends of Street Ends Co-chair and Co-founder Karen Daubert (karendaubert@msn.com) or Co-chair Marty Oppenheimer (marty@oppcam.com).
ECC Annual Meeting 2023
Eastlake Community Council - Annual Meeting
Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 6-7 PM
Agora Conference Center
1551 Eastlake Ave E.
ECC will hold our annual meeting and election on Tuesday evening. All members have received their ballots. A reminder that ballots need to arrive by mail or be dropped off at Lake Union Mail before noon on Tuesday.
We will begin at 6 PM with remarks from some of the board members and announce the election results. Attendees will have an opportunity to engage with the board about priorities for 2024 at the end of the meeting.
Eastlake News Fall 2023
The Eastlake News Fall Edition for 2023 has arrived: read it here.
If you’d like to check out any other editions of the Eastlake News (going back to the 70s!) check out our Eastlake News archive page.
P-Patch Autumnal Equinox Potluck
September 22nd, 5:00–7:00 PM @ the Eastlake P-Patch (2900 Fairview Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102).
You are invited to the Eastlake P-Patch’s Autumnal Equinox Celebration Potluck. Come celebrate 42 years of our Eastlake P-Patch!
Please bring a potluck dish featuring garden produce.
Seattle’s P-Patch Community Gardening is one of the largest municipal programs the nation. Started in 1973 it is celebrating a 50th year anniversary!
ECC Rapid Ride J-Line Letter to City Officials
Eastlake Community Council
117 E. Louisa #1
Seattle, WA 98102-3203
August 14, 2023
Mayor Bruce Harrell
600 4th Ave, Seattle, WA, 7th Floor
Seattle, WA, 98104
CC:
Seattle City Council
Susan Fletcher, Acting Administrator, FTA, Region 10
Greg Spotts, Director, SDOT
Jenifer Chao, Director, DON
Rico Quirindongo, Director, OPCD
Lyle Bicknell, Urban Planner, OPCD
Adiam Emery, Deputy Mayor
Girmay Zahilav, King County Council
Rachel Berkson, Deputy Chief of Staff, Pramila Jayapal
Re: Rapid Ride J Line – For Equity, relocate redundant J line dollars to South Seattle
Dear Mayor Harrell:
I am writing to you on behalf of the Eastlake Community Council to ask that you redirect the federal funding for the RR-J line to another more appropriate project in Seattle that would address fairness and equity.
We appreciate the effort that the RR-J team has made over the last few years. They have provided current information as it became available and worked collaboratively with us to address pedestrian and cyclist safety, negative impact on neighborhood businesses and the elimination of parking on Eastlake Ave. There have been revisions, compromises and adjustments. CM Pedersen, Transportation Chair, has been part of several of our meetings. Ultimately, the use of funds to build a project that is outdated and inappropriate for Eastlake Ave. is simply not a wise use of public funds. We understand that SDOT has limited power to reverse a decision by a previous administration. We need your support to reverse this now redundant project.
Specifically, the project is misaligned with both City and community goals in a number of significant ways:
The data which drove the Rapid Ride J line project is out of date. The opening of light rail at Roosevelt and the University District to downtown significantly affected commuting options. The Covid pandemic altered commuting patterns to downtown that we continue to assess. Those wanting fast service to downtown will choose light rail. There is uncertainty with the longevity of any transportation system so providing one with flexibility is important. The hardscape construction of the RR-J is expensive and leaves little room for adaptation.
The proposed design radically contradicts the recommended principles of neighborhood street design as documented in the City of Seattle ROW manual, and the goals for the Eastlake Urban Village as outlined in its neighborhood plan and the City of Seattle Comprehensive Plan, introducing changes that would negatively impact our neighborhood business district.The safety of cyclists on a narrow street shared with Rapid Ride that also has turn lanes to support on and off access to I5 and several buildings with turn-in parking mid-block is a major concern. During peak traffic times, safety concerns will multiply and there will be nothing rapid about a Rapid Ride bus on Eastlake Ave.
From an equity standpoint, Federal resources which have been allocated to this project would be better used in neighborhoods which are not as well-served by existing transit resources. This would be consistent with King County’s equitable decision to focus on other rapid lines in the region.
To elaborate:
The Rapid Ride J line project requires a comprehensive reassessment of its premises and objectives. The cost-benefit analysis which justified this project was completed prior to the opening of the Roosevelt and University District light rail stations in 2021 and the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first altered commuting options permanently and the second presented another reason for flexibility.
Furthermore, the proposed design violates several key principles that drive the street design goals illustrated in the City of Seattle Right of Way (ROW) manual. It is deeply concerning that the Rapid Ride J line project seeks a deviation that would shrink the width of the sidewalks adjacent to some proposed stations to less than 7.5 feet, which is below minimum standards for any city street, let alone a neighborhood main street. This falls significantly below the city code requirement of 12 feet. [1][2][3] Note that this deviation also entails removing many existing mature street trees at a time when council has passed a new ordinance to protect our tree canopy.
By compromising our pedestrian space, we risk limiting the accessibility and safety of pedestrians, particularly those with mobility challenges or individuals who rely on strollers, wheelchairs, or other mobility aids. In addition, our local businesses rely heavily on pedestrian infrastructure for their success and such a deviation would be a fatal blow to many of our longest-tenured and most-loved businesses in Eastlake.
The following diagram shows SDOT’s proposed RR-J design at Eastlake Avenue and Lynn Street, which is effectively the “Main & Main” of the Eastlake Urban Village. The shadowed outlines show where existing curb lines and trees would be removed. Please compare this to the next diagram which shows the City’s own recommended design for Urban Village Main Streets. This design accommodates both bike lanes and bus service, while maintaining street trees, adequate sidewalks, seating areas for small business as well as loading and parking in some locations.
Eastlake Avenue is designated an Urban Village Main Street with minimum widths of 6’ for the pedestrian clear zone and 6’ for the landscape/furniture zone (6’ + 6’ = 12’ minimum) as depicted above. The Rapid Ride J project requires a reduction to 8.5’ combined for these two zones. (Source: Seattle Right-Of-Way Improvements Manual)
Additionally, we believe that the project's current design is misaligned with the City of Seattle Comprehensive Plan which recognizes Eastlake’s status as a historically established neighborhood and an urban village and calls for Eastlake to “increase the development of neighborhood-serving businesses at street-level”. The Eastlake Community Council is currently working with OPCD to further clarify and elaborate on this goal to create the best possible environment for pedestrian-oriented small business. To be clear, Eastlake would welcome protected bicycle lanes and more frequent headways on the #70 bus line, to the extent achievable with our current infrastructure, but not if it comes at an existential cost to our small businesses and our pedestrian environment. To summarize this point, a cycle thoroughfare and a bus rapid transit line don't belong in the same urban village main street because they simply don't fit, and the deviant design is a result of this basic fact.
What we do need is a resurfaced Eastlake Ave. and a 50 year old water line replaced. We need safe bike lanes and an efficient bus service which the current #70 provides.
Lastly, we question the allocation of budgetary resources to the Rapid Ride J line project, particularly in relation to considerations of need, fairness and equity. Our neighborhood is being asked to accept a questionable design and now unnecessary Rapid Ride project while many neighborhoods are in need of more adequate transit service and federal funding to close their budget gaps. We urge SDOT, in collaboration with the Federal Transit Authority, to explore alternative uses of the Rapid Ride J funds that could address pressing equity concerns in less advantaged areas of Seattle, and/or fill the gap on projects that would help to revitalize downtown.
We appreciate your attention to this matter and would welcome the opportunity to discuss our concerns further. We have more than fulfilled our obligations pursuant to the Comprehensive Plan by adding substantial housing density to the Eastlake neighborhood. With the Rapid Ride J line project, the City is reneging on its obligations to us for all the above-mentioned reasons. The Eastlake Community Council stands ready to collaborate with the City and SDOT to ensure that any transportation project in our community upholds the highest standards of safety, accessibility, and equity.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Detra Segar
President, Eastlake Community Council
[1] “2.8 Urban Village Main,” Seattle Right-of-Way Improvements Manual, Seattle.gov.
[2] “Seattle Roadway Classification,” City of Seattle GIS.
[3] “Street Type Standards,” Seattle Right-of-Way Improvements Manual, Seattle.gov.
Curbspace and Restricted Parking Zones Feedback
Update: although the virtual meeting is over you can still submit comments and feedback via email until August 25, 2023 at RPZ8@seattle.gov.
Please visit this link (https://www.seattle.gov/transportation/EastlakeRPZ) for details about the planned curbspace changes.
Seattle Department of Transportation curbspace management team held a formal virtual public hearing on August 15, 2023, to take comments, feedback and questions on the Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ) changes proposed for the Eastlake neighborhood.
For full information on the Rapid Ride J Line project, visit: https://www.seattle.gov/transportation/projects-and-programs/programs/transit-program/transit-plus-multimodal-corridor-program/rapidride-roosevelt