SHORELINE — Midvale Avenue North is officially heading east.
A 7,650 square-foot portion of road, between N. 183rd and 185th streets, will be rerouted around the east side of the renovated Gateway Center. The street will align with the section of Midvale Avenue north of 185th Street.
The City Council gave the street vacation a stamp of approval at the Sept. 13 meeting, although not all council members favored what was called a “zigzag design.”
The council’s decision comes less than a month after the Planning Commission approved the vacation after a public hearing Aug. 19. The Planning Commission recommended approval with amended conditions and also requested an extended analysis of the street vacation’s compatibility with the city’s Comprehensive Plan.
Council member Bob Ransom said he felt compelled to approve the recommendation for what he called a “zigzag design.” The rerouted street will be an inconvenience to drivers, he said, but since time and money have been spent on the design, he said he feels forced to approve it. He also said the street vacation is not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
“I think the zigzag is a disaster and people will resist the process and go to Stone Avenue instead,” Ransom said.
Council members briefly discussed the Central Shoreline Sub Area Plan, in which this street closure is indicated. Some members questioned how this plan, though not adopted by the council, has served as guidance when redeveloping this portion of the city.
“This is ironic,” Council member Scott Jepsen said. “We didn’t adopt the Sub Area plan.”
City manager Steve Burkett agreed that the plan has no legal standing.
“The plan was not adopted so it has no legal standing,” Burkett said. “But there is no question that a vacation would lead to substantial improvements.”
The vacation was unanimously approved by Council members, with one minor amendment.
According to city staff, the realignment of Midvale Avenue allows for better redevelopment, parking, access, and also improves pedestrian and vehicle circulation. It will also accommodate the future widening of Aurora Avenue N.
The Gateway project proposes to redevelop the former QFC site with a 15,300 square foot pharmacy and a 49,260 square foot multi-tenant building. About 300 parking spaces are also included in the design.
As mitigation for parking spaces that would be provided by the street vacation, the Gateway property owners would be responsible for constructing the portion of the Interurban Trail from 183rd to 185th streets.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
